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.

Fitbit Rocks My World

G'day y'all.  I sincerely hope that this last week was as amazing for you as it was for me.  I have been moving like crazy the last several days. Do any of you have a Fitbit or something similar that tracks steps, sleep and activity? Mine is a Fitbit one and I am obsessed with it.

It's kind of like a noisy nag tiny motivator, truth be told. If you do have a Fitbit account look me up using my email madmammahas4kids@gmail.com and send me a friend request.  I get involved in challenges most days of the week and they are highly, well. . .challenging.

Here is how my fitness week looked like. All walk/run no bike.

Sunday 2/21 *35 minute brisk walk, 75 minute very brisk walk/run
Monday 2/22 *70 minute moderate walk/run
Tuesday 2/23 *42 minute brisk walk/run
Wednesday 2/24 *52 minute very brisk walk/run *18 minute moderate walk
Thursday 2/25 *30 minute moderate walk *55 minute very brisk walk/run
Friday 2/26 *easy walk indoors
Saturday 2/27 *30 minute brisk walk *34 very brisk walk/run

Total Steps *85,750
Total Miles *36.82
Total Calories Burned *14,498
Total Floors Climbed *29

I feel pretty good after all that and to top it off I lost another 2.8lbs last week making it 8.6lbs lost
since January 30th, 2016.  Honestly using myfitnesspal and my new fitbit one it has been hard as heck easy peasy. All I have to do is move more and watch my calories.  No, really it is actually a lot of work, counting and paying attention to what foods/fuels I put into my mouth, but it's so worth it and it pays off in so many ways.  I look better, feel better and my body is ready to get back to trail running as soon as the sun decides to come out and dry up the trails. Today I ran hill repeats on a steep but fun hill near where I live and my legs are trashed.  I suspect I will relax for the rest of the day.  

What do you do for exercise and fun? Stop by and leave me a comment letting me know. 
 I will leave you with a video of a guy who amazes me! A fruitarian and an ultra-runner.

 

"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 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.

So Very Frustrated!

Warning:  This will be a whinny post full of my sadness and frustrations, so if you don't want to hear it feel free to move on, I won't hold it against you!

I am feeling sorry for myself.  This pelvic pain has been a constant reminder of my bodies inadequacies for running.  Maybe that is not the right word, yet it is how I feel.  The doctor ordered new x-rays that of course showed no new fracture (surprise, surprise).  The fact that the x-ray showed no pelvic fracture does not surprise me, as x-rays rarely show a pelvic fracture, but now the doctor has me off running for a week (it's been a week as of Saturday 8-24) and the pain hasn't really changed, I still cannot sit for long and the pain is still present. 

That being said, running wasn't bothering me while in the moment, but I think that it was/is exacerbating the problem.  I have been good this last week and have not run one step.  I did go to the gym and use the non-impact machines and yesterday I walked for 49 minutes so I have gotten in some exercise, just not my preferred exercise.  

While on my walk yesterday morning I started to talk to God again.  We have (or I should say I have) been incommunicado lately. I realized that running has been an idol and I have put it above my relationship with God,  I had to lay running at God's feet and give it to Him and repent.  It is heartbreaking to me that I have put running above the One who loves me most, and it saddens me that I may not be able to run (ever) again due to my physical problems.  

My relationship with God should be more important than running or anything else and sadly it has become a distant love and for that I am solely to blame and it's up to me to fix that,  for it is me that has gone off on a tangent, God has always been here waiting for me. He is always there for me (and you) just waiting for me to lean on Him and rest in His loving arms and look to Him for answers instead of trying to do my own thing.  

Doing my own thing has always led to disaster, yet here I am again.  Thankfully God does not look at us like we think He does, we assume when we do something wrong He looks at us sternly and says "OMG how could you do this" or maybe "I am so disappointed in you"...Thankfully that is not how He sees us.  If we are His children He looks at us with love, forgiveness and mercy and because He loves us it saddens Him when we decide to do things on our own (and put other things/people above Him) especially when those things/people take us down paths He would rather us not go (because He knows the pain and anguish that awaits us).  I thank God that He loves me and forgives me when I repent, and takes me into His arms and comforts me (like now) when my heart is broken.  

Running is/has been my passion and I'm sad I can't run right now,  but even more I want God to be my passion and I only ask that I can one day run without pain, if that fits into Gods will for my life.

