Good & Healthy - Roasted Garlic

My favorite dish - this little garlic shaped Le Creuset garlic roaster that I have had for a few years. Steve & I love roasted garlic and as you can imagine it is best to eat garlic with your friends & family & not by yourself. : )

Testing out different recipes I found that using 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and 1/2 cup of water makes the sweetest, tastiest garlic ever! season with a little pepper and you are good to go! Eat alone with your meal as an appetizer or with some french bread and olive oil right from the roaster! : )

Yummm!

Mountain Racing Summer?

OK - I am having a difficult time committing to racing this year for some reason. I just got back from the doctor and between health issues and the unknown, I am just "on the fence" and need that energy bus more than ever!

So I am here waiting for Steve to come home from the gym and searching Cool Running for a local race, and those old favorites that may fit into the calendar for the season. I definitely need something, another goal, another race .... so these are my thoughts so far....

2008 La Sportiva USATF NEW ENGLAND


The 2008 LaSportiva USATF New England Mountain Running Circuit is the 13th annual series promoting competition in New England Mountain Running and encouraging the running community "to support the sport" by becoming a USATF member. The circuit consists of six races, with runners' points scored from their best five races. The Northfield Mountain race repeats as the USATF-NE Trail Championship, and the Loon Mountain Race serves as the NE Mountain Championship.

Most events in the circuit take place on the same weekend each year, but there may be changes in dates and times. Regretably there are always going to be conflicts with other running events and running series. Entry forms and results are posted here when available.

The 2008 series:

Series Overview, course descriptions, profiles, and color pix at the La Sportiva site
May 24 - Wachusett Mountain, Princeton MA, 4.3 miles, 9:30 a.m.

June 1 - Pack Monadnock, Wilton to Temple NH, 10 Mile, 9:00 a.m.

June 7 - Northfield Mountain Run, Northfield MA, 9:00 a.m.
USATF-NE Trail Running Champs. 10.3Km (6.4 miles)

June 29 - Cranmore Hill Climb - North Conway NH, 10K men and women.
USATF and USATF-NE Mountain Running Championship
Multi-loop up-and-down. 21st annual. Sponsored by Inov-8.

July 6 - Loon Mountain Race NH, 12 km (all uphill).
C
July 12 - Mt.Ascutney Run to the Summit, Windsor VT, 3.8 mile, 9:30 a.m.

The cool thing about the series is that if indeed I can work in all 6 races then I get a "bypass" of the lottery for the Mt. Washington Road Race. So I looked more and this is the "grand daddy of them all for mountain races" - The US Mountain Running Championships. Sounds like a great goal for me. Whadyathink?

My issues are with schedule in June and July thinking about trips to Oregon and California - so we shall see. Otherwise I will at least get a taste....

Other Races???
Big Lake 1/2 - my buddy Tina is planning this one - - could be a great family trip! registration closes May 4!
Timberman - just because I did so well and it really was great, or do I try the new 70.3 in Rhode Island?
October 4 - Applefest 1/2 marathon, Hollis, NH
October 19 - Nike Woman's Marathon, San Fransisco, CA

That is my plate so far... I didn't want to over due it but... well I need a push, some inspiration and some more goals, new goals... gives me new life!

You are divine!

My goddess bowl. My very cool skiing and bike riding friend Stephanie, who now lives in Hopkinton with her very cool skiing, bike riding husband and 2 gorgeous girls got me this bowl for Christmas one year... I used to take portraits of her girls and they are so photogenic! It was a joy to be with them every time, especially the 2 year old's party at the Chinese place in Bow. Very fond memories in deed. Well it is this bowl that I get my inspiration with breakfast in the morning. Cereal is my all time favorite food, I could eat it 3 meals a day! So this morning I thought it was worth a blog post - - my "goddess" bowl I call it... we have salsa in it once in a while, but mostly my cereal and when I eat to the bottom - I get the message. Positive inspiration - the energy bus - finding it everywhere - - look here in future posts for more! The makers of this COOL AWESOME bowl? Our name is MUDD. Cool eh?

