I Did It...My 13.1

 Hey y'all...I'm alive and well.

I know it's been a long time since I blogged but I have been busy hustling and bustling about.  The pain I have lived with for so very long is all but gone and it has left me feeling young and active again. I've been running, cleaning, making home made makeup products and keeping up with my other daily activities; all of this with little to no pain.  Hurray! 


Okay, okay I'll get on with my 13.1 journey...

My race was on a Sunday so Saturday evening I collected and readied all my running necessities so that kept me busy...for like 15 minutes.  I wasn't really all that nervous because I knew I had trained well (except for those 4 weeks I took off at the tail end of training due to pain) and I could just believe that I had done enough.  I rested Saturday night and had a good visit with my mom and family then went to bed early to ensure a good nights rest. 

I had to wake up way to early.  It was still very dark when I arrived at the Fair Grounds to take my seat on one of the many buses lined up waiting to take us all to the start line 2 towns away. After arriving I made my way over to the port-a-potties and didn't even have to wait in line.  Then I headed over to the food and coffee table to partake of one strong cup of coffee and a banana piece.  While I was waiting for the start of the race I met some lovely young (they were all in their 20's) ladies who welcomed me into their group and chatted me up.  None of us raced together but I finished ahead of some of them. 

 

Honestly this was an easy and well organized race.  There were volunteers all along the way as well as tables with water, pretzels, gummy bears at miles 2,4,6 and 8.  At mile 11 there was the table of temptation with doughnut holes, beer and wine...I did take a doughnut hole but not the alcohol...I prefer O.J. and vodka.  After downing the yummy doughnut hole I felt reinvigorated and made good time to the finish line in 2:31.  My whole family was there at the finish to cheer me on as I received my finishers medal.  

To be very candid I did better than I thought I would.  I made sure to drink my Gatorade concoction along the way and eat my lara bar for energy.  I took some gummy bears from a sweet little volunteer at mile 8.  All along the way volunteers were stationed and they would cheer you on as you passed by clapping and yelling out "You can do it" as well as dancing and just having fun.  It really did make a huge difference to me because at some of those miles I was tired and needed a little encouragement to keep going.  Luckily I did not have too much pain. 

When I was finished and had some water and a muffin I realized just how much I had accomplished and it felt amazing.  My legs were hurting extremely bad due to my sciatica but after my son drove me home they felt 90% better.  My husband took the whole family out to breakfast to celebrate and I ordered hot chocolate with whipped cream to drink and fish and chips to eat.  I enjoyed every bite of my meal and didn't even care how many calories was in it.

I would definitely run another 13.1...someday, but not any time soon.  It's nice to just enjoy running and not have a race looming ahead in the distance...for now!  The last few weeks have been spent running by time, not miles and enjoying the feeling of accomplishment.  

In other news...

My oldest son G moved out yesterday to begin his new life with his girlfriend in Klamath Falls.  He arrived safely and is happy to be reunited with his love.  He has an interview for a job tomorrow and another possible job working for one of the vendors from our store here in Grants Pass.  I know that he will do great on his own, I have faith in him. 

I may have finally found my new church family and I'm excited to meet new people and form some new relationships with a home group.  This has been on my mind ever since I left my old home group about 3 years ago.  I have been to two different churches but neither one suited me.  This church I found a week before my half marathon and they made me feel welcome the minute I walked in and sat down.  I missed the Sunday of my race and last week as well but managed to get there today for the traditional service.  I was the only one under 45...everyone there had to have been at least 65-75 but I loved it.  It was like being in a room full of grandparents.  What could be better than that?

Anyhoodles, I am sorry I've neglected my blog but life has been busy for me.  Now that the kids are back in school and I'm working Monday thru Thursday fixing lunch for the high school kids that come into our small store, I have to fit my running and cleaning into the days hours and unfortunately my blog has suffered.  I hope that y'all are doing well and are healthy and happy.  

Anyone race lately and want to tell me all about it?  The Lord bless you and keep you.  The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.  The Lord look upon you with His everlasting favor and give you peace.  

Blessings and hugs,

 "Limitations only exist if you let them"

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck.

© 2013 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

Christmas Was Fam-Tastic

Hello everyone, I had a FABULOUS Christmas Day, spent mostly enjoying family time, good food, and favorite Christmas movies. We had a turkey and a ham, all the side dishes...and pies galore...oy vey! 

