Going the Distance in Life

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
– St. Paul, 2 Timothy 4:7

Welcome to my corner of the internet where I celebrate the passions that light up my social media feed. Here, you’ll find a vibrant tapestry of my adventures in fitness, travel, and creative pursuits. From exhilarating races to breathtaking destinations, each experience is a chapter in my story. Join me as I explore the beauty of life, capturing moments that inspire and ignite the spirit of adventure in us all.

2022 Chicago Marathon

As I navigate the lively streets of Chinatown at mile 22, the energy of the 2022 Chicago Marathon surrounds me, making every step a memorable part of this incredible journey.

Fulton and Branigan History

My genealogy website dedicated to the Fulton and Branigan families serves as an online hub to document, share, and explore the history of these two interconnected families. The website is designed to present detailed family trees, historical records, and personal stories about your ancestors, providing a valuable resource for both current and future generations.

Rob and Debbie's Adventures

Join us as we explore the hidden gems of the world, from serene coastlines to bustling city streets. Our journey is not just about the destinations but the stories we gather along the way. Discover the flavors of local cuisine, the thrill of new experiences, and the beauty of nature that surrounds us. Every adventure is a chance to learn, connect, and grow. Let us inspire you to turn the pages of your own travel book and create unforgettable memories.

2022 Space Coast Marathon

The 2022 Space Coast Marathon was my last race. I have been running it consecutively since 2012. It is held in Cocoa, Florida on Thanksgiving Weekend. We stay on Cocoa Beach. I love the atmosphere of Cape Canaveral, the beach, cruise port, and the history of space travel.

2022 Chicago Marathon

Personal Record!

Race Stats

Finish Time: 03:40:34
Place Gender: 7012
Place Age Group (50-54): 750
Place Overall: 9403 out of 40,000+

Splits:
5K – 26:11
8K – 40:33
10K – 51:00
Half – 1:46:04
30K – 2:33:14
35K – 3:01:22
40K – 3:29:06
Finish – 03:40:34

My Hobbies

Races

The Space Coast Marathon, held annually in Cocoa, Florida, is a scenic and unique event that captures the beauty of the Space Coast while offering participants an unforgettable race experience. The marathon course follows the Indian River, providing runners with stunning views of the water, wildlife, and occasional glimpses of the Kennedy Space Center. It’s a flat and fast route, making it appealing for both first-time marathoners and seasoned runners looking to set personal records.

Lifting Weights

I began my weightlifting journey in June 2021 with the Fitness Ai app and have achieved significant progress since then, currently following a four-day-a-week Push, Pull, Legs program.

Running

During 2005-2006, I was doing a lot of bike riding with local cycling groups. In the winter when it was below 50 degrees and/or raining, I just couldn’t take it. I started using a program similar to Couch to 5K. My first race was the 2006 Father’s Day 5K and I was hooked. I have completed races up to 100K and DNF’d a 100 mile race at 82 miles.

Drone Photography

Drone photography is the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, equipped with cameras to capture images and videos from unique, high-altitude perspectives. This form of photography offers a bird’s-eye view that was once difficult or expensive to achieve, making it popular in industries such as real estate, landscape photography, filmmaking, agriculture, and tourism. Drones are equipped with advanced stabilization technology, allowing for smooth, high-quality shots even in windy conditions. They also come with features like GPS, automated flight paths, and high-definition cameras, providing both amateur and professional photographers the ability to capture stunning aerial visuals. Drone photography enables new creative possibilities, from sweeping landscape shots to detailed overhead imagery, all while offering greater flexibility and mobility compared to traditional photography methods. However, it requires understanding local regulations, flight safety, and camera settings to ensure both legal compliance and high-quality results.

Do It Yourself (DIY) Projects

DIY home improvement projects have gained immense popularity for their cost-effectiveness and the satisfaction of personal achievement. Among the most rewarding and impactful areas to tackle are projects like adding or updating a fireplace, installing Craftsman-style door frames, upgrading flooring, renovating showers, and smaller decorative or functional touches.