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.

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.

Sciatica Pain Anyone?

I have been dealing with sciatica pain since last year when I broke my pelvis and the pain at times is excruciating.  Since I am allergic to ibuprofen I cannot take anything that really helps ease the pain so I don't take anything, although I have recently found that heat helps tremendously.  

How does one not sit...I mean standing all day is just ridiculous right...so I have this weird schedule of standing, kneeling and laying on one side and then the other, and of course I am working out during all this pain as well.  I have pain every day all day but I know that this will pass and that the sciatica is a result of my injury last year, it may be time for some PT or something I can do at home like massage or use of a foam roller.  I was researching on this pain and last night read that sciatica is often a result of pelvic stress fractures due to nerve damage...oy vey! I've had it from the beginning but just never realized it!  When I was first injured I had this burning pain on my sit bones with tingling that ran down my leg(s) anytime I tried to sit for more than 2 minutes, it has not changed in a year.  

Seriously, if this is the worst thing I have to deal with from my injury it's all good.  I'm really not complaining, just trying to maybe find a solution or something that helps that maybe I have not thought of.

I'm still on track with my training for the half in September and will be doing a 9 mile training run this Saturday.  The sciatica pain has not stopped me from running or working out, it's really only painful when not exercising or moving.  It does hurt a little bit sometimes when the pain is bad and I'm at the gym but it never hurts while running so that is a blessing.  Does anyone have any tips or advice for me that are not going to cost me a lot of doh-ray-me?

Okay now on to my workouts for this week so far...
 
Sunday June 9

• AMT 24 minutes (2.54 miles)
• Arc Trainer 16 minutes (.85 miles)
• Weights 15 minutes

Monday June 10

• Ran 51 minutes outside (4.3 miles)

Tuesday June 11

• AMT 27 minutes (2.53 miles)

Wednesday June 12

• AMT 18 minutes
• Weights 30 minutes

Thursday June 13

• AMT 51 minutes (5 miles)

Weight loss for this last week was 1.6 lbs

 



Let me just say thanks for listening to my woes, family issues and many other rantings throughout the years...I truly thank God and consider y'all to be ♥ friends 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.

Week In Review

This week has been a great one through and through.  The kids are out for the summer and I'm off work (volunteer) until School starts up again, what's not to love!

I've been running outside this week...3 times, woohoo! Although I am not sitting much these days I am feeling pretty good.

Thursday May 30

• Adaptive Motion Trainer (AMT) for 30 minutes

Friday May 31

• Walked 30 minutes
• Cleaned Susan's house 1 hour

Saturday June 1

• Ran 1 hour and 11 minutes (6 miles)

Sunday June 2

• Walked 49 minutes (3.5 miles)

Monday June 3

• Walked 1 hour and 19 minutes
• AMT 13 minutes

Tuesday June 4

• Arc Trainer 45 minutes

Wednesday June 5

• Ran 55 minutes (5 miles)

Thursday June 6

• AMT 45 minutes

Friday June 7

• Cleaned Susan's house 2 hours (believe me it's a workout)

Saturday June 8

• Ran 1 hour and 15 minutes (6.6-7.0 miles)

Whew, I think I'm all caught up now! I have really liked doing the run/walk 4:1 intervals and my body really is responding well! I don't seem to have as much pain in the hip that usually gives me grief. As far as being able to sit, no real change...not sure it will ever get better but who needs to sit down! LOL...

My 17 year old has applied for two jobs so he can make some money this summer.  Not sure how I feel about that because he does not have his license yet and I don't really want to be the one shuttling him back and forth.  He can always ride his bike if he works during the day time, but if he has a late night shift I will have to pick him up...ugh! We shall see if either one of the jobs pan out! I would like to see him get some more responsibility and do something this summer besides sit around and play video games with his brothers.  

Don't get me wrong, they do a lot of work at our stores during their summer break so they aren't really just being lazy...it just seems like it at times to their mother.  He would like to get out there and start working for someone other than his dad, (not that he minds it) plus the money would be a major bonus for him and his life!  Well enough of my ranting...I'm off to get ready to go workout at the YMCA...ha ha ha, now you have that song playing in your head! Have a great day y'all!

 



"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.

Monday, Monday...

Good morning y'all, it's a lovely Monday here in Oregon already! Hope you got some pep in your step and sunshine headed your way. 

 Just a reminder to get your plank on! I did!

My workouts this week were kind of pitiful as I was still not feeling 100%.  

Monday

• Walk 17 minutes for 68 calories (all my hubby would allow me to do)

 Friday

• Ran 41 minutes for 447 calories (a beautiful 3.6 mile run in the sunshine)

 Saturday

• Gym 36 minutes for 336 calories
• Ran 35 minutes for 339 calories
• Calisthenics 10 minutes for 104 calories

Sunday

• Morning walk w/hubby 50 minutes slow for 181 calories
• Ran 16 minutes for 174 calories
• Walk 4 minutes for 16 calories   

That was about all I could do this last week but I'm feeling better and getting back to my regular schedule. My jaw is still sore from surgery but it's getting better every day. 

I am so excited to get back into my normal training program. I am using The Virtual Coach app and I love it so far.  Is it weird that I am having dreams about running? My husband believes I'm a bit obsessed with running, but he loves that I'm not really normal...it's over rated anyway. Well...at the end of the day I gotta be myself even if I am a bit strange and obsessed 'cause that's how I roll...

