Last Race of the year!!! Resolution Run 5K - Dec. 28

Today was the Resolution Run 5k. The participants are pictured with this post. Johnna Perry is so creative and she developed the route starting at the Liberty Community Center and in the surrounding neighborhoods. All participants were given a tote bag with the race logo and Johnna's creativity came through again with all the fun activities that were planned during the route and asking all of us to donate $5 to Harversters. On the route we had to answer healthy food questions and add a canned good to our tote bag then at the finish line we got points for how many food questions we answered correctly. Johnna made up challenges for us to do during the race. You had to randomly pick a piece of paper that had a physical challenge on it. My Challenge was to do 20 Front Kicks (10 left and 10 right). Others had things like do 3 cartwheels or do 20 lunges or 30 seconds of jump rope. All the fun things that we did made us forget about how cold and icy and snowy it was out there today. Cold and fun is what I would say about the Resolution Run.

Long Grandchildren Christmas Picture

Nanna Kay asks for us to get a picture from Stephen's Photography every year to be used for photo Christmas cards for Charlie and Kay Long. The Long Grandchildren and ages are Blake Long age 17, Nick Long age 12, Kennadie Kay Long age 10 and Ethan Muir age 5. I can't believe how this picture makes them all look so grown up and tall and like models. Wow! My brother, Paul, and I are so proud of our kids. Merry Christmas!

Long Family Thanksgiving in Bolivar, MO

Ethan and I went to Bolivar for Thanksgiving and stayed with my brother's family. We had fun keeping the kids busy so they would not fight. The kids painted Christmas decorations and we took them to the park to feed the ducks and play. EARLY Friday morning my sister-in-law Brenda and I went to the Black Friday sales in Springfield. We got up at 2:30 am to get in line for our first sale at 4 am. It is a fun tradition that Bren and I love to do. Ethan got to help Uncle Paul put Christmas lights on the house and place the nativity scene on the yard and reindeer on the other part of the yard. Where was Rob? He had to work at the fire station on Thanksgiving and Friday so we hung out with the family while he was working. Hope you had a good Thanksgiving holiday.

Jingle Bell Run team called Cardio Crusaders

Here is a picture of my Cardio Crusaders team from the Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run. The race was on Nov. 23rd at Zona Rosa in North KC, MO. Ethan likes to get to be involved in my races and he always gets to come to the Arthritis Foundation races. My goal of one race a month in 2008 is almost complete just have to do one more race in December.

Rob surprises Sharon with a congrats party!

Wow! I have a terrific husband who planned a surprise party for me to celebrate reaching my goal of finishing the Nike Women's Half maratthon. Ethan even knew about it and didn't even tell me. I think Rob bribed him and said he would buy him a BB gun if he kept the secret. I thought I was going out shopping and to dinner with my friend, Jenn, and instead we walked in to the surprise party full of family and friends. Mostly our fire fighter friends who had supported me and encouraged in my training were there for the party. Rob and I are truly blessed with a wonderful family but also terrific friends.

Random Shots from Nike Weekend

Cathy Cole marathon buddy and Mary Helen and I at Nike Expotique photo booth

Niketown Wall of Fame

The outside wall of the Niketown building was dedicated to all 20,000 mostly women and a few men in the Nike Women's Marathon. All the names of the registered racers were listed in alphabetical order on the pink and white wall. It was a wonderful feeling to see my name on the wall of fame. I think Niketown was my favorite part of the race experience. Nike treated all the ladies like queens. There were 2 and a half floors totally dedicated to Nike Marathon gear. At the Expotique the Nike team gave us manicures, foot massages, chair massages, ipod engraving, running gate analysis, photo booth, wine and cheese and perks from the Union Square stores. Also the day after the race they provided more post race parties and massages. Thanks, NIKE, you are awesome!

KC Divas kept me goin'!

I met lots of people from KC during the race because I put KC Race Babe on the back of my shirt. I met some KC Divas from Praire Village, KS during the marathon. These ladies had a wonderful pace and I kept them in my sights and tried to keep up with them until about Mile 11 or after when I was ready to get the 13.1 mile race overwith. I told Cathy that I had to get that race finished so I ran fast to the finish line and passed the KC Divas on my way to the finish. Does that mean I can be a DIVA too? That might be fun!