Physically I may have another pelvic fracture or it may be osteoporosis, or it could be bone cancer as thyroid cancer will metastasize to the bones of the pelvis first. The doctor did inform me that for some reason my body does not metabolize vitamin D, either from the sun or a pill, very well, and that I have been chronically very deficient for some time and most likely will be for the rest of my life. I went to the Herb shop and found some fast absorbing Liquid Sunshine with 5000 I.U. and am now taking that every day.  I am also having a problem getting in enough protein which is essential for bone growth, maintenance and renewal, so I am working on that in regards to my food.  

Currently I am waiting to hear back from the doctor to see what he wants me to do now that I have taken a week off from running, I fear his response will be "Continue doing what you are doing". He was going to see if my cancer doctor wants to move my scans up and have them done now to check for bone cancer in the pelvis and also whether he wants to order an MRI or a bone density scan. 

So for now I am not running and trying desperately (probably foolishly) to hold on to the hope that I can still run my half next month.  In my mind I could still run it, even knowing that it will cause me more pain. (and possibly injure me more) Physically I know I can do it, mentally I know(-ish) that I shouldn't run it as it could cause a more serious condition that may cause permanent damage etc. End of rant.  

So that's it folks, that's all she wrote, as the saying goes. May God richly bless you all.  I hope that your week turns out to be a beautiful one.   
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.

Smoke In My Eyes, My Nose, My Throat...It's Everywhere

This is what the skies look like in my area at night.  That is smoke that has settled, we are surrounded by fires and since we live in a valley the smoke settles in and we have to breath it.  It makes for beautiful sunsets but horrible air quality.  Today the skies are brown and the air smells like camp fires burning.  Please keep us in your prayers, my home is not in any danger but there are a lot of people who have been evacuated and are affected by the fires.  I cannot run at all outside and the smoke is seeping into the gym and my home so everything smells of smoke and my lungs are burning.  I am blessed and I am safe so that's really all that matters.

Click Here for an update on the fires causing all this smoke, as of July 29th...

This is an alert issued by our Health Dept. yesterday..."Caution Air Alert!!! Grants Pass Parkside Elem School meter is reading 179 micorgrams/cubic meter of air particulate matter. A healthy level is no more than 12 microgarms/cubic meter of air. Air is "very unhealthy" category right now, JoCoPH is recommending to cancel and/or limit any and all outdoor activities to the greatest extent possible. Please spread the word!!

I know it can always be worse, and I know that I am blessed and out of danger and for that I am so very grateful.  So I bid you farewell and happy running.  Enjoy your Tuesday my friends.  

Blessing 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.

Acupuncture, Training, & Obsessions

First let me start off by saying...Hello there...I've missed y'all.  There, now that that's out of the way I can tell you all about my acupuncture, training and current obsessions.

First an explanation....I cannot sit for long at all and that is why I have not been blogging much as of late.  I do love to blog, I do love my friends and followers....I just have to choose the day that pain is okay.  Today is a good day for pain...YOU ALL ARE WORTH IT.

My first acupuncture visit was really a first in every sense of the word.  I have never had acupuncture or massage or anything close to it so I was a bit (read extremely) nervous.  The atmosphere was very relaxing and smelled of eucalyptus, one of the best smells ever.  Kris (the acupuncturist) is a very tall, blond and blue eyed cutie and so nice.  He made me feel like I was visiting an old friend and I immediately relaxed. The visit itself was really not such a big deal and the needles are so small that you hardly feel them, it felt more like a mosquito biting me than someone sticking me with needles. Some of the needles I did not feel at all.

So I found a comfy overstuffed recliner, got comfy and then after receiving about 10-15 needles relaxed for about 45 minutes to the sound of Chinese flutes and chimes and the smell of eucalyptus. By the time it was over I was feeling extremely relaxed and hopeful.  Kris runs a community acupuncture clinic and only charges $20 a visit and if you pay for 3 visits he waives the $15 intake fee. This man is a godsend to anyone who is fortunate enough to live in this area.  Although his office is about a 40 minute drive from where I live, it's worth it.  