We opened many presents and exclaimed with joy and rapture at the gifts before us...

  

 Can you see the rapture on my girlies face? Well can you?

Even the puppies (they are 8yrs old) had a great time inspecting the gifts...lol! I think you can see a great and joyous time was had by all! Later today we are all going to the movies to see "The Hobbit". My hubby and I received not one but two movie gift cards as gifts, so we are set, for awhile. 

How was your Christmas Day? Tell me all about it! Did you run or take the day off?  Was it a white Christmas? (Mine was not) Blessings and hugs y'all.

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck. 

"Limitations only exist if you let them" 

© 2012 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

Days of Giving Thanks November 1-4, 2012

Each week I will be sharing with you all that I am thankful for.  This week's installment will be November 1st through November 4th.

I have been so blessed with so much and feel it's great to take time to remember those blessings (*I borrowed this idea from my beautiful cousin who has her own lovely blog*)...and then share them with others.  When you are being thankful it's hard to feel sorry for yourself and not only that, but it serves as a reminder of just how many blessings one truly has! I even created a Facebook EVENT.

I wonder if we bloggers can get a "Count your many blessings" movement going for the month of November...Anyone interested in doing this with your fellow bloggers, just to show how very blessed we all are?  Spread the word, let's see how far this can go! Link back to me if you would like.

Thursday November 1, 2012
#1...Today I'm thankful for the beauty of fall! I was blessed this morning on my run with all the colors of Autumn! Gods beauty awes me!

Friday November 2, 2012
#2...Today I am thankful for a God who loved me enough to die on an old wooden cross...who loves me in spite of my many failures and shortcomings....who loves me enough to forgive and forget my sins when I repent, what a loving Heavenly Father I have! 

Saturday November 3, 21012
#3...I am thankful to live in a country where we are able to vote in a new President...freely say what we want, or believe in whom we believe...where it is still okay to go to Church and pray to God...God bless AMERICA!!! 

Sunday November 4th, 2012
#4...Today I am thankful for my legs that carried me safely on my run yesterday...I am thankful I have legs that are healthy and strong and I Praise God for His healing...My thanks isn't one of sarcasm it is a sincere and heartfelt thanks! Thank you Heavenly Father for bringing me through my injury to a healthy and strong resolution...

Y'all may have noticed that I haven't used the obvious "I'm thankful for..." that is simply because I am always thankful for my husband who has unwaveringly stood by me through thick (literally) and thin, sickness (literally) and health, richer and poorer...and God willing til death do us part.  

I am also continually thankful for my 4 loving children, who are each amazing, smart, and accomplished in their own way, both of my parents and each and every one of my friends who choose to share in my crazy life...that includes each of YOU! I am blessed (undeservedly) beyond belief and it humbles me when I think on the enormity of it all. 

For the month of November I am choosing to state what I am thankful on each particular day, it is as simple as that!  Feel free to follow and participate, I would love to read what you have to be thankful for, as I am sure it will be diverse, humbling, and amazing.  



Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck. 

 "Limitations only exist if you let them" 

© 2012 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

Running Again...& You Are Loved...What A Concept

Hello there sweet people! How has your week gone so far? 

My children just started back to school September 4th, *(thank goodness)* and I don't know about any of you parents out there in cyberspace but I have been dealing with a certain attitude in the morning, that puts me ill at ease, to say the least.  Anyone? Anyone? I like to call it the ripple effect!

 Just this morning I had to explain said ripple effect, once again, to my children...here's how it goes.  When one person wakes up in a grumpy mood and shares that grrr with others, it acts as a stone thrown into a pond would.  It spreads. When you toss a stone into a pond it creates ripples that spread out and effect the water around that stone. My daughter and even sometimes my boys share their grrr with me in the morning and I sometimes react and the grrr spreads to others.  Has anyone dealt with this phenomenon this week?  

Sometimes I wish I could skip the tween/teen years altogether and go right to the years where the kids "get it"...sigh! 

This morning I had a sort of break down, you know the ones where you are sobbing and snot and tears are running down your face, no...well I am quite familiar with those moments. I just cannot believe how blessed I am, even though I'm so undeserving of such blessings from God.  I am human and as such, fail often in my walk with God and life in general.  I get mad, say things I shouldn't say, sometimes I'm selfish, and I can see where I have failed my children, husband, friends and God...yet I was reminded this morning that God doesn't love me because of what I did or how good I am...He loves me because of who He is and what He did.  His sacrifice made me loveable...I am humbled once again by my Heavenly Fathers love for little ole me.  Sorry if that is too deep a subject for a running blog but I really felt I needed to share this today...with YOU! God is love, and You are loved by God.

