Oh The Sun'll Come Out Tomorrow, Bet Your Bottom Dollar That Tomorrow...

 Hello lovelies, I hope this post finds you all happy, healthy and enjoying some sunshine. This last week was stormy and gloomy but on the positive side we (Oregon) are now for the first time since 2013 drought free.  So it's all been worth it and fingers and toes crossed hopefully this summer we will not be plagued by fires as has been the case the last several years.

My week has been glorious, other than the wet gloomy weather.  I am also down 10lbs officially, yay me!

Here is my fitness week in review~

Sunday 2/28 *20 minutes running *10 minutes brisk walk *45 minutes moderate walk
Monday 2/29 *15 minutes spin bike *30 minutes brisk walk *30 minutes mod. walk
Tuesday 3/1 *30 minutes brisk walk *105 minutes very brisk walk/run
Wednesday 3/2 *100 very brisk walk/run *28 minutes hill climbing
Thursday 3/3 *50 minutes very brisk walk/run *30 minutes moderate walk
Friday 3/4 *indoor walking *4.78 miles
Saturday 3/5 *indoor walking *6.26 miles

Total Steps *111,070
Total Miles *48.26
Total Calories Burned *15,998
Total Floors Climbed *77
Total Weight Lost This Week *1.2 lbs

May this week be a blessed one for you and yours.

Random weird fact ~In ancient Rome, trained walkers stepped along roads 1,000 paces at a time (approx. 4,800 ft, or just short of our current mile), marking the distance with stone obelisks. The markers were called milestones.

"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.

 © 2016 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.

The Worst Blogger Ever!

Hi everyone, sorry it's been so long.  Life just seems to get away from me and wham, it's months later and I haven't blogged a single thing.  Thankfully, I know you all understand.  I'm just gonna blog about what has been happening in my life the last few months and go from there.

I have started running. . . again! Yay! I had been at a place where I was unable to run and decided to just stop running altogether; however things have changed significantly, for the better I might add. I am not sure what changed or how it came to be but I am now running more and more. Yes I still have those days where my body just won't do what I want it to but overall it's good. My strategy was just to walk a little, run a little. . . you know the drill.  It has paid off way big.  Basically I started over. Not something I wanted to do after running a half marathon and it felt so defeating but it has been a blessing in disguise. If you know my story, you know how important running is to me.  This is a big deal in my life.  Running is my passion, it is my happy place, it is my strong!

I just had a big birthday. . . #45 and I feel amazing.  My mama gave me a fitbit one and I am so in love with this little machine! Anyone out there have a fitbit?  If so look me up on the fitbit website using my email madmammahas4kids@gmail.com and send me a friend request!  All I can say is fitbit is hugely motivating.  I wake up and immediately start adding steps, usually I try to get in at least 2000-3000 before morning coffee and then I head out the door to get in a run/walk to finish off my 10,000-15,000 steps for the day.  Sometimes I even hit 20,000 steps like yesterday.  I had already done my 10,000 steps for the day by 10-ish in the morning and my daughter woke up and asked me if I wanted to go for a run with her?  Um, yes please! Littlebird and I geared up and headed out the door to discover it was sprinkling and overcast but still a beautiful day for a run.  I awarded her the badass badge for kicking butt down a pretty long hill and beating her mama! She is very new to running and fitness so that really made her day. So by the end of the day I had doubled my miles and steps and felt pretty great, not to mention proud as heck of my girlie.

Sunshine. . . anyone know when it's gonna be spring? Ha ha, I am so ready for warmer weather because this girl wants to hit the trails but they need to dry out a bit more.

Last I checked in my middle son (20) was home from the Navy right? He is living here with his daughter and working part time and attending college part time. My youngest son is living here (18) and working part time and attending college part time as well. My beautiful daughter (16 in July) is in 9th grade and doing amazing as always, she is just growing up into a beautiful young woman with a really good head on her shoulders.  My oldest son (22) is living about 30 minutes away and is working full time and trying to get started in college. All in all my chitlins are amazing humans and some of my very favorite people of all.  My beautiful granddaughter is two now and lives with us most of the week and it has been a blast helping my son raise her.  She is seriously the smartest two year old I have ever met.  She has been counting and singing her ABC's since she was 16 months old and talks in complete sentences.  She is a blast to have around.