I am feeling a difference in the time it takes to feel pain and the intensity of that pain is lessened, so again I am feeling hopeful.  It's not all better but it is moving in the right direction.  I had my third visit yesterday and it was a bit different.  We did a direct stimulation treatment instead of the normal treatment.  I had to lay on my stomach on a table  with a sheet over my bottom half, Kris then poked my back and hips with his thumbs and when he found a sore spot he would mark it with a pen.  After all the prodding and poking came the needles, it was a bit unnerving because it was my back, spine and butt/legs...tender skin equals more pain.  It really wasn't too bad, except for a couple of spots, all went well.  

Until the electricity came in...he hooked one of the needles up to a machine or something that sends an electrical current into your body....hahaha...fun.  So then he leaves the room and promises to come running if I scream.  As I'm laying there praying to God that I don't get electrocuted, I feel my butt muscles spasm and have to bite my lip not to laugh.  It just feels odd and funny and uncomfortable...all at the same time.  

Well I survived and feel better so I think that we will continue with that treatment for now. Luckily sciatica pain is his specialty and he has about a 90% success rate, as not everyone is completely healed but he says even then they have an 80% decrease in symptoms.  There are always the 20% that have need for surgery etc and they will not be cured through acupuncture.

Now on to training...

Running is going well, except for that 12.5 mile run two weeks ago, the sciatica hasn't been a real problem.  It's always there in the back ground mind you, but it hasn't caused me too many stops where I have to stretch before I can continue to run.  Unfortunately last Saturdays run was just not a good run, I rarely have those days but every once in awhile it happens.  

I started out with a sore back and sore leg/butt muscles so that may be why, who knows.  It wasn't a horrible run but I had to stop and start a lot more than I wanted.  It wasn't sciatica pain though, it was sore back and leg/hip pain. I made it through and was happy to be home.

My exercise as of late...

Monday July 8th

• Arc Trainer 60 minutes

Tuesday July 9th 

• Ran 47 minutes (4.1 slow miles)

Wednesday July 10th

• Ran 55 minutes (5 miles)

Thursday July 11th

• AMT 20 minutes
• Bike Trainer 30 minutes

Friday July 12th

• Cleaning Susan's 2 Story house

Saturday July 13th (the not so good run mentioned above)

• Ran 117 minutes (9.66 slow miles)
• High Step-ups with 10lb weights 10 minutes

Sunday July 14th

• Bike Trainer 44 minutes (10 miles)

Monday July 15th

• Rest Day

Tuesday July 16th

• Ran 46 minutes (4.1 slow miles)

Weight loss...3.2lbs for a total of...

 



My current obsessions...

1. Twitter @Shananagins2468 (friend/tweet me)
2. Chocolate animal crackers (what's not to love)
3. Diet Pepsi (I know, I know...bad)
4. Russell Stover Big Bites dark chocolate smore's ('nuff said)
5. Watermelon (refreshing and sweet)
6. The Tour de France (very obsessed w/this)
7. Morningstar Grillers California Turk'y burger (nom nom)

What are your current obsessions?
 
Have a blessed week y'all...hugs and blessings.

"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.

MIA To LOSER

I am sorry that I've been MIA but I just needed to take some time off from blogging to rest and deal with a busy family unit.  You understand, right?

Sunday was a total rest day

Monday

• AMT 31 minutes
• Weights 15 minutes

Tuesday

• Ran 58 minutes in the cold, rain and wind, good times...good times

Wednesday

• AMT 40 minutes

  

Still a loser...lol

I am still losing the lb's (1.8 this past week), eating healthy-ish (love those jalapeno Cheetos), and exercising 4-5 days a week...so it's all good.  I am still healing from surgery, although the stitches and pain are gone...my gums are still reshaping so my partial is not real tight.  I have to take the partial out to eat some foods...ermergerd!  Needless to say I cannot eat some foods at all, and some foods just take a lot more work than others.  I normally eat mainly vegan but I have been eating yogurt since I had my surgery just to get the calories and nutrition in my body. 'Nuff said!

Blessings and hugs to y'all, may your days be filled with sunshine and joy! Have a great weekend, cherish the time with your families and loved ones and hug yer dog/cat/bird/pig/alligator...etc!

"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 One of 100 Motivating Endurance Facebook Pages

Just a quick note before signing off for the weekend...
 
I am so excited to be numbered among the 100 Motivating Endurance Facebook Pages (#45)...and I just had to share it with y'all! I'm pretty sure some of you are on there as well!

