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.

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.

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.

C Is For...Circuit Training

Circuit training is the musical chairs of the exercise world.  You move from station to station, doing cardio moves and (hopefully) incorporate resistance training as well, and you do this every 30-60 seconds keeping your heart rate up as you go. A lot of fitness buffs or endurance athletes do this type of conditioning on their off-seasons.

Curves for women use this circuit training in all their locations. You can do circuit training at home, utilizing what you have around you as your "equipment".  For example, if you do not have hand weights you could use soup cans that weigh between 2-5 lbs for your resistance work...(big soup cans).  For your cardio circuits you could include jumping jacks, high knees, mountain climbers, bur-pees, and squat jumps. For the resistance part of your circuit you could do push-ups, bicep curls, lunges, chair dips, pull ups etc.  Whatever works for you! You want to have approximately 5 cardio/aerobic circuits and 5 resistance circuits. You want to include this type of exercise at least 2-3x a week. (If ya like that kind of stuff)

I personally love to do this at home with the kids. It's a fun way to exercise together and it makes the time go by faster.  Of course, I'm a runner so when I'm not cross-training I'm running (I dream about running). The weather has warmed up and every other day you will find me out in the sunshine running with a big smile on my face, training for my half marathon in September. Blessings and hugs...thanks for stopping by friends.  

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.

Coffee, Shin Splints and Life In General

 Coffee √ Shin Splints √ Life In General..In Process!

Life is good as usual.  I have much to be thankful for, and little to complain about.  Shin splints in the grand scheme of life are really nothing big.  I think I have found the problem, the school track I've been running on is very lumpy and uneven so I am going to stop running on that track asap and find another with less lumpiness and more evenness. (Not a very grammatical sentence, I know)

I'm getting more running in (even with sore shins) and working my way back up in mileage.  May not be a good thing, I know.  I have been wrapping my shins at home with ace bandages, the compression is a miracle worker.  I also wear my compression soccer socks and they are helping as well. The shins feel great-ish, not perfect but better by far.  The 5k is not until April 13th so I have plenty time if I need to take some training time off. I am running slowly and very carefully but I do stop if it hurts.

In other news, my son's ortho appointment is getting closer and he is restless waiting for it.  Not being able to weight lift affected his grade in Weight lifting class (although he can make it up) and he's not happy about that at all. He's 15, he'll get over it. 

The 17 year old is doing great, his father is trying to teach him to drive the old truck (1969 Ford) which has a very long and awkward stick shifter that does not shift normal, lucky hubby right! 

My 12 year old daughter is...well...a 12 year old, love her hate the age, it is full of hormonal angst and whatnot. She is beautiful, tall, slim...funny as the day is long, creative, and sweet....just sooooo not a morning person. She can make or break my day, anyone out there feel my pain? Ha ha ha!

The other day my hubby and 17 year old son replaced the screen on my screen door for me (I've only been asking for 2 years, lol) and fixed both gate doors outside (they close and latch now) woohoo! 

Exercise for me has been a little running, biking (at the gym) and the Arc trainer...I have also been running my two little wiener dogs (mini-wiener dogs mixed with short leg jack-russell terrier) around the yard outside to get them used to being out "there".  They have always been inside dogs and the outside is a brand new and exciting endeavor for them both.  That's about all I have to say, my life isn't that exciting. Have a great week y'all...blessings and hugs! Anyone racing or traveling? Tell me all about it.

ANNIE

WEENIE

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.

My Week In Review...So Far

 Good morning y'all.  This week has been a great one...so far.  I have been working out most every day doing cycle/spin class with my workout buddy, ARC training, jogging on my mini-trampoline and resistance bands.  

Monday 
*Jogging in place-31 minutes for 311 calories

Tuesday
*ARC Trainer-28 minutes Cycle 35 minutes=total 760 calories

Wednesday
*Cycle/Spin Class 75 minutes for 943 calories

Thursday
*Resistance bands 20 minutes for 112 calories

I will be doing yet another spin class tonight with my friend.  Does anyone else love cycle/spin class, or is it just me? It's a great workout.  

Anyhoo, lately I have been having issues with body image distortion...anyone, anyone?  Ha, ha it's okay to laugh but seriously...I work out most days of the week, hard..yet I, personally, can't really see what it is doing.  I feel great, people say I look great, but I cannot for the life of me see it.   I think it has to do with my age (I will be 42 in a few short months) and the fact that I am still not running...it seems like since the injury in May any little weight (water prob) ends up in my midsection...ugh! 