Speaking of mudd - I ran the trails again this morning - thinking of racing Xterra and trail runs this summer... I will need to take some time to search. But it is fun navigating through the rocks and the mud. Although in the rain Oakley comes out a muddy mess & the shower begs for me completely covered in mud when I arrive home! FUN!

New Orleans Bread Pudding from Suzanne

Preheat oven to 350
Butter 13" x 9" pan

Break 1 loaf day old french bread into chunks.
Pour 4 C. milk over bread
Break up bread until all milk is absorbed
Beat 3 eggs and 1 cup of sugar until smooth
Stir in 1/2 cup raisins, 2 Tablespoons vanilla, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Pour over bread and combine
Pour into pan and place pan into a larger pan filled with 1" of water
Bake 1 hour

Her note to me - still haven't tried it but just found it so I thought I would post and try soon!

I got it off of a magnet that I bought in New Orleans. Mmmm.... I'm getting hungry just writing about it.
Let me know if you make it!
Happy Holidays!
S




Suzanne Prochazka
American Cancer Society, Midwest Division
Vice President, Relay For Life Business Unit

Big Boy and his toys!

Landscaping the backyard this weekend - - leveling the land, and moving dirt around to get ready to seed! Shopped this week online for a rake for the back of the John Deere and then... we drove around Belchertown and Hadley looking for the perfect rake to do the work. We talked to the first place about a York rake that would need to be ordered. So we drove to the next stop in town - Orchard HIll Farm & Equipment on Federal Street - they are a Woods dealer and Steve talked to the guy for quite a while learning about the right one to buy.... so we are now the proud owners of a Woods 107 - 72 inch, medium duty rake! Steve has spent quite a few hours last night and all day today going around and around the yard, raking up the big rocks and leveling out the land. It is starting to look really great and ready to seed! Me - I can't wait for the grass to grow and have a green back yard!

Say it with a Tshirt!

From the Boston marathon "athlete's village" - this girl had a number 13,000 plus and had a Timberman hat on - so you know she is hooked. Not quite sure why the 100% BS comes from, but I smiled when I saw it.....




Our friend (11 years old) Carson had this shirt on as he jumped, skied and rocked Sugarbush. He skis better than 90% of the adults I know... and is A LOT of fun to ski with! The shirt is from Whiteface, but Carson skis Mad River Glen, VT ( on a daily basis, and his dad is a former National Team member and is better than 99% of the adult skiers in the country!

"The saying on the MRG tshirt / bumper sticker is "Mad River Glen - Ski it if you can!", and they mean it! That gives you an idea of the terrain these kids ski every day.... Skiing the "bush" was great, although I was still pretty sore and not moving real fast in the bumps!

Boston marathon photos - RUNNING

Marathon Photo took some great photos!

2008 Boston Marathon

Boston Marathon 2008 - Results! 



At the Expo "shopping spree" - lucky I didn't come home with the car!




My racing flats - now on their 4th marathon. LUCKY socks from Kat & Mia! My nike-plus (which didn't turn on...) and a view of Athlete's Village from the ground up!

3:18:35 - I finished the 112th Boston Marathon!

Here are my results from the BAA page.
3800 Cook, Nancy E. 43 F Belchertown MA USA

Checkpoints 5k 10k 15k 20k Half 25k 30k 35k 40k
0:20:51 0:42:08 1:04:25 1:27:26 1:32:27 1:51:43 2:17:02 2:43:09 3:07:44

0:07:35 pace
3:18:35 - finish time
3979 overall
381 - woman
64 - master

I felt pretty great the first 16 miles and then slowed a bit in the middle. I was on a pretty good pace and felt a little strained, but kept telling myself to feed that friendly dog! I remembered all my friends and family cheering for me too! Thanks for all your energy. More later.