Okay enough gushing. . . let's get to workouts! *walking is usually a combo of run/walk*

Sun 2/14/2016  ...41 minutes walking, steps 11,188
Mon 2/15/2016 ...90 minutes run/walk & 30 minutes moderate walking, steps 20,477
Tues 2/16/2016 ...rest day, steps 6,185
Wed  2/17/2016 ...42 minutes run/walk & 31 spin bike session, steps 10,440
Thur 2/18/2016 ...33 minutes spin bike session, steps 6,845
Fri 2/19/2016 ...70 minutes walking, steps 11,332
Sat 2/20/2016 ...42 minutes walking, steps 10,223

Total steps = 76,690

That was my week in review, hope y'all had a great week.  Drop me a comment, say hello and tell me about your week! Blessings and happy running! 


"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.

© 2016 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.

I WORK OUT...IT'S FALL

Hey beautiful peeps...How has your week gone so far?  Mine has been pretty great.  

I spent some fun time this weekend with my cousin who came down my way for a church revival he was preaching at.  We have never really met as adults and I was young when I was around him so I have no recollection of meeting him formally.  We have talked for years on Facebook so we know each other and have formed a friendship.  I walked around town with him and showed him some of my favorite shops, I heard him preach Sunday morning and then we had lunch and worked out...so all in all it was great getting to know him in person.  

Last night my husband and I met our son's recruiter and got a lot of our questions answered and then some.  Jacob has decided to go into the ARMY but not as an infantryman.  He scored very high on the ASVAB placement test so he can pretty much do whatever job he wants.  They said he is pretty much at genius status...lol.  He is looking into jobs and doing some research before he actually signs anything but will probably be signing up here in a few weeks so he can get started on training and such. 

He has about 8-9 months before he would actually leave for basic training but wants to get into better shape and be more prepared about what he will be dealing with.  His father and I are excited that he is so focused on doing what he needs in order to get his school financed. He wants to be a civil engineer.  He'd like to build bridges and such.  We are trying to make sure he chooses a job that has civilian applications so that when he does finish with the ARMY he can still find a job out in the civilian world.  Whatever he chooses he will succeed in, of that I have no doubt.

Now on to my workouts...

Sunday Oct. 20...
Running 41 minutes
AMT 40 minutes

Monday Oct. 21...
AMT 30 minutes

Tuesday Oct. 22...
AMT 40 minutes

I hurt my knee running Sunday so I have just been working out on the AMT hoping that will give my knee some time to heal.  I don't think it's anything major, probably a irritated muscle, tendon or ligament.  I can walk without any pain but there is a sore spot next to the knee cap, to the inside of the knee, that is sore when I push on it and it does hurt to actually run on it.  I will give it some time to heal before I try to run again.  Better to be safe than sorry.

I, for one, am enjoying the cool weather, especially in the morning when it is foggy and the air is crisp.  Sweaters and boots are my favorite fall and winter fashion go to, how about y'all?

I will leave you with a quote...

"Time and health are two precious assets that we don't recognize and appreciate until they have been depleted." ~Denis Waitley

Blessings and hugs!

 

Time and health are two precious assets that we don't recognize and appreciate until they have been depleted.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_fitness.html#IQorzFE5diAdKdrJ.99

Time and health are two precious assets that we don't recognize and appreciate until they have been depleted.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_fitness.html#IQorzFE5diAdKdrJ

"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.

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.

I'm Doing It...13.1 Here I Come

It's final...I'm running my half marathon next Sunday! How, you ask? Well let me tell you...

About two weeks ago I started to really stretch and roll my muscles in hopes of getting some sort of relief...and, it worked!  I have been running, working out, stretching, rolling etc and I'm amazed at the difference.  It really is a miracle, a total surprise to me.  I have had little pain in two weeks, except for one day...it has been wonderful.

So I decided since the pain is soooo much better, I'm going for it.  I will never be fast or place in my age group (most likely) but that is not why I run, I do it because I can.  I'm alive and I can run, so I do. I'm a survivor and I'm gonna keep on surviving.  

I had pretty much resigned myself to the fact that I was going to miss my half...again, for the second year in a row. Now I'm on my last week of running and gearing up for the big day! Can you believe it?  Me either!  

Remember awhile ago I mentioned I was being interviewed by Live Fitter blog....well It came out September 11th.  Here is the interview, I hope you enjoy it.  The pictures are not the best but they were all I had.  