Meleah and Mary Helen were my San Fran tour guides on Oct. 17th

Lifelong friends, Mary Helen and Meleah, gave me a tour of the city from the perspective of native San Franciscans and Californians. It was so good to hang out with my friends and see some beautiful places like the Golden Gate bridge from several different views. Also I enjoyed a walk around Meleah's neighborhood called Noe Valley. We were escorted by Meleah and Ray's dog, Gumbo, who knew which neighborhood stores he could visit to get dog treats. Such a friendly neighborhood.
Meleah and her husband,Ray, also cooked a wonderful pasta dinner to help me start my carbo loading for the race. Good friends, Good food, Good wine (so I heard) and Good times. (See pictures of MH with me at bridge, Meleah with me at a beautiful park.)

KC to San Fran Race team

Picture of our race team mostly from Liberty, Missouri. Back row: Johnna (designed our awesome t-shirts), Sondra (hung out with and roomed with me in SF), Mary (sweet lady who always watches out for me), Sara, Lila, Mandy (my trainer, friend and neighbor). Front row: Cathy (daughter of Ken & Marylou Edmondson from Bolivar) and me.

KC Race Babe marathon shirt

I got a customized race shirt at Niketown and added my KC Race Babe name to the back. Because of my shirt, I met several people who were also from Kansas City during the race. This race was very non-competitive and just absolutely fun!

I finished the half marathon!

I finally made it to the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco on Oct. 19th. It was a race course with beautiful scenery like Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz, The presido,Golden Gate bridge, Golden Gate Park and the pacific ocean. Slowly but surely, I finished. I sprinted the last 2 miles to get it over with. At the finish line I was presented a Tiffany & Company blue box containing the finisher neclkace. The necklace was presented by a San Fran Fire fighter dressed in a Tux. This is a picture of me and my cute fire fighter. So excited about meeting my goal and am ready to train for my next half marathon. I'd love to go back to the Nike Women's race next year and hope I can get some of my close friends to train and go with me. Thanks for all your prayers and support to get me to my goal.

Beach pictures of Ethan and Graison

Riu Palace in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

The Muirs were so lucky to have the chance to go on vacation last week. We stayed at a beautiful all-inclusive resort with our friends the Karbowski's. Ethan was happy to share this fun place with his buddy, Graison. I had a terrific time hanging out with Jen. Rob and Kalen were terrific at letting the Mom's read and relax and taking most of their time to play with the boys. Those of you who know me know that taking a vacation from my wireless phone was a BIG deal and I passed the test with flying colors. As you can see in our family picture this was truly a beautiful place. What a wonderful opportunity!

One week before the BIG race!!!!

Oct. 19th is coming up quick. I just spent 5 days with Rob and Ethan and the Karbowski family in a resort in Mexico. I had the pleasure of working out on the beach. Whew! That is tough to run in the sand! My shoes are trashed with lots of sand. I decided that it was easier to go barefoot. Good thing I took my old shoes and not my "marathon shoes." Stay tuned for a few pictures from my vacation week. Keep praying for me and my friends as we travel to and from San Francisco to acheive our goals in the Nike Women's Marathon.

September 5K is Strides 4 Life

My September Race was on Sept. 20th in Liberty. The race was Strides 4 Life to benefit the Liberty Women's Clinic. Strides 4 Life is a fund raising event for the Liberty Women's Clinic which my trainer friend, Mendy Shriver, is passionate about volunteering her time and money to. For more information see the website at http://www.strides4life.com/. Also you can see Mendy's fitness blogs at http://www.mommyfit.blogspot.com/ or http://www.fitbyburn.com/ .

I am pictured at the race with Randa Witmer. I met Randa in Mendy's 5:30 am boot camp class last year. Randa is training this year to run a 1/2 marathon in the KC Marathon in Oct.

My work week workout partner

Gina Palma is my friend and my next door neighbor who wanted me to workout with her. We are getting up and doing 3 miles, 4 days a week at 5 am. It works best with our schedules with our boys. Gina is the mother of Ethan's best buddy, Brayton and also mother of 2 year old, Brent. This is a picture of us at the KC Power and Light District. (I am drinking water but she may not be.)

This workout with Gina fits very well with my marathon training. I am getting my miles in during the week and the long distance training on the weekends. Only one month to go before the marathon in San Francisco!