I have not run any huge races or accomplished any great feats..but I did run for the first time in 15 weeks and it felt oh so great.  I was almost sobbing as I was running...it just felt so right and I am so grateful that God saw me through this injury and healed me.  I can run again.   I survived.  Yea God! 

I have been working out at the gym again...doing elliptical workouts, Adaptive Motion Trainer workouts...Expresso Bikes....walking, it's all be good, but I have probably been overdoing it.  I am feeling tired and soreness in every muscle below the waist, lol. So maybe today I will take it easy and rest...maybe.   How has life been treating y'all? Let me know, I really am interested to hear from you!

Oh, and one more thing..we finished our walkway that leads from the gate to the front door....what do you think?

Those smaller colored rocks are my special painted rocks.  Some of them have words painted on them like Faith, Hope, Love...some have sparkles...some have special dates on them like my wedding date...and others are just plain painted rocks.  I love my new walkway, it's beautiful. 

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck.

 "Limitations only exist if you let them" 

© 2012 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

Yard Work, Painting & School's Finally Here

Hey there, long time no see...Hope this post finds everyone happy, healthy and ready for school to start back up. 

My 3 children are finally back in school, save for the one who graduated this summer, (yes I have four children) he is working full time now, wow...time sure does fly by these days.  Have you ever noticed how much faster time goes by when you reach 40?  I sure have.

The whole family has been working the last 2 weeks or so getting this fence put up and stained with a solid stain.  It was a lot of fun building it as a family and boy howdy, was it needed.  We have been wanting a fence for about 3 yrs and the framing has been up for a little over a year already...the hubby and I had to re-frame the whole thing again, as the other wood was falling apart (a bad buy) although we didn't need to replace the fence posts, thank goodness.  We also put in a new gravel pathway in front of our house (even though it is city property) it needed to be done.

This is the new well house that my hubby, sons and I built to replace the old one that was falling apart at the seams (literally).  I had fun embellishing it with stencil art.  

This one is a picture of one side of our well house and I used the same bee above to go around the entire fence...here and there..too cute.

 Here is a cute section of the inside fence...dragonflies...fun.

 

Here is one of me I took with Instagram...too much fun with hair wraps.  I have been back at the gym working out, also taking long walks, but still no running.  I am giving the running a bit more time, I'd like to make sure that my pelvic stress fracture is completely healed before I try to run.  Don't want to tempt fate or anything, lol. I hope that you are all feeling healthy and blessed, I sure am! Thanks for sticking with me through this injury and my infrequent blogging...Blessings!

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck. "Limitations only exist if you let them" © 2012 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

Finally I Can Sit, Woohoo!

This last week was a huge week for me, at least in the healing department, it was also a week of migraines, sciatica pain and caffeine withdrawal.  

Several years back I was in 3 rear-end accidents (I was rear ended by 3 different drivers in 3 consecutive years) that caused muscle damage I still deal with a decade later.  Every few months my body get into a pattern of migraines and be completely miserable and I can usually be found with a heating pad and moving like a sloth. It really is debilitating when it's happening, and I'm grateful it doesn't happen more often.  So this last week was spent trying to block out the pain and light and noise...not easy with a house full of teens...lol.

After the migraines went away sciatica decided to pay me a visit...when it rains it pours, right!  I would much rather be miserable with sciatica than with a migraine, any day! I have found comfort with my heating pad, it seems to make the sciatica bearable, somewhat. The really exciting news from this last week is the fact that...drum roll please.....da da da dadadadadadada....I...was...able...to...do...the............elliptical, yes that's right, I did the elliptical for 20 minutes! How's that for exciting? This has been the 11th weeks of my pelvic stress fracture, and I can tell you it's been the magic week.  I was starting to think I would never be able to sit for more than 2 or 3 minutes...but finally, for some odd and glorious reason, I have been able to sit for an hour or more...albeit on my side/hip, not directly on the pelvic structure, but it's sitting and I'll take it. (That could be the reason for sciatica pain, although I have been dealing with it the entire time, on and off)

I admit, I haven't done any more work on the book I want to write about my injury and what led up to it, but that is okay with me, as I have plenty of time to write it! I also have to admit my eating has gotten out of control since the injury...take weeks of having to be on bed rest, limited activity, and migraines with sciatica and I guess it's kind of inevitable...especially when you are a recovering emotional eater like me. So I know I have gained a few pounds or so in the last 11 weeks...but I am determined not to let it get me down.  After all now that I can handle the elliptical all will be okay.  Now if I can wait patiently for my body to heal a little more, I can get back to riding the bikes at the gym again. Patience is not my strongest attribute...lol, it's more like one of my character flaws, but I work on it constantly and I do see some progress happening. 

