Please make a bid - - if you are local or related to me, we can easily find a way to deliver the item to you! : )
CLICK HERE for My World on EBAY
here is the link to ALL the pictures of the items.... CLICK HERE
6/11/07
Look what is for sale on EBAY!
Please make a bid - - if you are local or related to me, we can easily find a way to deliver the item to you! : )
CLICK HERE for My World on EBAY
here is the link to ALL the pictures of the items.... CLICK HERE
6/6/07
Hope Lodge Tampa, Florida
Photos: 1. Welcome to Hope Lodge Tampa! 2. The Look Good Feel Better Room 3. Ceiling tile sample of hope and prayer 4. Our friendly tour guides and directors of the Lodge. CLICK HERE to view the photo slide show of the Hope Lodge, Tampa
Part of the Relay Advisory Team meeting in Tampa was a tour / visit to the Tampa Hope Lodge (CLICK HERE to read more about Hope Lodge in Tampa). This is a home away from home for cancer patients and their caregivers. It was really great to go with our leadership national volunteers to see the great work and wonderful facility there in Tampa. It was very heartwarming to hear the stories of the patients that have benefited from this care and location close to the cancer treatment center. We also got to see the patient service center (call center). Great staff people and volunteers work very hard to make this all work and be a good experience for the patients. Here are some of my favorite photos from the tour --->>
Part of the Relay Advisory Team meeting in Tampa was a tour / visit to the Tampa Hope Lodge (CLICK HERE to read more about Hope Lodge in Tampa). This is a home away from home for cancer patients and their caregivers. It was really great to go with our leadership national volunteers to see the great work and wonderful facility there in Tampa. It was very heartwarming to hear the stories of the patients that have benefited from this care and location close to the cancer treatment center. We also got to see the patient service center (call center). Great staff people and volunteers work very hard to make this all work and be a good experience for the patients. Here are some of my favorite photos from the tour --->>
6/4/07
Covered Bridges Half Marathon - 5th woman overall!
Yesterday's weather was perfect for the 16th annual Covered Bridges 1/2 marathon from Woodstock to Quechee VT. The sign up for this race was closed within 3 hours, 3000 ppl had signed up, which tells you how popular the race is to the running crowd. I used to run the race in the early nineties when it was West Woodstock and the Lincoln Covered Bridge to Lake Pinnacle in Quechee. The course now starts at Suicide Six, the Woodstock Inn & Resort Ski Area in Pomfret, VT(one if not the first in history, right backside of the ski tow hill).
Steve, Schuyler and I met Tina & Chris at the Antique Mall in Quechee where Steve gave us a ride to the start. Tina and Chris raised more than $1000 for the Norris Cotton Cancer Center and were a part of the team - so we checked in there, stretched and wandered around the crowd.
I found my way to the start line (I hate to juggle around people and it gives me the extra motivation and edge to start near the front), to begin and pushed it through right from the start. Not looking at my watch the whole first 1/2 of the race I actually led the women until mile 9. For some reason after the hill, I was all alone on the stretch before the Quechee golf course and really slowed my pace. I tried to push, but then began to think of the last 3 days in Tampa (tropical storm Barry hit them hard) and being delayed in Tampa (1/2 hour) and then in Phili (2 hours) arriving Hartford and driving home 2 hours to sleep at 12 midnight or so... Tough to travel and race and get into a regime for running.... I began my excuses in my head and slowed even more. No one was around me to talk to me, and the little bands on the road were done... the last one was the tempo drums on the flat... I ran through by Simon Pearce finally and to the finish, but by that time 4 women had passed me and I was 5th. I was disappointed in my finish, expecting a PR? Not sure, but still not so happy, or maybe I was just exhausted and am pushing myself so hard. I staggered at the finish, exhausted and just worn out. Lack of sleep these past few months felt like it was catching up with me. Steve and Schuyler were there at the finish to welcome me and give me big hugs.
We wandered around and I saw my friend Amy Robb, an old friend from my bike race days and we chatted for a while, catching up. So great to see her! We talked to Rod Viens, my neighbor out on Old Springfield and he was 5th. He wasn't real happy with his run, but he ran mid 5/min/miles.
After I changed out of my soaked clothes we went back to the finish to Tina & Chris who ran together finishing in 1:53 - awesome job for Tina's first 1/2 marathon. She was thrilled!
40 2/178 F4044 1:29:35 6:50 1:29:36 Nancy Peck 42 F 1827 Sunapee NH
Top Ten M/F Results
TOP TEN RESULTS
16th Annual Covered Bridges Half Marathon
June 3, 2007 USATF Certified #VT97004WN Woodstock to Quechee, VT
Timing By ChampionChip - Granite State Race Services www.gsrs.com
================================================================================
TOP TEN MEN OVERALL
************************************************************
Place Div Div Time Pace Name Age Sex Race# City/state
===== === ===== ======= ===== ======================== === === ===== =======================
1 1 M2029 1:11:10 5:26 Nathaniel Freese 22 M 820 Tunbridge VT
2 1 M3039 1:14:14 5:40 Rich Smith 37 M 2 Enfield NH
3 2 M3039 1:14:25 5:41 Paul Curtis 33 M 552 New York NY
4 3 M3039 1:15:05 5:44 Rod Viens 39 M 4 Sunapee NH
5 4 M3039 1:16:29 5:51 Matthew Hyde 30 M 9 Arlington MA
6 1 M0119 1:19:01 6:02 Dylan Grald 16 M 922 Grantham NH
7 1 M4044 1:19:03 6:02 Christopher Lang 42 M 18 Hartford VT
8 2 M4044 1:19:06 6:02 Christopher Gould 41 M 913 Pelham MA
9 1 M4549 1:20:02 6:07 John Lachance 48 M 14 Lunenburg MA
10 2 M2029 1:20:10 6:07 Joe Reynolds 28 M 1943 Brookline MA
Record 1:07:06 by Seth McClennan in 1995.
