franko,

good day! i had not read any reading materials except for the microchip datasheet. you can have a guide there of what bits you will manipulate. for TIMER1, such bits are T1CON, PIE1.1, PIR1.1, and for interrupts INTCON. you would want to experiment it and discover what you can do. I bet it will be more satisfying. Melanie's olympic timer example is your best guide. I'm sure you can do it.

regards,