So let's recap my week, shall we? Ha Ha Ha...okay I had four days of migraines, followed by a few days of sciatica, an elliptical victory, and eating (everything in sight) issues, throw in caffeine withdrawal and a partridge in a plum tree (we have plums not pears) and yup that about wraps it up.  I forgot to mention I went off caffeine during the week days due to what it does to my heart. Too much caffeine makes my heart go pitter patter and not in a good way...lol, so I bought some decaf for the week days and it worked, now I have caffeine only on Saturday and Sunday with my adorable hubby.  He has joined Myfitnesspals and lost 14lbs and I am so proud of him because this is new to him, but he is doing a stellar job!

Now it's your turn, tell me what you've been up to this week! Blessings and hugs to you all!

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck. "Limitations only exist if you let them" © 2012 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

Swimming, Weddings and Fireworks Oh My!

Hi everyone, it's good to hear that y'all are busy and enjoying the summer, for the most part!

I thought I'd reply to those of you who commented on my last post and also to let you know what I have been up to this last week.

I am still darn stupid injury grrr on bed rest and crutches (this is 6 weeks now) but thankfully I am able to swim.  Our family has been patronizing the local YMCA about 3x a week for the sole purpose of swimming..my hubby and I swim lengths of the pool 30-60+ depending on how we feel. I swim a good amount using both my arms and legs, and then I switch to just arms for the last bit to give my legs a rest.  

The boys have been utilizing the diving board, when they can get a lifeguard to watch them.  Molly has been swimming laps with daddy and I, and even the boys will jump in and swim laps with us...imagine that, 4-5 people in one lap lane...ha ha ha, we have to take turns but it has been so much fun.  Strangely enough though, we have really bonded through both this injury and bump in the marriage, is that weird?  Well if it is weird, it's been worth it. 


My niece is getting married and I cannot attend...grrr.  There is a long car ride 2.5-3 hours each way and then the 1-2 hours of sitting at the wedding itself...I just cannot do that at this point in my healing...it would likely set me back 3 weeks, and I just cannot do that.  I am on bed rest pretty much all day, with the exception of 20min here and there, and there is just no way to lay down in the car.  What can a person do? 

I will be going out on an outing, to my In-laws house...to their couch! At least I will in a different house...on a different couch/bed, and in the company of different peeps.  I hope y'all have a great celebration this 4th of July.


Well, now I'll take a minute to reply to your comments from my last blog post.  Thanks so much for taking time to come by and see how I am doing and what I've been up to.  Your comments are so important and meaningful to me, I just want you to know I cherish the friendship you've sent my way! Blessings!

Black Knight...I do hope that your Grandson is out of the hospital and doing well sweetie.  I will keep you all in my prayers. Thank you so much for all your encouragement!

Rob-bear...I am so glad you are getting out and on your bicycle, I also hope that your home or church building did not go into the drink.  I shall be praying for you as well my friend. Thanks to you for being such a great bloggy-bear of a friend.

Dee-Dee...I so love that you are biking everywhere, that is just so cool.  It's a great way to get in your exercise, but at the same time you are having a blast, and saving money and the environment. I cannot wait for the day that I can hop onto my bike and stroll around the neighborhood again, I miss being able to do that.  Someday...someday! Sigh! Thanks for always coming by and leaving me a little comment love and encouragement.

Emily...I am praying that you find a job soon sweetie, I'm so sorry to hear that you got laid off.  That can be such a frustrating thing to have to deal with.  Blessings my sweet friend, and there is no need to apologize for being MIA, we all get busy with life etc.  Thank you for praying for me and sending me encouragement.  

God bless you all and I pray that your weekend is a beautiful celebration of Independence and joy.  

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck. 

"Limitations only exist if you let them" 

© 2012 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.