************************************************************
TOP TEN WOMEN OVERALL
************************************************************
Place Div Div Time Pace Name Age Sex Race# City/state
===== === ===== ======= ===== ======================== === === ===== ========
1 1 F3039 1:27:24 6:40 Laurie Greenberg 32 F 2566 Perkinsville VT
2 1 F4549 1:27:41* 6:42 Cindy Pomeroy 45 F 1 Windsor Locks CT
3 2 F3039 1:27:54 6:43 Maribel Souther 32 F 3 Hanover NH
4 1 F4044 1:28:50* 6:47 Debbie Gould 41 F 914 Pelham MA
5 2 F4044 1:29:36 6:51 Nancy Peck 42 F 1827 Sunapee NH
6 3 F3039 1:29:39 6:51 Amie Creagh 34 F 524 Deerfield MA
7 2 F4549 1:29:46* 6:51 Sue Lachance 47 F 16 Lunenburg MA
8 1 F2029 1:29:55 6:52 Rebecca Butler 29 F 330 Honnnnover NH
9 2 F2029 1:31:05 6:57 Beth Coughlin 28 F 507 Newton MA
10 3 F4549 1:31:53* 7:01 Sarah Tabbutt 47 F 2284 Philadelphia PA
Record 1:18:40 by Maribel Sanchez in 1998.
* Under USATF Age-Group guideline
______________________________________________________
FEMALE AGE GROUP: 40 to 44
Place O'All Nettime Pace Guntime Name Age Sex Race# City/state
===== ===== ======= ===== ======= ======================== === === ===== =======================
1 35 1:28:47 6:47 1:28:50* Debbie Gould 41 F 914 Pelham MA
2 40 1:29:35 6:50 1:29:36 Nancy Peck 42 F 1827 Sunapee NH
3 116 1:37:29 7:27 1:37:36 Lynn Stanford 43 F 2221 Lancaster NH
4 132 1:38:28 7:31 1:38:32 Lisa O'Neil 41 F 1773 Quechee VT
5 133 1:38:28 7:31 1:38:32 Kim Sheffield 41 F 2128 Woodstock VT
6 161 1:39:05 7:34 1:40:18 Stephanie Clark 40 F 436 Lyme Center NH
7 175 1:40:33 7:41 1:40:57 Katrina Hotchkiss 40 F 1096 Pittsfield VT
8 181 1:40:56 7:42 1:41:18 Robyn Churchill 41 F 428 Cambridge MA
9 187 1:41:04 7:43 1:41:25 Cindy Pierce 42 F 1863 Etna NH
10 253 1:44:02 7:57 1:44:47 Catalina Vial 40 F 2385 Pittsford NY
* Under USATF
Steve, Schuyler and I met Tina & Chris at the Antique Mall in Quechee where Steve gave us a ride to the start. Tina and Chris raised more than $1000 for the Norris Cotton Cancer Center and were a part of the team - so we checked in there, stretched and wandered around the crowd.
I found my way to the start line (I hate to juggle around people and it gives me the extra motivation and edge to start near the front), to begin and pushed it through right from the start. Not looking at my watch the whole first 1/2 of the race I actually led the women until mile 9. For some reason after the hill, I was all alone on the stretch before the Quechee golf course and really slowed my pace. I tried to push, but then began to think of the last 3 days in Tampa (tropical storm Barry hit them hard) and being delayed in Tampa (1/2 hour) and then in Phili (2 hours) arriving Hartford and driving home 2 hours to sleep at 12 midnight or so... Tough to travel and race and get into a regime for running.... I began my excuses in my head and slowed even more. No one was around me to talk to me, and the little bands on the road were done... the last one was the tempo drums on the flat... I ran through by Simon Pearce finally and to the finish, but by that time 4 women had passed me and I was 5th. I was disappointed in my finish, expecting a PR? Not sure, but still not so happy, or maybe I was just exhausted and am pushing myself so hard. I staggered at the finish, exhausted and just worn out. Lack of sleep these past few months felt like it was catching up with me. Steve and Schuyler were there at the finish to welcome me and give me big hugs.
We wandered around and I saw my friend Amy Robb, an old friend from my bike race days and we chatted for a while, catching up. So great to see her! We talked to Rod Viens, my neighbor out on Old Springfield and he was 5th. He wasn't real happy with his run, but he ran mid 5/min/miles.
After I changed out of my soaked clothes we went back to the finish to Tina & Chris who ran together finishing in 1:53 - awesome job for Tina's first 1/2 marathon. She was thrilled!
40 2/178 F4044 1:29:35 6:50 1:29:36 Nancy Peck 42 F 1827 Sunapee NH
Top Ten M/F Results
TOP TEN RESULTS
16th Annual Covered Bridges Half Marathon
June 3, 2007 USATF Certified #VT97004WN Woodstock to Quechee, VT
Timing By ChampionChip - Granite State Race Services www.gsrs.com
================================================================================
TOP TEN MEN OVERALL
************************************************************
Place Div Div Time Pace Name Age Sex Race# City/state
===== === ===== ======= ===== ======================== === === ===== =======================
1 1 M2029 1:11:10 5:26 Nathaniel Freese 22 M 820 Tunbridge VT
2 1 M3039 1:14:14 5:40 Rich Smith 37 M 2 Enfield NH
3 2 M3039 1:14:25 5:41 Paul Curtis 33 M 552 New York NY
4 3 M3039 1:15:05 5:44 Rod Viens 39 M 4 Sunapee NH
5 4 M3039 1:16:29 5:51 Matthew Hyde 30 M 9 Arlington MA
6 1 M0119 1:19:01 6:02 Dylan Grald 16 M 922 Grantham NH
7 1 M4044 1:19:03 6:02 Christopher Lang 42 M 18 Hartford VT
8 2 M4044 1:19:06 6:02 Christopher Gould 41 M 913 Pelham MA
9 1 M4549 1:20:02 6:07 John Lachance 48 M 14 Lunenburg MA
10 2 M2029 1:20:10 6:07 Joe Reynolds 28 M 1943 Brookline MA
Record 1:07:06 by Seth McClennan in 1995.
************************************************************
TOP TEN WOMEN OVERALL
************************************************************
Place Div Div Time Pace Name Age Sex Race# City/state
===== === ===== ======= ===== ======================== === === ===== ========
1 1 F3039 1:27:24 6:40 Laurie Greenberg 32 F 2566 Perkinsville VT
2 1 F4549 1:27:41* 6:42 Cindy Pomeroy 45 F 1 Windsor Locks CT
3 2 F3039 1:27:54 6:43 Maribel Souther 32 F 3 Hanover NH
4 1 F4044 1:28:50* 6:47 Debbie Gould 41 F 914 Pelham MA
5 2 F4044 1:29:36 6:51 Nancy Peck 42 F 1827 Sunapee NH
6 3 F3039 1:29:39 6:51 Amie Creagh 34 F 524 Deerfield MA
7 2 F4549 1:29:46* 6:51 Sue Lachance 47 F 16 Lunenburg MA
8 1 F2029 1:29:55 6:52 Rebecca Butler 29 F 330 Honnnnover NH
9 2 F2029 1:31:05 6:57 Beth Coughlin 28 F 507 Newton MA
10 3 F4549 1:31:53* 7:01 Sarah Tabbutt 47 F 2284 Philadelphia PA
Record 1:18:40 by Maribel Sanchez in 1998.
