One (Is the Loneliest Number)

 Have I told you about my love-hate relationship I have with Mother Nature? Well, there I said it. I love Mother Nature on days when it's beautiful and sunny. Heck, I ever love her when it's dark and cloudy. However, I DO NOT like her AT ALL when she interferes with my plans.


   As a television/news producer, my issues with Mother Nature go way back. I remember the time,  just as I was starting out in this business, when that  I "accidentally" closed down a school system during a r snow storm because we were overloaded with them and I hit the wrong button (you're welcome, kids).  I remember last year's "throw-down" with Mother Nature when we had storm after storm after storm and how so many people were affected by hail damage, flooding, trees down, no power.

In short:  Mother Nature is needy and volatile. She does not take into account how hard you've worked or how important something is to you,  she wants what she wants when she wants it  and what she wants, is to show that she is in control.   Let's face it, the gal's got issues.

 So Friday night, I was pumped about walking Saturday for 7 miles. I did everything I was supposed to do:  I had a good dinner, I went to bed early, I got up ON TIME. Sadly, this was all for nothing. Our Saturday morning training was not to happen because of thunder and lighting. No walks with my team, no "therapy" session, no trying to keep up with Coach Missy, no... nothing. I was going to have to go it alone.

 The day wasn't completely bad. My long-time friend Lorri and I had a fun "girl day" and did some serious walking at the mall. We also walked around the Fountain City Duck Pond and we also went to lunch.

   A lot of my team-mates decided to go walking on Saturday afternoon either at the gym or when it finally quit raining. Since I was having a girl day, I decided to walk the 7 miles on Sunday.

Some of my team mates were going to get together (on Sunday) and run in downtown Knoxville along the course we are to take on April 1. I was going to actually do that but at the last minute I decided to get my miles in out here in the Halls/Powell area at Tommy Schumpert park.

 I have to admit, I was a bit lonely walking that greenway. But, it gave me some "quiet time" to soak in some of my thoughts to pray and  do some serious people watching. I increased my pace several times during my walk/swung my arms like crazy and when it was all said and done, I was was very happy and proud to finish those 7 miles.
  I say this a lot but if you haven't had the chance to get out and enjoy Greenways in Knox County, do it. Don't let the cold/winter weather stop you. It's really worth it to get out and about. Just be sure to bring along an umbrella or poncho...because you never know with our weather.

On to other news..

This week, Live at Five at 4 has been fortunate to bring our viewers two amazing stories about two incredible individuals (one human, the other non-human).

On Wednesday, my co-worker told the story of Mabel. Late last year, Mabel a 67 pound beagle that was surrendered by her owner and brought to a local animal shelter. They, in turn, called the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. It's been said that Mabel was the fattest dog that they've ever seen. Mable was put in their "Fat Camp" program and is now being raised by a Vet School employee who put her on a strict diet and exercise routine. Because it's easier on her joints, Mabel walks on an underwater treadmill and has recently had torn ACL ligaments.

 First, Mabel is ADORABLE!! But, it's really pitiful to see her walk because she's so heavy.  You can read and watch John's story here. You can also follow Mabel through her own personal "Biggest Winner Weight Loss Challenge" on her Facebook page. You won't regret meeting Mabel.

 On Thursday, we brought you a story on one of my team mates, Edee, and her trip to Beech Mountain to be part of an Adaptive Ski Clinic. Edee is a  wonderful and inspiring person who is planning to hand cycle the 1/ 2 marathon on April 1.   You can learn more about Edee's clinic here and learn more about her by visiting our Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Biggest Winner Weight loss Challenge website and our Facebook page.

Also on Thursday, we had our third strength training with trainer/life coach Chris at Fort Sanders Health & Fitness Center. This time, we were all together for the training. We were back to planking and the stability ball but this time, instead of going to individual machines for the weights..we took the hand weights and used the stability ball in a number of ways.  I'm so glad we were able to all be in the same area working together on this. Randy kept us laughing with his "moves like Jagger" and Amanda and I kept each other giggling as we tried to "gracefully" move about.

 All in all, it was a pretty interesting week..here's wishing all of you plenty of sunshine on your walks or runs.