We didn't go dancing, but had a great meal in the North End at "Mama Maria's" after my limp home to the T and back to the Marriott for a nap. : )

The hills gave me strength, it was just not my day to PR, but I am very happy for my results (faster than Chicago in October!) - - AND I qualified for Boston again with this time. Now to look ahead to the next challenge!

Top reasons to run the Nike Woman's Marathon

Date: October 19, 2008
Nike Woman's Marathon

Next on the docket for a "big" marathon is a goal that I have had for a few years to run the Nike Woman's marathon. I went to the site to check out registration, knowing these runs that are so popular sell out - - and I was correct. They did a lottery for a week - 22,000 ppl would be selected. I entered before we left for BC and am happy to report that I got in! So we are celebrating our first wedding anniversary (Oct 20) in San Fransisco. I will bring my wedding dress for dinner and Steve is bringing his tux! The race will be great, maybe I will wear white and run with a pseudo veil - and he can marry me all over again! I love to plan this stuff....

See below the benefits and my reason to pick this marathon to run in the fall!

Whooo Hoooo - - ok - now back to getting ready for Boston. : )

TOP REASONS TO RUN NIKE MARATHON in October!

1. 2008 Nike Women’s Marathon is sold out! And I got in!
2. A beautiful race. A noble cause. A weekend to remember.
3. The on-course chocolate mile
4.Elegant Finisher Necklace by Tiffany & Co.
5.Every last detail has been planned with a woman in mind.
6. Extraordinary views (nice way of defining its HILLY course!) - It’s time to lace up for the race. A flatter new course starting in SF’s union square designed to deliver even better scenic views of the city and the bay.
7. Treats along the trail.
8.Pedi-care station to pamper yourself mid-race.
9. IT'S ALL ABOUT THE LADIES!
10. Nike Dri-FIT Finisher T-shirt in women's sizes (unique to full and half participants)
11. Two-day interactive Expotique in Union Square
12. Breathtaking course starting in Union Square and ending along the Pacific Ocean
13. Extraordinary on-course support and entertainment
14. Post-race celebration at the finish line including free massages, food and music


I sent an email to get in the Elite area of the race, so I will keep you posted there.... in the meantime, off to Boston we go!

Relay Season is here in New England with BLUE skies!

It's a Friday night in April and it has begun... Relay season is here! Schuyler, Steve and I stopped by the local 5 College Relay - including participants from UMASS Amherst, Amherst College, Smith College, Hampshire College & Mount Holyoke. What great weather, blue sky, lots of sunshine and the weather in the 70's. Perfect weather for a Relay and amazing for New England this time of year. Lot's of smiles, lot's of college students and supporters round the track with their fraternity and sorority t-shirts and the Relay tshirt of the event. I love to go and say hi to the staff people that work with these great volunteers to make it all happen in the communities, and it was fun to start the season off in my new community to visit this event.... say hi to Diane, Tracy & Kelly and take photos.

Below are some of my favorites - and here is a link to a larger collection on Kodak for your viewing pleasure. I think we need a contest for photos amongst my favorite bloggers.... My buddy Shelly has some amazing pics from the west coast.... this could be a great season to get some award winners!

T-shirt statements

4 days! the adrenaline is flowing!

Sent the big note to friends and family nationwide of my Boston appearance on Monday - so it is worthy of a post to the blog for today!

Hello All-

Hope this note finds you well, training hard and in great shape getting
ready for running season!

I will be running in the Boston Marathon on Monday and wanted to let you
all know my number is #3800 - it will place me in a front coral which
hopefully will help in my overall time! There are no noreaster's (Boston
07) or extreme heat (Chicago 07) forecasted, but the weather should be
partly cloudy and in the fifties. My training has been consistent and not
over done ("less is more") - again we shall see how the body feels on
Monday!

I do the 3 goal option which some don't always agree with (should there
only be ONE goal??), but as mentally competitive as I am it really keeps me
focused and ok with my final, whatever that may be...