* Under USATF Age-Group guideline
______________________________________________________
FEMALE AGE GROUP: 40 to 44
Place O'All Nettime Pace Guntime Name Age Sex Race# City/state
===== ===== ======= ===== ======= ======================== === === ===== =======================
1 35 1:28:47 6:47 1:28:50* Debbie Gould 41 F 914 Pelham MA
2 40 1:29:35 6:50 1:29:36 Nancy Peck 42 F 1827 Sunapee NH
3 116 1:37:29 7:27 1:37:36 Lynn Stanford 43 F 2221 Lancaster NH
4 132 1:38:28 7:31 1:38:32 Lisa O'Neil 41 F 1773 Quechee VT
5 133 1:38:28 7:31 1:38:32 Kim Sheffield 41 F 2128 Woodstock VT
6 161 1:39:05 7:34 1:40:18 Stephanie Clark 40 F 436 Lyme Center NH
7 175 1:40:33 7:41 1:40:57 Katrina Hotchkiss 40 F 1096 Pittsfield VT
8 181 1:40:56 7:42 1:41:18 Robyn Churchill 41 F 428 Cambridge MA
9 187 1:41:04 7:43 1:41:25 Cindy Pierce 42 F 1863 Etna NH
10 253 1:44:02 7:57 1:44:47 Catalina Vial 40 F 2385 Pittsford NY
* Under USATF
5/30/07
On the glass
The sun is rising
Morning is here
Go out for my morning run with Oakley
Back at the house
Look out to the pond
Glass ....
Meet Gary at the dock with my morning cup of joe
Neighbors wave as they sit and watch us ski laps on the Pond
Cutting up the glass, the water so smooth
Ski until my arms can't hold on anymore.
What a great way to start the day!
9 Guiding Principles for Sales Success
by Tom Suddes
Here are my 9 GUIDING PRINCIPLES to help you 'sell' your VISION, your MESSAGE, your PRIORITIES. Pretty self-explanatory, but there are some 'notes' at the end.
Action: You can print this out and carry with you as a REMINDER.
GP #1 CHANGE YOUR VOCABULARY!
WORDS ARE IMPORTANT! Stop using all the typical 'nonprofit' industry jargon. Start using 'sales' terms, 'business' terms, 'common sense' terms.
Appointments
Visits
Power Points
Presentation Tools
Asking for Money
Presenting the Opportunity
GP #2 THINK BIG. BUILD SIMPLE. ACT NOW!
My absolute favorite Entrepreneur's Mantra. Also works great for SALES. THINK. BUILD. ACT. BIG. SIMPLE. NOW.
GP #3 THE RULE OF 3!
This principle alone is worth the price of admission! 'FORCE' everything you do into groups of 3! Your Message Points. Your Priorities. Your Buckets. Your Sales Presentation. Trust me. It works.
GP #4 NO TIMEOUTS. NO SUBSTITUTIONS. NO EXCUSES.
My Notre Dame Boxers' Mantra. Works for sales. Take responsibility for your life. Your actions. Your results.
GP #5 PREPARE. PRACTICE. PERFORM.
You get PREPARE and PERFORM. What we never, ever, ever do (in our world) is PRACTICE! PRACTICE YOUR PRESENTATION. Your response to objections and challenges. Your opening. Your close.
GP #6 FIRST WITH THE HEART. THEN WITH THE HEAD.
This is the corollary to a great line in my favorite book, THE POWER OF ONE. Zig Ziglar, über sales trainer, says it perfectly: "People buy on emotion, then justify with logic."
GP #7 DO THE MATH.
You can't 'SELL' unless you understand all the 'NUMBERS'! This is about goals, self-fulfilling prophecy, and the Stockdale Paradox (Face the Brutal Facts).
GP #8 ASK QUESTIONS. (ACTUALLY) LISTEN TO ANSWERS.
This is, without question, the greatest 'SALES TIP'... ever!
GP #9 SHARE THE STORY. PRESENT THE OPPORTUNITY.
No explanation necessary. Just do it.
I'm working on my new Sales Book and would love some feedback. Send me an email (tom@forimpact.org) and let me know how these guiding principles impact you or your organization.
Here are my 9 GUIDING PRINCIPLES to help you 'sell' your VISION, your MESSAGE, your PRIORITIES. Pretty self-explanatory, but there are some 'notes' at the end.
Action: You can print this out and carry with you as a REMINDER.
GP #1 CHANGE YOUR VOCABULARY!
WORDS ARE IMPORTANT! Stop using all the typical 'nonprofit' industry jargon. Start using 'sales' terms, 'business' terms, 'common sense' terms.
Appointments
Visits
Power Points
Presentation Tools
Asking for Money
Presenting the Opportunity
GP #2 THINK BIG. BUILD SIMPLE. ACT NOW!
My absolute favorite Entrepreneur's Mantra. Also works great for SALES. THINK. BUILD. ACT. BIG. SIMPLE. NOW.
GP #3 THE RULE OF 3!
This principle alone is worth the price of admission! 'FORCE' everything you do into groups of 3! Your Message Points. Your Priorities. Your Buckets. Your Sales Presentation. Trust me. It works.
GP #4 NO TIMEOUTS. NO SUBSTITUTIONS. NO EXCUSES.
My Notre Dame Boxers' Mantra. Works for sales. Take responsibility for your life. Your actions. Your results.
GP #5 PREPARE. PRACTICE. PERFORM.
You get PREPARE and PERFORM. What we never, ever, ever do (in our world) is PRACTICE! PRACTICE YOUR PRESENTATION. Your response to objections and challenges. Your opening. Your close.
GP #6 FIRST WITH THE HEART. THEN WITH THE HEAD.
This is the corollary to a great line in my favorite book, THE POWER OF ONE. Zig Ziglar, über sales trainer, says it perfectly: "People buy on emotion, then justify with logic."
GP #7 DO THE MATH.
You can't 'SELL' unless you understand all the 'NUMBERS'! This is about goals, self-fulfilling prophecy, and the Stockdale Paradox (Face the Brutal Facts).
GP #8 ASK QUESTIONS. (ACTUALLY) LISTEN TO ANSWERS.