I am going to assume that this is age related...ha ha ha, and also due to a couple other facts.

Fact 1- I don't drink enough water. (I'm changing that)
Fact 2- I love food, and not necessarily the good stuff.
*End of Rant*

Alrighty then, these adorable little pots are lip gloss that my daughter and I made this past weekend.  What a fun project...now if I could sell them I'd be a happy girl. I have been thinking of making some home made beauty projects but can't seem to get really motivated.  Any suggestions? I think part of my hesitation is fear based.  Fear that no one will want to buy my products.  I am also going to make some cracked marble necklaces that I will be trying to sell, and I think I will probably have more luck with that endeavor. Here is a picture of what they look like.

(Not my website, just an image off Google)

I am a pretty crafty person, and I have made a lot of awesome items, I just really haven't been motivated to try to sell any.  I am going to do my best to get out there and put my items on display...maybe I'll try Ebay or Craigslist. If any of y'all are interested just let me know, I'll take custom orders...but please don't feel obligated, I'll love ya no matter what.

Please have a safe and fun weekend.  Let me know how your doing and what you've been up to. 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" 

© 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.

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.

Sidelined Due To Injury...

I am not even sure I am ready to talk about this yet but feel I should write my thoughts down for posterity sake. 

My 16 year old son and I were on a 10 mile training run last Wednesday and things were actually going pretty good, when I started to have a nagging pain in my pelvic structure.  (At this point I should have walked home)The pain wasn't unbearable and being a runner who has dealt with aches and pains before, I just ran through it, stupid, I know, but a fact none the less. 

By the time we were less than a mile from home, my son and I decided we should do some high intensity cardio so we raced home, he ran all the way but I ended up having to walk the last three tenths of a mile home, limping badly I might add.  I could hardly put any weight on my right leg as it hurt to do so.  

We got inside and I immediately sat down and put my legs up for a few minutes to see if that would help.  Needless to say, it did not, when I got up I could hardly walk without limping and wincing in pain. After taking a shower and getting dressed I took stock of the pain etc and went straight to the computer to research what it could be. 

(Anyone who knows me will tell you that when something is wrong with me or someone I love, I research the hell out of it, it's just my thing.  I like to know everything there is to know about an illness or injury so that I know what I'm dealing with and how to best deal with it and eventually overcome it.  Research is my hobby, and reading about what my body is going through as a runner has been extremely helpful, it's how I cope.)

After poking and prodding around trying to identify if it was muscle, tendon or bone pain, I felt around to see if there was a sore point on the pelvic bones themselves or the muscle and tendons around them. I found one very sore spot on the inferior pubic ramus or the right side looped pubic bone that lies where the leg, butt and pelvis meet the body between the legs.  I then pulled up several pictures of the pelvic structure and found out what those bones looked like and what they were called exactly.

Fractured Inferior Pubic Ramus (not mine)

Then I took my research even further and looked up everything I could find on forums etc about pelvic stress fractures in runners.  Surprisingly everything I read was spot on what I am feeling and the pain I am dealing with.  Five days later I have no muscle or tendon soreness at all, just bone pain at the inferior pubic ramus bone on the right side.  I have no relief at all unless I am staying still, but even then there is a constant deep ache and pain has started to radiate down into my legs.

As I learn more I will share that with you. At this time I am just so sad to learn that all I have been training for has just been wiped out just like that. My entire summer has just been rewritten and a new play is in the works...ugh, I'm not sure I want to have to deal with this but I don't actually have any other choice but to buck up and recover like the warrior I have become.  If I can overcome cancer I can do this! I hope all of you stick with me, because I am not going anywhere and I plan on running again as soon as I am physically able to.   

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.

Half-Marathon Training Week...8

Sunday-Rest Day.

Monday-Ran 3 miles, biked 10 miles for a total of 75 minutes. I was going to run a few more miles but decided to go to my gym (YMCA) and get some biking done!

Tuesday-CT Day. 30 minutes of Crunch, Boot Camp Training. This was actually a lot of fun and I was able to keep up with everything, by the end I had worked up quite a sweat.  There was a lot of weights involved as well as pushups, jumping jacks, plank type moves, etc.

Wednesday-Ran 10 miles with my son who is training for the half-marathon in September. 113 minutes total time. Run was great, up until about the last mile or so...intense pain in pelvic region...hardly able to walk at all.  Not sure, but I think it may be a stress fracture of the inferior or superior pubic ramus.  I will post more on this as I get more information/diagnosis.  I am sad and frustrated that this has happened just when I was really getting into the training plan and double digit runs.  My whole life/summer has now changed in ways I don't even want to think about.