The kids have all started back to school and I could not be happier.  It is so nice to get some quiet time to myself for a change.  My youngest son (not my youngest child) is working part time and has 3 AP classes, so he is one busy dude.  My oldest son (also oldest child) is moving to Klamath Falls at the end of this month...I love him but glad he is going off to find his future, I hope he is successful in all he does. My daughter just started 7th grade and is loving it, she gets to be an office aide for her 1st elective so she is pretty excited about that, and my middle child who is my second oldest son is in his last year of high school so it's a bittersweet year for him...and his father and I.  He will be going into the military after he graduates as they will help him get into college and become a mechanical engineer...he wants to build/design bridges and stuff like that. So there you have it.

Some pictures I took recently...

 
That is what I have been up too...how about y'all?

Anyone have a race they wanna tell me about? I love to hear what y'all have been up to, so drop me a line. 

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.

80lbs Down!

I honestly don't know why the weight loss is working now as opposed to before.  The only thing I can think of is I have changed the way I think.  I have become a determined individual, and not only that but someone who needs to see what life is like as a healthy fit and happy person.  I feel great and love the life I can now live.

It's been awhile since I've been on, life has been busy.  My 16yr old son got a job and it's been an involved process, I am a proud mama for sure. He has a four hour orientation tomorrow a few towns away and since driving for that long in the car hurts me, his father is going to drive him.  While he is there the hubs and my 17yr old son will go to the in-laws and play cards while they wait.  I will stay home and if I'm lucky and the smoke lifts I'll get a long run in outside.  If the smoke doesn't life I'll go to the gym and get my run in there...ugh!  

In other news...The sciatica is still here but not quite as bad...I still cannot sit for long without significant pain but it's all good.  The acupuncture helped a lot with some of the other symptoms of the sciatica so it's all good.  I'm done with acupuncture for now, but may try it again in the future if need be.  

My workouts the last week or so...

July 29th

• Arc Trainer 30 minutes (3 miles)
• Weights 15 minutes

July 30th

• AMT Trainer 21 minutes (2 miles)
• Weights 15 minutes

July 31

• Ran 57 minutes on Dreadmill (4.3 miles run/walk)

August 1

• Rest day

August 2

• AMT 23 minutes (2.3 miles)
• Ran 35 minutes on Dreadmill (3 miles run/walk)
• Cleaning Susan's House 120 minutes

August 3 

• Rest day...Niece got married!

August 4

• AMT 51 minutes (5.3 miles)
• Weights 14 minutes

August 5

• AMT 41 minutes (5 miles)

August 6

• Rest day

August 7

• AMT 20 minutes (2 miles)

• Ran 47 minutes on Dreadmill (4.04 miles run/walk)

August 8

• Ran 47 minutes outside! (4.1 miles)

Current obsessions...

• Catching up on all my favorite TV shows (On Demand)
• Onion bagels
• Yogurt with Cheerios
• Soaking up Vitamin D (The sun when it appears through smoke)
• Reading "Collapse" and "Under The Dome" on my Kindle Touch
• Beyonce' Heat Rush Shimmering Body Spray Mist
• Brazilian keratin therapy Flat Iron Spray
• Spritz Cookies 

Clearly I've been enjoying my summer...it has been such a great relaxing and semi-peaceful summer thus far. How about y'all?  What has your summer been like and what are your current obsessions?

Here's a cute picture of my fur baby Weenie girl with her makeup on (chalk)

 

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.

Longest Run Ever

 My 17 year old son was a rock star and rode his bike behind me while I ran 12.5 miles this last weekend! At first I was unsure he could ride that slow (I run like a sloth 10:30-12 min pace) but he said it wasn't that slow.  Go me!  I even went out and bought a pain of running shorts...my legs finally look awesome.  The run out was great, the temperature was nice and cool with shade most of the way, and I only completely stopped once to stretch my lower back.  

Once we reached the half-way turn around point we stopped to drink some water and stretch some more.  It seems like I have to stretch almost every time I stop to walk right around 50 minutes to an hour of running. Just before we got to the half-way point we ran by two dead deer that had been hit by a car or something and about 2 minutes after the half-way point we spotted a very small dead fawn, so sad.  At this point it was mostly down hill so my son rode ahead a ways, making sure to look back and stop once in awhile to let me catch up. I was really flying down that hill. Probably not such a good idea with my sciatica...hindsight, sigh!

Remember my fear of being dragged off the road by a mountain lion? Well once we got past that field it was back to civilization and I told my son he could go ahead and ride home without me after I filled my water bottle back up. Now I could just settle into a nice easy pace and motor on home by myself.  It was pretty nice going...for a bit, the sun was shining, birds chirping.  People were driving by honking their support, and I even got a couple of whoop whoops along the way!