This is, without question, the greatest 'SALES TIP'... ever!
GP #9 SHARE THE STORY. PRESENT THE OPPORTUNITY.
No explanation necessary. Just do it.
I'm working on my new Sales Book and would love some feedback. Send me an email (tom@forimpact.org) and let me know how these guiding principles impact you or your organization.
5/29/07
Power up for CBHM
Getting ready for the half marathon this weekend. Headed to Tampa to the Relay Advisory Team meeting from Thursday to Sunday - running with Judy all mornings and I am here long enough on Thursday to get a run in too (hopefully with Tina because I missed her this morning. : (
Here is the site with the information on the race....--->>> CLICK HERE it is such a great run. I did this race back in the early nineties and hit my PR last year here, soon to be faster at the Swanzey 1/2 and then Boston, and then this year's Big Lake! So - with a new PR of 1:28:48 from Big Lake, I am not sure of a new goal, so here I go with some easy goals and predictions.
"My heart is connected and my rest lately is giving me that extra edge" time: 1:27:15
"Knowing the course, getting enough sleep the night before and diet is JUST right, this to is possible": 1:28:40 (and would my PR by 8 seconds)
"Not my day, long week in Florida, too much food and Judy made me drink too much" : 1:31:00"
Here is the site with the information on the race....--->>> CLICK HERE it is such a great run. I did this race back in the early nineties and hit my PR last year here, soon to be faster at the Swanzey 1/2 and then Boston, and then this year's Big Lake! So - with a new PR of 1:28:48 from Big Lake, I am not sure of a new goal, so here I go with some easy goals and predictions.
"My heart is connected and my rest lately is giving me that extra edge" time: 1:27:15
"Knowing the course, getting enough sleep the night before and diet is JUST right, this to is possible": 1:28:40 (and would my PR by 8 seconds)
"Not my day, long week in Florida, too much food and Judy made me drink too much" : 1:31:00"
Here is the recipe for Sue Logan's power bars - I LOVE them, but they are so HIGH in points I haven't allowed myself to make them in a long time... but maybe now that I am in the heat of the season again and feeling at the top of my game for fitness and weight, I may just make some up today!
POWER BARS
Toast in oven: 350/15 min
1 1/2 cu oatmeal
1 c RICE KRISPIES
1/4 c sesame seeds
Mix and stir into:
3 c dried fruits & nuts
1/2 c. wheat germ
4 c grape nuts (I use GO LEAN CRUNCH)
1/2 c protein powder
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp cinamon
Heat in pan
1 1/4 c PB
2 c rice or corn syrup
1/2 c honey
Mix together and press into cookie sheet
Cut and freeze for storage
5/24/07
My first house
The property went on sale last week and they showed it to one couple. They saw it and put an offer in.... within 3 days on the market it was sold for $525,000. It is a happy day to sell, but a sad day to actually say goodbye. So many memories of Schuyler growing up and my love for this home is overwhelming. It is another day, another road, I have found a new life, a new love and a new direction. Time is tough in the realm of change, but the change is good, and the light at the end of the tunnel is very bright. Unwritten - I need to write more, but have so little time to express completely how I am feeling, without the threat of judgement from so many. I am happier than I have ever been and look forward to the future.
I took photos of the house and you can see them at my gallery - - >> CLICK HERE
USAT All American HM status
Feeling like a million bucks today - despite all the craziness in my world!
Next year they require 3 races to qualify so that will increase my chances for a higher ranking. NEW GOAL for 2007 - to be ranked in the All American status - who knows, hopefully with the races I have on my calendar I will reach it!
My running adventures - nationwide!
My dear friend Judy - we run everywhere we go -- how many cities do we visit a year? What are those experiences that we remember and deserve to be journalled - read on....
Rating (1 - poor to 10 great)
Dallas (1)- I almost tripped on a homeless man and at the Hilton they told us the only safe place to run was the parking lot. So off Judy, Beth & I went running in the dark in the city!
Salt Lake City - As we ran through this pristene city we ran in the residential area and came on this fence where these pit bulls started running up to us and barking wildly from the yard. Beth screemed and I jumped about 2 feet in the air! Pittsburgh - along the water we loved running in Pittsburg. Beth & Judy followed me in the city (not sure why) as I ran out in the street to cross and the bus was moving forward - - they will never let me lead or at least not follow me that blindly again!
Dallas (8)- There was this ice storm on the streets of Dallas by the Marriott Quorum. It was like running on glass and was incredibly slippery. I barely made 3 miles.... When we run in that area we travel through Emmit Smith's neighborhood through the park and the trees... beautiful area.
Washington DC (10)- Nothing like a tour of the monuments on some really great pathways in DC!
Chicago (10)- We run along Lake Michigan with at least 25 others in the morning. Around the corner by the beach in all weather there is water splashing and totally has soaked our sneakers. My favorite memory is running with Dr. Bob, Beth & Judy on Navy Pier when we would be laughing about everything and then he asked someone to take our picture in the middle of the run.
Boston (9)- Park maze, Charles - crossing the railroad tracks, climbing through the bushes and up the hill with Judy - "adventure woman!"
Rating (1 - poor to 10 great)
Dallas (1)- I almost tripped on a homeless man and at the Hilton they told us the only safe place to run was the parking lot. So off Judy, Beth & I went running in the dark in the city!
Salt Lake City - As we ran through this pristene city we ran in the residential area and came on this fence where these pit bulls started running up to us and barking wildly from the yard. Beth screemed and I jumped about 2 feet in the air! Pittsburgh - along the water we loved running in Pittsburg. Beth & Judy followed me in the city (not sure why) as I ran out in the street to cross and the bus was moving forward - - they will never let me lead or at least not follow me that blindly again!
Dallas (8)- There was this ice storm on the streets of Dallas by the Marriott Quorum. It was like running on glass and was incredibly slippery. I barely made 3 miles.... When we run in that area we travel through Emmit Smith's neighborhood through the park and the trees... beautiful area.
Washington DC (10)- Nothing like a tour of the monuments on some really great pathways in DC!
Chicago (10)- We run along Lake Michigan with at least 25 others in the morning. Around the corner by the beach in all weather there is water splashing and totally has soaked our sneakers. My favorite memory is running with Dr. Bob, Beth & Judy on Navy Pier when we would be laughing about everything and then he asked someone to take our picture in the middle of the run.
Boston (9)- Park maze, Charles - crossing the railroad tracks, climbing through the bushes and up the hill with Judy - "adventure woman!"
