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The time has gotten away, but still running!

Marian December 19th, 2010

A few weeks ago, when the mercury began dipping, I decided I needed to do my running on the treadmill… It’s been working, but after 3.5 miles I get incredibly bored even with my music and keeping my visual field busy with the TV on.

So, I decided after last Thursday’s treadmill workout to move back outside and learn to deal with the cold.Rudolph Run 2010

Yesterday, I got up and ran my 2nd Rudolph Run. Last year’s was my very first 5K, and it was spitting rain the whole time. This year, no rain but it was cold and I bettered all of my times thus far. 36:59 (OFFICIALLY) and 36:54 according to my Garmin. My Nike+ gives a different time, but that includes walking through the chute and grabbing some water before I stopped it!


I have only one more race scheduled and that is the Terrame New Year’s Eve Midnight Run. It should be fun, and I know several who will be taking part. It’s supposed to be the biggest party in Huntsville since the Bicentennial.

This week, though…. I have decided to start my Half Marathon training for the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon.OKC-MemMarathon-logo

I hope to be doing it with my Sister-in-Law and possibly a nephew or cousin… The added bonus for me is that the route goes right by my childhood home, so we will be having a party at the house while we are out running! I can’t wait… My house is only about a mile from the site of the Oklahoma City Memorial and I have fond memories of riding my bike around the area where the Murrah Building stood as a kid.  Bittersweet in many ways, but a nice way to take part in something in my home town.

Well, training begins tomorrow. have a great week. The trick is always to keep things moving during the holidays!

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A Running Day … 7 December 2010

Marian December 7th, 2010

I started out a few months ago working through the Couch to 5K program. I am working myself back up after having Pneumonia in late July through August. It was 28 September when I restarted my program of going to the gym regularly and either riding my bike and back to running as well. I have since switched to the Couch to 10K program and completed Week 7.3 today.

Today I ran on the treadmill for 1:04:16 and covered 4.76 miles. Then did a few weights and abs along with stretches.

My long term goal is to run a Half Marathon in early May. The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon.

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Milestones…

Marian May 30th, 2010

This has been a week of chalking hings off of the “Bucket List”.

Let me preface by saying.. A year ago, I began a personal journey. I was looking at a milestone birthday, and the fact that I also have a disabled child that would more than likely be with me for the rest of my life. I was also at the heaviest weight I had ever been. So, I made a decision that something had to be done, and I was the one that had to do it…

My Bikes
My Trek Bikes

I joined a brand new gym, started watching the food I ate. Now, mind you, I didn’t not eat certain foods, I simply began watching my portions. I did everything I could to to make it as fun as possible, and made it to the gym 6 days a week at first. I walked around my neighborhood at first to kick start my cardio routine to get used to working out.

Now, the other thing is to say, I began my journey at Thanksgiving and went through the Christmas Holidays… But, by New Years I had lost 11 lbs. By June I had lost about 30+ lbs. In January of 2010, I had lost 65 lbs.

The Reward

The Reward

During the summer 2009, after a lot of physical therapy for injuries related to my workouts, and my determination not to stop what I was doing, I started riding my bike. We live in an area that also has a State Park with a great system of trails and roads all around us,  all suitable for cycling. So, at first I would just start riding a few miles here and there. Eventually that increased to 12 & 15 and eventually 20+ mile rides.

This week, I reached a milestone in and ticked something off of my “Bucket List” that I have wanted to do for several months. I rode down our mountain with a friend and then made the return back up the mountain. 5 miles, all up hill… I had one place where I had to stop, and walk for about 5 minutes, just to catch my breath… But, that done, I got back on and rode the rest of the way up…  The picture at the right was the reward once I reached the top of the mountain and the Scenic Overlook in Monte Sano State Park.

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Back to the Traditional Post

Marian June 10th, 2008

For the past several months I have treated this area as a Photo Journal… But, recently decided to change back to a more traditional Journal page! I still continue to Photo Journal, you can get there by clicking here. 

Things have been a little chaotic since the 22nd, when school ended for the year. I spent a good bit of the time building a swing for Roy… It is more than just a yard toy. I designed it to allow him to grow into it, rather than outgrow the swing. It's constructed out of 5 4x4s, 2 2x6s, 2 2x4s, and several carriage bolts, and swing hardware. It will allow 2 adults to simultaneously swing… and the cross board doesn't bow….It has been in use for a few weeks, and it has already made a huge difference in Roy's sensory needs.

He is already packing for our trip to Colorado. What a time of year to go to the desert!

We have learned something in our preparations for the trip, actually, we were reminded of something we already knew. People with disabilities,   get into National Parks for life for free. You have to present National Park folks with a letter from a Doctor stating the disability.

More to come later…. 

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New Yard Decor

Marian November 26th, 2007

IMG_0950

We've decided to spruce up the yard.
You have to admit, it is a bit more of a conversation piece than a Garden Gnome!

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A Change….

Marian November 21st, 2007

CRW_9942
Maple Hill Cemetery
Huntsville, AL 17 November 2008

 A PHOTO BLOG

I have decided to convert my blog into a Photo Blog. I have opinions on a variety of subjects, but am not the best at conveying the thoughts that I formulate into the written word.

So here is my first installment.
To see more of my photos click the link on the right.  

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We’re Baaaack

Marian October 27th, 2007

Well, after a few days of down time, I have revamped this site.screenshot-tiggerboy My photo galleries have been changed so I have a little more control over content, size and use.

Autumn has finally arrived in North Alabama, so as the colours begin to change, I hope to get out and take some interesting photographs….

We recently returned from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, where we sat for a few days in the clouds… On one afternoon, we were able to get out in an abbreviated photo safari.

I will be putting  some of the pictures up in my gallery later today!

Cheers for now!

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