Drum roll please.....Cue the ominous music...

So there I was with about 2.5 miles to go until home when I started to get the worst sciatica pain ever forcing me to stop and stretch every walk interval.  I was not sure I would make it home, it was that bad.  My legs just did not want to work properly and I kept feeling like they were going to give out. The pain was close to unbearable... so I did what every BAMR (bad ass mother runner) would do and sucked it up and shuffled home as quick as my legs would let me.  That was the longest 2.5 miles ever.

After arriving home I immediately took a quick shower then iced my lower back in hopes of relieving the swelling and thus the pain, and it worked.  Ice was my friend Saturday.  After about an hour the horrible pain was gone and I was only left with the sore muscles that normally come after a very long run. This sciatica is getting to be really annoying and I can't wait until I see the acupuncturist.

Here is what my workouts looked like this last week...

Monday July 1st
Ran 36 minutes (3.1 miles slow)

Tuesday July 2nd
Weights 45 minutes
Ran 20 minutes

Wednesday July 3rd
Ran 64 minutes (5.1 miles)

Thursday July 4th 
Ran 40 minutes on mini exercise trampoline

Friday July 5th 
Cleaned Susan's 2-Story house 2 hours

Saturday July 6th
Ran 2 hours 30 minutes (12.5 long slow miles)

Sunday July 7th 
Ran 30 minutes (2.6-ish shake out run)

Anyone else obsessed with watching Le Tour de France?  I am absolutely addicted to it...and I don't (can't sit on bike yet) bike at all right now.  Every year I watch this amazing race event and feel so inspired to do/experience more in the fitness world.  Someday I'd like to do a triathlon and maybe someday an Ironman but that is really just a pipe dream.  I shared this desire with my husband yesterday and he just laughed and looked at me like I was a crazy woman.  Oy Vey!  

Have a blessed week y'all! 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.

Weekly Check-in

Hey y'all, I hope your having a wonderful weekend and are well rested for the coming week!  I have been doing a lot of resting on my heating pad, helping my daughter M rearrange her room (packing up old clothes for Goodwill, and tossing trash etc) to look more like a teen girl's room, as well as running and working out. 

We have been dealing with a family crises that seems like it will be around for a long time possibly for life and it is really shaking up my family. We would like any and all prayers (if you do that sort of thing).  I will not bore you with the gritty details, just know that no one is sick/terminally ill or anything like that.  

Here is what my workouts consisted of this last week...

Friday June 14th...

• Cleaning 180 minutes (every week I clean my friends 2 story house)

Saturday June 15th...

• Ran for 108 minutes (9 miles)

Sunday June 16th...

• Rest Day (Father's Day)

Here is what my daughter and I made daddy for his special day!

(I wish you could see the detail)

 
Monday June 17th...

• Ran 50 minutes (4.71 miles)
• AMT 30 minutes
• Weight room 20 minutes

 
Tuesday June 18th...

• Rest Day

Wednesday June 19th...

• Ran 41 minutes (3.7 miles)
• Weight room 10 minutes

Thursday June 20th...

• AMT 40 minutes (4.3 miles)
• Weight room 15 minutes

Friday June 21st...

• Cleaned for 3 hours, Oy Vey

Saturday June 22nd...

• Ran 93 minutes (8 miles)

This last week has been great and I have to say, I'm thoroughly enjoying my summer so far.  Tank tops, flip flops, lazy days spent reading, and working out whenever I want...what's not to like. How is your summer going? Anyone else craving watermelon?  I can't seem to get enough! 

May God bless you and give you joy in abundance!  May the sunshine find you in your happy place! (Right now one of my happy places is on the road during a long run)

"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.

Blooming Where I'm Planted?

Warning...this post is about life, struggle and God...it's long but I think it's worth reading, it was certainly worth writing! 

I am often so absorbed by training for this half marathon that I forget to stop and attend my spiritual health.  I have this longing to accomplish this race, not because I want people to say, wow what a great thing...it's more like I have to do this to prove to myself, my body and my spirit...that I can do it! Does that make any sense to you?  

I was talking to one of my very best friends about my spiritual health just the other day and it was about this very subject.  Feeling like I'm not doing anything significant for God, has left me feeling a little lost.  Come to find out, she is going through the exact same thing.  Don't you just love how God works? I sure do.  After we talked I didn't feel like everything was solved, but I did feel like I had made some headway and like God was still there...waiting.  For what, I don't know...I just know that God has me where I am, and I need to accept it...maybe not embrace it, but accept my garden where it is and how it looks...and bloom where I've been planted.  