5/14/07
Big Lake Half Marathon
Crazy times, I thought this race was on May 19th - - so I went to the site this week so I could register before online reg was closed to find that it was Saturday the 12th! I sent a note to the race director who was so kind to return my email right away on Friday - - they had 50 slots open for race day reg and if I got there early enough I would be ok - -
So with some delay I arrived to register bout 7:30 after calling Louise and knowing she was walking the distance with Leukemia Lymphoma. She was there already and I was kind a thinking that she could help with my stress and register me, but I was fine. There was plenty of room, of time and I was registered. I warmed up with a quick little run down the street - waited my usual 15 minutes in line at the portajohn and made my way to the start line. I got there and there was plenty of room. I was right on the start line (very cool) and ran with the lead group - - I kept my position until the 6 mi mark as number 1 woman and about 14th overall. I was feeling really great! Except I couldn't breathe, or get my breathing consistent and steady. OK - not so good, but I was running 6:20's.... Hmmmm So the blonde passed me, skinny legs, floating by... oh well. I kept pace for a little while and saw her until the road got twisty. I figured she was about 32... (not that age matters, but I did find out later that she was exactly 30 - still makes me feel good). So I kept pushing, slowed a little at the 9 mile hill and then looked forward to the downhill/flat that finished the race after the last hill. The paved part of this course is pitched at a slant and uncomfortable, causing blistery feet. Not real pleasant. The finish line is in a parking lot and not real visible, but I remember that from the rainy nasty day last year finding the finish.
SO - I tried to kick it in for the finish - wondering if I would beat my Boston marathon 1/2 time (1:28:43 ) and .... I was 5 seconds short of that PR. BUT this is my PR for a half solo.... : )
But I did finish 2nd overall with a few nice prizes to credit along with the nice medal and tshirt for my $45 fee. : )
2nd overall woman
1st in my age
26th overall
Looking forward to the next race !! I love to win. : )
Check out the results!
BIG LAKE HALF-MARATHON
May 12, 2007 Half Marathon (USATF Certified #NH03005RF) Alton Bay, NH
Directed By: EndorFUN Sports
ChampionChip Timing By: Granite State Race Services steve@gsrs.com
================================================================================
RESULTS IN OFFICIAL GUN TIME ORDER
Place Div/Tot Div Guntime Nettime Pace Name Ag S Race# City/state
===== ======== ===== ======= ======= ===== ====================== == = ===== =======================
1 1/82 M3034 1:10:57 1:10:57 5:25 Scott Rowe 32 M 1179 Dover NH
New record. Old record 1:11:22.2 by Rod Viens in 2002
2 1/65 M2529 1:16:51 1:16:50 5:52 Alex Mroszczyk-Mcdonal 26 M 965 Burlington VT
3 1/55 M4549 1:17:01* 1:17:01 5:53 David Severance 49 M 1229 Melvin Village NH
4 1/19 M2024 1:17:59 1:17:59 5:57 Michael Brown 24 M 151 Boston MA
5 1/73 M4044 1:18:28 1:18:27 6:00 Mark Gibson 40 M 472 Durham NH
6 2/82 M3034 1:19:09 1:19:08 6:03 Jason Bigonia 30 M 98 Walpole ME
7 3/82 M3034 1:19:48 1:19:47 6:06 Andrew King 31 M 722 Lowell MA
8 1/78 M3539 1:22:01 1:22:01 6:16 Nicholas Hinsley 38 M 612 Bedford NH
9 2/73 M4044 1:22:06 1:22:06 6:16 Marc Samson 40 M 1195 Lac Beauport QC
10 2/65 M2529 1:23:43 1:23:43 6:24 Jason McDonough-Hughes 29 M 894 Somerville MA
11 3/65 M2529 1:23:58 1:23:53 6:24 Michael Miller 25 M 937 Hanover NH
12 4/82 M3034 1:24:35 1:24:35 6:28 Mafair Mayid 34 M 879 Manchester NH
13 2/19 M2024 1:25:05 1:24:59 6:29 Alex Gill 21 M 476 West Newbury MA
14 5/82 M3034 1:25:18 1:25:18 6:31 Bob Trautwine 31 M 1351 South Burlington VT
15 1/107 F3034 1:25:34 1:25:31 6:32 Kim Webster 30 F 1413 Framingham MA
16 4/65 M2529 1:25:47 1:25:41 6:33 Bruce Rose 29 M 1166 Bradford MA
17 6/82 M3034 1:26:28 1:26:27 6:36 Tyler Brannen 34 M 130 Nashua NH
18 3/73 M4044 1:27:39 1:27:39 6:42 Dan Poliquin 40 M 1092 Farmington NH
19 7/82 M3034 1:28:27 1:28:25 6:45 Vincent Johnson 32 M 683 North Berwick ME
20 8/82 M3034 1:28:28 1:28:19 6:45 Jeremy Fletcher 34 M 1493 Greenland NH
21 5/65 M2529 1:28:29 1:28:22 6:45 Kempes Corbally 28 M 261 Alton NH
22 9/82 M3034 1:28:36 1:28:35 6:46 David Boyle 32 M 126 Atkinson NH
23 4/73 M4044 1:28:38 1:28:36 6:46 Anthony Johnson 41 M 672 Merrimack NH
24 6/65 M2529 1:28:40 1:28:25 6:45 Anthony Vinciquerra 28 M 1387 Niskayuna NY
25 1/11 M0119 1:28:47 1:28:38 6:46 Eric Dinwoodie 18 M 337 Hornell NY
26 1/86 F4044 1:28:48* 1:28:48 6:47 Nancy Peck 42 F 1497 Sunapee NH
Mother's Day Weekend
I have to share this note I sent to my cousin Deb who is turning 40 tomorrow.... just because it shares where I am right now. I will blog about my victory in the Big Lake Half later, but here is my note to Deb:
Enjoy your big day.... being 40 is great.... I remember that year very well (which mind you is only 2 years ago). I celebrated the whole year and was VERY proud to be 40. Every restaurant I went to, I made them bring me cake or my favorite dessert with a candle and sing to me - it was hilarious (and I went to very cool places... like Mario Batali's BABBO and Emerrils place in Atanta. Look it in the eye - enjoy it, life only gets better when you get older. You know yourself better, you know your body better, you appreciate those around you more and are AWARE of everything. I have only gotten faster in my 40's and I look back to my 20's and 30's and wonder why now I am so fast... and I think it is because I am happy with me, I am light on my feet, light in my mind, without a million things dragging me down, wondering where I should be going in life - I have a plan (even in my current state of craziness - I still have a plan).