Thursday-unable to walk or put weight on right leg as it hurts the pelvic bone.

Friday-injured...pain constant, and now radiating down my legs.

Saturday-injured...

Miles Ran/Biked/Walked=23
Minutes Ran/Biked/Walked=188 

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.

Half-Marathon Training Week...7

Sunday-Rest Day. IT band bothering me on right leg.  Not as bad as the last time I dealt with this pain on my left side, so that is good.  Had a great Mother's Day, my mama came over and we enjoyed a movie (Dark Shadows) and a little dinner at Wendy's.

Monday-Rest Day. Still having a bit of IT pain, so taking it easy for one more day.

Tuesday-Ran 3 miles this morning and another 2+ this evening.  58 minutes.  Decided to wear my new pink socks today and I actually liked how my legs felt with them on.  They (the socks, not my legs) have a bit of stretch/compression to them so it was a nice feeling.

My New Favorite Socks

Wednesday-Rest Day? I may take a walk with a friend/co-worker later today, and then maybe a run later tonight when it cools down. We shall see....

Well, I did do an hour of walking with my friend tonight on a local trail through our All Sports Park...3.47 miles.  The wind was blowing and the sun was out...beautiful but warm.  This was the first time I have ever been on the trails (except for when I raced on them last weekend) and we discovered some beautiful water fountains, the geese that stay here year round and a lot of beautiful nature (trees, creeks, birds).

Thursday-No run last night but ran 10 miles this morning with my new hydration back pack...loved it! 1hr 45minutes 13 seconds...it was absolutely beautiful weather to run in, a little overcast and a tad breezy but not cold...perfect!  Having some pain in my left foot but not bad enough to stop running, it is just a niggle of pain here and there.  This last week I was having a strange pain at the 5th metatarsal bone but it came and went very quickly at odd times.

Friday-Cross Train Day. Walked approximately 5miles and 160 minutes. My daughter and I walked all over our town and took pictures of the Art Bears that are placed all over the main streets every year. Here are just a few of them. I do so love my town, they do this every year when it gets warm, but this is the first time I have done a walking tour with Miss Molly and taken pictures.  

By the time we started home my sore foot was really bothering me every time I stepped down and lifted off of it.  I am hoping it is not a stress fracture of the 5th metatarsal bone, which I hear is a most common fracture for a runner.

Molly w/abstract art bear

Artistic bear

Love this Autumn Themed Bear

Gold Nugget Bear (look in mouth)

Saturday-Rest Day. I pretty much rested all day with my foot up.  I did go to Old Navy and get some summer flip flops and a pair of compression running shorts (score!) and then to my Niece's Bridal Shower, where I won a candle and ate some delicious cake!

Miles Ran or Walked=23.47
Minutes Ran or Walked=383
 

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.

Half-Marathon Training...Week 5 (last weeks post)

Ms. M

Sunday-Long (20 mile) bike ride with Miss Molly.  100 minutes.  Had a great time just riding around my neighborhood and enjoying time with little miss.  She actually isn't that little, she will be 12 come July...but she is still my little miss.  Once again I got sunburned...when will I learn to put more sunscreen on?  I guess the stuff I have is just not strong enough...and then there is the little ditty of how pale I am...that doesn't exactly help matters.

Monday-3 mile run.  30 minutes. Easy run, really just wanted to take it easy.  Glad that I did.

Tuesday-4.2 mile run/walk.  60 minutes.   I took Miss M. around the block (.6 miles) a few times getting her used to running, I am taking her through the C25K program, or at least a loose version of it.    This morning I did do some cross training/hip strengthening exercises.  I did some squats, squat jumps, hip bridges, donkey kicks, fire hydrants, and some push ups.

Totally wrung out

Wednesday-1.4 mile walk.  20 minutes.  Easy cross training/rest day.  


Thursday-11.5 mile bike.  57 minutes.  I decided to do an extreme ride on the Expresso Bike at my local YMCA.  This was a very hard ride, there were a lot of hills and quite a bit of sweating going on. The ride is a new one called Lost Valley and I burned approximately 553 calories.  I earned my double centurion award for 200 miles ridden since joining sometime in February 2012.  This was the message that came with my award posting to Facebook. (To achieve Double Centurion, Shannon rode the Expresso Bike for total 16:02:51 and burned 7,442 calories.)  My next award is at 500 miles.

