I came across this photo of our 2008 run, showing Marium and Barbara as they approached Angels Landing. Zion National Park in the morning, being one with the canyon on this annual run has become a cherished run for all of us. One cannot spend time in Zion National Park at a time like this, seeing the canyon wake up to the new day, enjoy the wildlife, the majesty of Gods creations, not walk away with a wonderment and awe at this beautiful world we live in. Such a walk or run energizes the spirit within.

Saturday morning I attempted my longest run since knee surgery, 12 miles and I made it! It was a slow pace, leaving home at 5:15 a.m. and completing around 8:40 a.m. it felt so good to be able to go that far, again, my pace was slow but right now I am more interested in the distance, if I can make the distance the time will come. I have my fingers crossed for the marathon in Oct, a few more long runs should get me there. Joel

Zion Run 2009

These are some of our photos of the Zion 2009 marathon training run. the 1st as we begin our run that beautiful morning. The 2nd photo is en example of the beauty we enjoyed at every turn as the sun slowly rose to begin another beautiful day in Zion Park. Photo 3 is as I approach view the morning sun hitting Angels Landing. Photo 4 is our annual stop for a photo opp with the Great White Throne, final photo shows us all at the half way point, we had enjoyed a beautiful time enjoying the canyon.

Parents Learn Lessons from their children

I came across this photo of Justin as he was about to head off to one of his first assignments as a pilot for Express Jet. I like to look at this picture because it is a perfect illustration of how parents can learn from their children. Flying was a dream Justin brought home from his mission, as parents we could not see how he would ever achieve that dream. But then because the dream wasn't ours we didn't understand what determination Justin had to accomplish that dream. His wonderful wife Megan was able to grasp the same dream and through many hours of hard work, going to school full time, working full time, commuting 30 + miles each day to work through snow and icey winter roads, Justin was able to accomplish his dream because his dream became the dream of his family. This is a great example of what can be done when two loving parents join in the same dream. Imagine what we could do as individual family units if we had that same drive, that same type of dream about activity in our church, about our committment to our community, about our individual committment to our spouse. Thank you Justin and Megan for sharing not only your dream but sharing what a couple can do when they share the same dream. The lessons learned along the road to accomplishing that dream will bring rewards to you and your family for years to come. Joel

Marium out for an early morning "4:00 a.m." run

We are now in full training mode for the Marathon. I am not running this year due to a recovering knee problem, hopefully next year. Marium is running several mornings each week, one or two more long runs, a 20 mile and 23 run are in the works. It is amazing how you miss something when it is taken away. I really MISS running with our friends Sam and Barbara, I miss running with Marium. For so many years such an activity was crazy to me, again, I had no idea what benefits and enjoyment I would find in such an activity. Marium, Sam and Barbara are running very strong this year. I am sure they will have excellent times for people their age. That is one of the things this is all about, keeping our bodies as healthy as can be as we grow older. There is no question our health is better than it was several years ago when Sam and I decided to do something about our health, so we started walking, one mile, two miles, three and so on. Eventually leading to running a Marathon. It has been a wonderful trip. I look forward with great anticipation in helping with the training for these three wonderful people, I look forward with anticipation as to how they will do this year at the St. George Marathon. Joel

REUNION PHOTO: I was looking at my pictures of the reunion and just had to add this to our blog. One of the great times as a grandparent is the ability to spend one on one time with those very special people, your grandchildren. As we were raising our family we thought no love could be greater than that for your children. Then came the grandkids. As we travel through life experiences teach us there is so much yet to learn. That it is about LOVE. There are certainly different types of love, the same is true with spouses, children and grandchildren. Perhaps it is the feeling as we get older to try and pass onto the next generation some "words of wisdom", or to create some sort of Legacy, your grandchildren influencing that desire. Whatever it is this is certainly a new kind of love. One that is different from that for your spouse, different than for your parents, different than for your children. The one on one time with grandchildren is priceless to a grandparent. Marium is a great example as to taking quality time with her grandchildren. I think this photo says a lot about such experiences. A run together, down Ophir canyon with McCoy! NO better way to spend some time together and share this beautiful experience together we call life. Perhaps this is how we build a true legacy. Perhaps this is how we pass on to the next generation the " Words of Wisdom" from a grandparent. Joel

We had our Kroff family reunion this year again at Ophir canyon. Last year was hot, this year was COLD. We still had a wonderful time, good visits, good food as is apparent here, good hikes, lots of play time for the kids and visit time for the adults. Thank You to Bryan and Jerry for hosting this year. A special Thank You to Eugene and Edith Kroff for starting such a wonderful foundation of Family Values that we all can continue to build on and follow as an example. As we examine all we do in life, work, play, travel to distant places, it seems our real happiness comes from families.

After the conclusion of our camping at Ophir for the Kroff reunion, Marium needed to run 8 miles for her marathon training. McCoy asked if he could run with her, she said SURE, but you need to keep up. McCoy kept up with Grandma Marium for 6 miles!!!, here they are as they came in for some water, I think we have another runner in the family. Marium went on to finish her 8 total miles but was thrilled to have a running companion, especially to enjoy the beauty down Ophir canyon. Way to go Marium!!! Joel

We are finding how important it is to keep healthy as we enter this stage of our lives. In order to continue our annual "Campout with Grandma and Grandpa" at Zion National Park we are realizing the importance of how much our health can determine how much we can enjoy our grandchilden. This years camp out was again a memorable event with dutch oven chicken, hiking snacks and plenty of "junk" food snacks. Thank you to all the parents for entrusting us with your most prized possessions, your children.

A recent event, the Bryce Canyon 1/2 marathon was a great time with the families. Anyone interested in making the an annual event let us know. The weather was great, the run was fun and the company was fantastic. Marium took 2nd in her age division. WOW, she is really a runner now.

Marium and I are now in the blogging world. We will use this format for updates on our activities and conversation about life changing experiences we experience. One of our main areas of focus currently is preperation for the 2009 St. George Marathon. This being the 3rd marathon for Marium, I am bowing out this year due to a knee injury that should be healed for next years marathon. We found the first year we decided to run the marathon it is a family affair and this year is no different. We will update the blog after training runs and activities we feel will be of interest. We look forward to your comments and suggestions as we travel this road of life together. We would like to thank our kids who have blogged before us for paving the way.