.... "And at 40 you know it all. Or at least have the desire to continue to learn."
Happy Mother's Day to all mom's - it was a great day for me with Schuyler. We played, we cleaned, and we made mom's day cookies of hearts, squirrels, moose, wishing stars, bears and numbers. Schuyler woke up and proclaimed he would do anything for me and then after I asked brushed his teeth, got dressed all by himself and vacuumed too! What a great boy! I am so proud to be his mom. And then we took photos of us and with Oakley too - - see below:
Enjoy your big day.... being 40 is great.... I remember that year very well (which mind you is only 2 years ago). I celebrated the whole year and was VERY proud to be 40. Every restaurant I went to, I made them bring me cake or my favorite dessert with a candle and sing to me - it was hilarious (and I went to very cool places... like Mario Batali's BABBO and Emerrils place in Atanta. Look it in the eye - enjoy it, life only gets better when you get older. You know yourself better, you know your body better, you appreciate those around you more and are AWARE of everything. I have only gotten faster in my 40's and I look back to my 20's and 30's and wonder why now I am so fast... and I think it is because I am happy with me, I am light on my feet, light in my mind, without a million things dragging me down, wondering where I should be going in life - I have a plan (even in my current state of craziness - I still have a plan).
.... "And at 40 you know it all. Or at least have the desire to continue to learn."
Happy Mother's Day to all mom's - it was a great day for me with Schuyler. We played, we cleaned, and we made mom's day cookies of hearts, squirrels, moose, wishing stars, bears and numbers. Schuyler woke up and proclaimed he would do anything for me and then after I asked brushed his teeth, got dressed all by himself and vacuumed too! What a great boy! I am so proud to be his mom. And then we took photos of us and with Oakley too - - see below:
5/11/07
Dan Millman Quotes
Stay strong and Be strong!
See the Thinkarete.com site for more inspirational quotes!
"Willpower is the key to success. Successful people strive no matter what they feel by appliying their will to vercome apathy, doubt or fear."
"Wake up! If you knew for certain ou had a terminal illness- if you had little time left to live -- you would waste preciouslittle if it! Well, I'm telling you... you do have a terminal illness; It's called birgh. You don't have more than a few years left. No one does! So be happy now, without reason - - or you will never be at all."
- Dan Millman
21st century philosopher
See the Thinkarete.com site for more inspirational quotes!
5/9/07
USAT - Triathlon National Rankings 2006 - Honorable Mention!
See description of National Rankings in this month's Triathlon Life (USAT publication) and page of rankings for my age group. Very motivating as I train for the USAT National Championships in June!
*******************************************************************************
Personal ranking - 141 in age 40-44 nationwide, 10th in age New England, 1st in NH
*******************************************************************************
Personal ranking - 141 in age 40-44 nationwide, 10th in age New England, 1st in NH
New England Rankings
6. Amy Rice (RI) - 95
19. Maria Cimonitti (VT) - 90
63. Karen Makin (MA)- 87
92. Robin Passander (CT) - 85
100. Elain Debitetto (MA) - 85
109. Kristine Mannion (MA) - 85
121. Daria VandeVeer (CT) 84
123. Julie Nocka (MA) - 84
138. Nancy Phompson (MA) - 83
141. Nancy Peck (NH) 83.87
Boston Marathon Trophy - 7th Master!
Today I received my award for being 7th overall Master at the Boston Marathon via Fedex from the BAA today. It is a beautiful Orrefors crystal vase. Definitely worth displaying with pride!
5/7/07
Boston Marathon Race Photos
Yes - I am still on a cloud thinking about the marathon. It was a crazy recovery after a week of skiing and dealing with dehydration. I think I lost 5 pounds and got down to 136 last week. I have not been sleeping real well lately and that has some to do with my recovery as well. All the travel messes with my legs and my back. I have cut down on some of the running, but am getting ready to race the Big Lake 1/2 marathon in Alton and hope to pick up the boat then too. Time to get in gear for triathlons too - I have not registered yet for a prep for Portland, but I have paid for Portland and feel great about my fitness.
Boston.com -->Top 100 Women finishers of Boston (#73!!)
KUDOS from friends:
From the NE DIV RFL Task force chair and fellow runner:
Nancy,
You have now moved way past wicked cool on my list into hero status.
Great job yesterday - you would have beaten me by about an hour!
Can't wait to hear about it.
Hope to see you soon. Jim
Congrats, congrats, congrats...what a terrific accomplishment!!!!!!
Now... how about skiing some bumps in Colorado....
Jana sent me the news.
Way to go girl!...we often speak about you in ski school and all the fun we
had skiing together and "selling lessons" on Bachelor ski run underneath the
chair lift. -- Nelson
Nelson Diaz, President and CEO, InPhase Technologies
Congratulations Nancy!
The pride we all feel for you must be nothing compared to the pride you have for yourself. You are truly an inspiration. Maria, Steve, Quinn & Cole
Now I feel great about my chances in the Boston Marathon after Nathan, David, and I ran your but off the road in Vermont last winter! I bet I could have won the damn race this year! Well, perhaps I better start training again before I try to race that Kenyan. Dr BOB
Hey - congrats to you! Almost called you after the race yesterday but figured you needed to rest and relax. It was fun tracking you online- was impressed with your consistent pace. Glad you made your goal. Great job! - - Bob MacKay
Brooke kept us posted on your progress all day yesterday on the message board!
I'm so proud of you! That's is incredible that you made your goal! Flaunt it girl! YOU ROCK!!! Hugs, Kara :)
You're a real badass, Nancy. I can't believe you made your goal time in that weather. I guess you would have set a World Record if the conditions had been sane. I shared the news with Chris Loope (my friend in Atlanta) and he said "Wow - way to go Nancy!" Bret
Well, by now you have been basking in tremendous glory...well deserved, and how fun that you are setting out on your sojourn around the USA with that victory under your belt and all the bragging rights that go with that! I'll bet everyone in KC will be buying you beers, or red wines as the case may be, and feeling GREAT to know you and what you have accomplished. Yay, Nancy!!! I'm proud just to KNOW you!! Without wind and rain I'm knocking off 10 minutes of your time and you are UNDER 3 hours!! ( I have such expertise, you know). DG
YOU GO GIRL!!!!! Congratulations, you are my new hero!!! I am so impressed with your run and so happy to be included in the loop to hear about it. I'm sending it on to John Durkee, Zubie, and Cheryl. Way to go,
Kim Kline-Williamson (CSC '85)
Boston.com -->Top 100 Women finishers of Boston (#73!!)