Friday-Rest Day

Saturday-Rest Day

Miles Run, Biked and walked this week=40.1 

Minutes=267

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.

Half-Marathon Training...Week 4

Sunday-Ran 6 miles...77 minutes.  This was a hard run.  It was very hot...about 82 or so outside, sun was still a bit too high in the sky for me and I ended up overheated and sunburned once again.  So it was into the ice bath for me.

Monday--Rest day.  Well it seems I really irritated my ankle from my run yesterday.  Every time I step down and then lift up my foot, there is significant pain.  Ugh!

Tuesday--Another Rest day.  Still a lot of pain in ankle...when will these little injuries stop coming my way?

Wednesday--Biked 13.7 miles...62 minutes.  Rode the Expresso Bikes at the YMCA today...so much fun.  These are quite a workout, and with so many routes you really can't get too bored.

Thursday--Rest Day.  Still cannot run but that is perfectly okay, I have a ways to go until the half in September.  I can afford to rest up this early in the plan.

Friday--Another Rest Day.  Cleaned my friends house, does that count as a workout?  Why yes it does, after all it's upstairs and downstairs.

Saturday--Ran 8 miles...97 minutes.  This was a great run, the weather couldn't have been more perfect and I took it easy most of the way.  I wanted this to be a relaxed and easy long run and it was just that.  There was a slight wind and the temp was about 61 degrees. Perfecto! As soon as I was home from this run I got showered, dressed and I immediately massaged my legs with lotion and the massage wand...needless to say, my legs feel pretty good.

Miles Ran-14 miles, 174 minutes total.

Miles Biked-13.7 miles, 62 minutes total.
       
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.

Foodie Questions

This is an interesting game from Darlene at My First 5k and more... I thought it would be fun.  Play along with me if you'd like. Just copy the questions and make your own post, and link back to me.

A: is for Apple, what’s your favorite variety?
Pink Lady apples...they are both sweet and tart.

B: is for Bread, regardless of nutrition, calories, or whole grains what is your favorite type to have a nice big piece of?
I love whole grain breads like "Columbia River" from Franz.
C: is for Cereal what is your favorite kind currently (just one!)
I currently love, love, love, "Cinnamon Crunch", but also love the hot cereal Maypo Meal.
D: is for Doughnuts, you might not currently be eating them but what kind do you fancy?
Raspberry jelly filled glazed...or maple bars.
E: is for Eggs, how would you like yours prepared?
Hard boiled or scrambled.
F: is for Fat Free, what is your favorite fat free product?
Pretzels...or a fat free carburator from Dutch Bros.
G: is for Groceries, where do you purchase yours at?Walmart, or Fred Meyer, and love our Farmer's Market.
H: is for Hot Beverages, what is your favorite hot drink?
Coffee for sure.

I: is for Ice Cream, pick a favorite flavor and add a fun topping.

Coffee flavored, or mint chocolate chip...topped with light whipped cream.
J: is for Jams or Jellies, do you eat them, and if so what kind and flavor?
Raspberry or Strawberry.
K: is for Kashi, name your favorite Kashi product?
Kashi go-lean bars.
L: is for Lunch, what was yours today?
Subway chicken teriyaki 6 inch with sweet onion sauce, baked Doritos and Diet Coke.
M: is for microwave, what is your favorite microwave meal/snack?
Lean cuisine meal.
N: is for nutrients, do you likes carbs, fats, or proteins best?
Carbohydrates for sure, plus being a runner, I need them.
O: is for oil, what kind do you like to use?
Canola oil.
P: is for protein, how do you get yours?
I eat meat...peanut butter...eggs.
Q: is for Quaker, how do you like your oats?
In a home made granola bar.
R: is for roasting, what is your favorite thing to roast?
Roast Beef.
S: is for sandwich, what’s your favorite kind?
Chicken teriyaki 6 inch from Subway. A bagel with tuna and cream cheese.
T: is for travel, how do you handle eating while traveling?
When I do travel I try to just keep it simple, but try not to be too restrictive.
U: is for unique, what is one of your weirdest food combos?
I like pretzels with cream cheese...but that's not too weird.

V: is for vitamins, what kind do you take?

Gummies.
W: is for wasabi, yay or nay?
Nay!
X: is for XRAY. if we x-rayed your belly right now, what food would we see?
A 3 Musketeers bar
Y: is for youth, what food reminds you of your childhood?
Tacos. We had them all the time, and I still love home made ones.
Z: is for zucchini, how do you prepare it?
Zucchini bread, home made, of course.


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.