Quote

The strength of the nation derives from the integrity of the home. - Confucius

Kansas City Race for the Cure Aug. 10th

The KC Race for the Cure was a race I'm so proud to be a part of. Thousands of people were at the race! Mandy, Vicki and I were a part of the Team called "Ta Ta's for now, Ta Ta's for ever". This team was to honor Vicki's sister-in-law who currently has breast cancer. I wore a sign in the race to celebrate 17 cancer free years for my mother, Kay Long. I really think that my family should form a team next year to honor my mom.

Sharon and Rob celebrate 10 years of marriage!

Sharon and Vicki completed 12 miles- July 26th

We completed 12 crazy miles on Saturday. I say crazy because due to schedules we were not able to do the Smithville route with our club so I mapped a route from Pleasant Valley Baptist Church to Benson Place to shopping area around Flintlock and Hwy 152. Vicki had a camelback water pack and set it down in the bushes outside of Benson Place at about 5:45 AM and when we came back out of the subdivision someone had taken it. That was a problem to not have water on a 12 mile route. We walked back to the car and got some money and since Target was on our route we went there to get her some water. It took us a little longer but we did finish the full 12 miles in the heat. Starting at 5:30 am is still not early enough to beat the heat. Next week is 13 miles which will be just like the mileage for the 1/2 marathon. But after you've done 12 miles what one more mile?

Run to the Sun 5K-July 20th completed

I have completed my July 5K race. This one was the Run to the Sun held in the caves under Independence, MO. My friend, Mandy, was ill and could not attend the race with me so my brave and active mom-in-law, Debbie Muir, decided to go in Mandy's place. I was glad to have Momma Muir with me that morning she has been an avid walker for years and this was her first 5K.
Congrats to Debbie for her strong race and finish! 13 minute miles walking are pretty fast. I also wanted to say how lucky I am to have my mother-in-law, Debbie, living with us because I really could not do my early morning endurance training if she was not there to be with Ethan when Rob is working at the fire station. There are many, many other reasons why it is terrific to have her around (and I don't mean for a "babysitter") but I will leave that for other posts and other times. Thanks, Momma Muir! I love you!

10 miles already?

Thanks to support from my walking partner, Vicki, we made it 10 miles on July 12th. I loved the route we did around Cookingham, Hwy 152 and church Rd. area near my neighborhood. I learned a lot on this training day and realize some things I need to be aware of in mile 7 and after the many miles are finished. I also realized I guess I'm not a real marathoner cuz I CANNOT stomach the energy food called GU or any other brands. I just don't like the consistancy. I'll stick with the energy jelly beans and gummies and power bars. I also learned that I need to get some help with a place on my heel that is getting a blister every time I do over 6 miles. Glad I'm learning these things so early in my training. I still have several months to go.

9 miles on July 5th!

Friends, I kept up with my training on Saturday, July 5th and did 9 miles in Bolivar, MO while visiting my family for the holiday weekend. It was my first long training run/walk that I have done alone. I had fun walking all over my hometown and waving at people I knew. After the 9 miles I jumped in a friends' pool to cool off and boy was that a relief! This Saturday, July 12th I am trying to complete 10 miles. I know I can do it. I'm getting closer and closer to the 13.1 half marathon mark that I am striving for.

Summer Sizzler 5K in Overland Park, KS

To stick with my goal of one race a month I did the Summer Sizzler 5K last Saturday, June 28th. It was a night race starting at 9 pm. A few gals and families from my Northland Walking/Running club were there. I rode with Vicki King who has become my faithful training partner on our early Saturday morning training sessions. Johnna Perry and her husband John participated along with Cathy Cole, Cathy's husband and her 11 year old crazy son, Brandon.

In the crowd I also ran into 2 Sprint co-workers, Brad Steil and Jim Leyba. After the race I was standing around with the gals and heard Johnna say, "Hey, Sharon is from Bolivar too." I found out that Cathy Cole is the daughter of Ken and Marylou Edmondson of Bolivar. I have known the Edmondson's all my life from church and they have been neighbors to my parents a couple of times. Because of the age difference between Cathy and I we did not remember each other. Cathy sure looks like her Momma. I'm am grateful for what my exercise goals have brought to my life...lots of new friends who enjoy striving for a healthy life. (Pictured from left to right are Johnna Perry who has lost 125 lbs., Cathy (Edmondson) Cole, Vicki King and me.)