KUDOS from friends:
From the NE DIV RFL Task force chair and fellow runner:
Nancy,
You have now moved way past wicked cool on my list into hero status.
Great job yesterday - you would have beaten me by about an hour!
Can't wait to hear about it.
Hope to see you soon. Jim
Congrats, congrats, congrats...what a terrific accomplishment!!!!!!
Now... how about skiing some bumps in Colorado....
Jana sent me the news.
Way to go girl!...we often speak about you in ski school and all the fun we
had skiing together and "selling lessons" on Bachelor ski run underneath the
chair lift. -- Nelson
Nelson Diaz, President and CEO, InPhase Technologies
Congratulations Nancy!
The pride we all feel for you must be nothing compared to the pride you have for yourself. You are truly an inspiration. Maria, Steve, Quinn & Cole
Now I feel great about my chances in the Boston Marathon after Nathan, David, and I ran your but off the road in Vermont last winter! I bet I could have won the damn race this year! Well, perhaps I better start training again before I try to race that Kenyan. Dr BOB
Hey - congrats to you! Almost called you after the race yesterday but figured you needed to rest and relax. It was fun tracking you online- was impressed with your consistent pace. Glad you made your goal. Great job! - - Bob MacKay
Brooke kept us posted on your progress all day yesterday on the message board!
I'm so proud of you! That's is incredible that you made your goal! Flaunt it girl! YOU ROCK!!! Hugs, Kara :)
You're a real badass, Nancy. I can't believe you made your goal time in that weather. I guess you would have set a World Record if the conditions had been sane. I shared the news with Chris Loope (my friend in Atlanta) and he said "Wow - way to go Nancy!" Bret
Well, by now you have been basking in tremendous glory...well deserved, and how fun that you are setting out on your sojourn around the USA with that victory under your belt and all the bragging rights that go with that! I'll bet everyone in KC will be buying you beers, or red wines as the case may be, and feeling GREAT to know you and what you have accomplished. Yay, Nancy!!! I'm proud just to KNOW you!! Without wind and rain I'm knocking off 10 minutes of your time and you are UNDER 3 hours!! ( I have such expertise, you know). DG
YOU GO GIRL!!!!! Congratulations, you are my new hero!!! I am so impressed with your run and so happy to be included in the loop to hear about it. I'm sending it on to John Durkee, Zubie, and Cheryl. Way to go,
Kim Kline-Williamson (CSC '85)
5/4/07
4/30/07
Vail Backcountry Hut Trip - COLORADO!
The next part of my vacation was a hut trip to the 10th mountain division Jackal Hut in the backcountry of Vail. The hike was 4 1/2 hours and the sun was warm that day. The views from the hut were just incredible. Dreamlike! We spent 3 full days in the great outdoors, using an outhouse, no running water (we melted snow for drinking/eating water AND did not take a shower for 3 days) and slept in our sleeping bags... also there was NO cell service, which was VERY tough for me. : )
Here are some photos - there is more to this story, but these are my fave photos of me that Jana took! Between the 2 of us we took 1000 photos!
My hospital visit in Kansas City
(Picture: Judy and I in the emergency room in Kansas City)
I arrived in Kansas City to attend the RFL Nationwide All Staff Meeting on Tuesday 4/17 having dinner and some wine with collegues and then waking for my usual "on the road" run with Judy (about 5 miles) in the morning. After networking with ice breakers with the group, I left to go the bathroom and my urine is dark red. I realize it isn't "that time of the month".... So I am sitting in the back of the room with my Illinois friends and collegues and write a note to Judy - "There is blood in my urine, I think there is something wrong with me...." - with a worried look I almost start to cry... I don't normally get sick, so this was really odd for me. Judy tells Michelle, Michelle leads me out of the room with a big hug and says "let's call your doctor" - - I call my OBGYN (my absolute favorite doctor in the world, and talk to the nurse, who I also love that entire office). She gives me all the scenarios that may be causing the blood, including everything from dehydration to kidney problems. She tells me to go to the ER or a clinic in the area to do the tests needed. I call my Primary Care Doc and then Judy and I get in a cab to drive 3 miles up the street to the hospital.
The friendly greeting at the window was a welcoming beginning. They all were so happy and wanted to help. I really liked this place (that is a lot coming from someone who HATES hospitals). He took my vitals and gave me forms and had me wait. Then this very nice male nurse came and got me, and I brought Judy into Rm 10 with me. He had me change into my johnny and Judy & I laughed while I made a comment about my "granny underwear" and how your mother tells you to always be prepared with clean respectable underwear in case you end up in the hospital (oh well - so much for the pink ensemble I had chosen that morning). : )
So he stuck me with the IV and started to replace the fluids I had lost from the week of diarhea and the marathon... he stuck me again in the largest vein in my arm (which there were a LOT to chose from...) and took blood for tests. We waited and were visited by a female blonde doc and then Dr. Gaddis (sp) to give me an update on the tests and options of illness... dehydration, kidney issues and breakdown and more... He mentioned I may be admitted for a few days, which freaked me out a little... and I mentioned how I really needed to get out of there to go back to the meeting to present that afternoon and catch my 5 PM flight to Denver to go ski the back country. They all laughed ... Judy was impressed that my new doctor friend kept coming in to talk about us as I reminiced about my marathon and he shared his competition history as well. Very funny indeed.
After blood tests, IV, kidney ultrasound and spilling my ice water on my bed 2 times, 3 hours later they let us go with my extreme dehydration diagnosis... Thank you to my dear friend Judy, who hates hospitals as much as I do - for being there for me!
4/18/07
Boston Marathon - "The Pre Race Story"
(Photos: Tina & I at the Doubletree 5:00 AM, Me with my new friends, Shelly & Debbie from Louisville, KY, Our footwear - Shelly was wearing fur lined army boots before the race! Me - just before heading out to the start, The scene inside the tent of more than 20K runners)
Amazing! What a weekend and race I had in Boston. Schuyler, Jess, Tina, Lilly, Nick & I went to Boston early Sunday morning. We went to the hotel - parked our cars and headed to the expo to get my number and do some athlete shopping - The Hynes Center was a mecca of sneaker vendors, socks, apparell, sports nutrtion and various other fun things to mill around and look at. We at the free samples and looked at the marathon goodies. I got Schuyler a great hooded sweatshirt, picked up my number, t-shirt - - Tina bought a few things and we milled with the many 1000's of people there to shop with their "runner". It was all very exciting and overwhelming at the same time. We saw Frank Shorter speaking to the crowd and I remembered my last boston in 2002, 6 mths post partum (I ran a 4;15) - going to the expo with Schuyler at 6 mths old. I have a picture of Schuyler with Frank and if he wasn't speaking I had hoped to get one of him at 5 1/2. The crowd was elbow to elbow and we had lost Tina, Lilly & Nick - once we met up with them again (thank god for cell phones) we left and they all went to the Science Center.
