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I have written for years with my Dixon Ticonderoga in my Moleskin journal. I was motivated to create an online blog almost ten years. Much has changed in my life since starting this blog. Back then I worked at the Barn and now I am a multi-Ironman triathlete, adventure seeker & former camp director. GraphiteFree is for fun, nostalgia and to honor my favorite yellow pencil.
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Author Archives: Ruth Marie Oliver
Kona Race Report
I don’t typically write race reports, but when you are on the most storied course in triathlon you should. This race is filled with history, tradition, and amazing feats of endurance. I was that kid who saw ABC’s Wide World … Continue reading
Twelve…
Twelve is like a symbolic number. Jesus had twelve disciples, there are twelve months in a year, twelve eggs in a dozen, twelve inches in a foot, and twelve days of Christmas just to name a few things that make twelve … Continue reading
Posted in Etc.
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Not a Mediocre Dog
A few years back I lectured a group of Mach III – 12 Day students about the importance of not settling for sloppy bunks during bay inspection. I told them if they would accept average bed making they would continue … Continue reading
Posted in Etc.
Tagged Aviation Challenge, Camp, Cha-La-Kee, Dog, Family, Jack Russell, Pets
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Focus
I have had the opportunity to meet some pretty incredible people in my life. I’ve meet Senate Majority Leaders, Grammy winners, Astronauts, Gold Medal Olympians, National Teachers of the Year and more… To achieve at the highest level, you must have … Continue reading
A Dixon Ticonderoga Adventure
Many great memories are attached to a Dixon Ticonderoga NO. 2 pencil. From my mom trying to make me a swell speller by writing words thousands of times to teaching hundreds of Space Camp staff how to give a presentation … Continue reading
Posted in Pencils
Tagged Adventure, Dixon Ticonderoga, Florida, Norman Rockwell, Pencils
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Hound Dog
Don’t let a story of a cute hound dog fool you, the Hound Dog Half Marathon is a tough race. To be fair, the half marathon course is more down hill than up hill. The course is adorned with beautiful … Continue reading
Posted in Triathlon & Other Events
Tagged blood hound, half marathon, Running
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Mountain Mist
Endurance is defined as, “the fact or power of enduring an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way”. This past weekend, I completed Mountain Mist 50K. I have heard competitors say it is the hardest event they have … Continue reading
Posted in Triathlon & Other Events
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Mental Toughness
The year 2016 was hard for a lot of people. With the presidential election, social protest and the loss of so many A-list celebrities I don’t think I can say anything new about 2016 being difficult. However, as I review … Continue reading
Another Ironman
When I signed up for both Ironman Chattanooga & Ironman Florida I had every intention on spending a majority of my time training so I could be at the top of my game for both events. That wasn’t the case, … Continue reading
Posted in Triathlon & Other Events
Tagged Adventure, Blog, Ironman, Triathlon
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Ironman Chatty Take 2
At first, when sitting down to write my obligatory race report, I couldn’t put words down on paper. I was not only physically exhausted but mentally exhausted. The whole year leading up to Ironman Chattanooga was an exercise of endurance, … Continue reading
Posted in Triathlon & Other Events
Tagged Camp, Chattanooga, Ironman, Triathlon
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Lots of Miles and More
January has always been a very busy month for me. January 2016 was different in many ways. However, I still did a lot during the month. I ran five races and volunteered at two other races. This compared to never … Continue reading
Posted in Adventures
Tagged Dopey Challenge, Huntsville, trail running
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