BOSTON 08:
"The planets are aligned and the gods are smiling" time: 3:05:58 (one
second faster than last year) - not sure I am ready to goal the Olympic
Trials this year!

"Considering averages, moods, tendency to want to slow in the last 5 miles
- this would still be a great time: 3:14:19

"It's just not the day to hit my PR .... " Hills, fuels, late start time,
and early season training in the snow just may not be enough to reach my
epic time : 3:25

Think of me at 10 am Monday morning - and send me ALL your strength - I
will need it!

And to end - my favorite quote this month......
"The difference between the mile and the marathon is the difference between
burning your fingers with a match and being slowly roasted over hot coals"
- Hal Higdon

Wedding quote

Listening to Savage Garden tonight and remembering our wedding.... I ventured and now want to be sure that I share with everyone my "testimonial" for the Hawk Resort. It was amazing and our wedding will be a momentous occasion to remember for us and hopefully for those in attendance. I have the link in my BLOG WORLD below - so please check it our. I update the wedding site once in a while with new Steve & Nancy pics.

Here is the quote ---->> Hawk Website and my quote.

We were hoping to go back this year, but with the Nike Women's Marathon in San Fran that weekend, it will probably be one more year before we return to celebrate. But what a GREAT place to pamper yourself and celebrate life!

5 days ..... to hit the pavement in Hopkinton to Boston

Marathon Medals - "My collection of the journey"

Looking through all my stuff scattered around upstairs and in the basement to find my "collection of medals". They were all over in different spots and of course I couldn't find them all. : (

Noted missing was last year's Boston and Atlanta - so the search continues. I had to take photos of the ones that I did find and Steve is going to make an oak display for them all once we get the pattern we like.

I really like the design of most of these medals, of course Boston having the most meaning, just because is is the "grand daddy" of them all... but Hartford and Providence are really nice and of course MICKEY from the Walt Disney Marathon in Orlando. The Marine Corps marathon medal looks like a coin... : ) and Chicago (both) are very nice with the anniversary medal ribbon "fancy schmancy" makes that one really special since it was the only marathon I ran that was eventually cancelled after I had finished!

More to come... wish me luck finding the others!


Marathons – 26.2 miles
Competed in 19 marathons including:
Chicago - (October 2007) -3:26
Boston (April 2007) - 3:05:59
Boston (April 2002) - 4:15 (6 months postpartum!)
Boston (April 1993)
Chicago (October 2006) – 3:14:38
Montreal, Canada (3:35)
Cape Cod, MA (3:45)
Hartford, CT – (3:40)
Disney Marathon, Orlando, FL (3:53)
Portland, ME- 2004 – (3:41)
VT City Marathon – 1993 (3:33), 1994 (3:27:14), 1999 (3:35)
Marine Corps Marathon, Washington DC – (3:50)
Providence, RI (4:05)

More running quotes

My faves:
If EXCELLENCE is attainable...I guess that means GOOD is not good enough!!! Then QUITTING is not an option!!!!! - Jeff Ross

Excuses...are bridges of the incompetent that lead to no where! If we fall...we fall FORWARD! - Jeff Ross

"The best way out is always 'through'" Robert Frost

““Nothing worth having comes without some kind of fight. You have to kick at the darkness ‘till it bleeds daylight.”

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you are right"

"you will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life" camus

"Life is not about how to survive the storm. Life is about how to dance in the rain."

"Yesterday is a canceled check: Forget it. Tomorrow is a promissory note: Don't count on it. Today is ready cash: Use it!" --Edwin C. Bliss

"Behold the turtle: He only makes progress when he sticks his neck out." -James Bryant Conant

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure."
Marianne Williamson

We may run, walk, stumble, drive, or fly, but let us never lose sight of the reason for the journey, or miss a chance to see a rainbow on the way. ~ Gloria Gaither ~

"If feedback is the breakfast of champions — then regular feedback is a diet we can live on forever." -Peter Thomson

"God is like a mirror. The mirror never changes, but everybody who looks at it sees something different" Rabbi Harold Kushner.