 
Blessings and hugs, enjoy your day.
~Shannon
 
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.

Running Bloggers Survey

I know I already posted this morning but wanted to join in on the Running Bloggers Survey as well!

Best Run Ever

That would be my first run ever...The 40th Stage Coach Run in Jacksonville Oregon.  It was my first official race after my cancer, surgery and treatment.  I felt so accomplished after I crossed that finish line.

Three Words That Describe My Running

Obsession...Accomplished...Empowering...

My Go-To Running Outfit

Compression capri's I got from Old Navy, running bra, new uber berry Reebok flex shoes, and usually a running tank of some kind.

I Won’t Run Outside When It’s…

 Hot and humid as it makes me sick to my stomach and last year I got heat exhaustion from it.

Worst Injury – And How I Got Over It

My pelvic stress fracture I sustained last year while training for my 1st half, which I had to miss.  I took the whole summer off from running and most walking, stayed in bed when needed and pretty much just swam all summer long. I was able to start taking walks sometime in August I think, and then started to run again in November...I am back to normal now!

I Felt Most Like a Badass Runner When…

I completely killed my 1st ever PR by over 4 minutes...I also felt like a Bad Ass my last race (1st race post injury) when I beat my Pr by 28 seconds.

Potential Running Goal for 2013

 To complete my half marathon training without injury and run the race in September.

My Next Race Is…

At this time that would be my half marathon in September, but we runners know this could change in the blink of an eye. 

Now go over and link up with Kelly The Culinarian and have fun with the survey. 

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.

I Is For...Interval Training

Interval training is defined as follows...

1. Training in which a runner alternates between running and jogging over set distances.
2. Training in which an athlete alternates between two activities, typically requiring different speeds, degrees of effort, etc.

I like to alternate between awesomeness and mediocrity personally.  In all seriousness, I try to do interval training almost every run, unless I'm racing. It is easier on my body and at my age you gotta take care of the temple otherwise it rebels on you. Can I get an Amen? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

 

I love that movie! 

Anyhoodles, moving on! Interval training is very beneficial, in that you get the cardio, or high intensity training and then the benefits of rest and recovery.  Rinse and repeat several times and you've got yourself a great workout. Your Online Fitness explains HIIT and other interval training methods for fat loss.

When I personally head out for a run, I like to start off with a 5-10 minute warm up (brisk walk) then I run for 5-10 minutes, (more if I am feeling especially energetic) walk for 3-5 minutes and repeat for as long as I want or am able to.  

• How do you do your Interval Training?
• Do you bike, run, swim or walk?
• If, while out on your walk/run, you spy a rare spotted dingbat in the tree ahead of you, do you turn around and quickly go home or do you stop and chat awhile? 
• Did I make you smile? I was hoping to. 

 Blessings and hugs to y'all! Have a FANTABULOUS 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.

Happy Wednesday...Update...Graduations....Oh My!

Hey all you wonderful people...Just wanted to do a Vlog of my MRI/Injury update and some Graduation talk as well.  I want to thank you for all your encouragement and prayers.  You truly keep me going, and I thank God for supportive friends like 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.

Pelvic Stress Fracture...Indeed!

OMG, it is indeed the worst news I could hope to hear. Not! 

Thank You Google (Not mine)

Seriously, yes it is a pelvic stress fracture, but it can always be so much worse. I have learned this important lesson many times over in my 41 years on this earth. 

I am down for the count, no running for at least 16 weeks and that is being conservative, also no elliptical or stationary bike for at least another 4 weeks.  I am allowed to swim and try the recumbent bike as long as it doesn't cause me any pain.  I am also being ordered to start taking 2000mg of Calcium and Vitamin D asap. When my doctor called he said, "Well Shannon, I've got your MRI results, and it is exactly what you thought it was, where you thought it was". 


I am actually kind of in shock...I was right!

So now it is sinking in to my feeble brain that I am broken and sidelined for the entire summer.  I feel so useless, like running somehow defined me, but I am more than running, I am me.  When I had cancer I also felt defined by it, like I wasn't me anymore, and that everything I did was cancer related, people looked at me and saw the cancer instead of who I really was, me. It was in their eyes, and I could see that it haunted them. I hated seeing that.


Because...

I am a fighter, a survivor, a mom, friend, sister, daughter,  lover, runner, but even more than that I am someone who has dreams.  I dream of becoming a counselor for women, and to use my life experiences to help someone else in their experience or out of it.  I have dreams of traveling to Italy...I'm a dreamer, and a writer of stories that maybe I'll only read, but still I'm a writer...I'm an artist who dreams of painting.  I am not defined by cancer, or my injury or all the little jobs I do.  I am more than all of those things combined and I will prevail and I will come out the other side stronger than ever! 

I am so blessed to have friends like you, and I wanted to say thank you for your warm wishes, and kind thoughts, as well as all of your prayers.  Keep them coming and don't forget me, I will be blogging my way through this injury for sure.

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.

Hello and How Are You Today?

Hey y'all, hope you liked this Vlog, I really just wanted to say hello and let you know how today is going...there really is nothing better than to be able to see your blog friends live and in person...I'm kind of liking the whole idea.  May this post find all of you strong, sexy and seriously having an AMAZING 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" 

© 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.