My life and everything I touch is my personal garden and I CAN bloom where I've been planted.  We don't need to all go out and knock on doors, or serve at the soup kitchens to be significant. Some of us are mom's and dad's and our children and loved ones are our ministry.  The people I see daily, whether they are family or acquaintances, are in my garden and how I interact with them matters.  I may be the only person in their life that day, that reaches them for Christ through some small an act of kindness.  That means a lot to me personally, I am serving lunch to the high school kids in town Monday-Thursday and I may be their only smile or kind act in their day! In that way I am significant to God.  

How does running fit in?  Well I'm not sure, to be perfectly honest.  Yet, running is a big part of me at this moment in time and I have to believe that God planted that seed somewhere along the way for a reason.  I'm a runner but that isn't what defines me, I survived cancer, but that doesn't define me either...I'm a child of God at my core and that SHOULD define me.  I am hopeful that people see my heart (God) when they read my blog.  I pray that someone has been touched by my words (Gods words) at one time or another...but that is ultimately up to God not me.  

Running has been difficult for me.  I have had my fair share of injuries because of running, yet I love it. God has brought me through those injuries and the resulting heartbreak the same way he brought me through cancer and every other heartache I've gone through in life.  I got through those injuries because inside of me is a belief that God brings us to the valleys only to shine and show us His majesty when we come out on the other side. He is ultimately the one who gave me my spirit of triumph..it's not me, it's Him.  I hope that I show that in my blog.

You may be asking...What?

I've said all that to say this...I am struggling with pain.  Running past 4 miles is causing me pain in my hip and pelvis and I'm not sure I can keep up my training. That does not mean I am quitting just that I may have to tweak my schedule.  I am just saying I'm struggling.  My husband questions whether I should keep training for this half, period.  I am questioning it myself.  I have been thinking lately that maybe instead of trying to run the whole thing I should try a run/walk schedule.  Ugh! My ego doesn't like that last statement. To be honest, it was hard just writing that last statement. Egotistically I want to say I ran the whole way, but I really don't see that happening.  Maybe God is saying His plan for my half is better than my plan is...I have to learn to stop and listen for His advice.  It's always better than my advice. God may see this half marathon as a way to touch someones life through some seemingly insignificant act or word...I am sure that He sees it's execution and completion entirely different than I see it! It may have nothing to do with me at all and everything to do with Him. 

Thanks for listening to my struggle and for not giving up half-way through, I'm sure y'all deserve some kind of medal for finishing this post. It would be called the Medal of Friendship, and I virtually award it to every one of you! 

I am blessed by you and I thank God for bringing you into my life! Blessings and hugs! I hope I haven't scared any of you off!  I promise I have not lost it...lol!  May God bless you and keep you and may His favor shine on your life.

   



"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.

Happy Hump Day

Life sure does get busy fast, doesn't it! First and foremost I'm a wife but secondly I'm a mama to four kids, all of whom are teens, whew! One (my oldest son G) lives on his own and works full time at our family owned big convenience store and is learning to run the place! The other 3 live at home and keep me pretty busy!

Thirdly, I volunteer Mon-Thur every week at our small family owned convenience store.  I make burritos, tacos, nachos and handmade sandwiches for the HS kids that come in for lunch.  With all that going on I still have to find time to fit in my runs or workouts...clean, fix dinner and grocery shop etc...I'm tired just thinking about all I need to do this week.  

I said that to say this...I just find that I don't have a lot of time to blog every day let alone once a week and I hope that I have not lost any blogging friends because of it. I do read your blogs and try to comment when I have some time, and I do truly think y'all are the best. I honestly want to blog but just find that maybe once a week is better for me than every other day, at least right now.  Summer is here in a few days and the kids will be home every day, Oy Vey...and I will be even busier! I'm not going away, I just wanted to let you know I'm here, alive...just busy. I'm not leaving or quitting the blog, I'm just not going to be on as much as I was a month or so ago. 

Y'all are the best and I thank you for your friendship and support, keep coming around, I get all your comments in my email and when I open it up, I always get a big smile to see that you came by.

Okay now for what I've done in the exercise department lately...