Laughter gives us distance. It allows us to step back from an event, deal with it
and then move on.
~ Bob Newhart ~

Laughter rises out of tragedy, when you need it the most, and rewards you for your courage.
~ Erma Bombeck ~

"Life is not about how to survive the storm. Life is about how to dance in the rain."
The world is too dangerous for anything but truth
and too small for anything but love.
- William Sloane Coffin, Jr.

Every positive change--every jump to a higher level of energy and awareness--involves a rite of passage. Each time to ascend to a higher rung on the ladder of personal evolution; we must go through a period of discomfort, of initiation. I have never found an exception.”
~ Dan Millman
21st century philosopher
Courage Quotes - Growth

"The difference between the mile and the marathon is the difference between burning your fingers with a match and being slowly roasted over hot coals" - Hal Higdon

"Anyone that says long distance running is a rational sport has never run a step." -g

"Cause tramps like us, baby we were born to run" -Bruce Springsteen

"Hills are just candy for runners" -gary

You are like the Ben Franklin of the running community -- and you make it happen" - Rob H

"There's no such thing as bad weather, just soft people." -Bill Bowerman

"Run like hell and get the agony over with." -Clarence DeMar

I had as many doubts as anyone else. Standing on the starting line, we're all cowards" -Alberto Salazar




And of course there is MORE ---->>>

6 days to Boston! VISUALIZATION and performance

The countdown continues .... I ran this morning on the trails behind the house - just a short 2 mile loop, but listened to my new Itunes Nike Plus Coach purchase of Joan Benoit Samuelson "Endurance Training 2". It was cool to listen to her tips as the music playlist kept the pace. Inspirational at the same time reminding me of various techniques I have used in the past for performance.
Triathletes and visualization by Wes Hobson


Visualization - I looked up some info on it and find that is is beneficial to training and more to racing. Sometimes meditation has really got me going and prepped for the races. I would sit on the side of the lake or where ever the "race" would be and just breathe in my Yoga position and visualize the day ahead, my running, riding and swimming to victory or at least feeling strong and confident. I would then stretch and breathe some more and be VERY calm at the starting line. My visualization this past year really has been looking above for guidance and strength and pulling on those strengths. It too has been very successful. This year a combination of both - - that is the plan. Meditation, visualization, more stretching and staying positive with all the energy I have - DIG DEEP. Yes - getting ready...

See this link to Joan's amazing results!

About Joan:

"No one could have scripted a more celebratory inauguration of the new era that Benoit's victory and the great race she led....A woman was enabled to achieve what Benoit accomplished. A woman was welcomed in that achievement by a roar of acclamation that was unequaled for any male through the whole Games. Women competed with each other to the absolute rigorous limit of their will. And a woman endured utter exhaustion in the sight of millions of people - because she chose to do so. I have been astonished that so few feminists outside the USA seemed awake enough to fanfare the magnitude of what was achieved that day."
- Roger Robinson, Heroes and Sparrows

Quotes from Joan:
"I look at victory as milestones on a very long highway" - Joan Benoit Samuelson

"If you feel like eating, eat. Let your body tell you what it wants."
- Joan Benoit Samuelson

BELOW:
My coach and inspiration and husband and trainer and more!!

One week to go! Marathon Monday! Cheer me on! #3800

It is almost here - and yes, I am a little nervous, just because I am so competitive with myself and have a hard time tapering, slowing down when I feel so good. I ran my last long run yesterday and plan on a lot of rest and low miles this week to prep for the big day.