Sharon's temporary insanity and Ethan's new haircut

Well, last night I plead temporary insanity because I let Rob and Ethan choose to give Ethan a mohawk haircut. Ethan has wanted this haircut for a while but somehow I have been able to hold him off. I gave in last night.

Training update

Last week I did 5 miles in my hometown of Bolivar and had a lot of fun waving at friends and family as they drove by me.
It is my week to plan the walk/run for my Nike Women's marathon team. We are going 6 miles on a tour of historic Liberty, MO. We will start at William Jewell Campus and travel a 6 mile loop back to the campus. The team is using mapmyrun.com to plan our training walk/runs. The real kicker is that we are doing this at 6:15 AM on Saturdays! I'll give my survival update after Saturday. See the link below for my route for this week.
Link: http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/mo/liberty/55077723

Pictures from Longs funeral/family reunion

SeePictures of Charlie Long, Linda Gothard, Paula Webb and Tim Long the 4 Long kids. Also see pictures of the 11 granchildren and 19 of the 20 great-grandchildren. Nick Long was at camp.

Nick Long wins @ Kanakuk

In the first week of June, my nephew, Nicholas Long, age 12 went to Kanakuk Christian Sports camp. This camp helps to guide kids in sports and also to guide them to live a Christian life. Nick chose to develop his baseball skills during camp and won the "Mr. Hussle" and "110%" awards. The "110% award" is given to those who have an excellent attitude and give the best effort. The main lesson taught at Kanakuk is to make God first, others second and I'm third. We could all apply the "I'm Third" principle to our lives. So Nick won awards but won more than that...he won a richer relationship with God. Yay, Nick! FYI, my 17 year old nephew, Blake, is at Kanakuk camp this week and 9 year old niece, Kennadie, will go to camp in July.

We will miss Grandma but the family lives through the children

Willa Jean Long (September 1, 1920 - June 1, 2008)

Willa Jean Long, age 87, of Bolivar, Missouri passed away at 7:50am, Sunday, June 1, 2008 at her home after a time of declining health.

She was known by many names...Willa Jean, Mrs. Long, Mother, Mimi, Maw Maw, Grandma Long but no matter what she was called she was always there with a sweet smile, pretty outfit, creative jewelry, delicous meal or a witty story about Grandpa, her 4 children, her 11 grandchildren or one of her 20 great-grandchildren. See picture of Sharon with Grandma Long in Jan. 2008 and see picture of Kyndall Payton who is Great-Grandchild number 20. God Blessed us with wonderful role models in Grandpa Paul and Grandma Willa Jean. I challenge the next generations of the Long's to carry on their shining examples of love and family.

Vacation with NO KIDS!

The last weekend in May, Rob and I had the opportunity to go on a trip to Lake of the Ozarks with our friends Ronnie and Amy Jones. We sent Ethan to Bolivar with Nana and Poppy and Amy's parents came from St. Louis to KC to stay wh Aubrie and Cooper. Amy and I did things like shop at the outlet mall, got a pedicure and did more shopping while Rob and Ronnie played golf. We plan to go back to the lake and take the kids later in the summer.

Sharon and Ethan complete May 17th Arthritis Walk

As many of you know, my goal is to participate in at least one organized race per month. In May, I chose the Arthritis Walk. Ethan has been wanting to go to one of my "races" so this was a perfect one for him. Ethan had fun in the bounce house before and after the walk. Ethan also enjoyed the live music, food and give-a-ways. During the walk Ethan found a long stick and dragged it along the Brookeside Trolley Trail to create what he called a "path for others to follow." See picture of Ethan and the stick. Also see picture of Sharon and Ethan at the walk, Ethan at the finish line and Brad Ziegler, AF president welcoming people at the finish line. Ethan and I raised over $200 for the Arthritis Foundation.

Rob and Sharon together

Hey Guys, here is a rare photo of me with my husband, Rob. We have recently taught Ethan how to take pictures so instead of always having pictures of me with Ethan or Rob with Ethan we might get some photos together for a change. Good photography, Ethan! (This photo was taken at the Royals game in May.)