Thursday

• Rest Day

 
Friday

• Cleaning my friends 2 story house for 2+ hours

 
Saturday

• 94 minutes of running 8.1 miles

 
Sunday

• AMT 30 minutes
• Gardening 45 minutes

 
Monday

• 49 minutes of running 4 miles slowly

 
Tuesday

• Rest Day

I will be going to the gym today but I'm gonna take a few days off from running on the road...I'm feeling a bit of soreness where I broke my pelvis and want to see if a few day rest will make the pain disappear. It only hurts a little when I press on the sit bone so I'm only taking precautions just in case.  It doesn't hurt to stand, jump on one leg, or run..but having broke it before I'm not gonna take any chances.

Have a great week y'all, 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.

Update On My Recovery After Surgery

First off let me start by saying, thank you so very much for putting up with me during the A-Z Challenge.  I was glad to figure out my theme early on...fitness, and it seems to have worked out pretty good. Again, thanks from the bottom of my heart.

And now back to your regularly scheduled programming... 

I had surgery Friday and ended up having to go under twice in the span of 20 minutes.  Let's just say things didn't go quite as smoothly as I'd hoped.  The Denturist actually messed up my partial, in that he forgot about one tooth that was being pulled.  The partial fit pretty good so it all worked out.  He saw me Saturday and spent the next hour adding material and making it to fit my mouth much better and since he is such a great guy it really was no biggie.  I not the kind of person to let things like that get me mad, life is too short to sweat the small stuff.

I will go back to see my Denturist on the 1st to make adjustments and possibly have another impression made.  I am doing well as far as healing goes, my left lower jaw is very swollen and I look as if I have a golf ball in my cheek...it's all good though.  I was able to eat noodles and shrimp last night for the first time since Friday...I had been surviving on pudding, yogurt, mashed potatoes and soup.  A person can only eat so much mush...know what I mean!  

Unfortunately I cannot exercise yet...believe me when I say, I'd rather be running then recovering from surgery...lol! I had visions of having surgery and running the very next day...that did not happen, in fact the only thing that comes close to exercise for me is getting out of bed to rinse my mouth and get another ice pack for my jaw...ha ha ha!  Oh well, such is life.

I want to hear all about what YOU have been doing so drop by and tell me all about it!  Blessings and may sunshine find you today.  

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" 

© 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.

Update On My Week

Oh my goodness, it has been a busy week.  The whole family has been working out, at our local YMCA, all week. My hubby has been gun-ho to get his workout on all of the sudden, and I am MORE than happy to oblige him.

I am OVER the top PROUD of him.  He says he is tired of being fat, and he is super motivated to get in shape.  This is an answer to many a prayer.  To say I love and am proud of him would be a major understatement...but I am.  

This weeks workouts...

• Sunday Walking 17 minutes for a total of 71 calories burned.
• Monday Arc Trainer 20 minutes, Rowing 15 minutes for a total of  405 calories burned.    
• Tuesday Run/Walk 34 minutes, Arc 10 minutes, Rowing 11 minutes for a total of 551 calories burned.
• Wednesday Run/Walk 38 minutes, Walk (with hubby) 17 minutes for a total of 401 calories burned.
• Thursday Rest day
• Friday AMT 41 minutes for a total of 519 calories burned.

• Saturday Bike trainer 35 minutes for a total of 315 calories burned.

I truly hope you are having a great weekend, I know I am.  Blessings and hugs. 
    
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" © 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.

Happy Monday!

May your Monday be filled to the brim and overflowing with love.

As I sit here grumbling because I have to stay still and do nothing (compressing, icing and elevating leg), I realize that I am a blessed woman.  God has provided me with what I need, some of what I want but most of all with love.  I am surrounded by love...

I have been babying my left leg, as much as I can stand to anyway, by icing it, using compression wraps and elevating it.  Of course we won't go into how I walked 10 miles yesterday in 1 hour and 50 minutes and 29 seconds...we will just leave that in the past.  I was walking, not running so I was behaving-ish! (Yes, I realize that is not a word, I just made it up) I have a knot in my lateral hamstring tendon that is a bit sore but not too bad.  All in all I cannot really complain, as I know there are others who are much worse off. I will heal...God is good, All the time and All the time, God is good!

1. Saturday-Arc Trainer 20 minutes. Bike trainer 20 minutes for a total calorie burn of approx. 400 calories.
2. Sunday-Walked 10 miles for 110.5 minutes for a total calorie burn of 539 calories or so.
3. Monday-Rest Day & R.I.C.E. 

Have a blessed day!

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" 

© 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.