Boston Marathon Weather: Mon Apr 21 - Partly Cloudy 55° (high) 45° (low) 10% (humidity)


Boston Marathon Details:
DATE
Monday, April 21, 2008

TIME
Push Rim Wheelchair Start: 9:25 a.m.
Elite Women Start: 9:35 a.m.
Elite Men & Wave 1 Start: 10:00 a.m.
Wave 2 Start: 10:30 a.m.

DISTANCE
26 miles, 385 yards (42.195 Kilometers)

Notes:
I am in Wave 1
Hopefully near the first 2 corals, not elite, but pretty close to the start.
No headphones, but I figure I am packing it for pre music prep and for the calibration for nike plus coaching (I get "credit" for the miles when I use my "chip".
We are staying at the Marriott in Cambridge and will find some great Italian place for dinner on Saturday night.
Roxy for dancing after the run? Of course! And then we drive to Vermont to ski for the rest of the week!


AND I need ALL your positive vibes so keep them coming and think of me at 10 AM on Monday!
Whoo hoo!!

"Cosmo" Friday!

New drink for the spring - or at least a diversion from white wine.... the smooth taste of chilled vodka in a martini is a new fave and now in the midst of perfecting the drink Steve & I are taste testing and trying out the "cocktail hour" recipe with what is in the fridge!

"Cosmoliscious"

Add below ingredients to a chiller of ice:
3 pts Absolut Citron vodka
1 pt Triple Sec
1/2 pt cranberry juice
1/2 pt Roses lime juice

Let sit for 3 minutes to be VERY chilled
Shake! Shake! Shake!

Use a wedge of lime - wet the rim and squeeze before placing in drink


Pour in martini glasses
Celebrate something fun - always cheer to "something" before drinking.
"Make a wish, say a prayer"
Drink and enjoy!

Get creative - try different recipes and see what you like best. Here is a site that has some great Cosmo recipes!
Happy Spring! I think it is finally here!

People who make a difference

Hi all,

Enjoy this little note sent to me by a friend...Happy Friday and have a grand weekend~


Charles Schultz Philosophy

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions, just read the email straight through, and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America.

4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.

6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with...



Easier?

The lesson:
The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care...

Pass this on to those people who have made a difference in your life.

"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia" (Charles Schultz)

My answers:
1. Mr. Salomon, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Patterson, Mr. Gilbert, Miss Austin, Mr. Hebert
2. Judy, Sue Ann, Dawn, Paulette, Shawn,
3. Susan Walker, Reuel Johnson, Michelle Pitt
4. Schuyler, Steve, Mom, Laura
5. Steve, Schuyler, The Barbours, All my girlfriends! TOP TEN!

"The Energy Bus" - by Jon Gordon

Flying home from the 3 day Kansas City Nationwide All Relay Staff meeting last night I read the entire book that they gave us at the conference and really LOVED the read! The energy, the positive nature of the rules and the story really supports so many aspects of life that are important to be happy, to stay happy and to live and love life to the fullest. Work, play, family and passions are all included in the subject matter with its simple format and focused simple steps. Such a great and easy read - I recommend it to all of you to read today! : )

Here is the website to give you some insight and even beyond that Jon Gordon's newsletters are also available and more great reading! What I love really is this ticket to ride concept, inviting others to "ride your bus", no "energy vampires" and the downloadable posters too! Check it out - you will NOT be disappointed.

For today - I am inviting you all to join my bus - get on and ride. Be positive and strive for success, keep your energy flow positive and moving forward. Be a part of the "movement". Ride my bus! I hope you accept my invitation, because I want you all to be happy & successful in your lives!

By the way - the meeting, my presentations, networking and recommendations were really successful for me in my position - a great trip for my worklife at this time and although a crazy aborted landing last night (plane went back up before landing and kinda scared me - frequent traveler that I am) -->> it was a great 3 days.

"Revealed"

Found this great website of a local Jackson Hole photographer Heather Erson from a surf session that landed me on the cloudveil mountain culture blog (from my blogworld below).

Her photos are very expressive and the revealing athletes of Jackson are photographed in action and serious sessions that show a real focus of each person. You must see!