Tuesday

• Arc Trainer 35 minutes
• 2:00.5 minute plank 

Holy Guacamole that was hard

 Wednesday

• Ran 59 minutes...a slow 5 mile run
• Biggest Loser Cardio Max Workout 25 minutes...this is a killer workout and my muscles are extremely sore and tired.

Thursday

• Bike Trainer 40 grueling minutes (leg muscles are so sore)   

I will be going to my mama's this weekend and will fit some type of workout in while trying to relax and spend a special Mother's Day weekend with her.  Have a great weekend, may the sun shine on you and may your races/runs/rides be joyous.

"It's not who you are that holds you back, it’s who you think you’re not." -Anonymous

"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.

Tuesday Check-In

Hey y'all, just thought I'd check in and let you know what I've been up to and how my Mother's Day went!

Exercise has consisted of...

Saturday

• Ran 58 minutes...this was a beautiful 5 mile slow run/walk
• Walk 17 minutes...a walk with my hubby around the small loop

Sunday

• Played Frisbee with the family...our new obsession 

Monday

• Ran 50 minutes...an awesome 4.33 mile slow run/walk 

 Mother's Day was simply beautiful and peaceful.  The entire family just spent time visiting most of the day.  I woke up and spent some time just getting ready for the day, then my son made me breakfast and coffee.  Since I eat mostly vegan/vegetarian, breakfast was a heated up breakfast biscuit...but it was yummy!  My family sat around talking and laughing, sans T.V. This is a big deal...the T.V. is always or almost always on, but we just didn't feel the need Sunday.  After my oldest son got here we all went out and watched a movie, Oblivion...it was awesome.  Right before the movie my kids presented me with my mothers day gifts..my daughter made me an adorable little mini plant out of paper and a beautiful realistic flower..she is very creative and the detail is amazing...she can make amazing things out of some paint and paper.

flower pot with paper flower

flower pot..made from paper and paint

This sign was made with a C&C machine...I love it, we are all (the kids and I) going to paint this and they will all (4 of them) sign it on back.  I am also going to paint their names on the curves of the petals. We will then put it in my garden out front.  

I am please with how well our day went and how calm it was...at the end of the day we all went and played Frisbee in the parking lot at the end of our street, I won the award for the most bad throws and most epic catches. Winner winner chicken dinner!  Frisbee is our new family fun-time we try to do 3x a week.  Our four kids are all older 19-13 so it is a blast! I hope that all you mothers had a fantastic day!

"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.

Fitness Friday Link-up

Hey y'all, it's that time again.  I hope that your week has been a good one, but if not...it's almost over so cheer up.  This week has been fantastic for me...it's been sunshine and warm weather, what's not to like!  Make sure to go over and link up your FF post, just click on the blue box above.

Wednesday 

• Run 40 minutes for 480 calorie burn
• Walk 10 minutes for 39 calorie burn (warm up/cool down)

Thursday

• Adaptive Motion Trainer 40 minutes for 503 calorie burn

Friday (what I plan to do today)

• Adaptive Motion Trainer 40 minutes 

Did you notice that I changed the look of my blog? How do you like it? As you can probably tell, I get bored of the same thing after awhile and feel the need to constantly change it up.  I do this with a lot of things in my life.  Here are some examples of things I change up more often than not...my hair, makeup, clothes, Facebook cover, Blog, food and even my exercise routine. 

Exercise has to be fun, at least for me, or I get bored and start feeling unmotivated.  Have you ever had this problem? I am going to assume yes I know what that means you have!  We all go through those time where we are just plain bored with our fitness routine.  That is a good time to change it up.  Pick 4-5 exercises that you don't normally do, add them to your run and see how it works out.  

For example, on your next run try running for 10-20 minutes then stop and do 50 mountain climbers on a curb (away from traffic of course) then resume running for another 10-20 minutes, stop and do 50 jumping jacks or 20 pushups.  It doesn't really matter what you do just do something different so that you don't get bored. You could also try cross training if you always run, studies show that it actually helps us runners stay injury free.  I run 3x a week and cross train the other days.  Cross training for me consists of working out on the Arc trainer, AMT or Bike trainer...and I add in a little weight lifting too!

Happy Friday and enjoy your weekend. I will take the time to wish all you moms a Happy Mother's Day now as I'm not sure I'll be posting Sunday! May you have a wonderful day celebrating with your family and loved ones! 

    

"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.