17 days to Boston!

Running this morning to my new download from Itunes - - "Increase Your Speed" from Alberto Salazar. They have a coaching section on Itunes to support the nike plus and I have really enjoyed running with the motivation of the mileage countdown and measuring my distance - as well as analyzing my runs after when I download them. It really has kept me going since I don't have a human running partner. Oakley is really been a great motivator as always, clawing me out of bed sometimes... and getting me on the road... "Burning daylight" I call it - hanging in bed looking at the rain outside.... but got out and tried out this new workout. It was really great - (my average ended up 8 min/mile even with the stop to catch the Pug dog for the neighbors on the loop. "Pug" was rounding the property of his owners with no interest of going home, playing with Oakley in the rain was a much better option than sitting inside with his "mom" - - but we (as his mom came out to assist in the capture) were able to round him up on the porch. Silly dog - - Oakley is about 8 times his size! So anyway - I like the mix and the motivation although it is just encouraging increase turnover in stride and 80%, to 90% to 100% as we do 2 min speed intervals with the middle 20 minutes of the workout. They give you the songs extra and then the cool down if it is lengthened you listen to the repeat of the set of songs (which I would have either chosen more or a different mix of them). But I like it - and it works. Not sure with only 17 days left training it will make any difference for me, but it is a good one as I prepare for my racing summer.

So - a long one tomorrow and then the taper begins! We are staying in Cambridge as a treat and plan on going to the Roxy for dancing after the race! Just like last year! What fun! Here is the link to my favorite post with all the comments from friends and my race photos in 2007 as 7th master in 3:05:59. Maybe my goal should be a 3:05:58?????

Goals: Hmmm right now I really am not sure after not having a daily training plan (days off for coaching at the mountain) and well I got in one 20 and really like to get in 2. That and I am carrying a little extra weight (although I was a bit thin last year...) - I think I should be able to make a 3:15 and set a goal to possibly beat last year's time (considering it WAS in a Nor'easter!). Who knows! I am looking forward to the experience and have no pressure of sponsors, so I am going to have FUN with it!

Cheers to all you runners - let's kick it in! More on our new audio run mix later! Stay tuned!

“An athlete who tells you the training is always easy and always fun simply hasn't been there. Goals can be elusive which makes the difficult journey all the more rewarding.” -Alberto Salazar

"Award Winning Nancy E" Photos from the Bermuda Open!

The Bermuda Open, Duck Tape Derby & Sink or Skin! Weekend at Mt. Snow

We skied this weekend and it was Steve's banquet with the Alpine Program to celebrate the end of the year. I took photos in the 16 degree weather and was "shaking cold to the bone" - but I kept out there waiting for that perfect photo.... well I got a few and am narrowing it down to my favorite 5. I shared the set with the families and coaches and narrowed the 600 to a 500 slide slide show the night of the banquet and then down to 160 for the Kodak faves.... now to my last few to share here on the blog - they are just so great! : ) But it took ALL day, and it was wonderful to be there and watch these incredibly talented kids hit the pro jump and get back into perfect form....

The Bermuda Open - the season finale - open to other mountains such as Killington, Magic and Stratton kids were there along with the Mt. Snow Academy kids and our own Mt. Snow Training Center kids. It was a chilly day, but so much fun! The next day was the "Duck Tape Derby" that brought in droves of "competitors" with their cardboard sleds. And the "Sink or Skin" contest where they had to try and make it across the man made pond. The commentators were so funny (one was the head ski patrol guy - who I have met in the staff training early in the year). They did a great job making everyone laugh and encouraging the folks across the pond. Only 3 made it (Batman, the construction worker and ??) to compete for the season pass giveaway. Very funny day in deed. I will share those photos too!

Such fun to be at the ski area in the spring (especially when the weather is "spring like"). Photos were fun and the memories are full of smiles.

Happy Spring!