I went back to the hotel and checked in. The room was ready and they had upgraded us to the presidential suite. It was a beautiful suite! I tried to relax and get my stuff ready for the next day, laid it all out and brought most of the luggage up to the room. The kids were so excited to be in the suite, it was really cute. But the rain was coming down in droves.... there was an electrical short and while Schuyler and I had gone out to get ice, we found that the engineering guy was worried about us in the room and evacuated us to 2 rooms down the hall for the night. It was fun in there while it lasted....
So by 10 pm at night I was exhausted from the expo, waiting for the room and moving all our stuff from one room to the other. Schuyler was completely wound up from the move and from going all day, he was really excited to be on this trip. So 10:15 we were sleeping and I set my alarm for 4:30 AM after laying out all my gear for the next day - number, clothes, warmup clothes and post race clothes with drink & GU ready to pack for the 26.2 miles....
Tina got up with me and joined me in the lobby - we milled around with the others all dressed and ready to take the shuttle to the buses. Despite the ongoing rain everyone was in pretty high spirits. Tough enough to run this course in good weather, but the noreaster and the monsoons predicted was just enough to make you a little nervous. I was psyched, I had my training behind me and felt like I had done my due diligence in the long runs and really was aching to run!
The shuttle to the bus and then I got in line - here is where I met my 2 new best friends... Shelly and her sister (Debbie?) - they were from Louisville KY and I started to chat with them at the line of the bus, telling our stories of the marathons we had run and the experiences... Shelly had been to Boston last year, and it was Debbie's first - sisters, they were going to run it together. I asked if they minded that I hang with them and we got on the bus... I chatted with Debbie all the way there. At "Athletes Village" right near the school in Hopkinton we were some of the first to arrive. They had this huge tent set up and we proceeded to get some water, bananas and then I got a few boxes to flatten out and make the "camp" for the next few hours.... It was still only 7:30 AM, but we were prepared and ready. People continued to get there and we met some new friends. One guy from Santa Rosa & the other from LA and a couple from Florida that we shared our camp of cardboard. Sharing stories about ourselves, stretching out, talking about what to wear and how fast we want to run. It was a cool experience.
We ate a little bagel, Debbie & I had some coffee, they shared their tylenol and various other sundries of prep (Shelly was a pro at this - was cool to see all the stuff she prepared and had in her bag). We took turns hitting the port a john and watching camp... Then it was time - 9:20 AM - we headed out to the buses to put our gear bags for the finish, said good bye to our new friends and started to walk in the rain to the start. I had my $5 NYC umbrella I planned on tossing at the start and it kept me dry. I decided to hit the port a john one more time and the lines were 8 ppl. It took what seemed forever as I checked my watch. I finally was at the front and jumped on what this man thought was his line, Oh well - I was nervous not to get to my corral on time with only 7 min to the start - I sprinted from that spot to the 6000 corral and made my way to the front. I shared my umbrella with this shorter man and chatted with a few - - not only were we running Boston but in a "noreaster". Someone sand the national anthem and then the rope dropped for the elites.... I was 6 corrals back and we walked for a little while... I milled my way forward as much as possible, ditched my umbrella and then crossed the start line. I was on my way! I was flying!
This is the weather and race news that shares how bad the weather was ----> CLICK HERE
Lessons Learned:
Leave early - it helps with psyche and preparedness
Prepare - have a little bag (kit) with vaseline, aspirin, tissues, a pen, wear different running shoes and pack an extra pair (i didn't and wish i did), Rain poncho is a good thing to have packed too.
My results are posted in a previous blog entry, but the other great thing about where I finished was that each person's number is granted by the qualifying time that you submit. My 3;14 in Chicago gave me the number 6552 -- So when you get your finish ranking, that shows you how many people you finished ahead of that qualified with a faster time. My finish rank was (unofficial) 1480 (i will confirm later, it is in the Boston Globe) - so that would mean I passed 5100 runners that had faster qualifyings times than I. What an incredible day!
Amazing! What a weekend and race I had in Boston. Schuyler, Jess, Tina, Lilly, Nick & I went to Boston early Sunday morning. We went to the hotel - parked our cars and headed to the expo to get my number and do some athlete shopping - The Hynes Center was a mecca of sneaker vendors, socks, apparell, sports nutrtion and various other fun things to mill around and look at. We at the free samples and looked at the marathon goodies. I got Schuyler a great hooded sweatshirt, picked up my number, t-shirt - - Tina bought a few things and we milled with the many 1000's of people there to shop with their "runner". It was all very exciting and overwhelming at the same time. We saw Frank Shorter speaking to the crowd and I remembered my last boston in 2002, 6 mths post partum (I ran a 4;15) - going to the expo with Schuyler at 6 mths old. I have a picture of Schuyler with Frank and if he wasn't speaking I had hoped to get one of him at 5 1/2. The crowd was elbow to elbow and we had lost Tina, Lilly & Nick - once we met up with them again (thank god for cell phones) we left and they all went to the Science Center.
I went back to the hotel and checked in. The room was ready and they had upgraded us to the presidential suite. It was a beautiful suite! I tried to relax and get my stuff ready for the next day, laid it all out and brought most of the luggage up to the room. The kids were so excited to be in the suite, it was really cute. But the rain was coming down in droves.... there was an electrical short and while Schuyler and I had gone out to get ice, we found that the engineering guy was worried about us in the room and evacuated us to 2 rooms down the hall for the night. It was fun in there while it lasted....
So by 10 pm at night I was exhausted from the expo, waiting for the room and moving all our stuff from one room to the other. Schuyler was completely wound up from the move and from going all day, he was really excited to be on this trip. So 10:15 we were sleeping and I set my alarm for 4:30 AM after laying out all my gear for the next day - number, clothes, warmup clothes and post race clothes with drink & GU ready to pack for the 26.2 miles....
Tina got up with me and joined me in the lobby - we milled around with the others all dressed and ready to take the shuttle to the buses. Despite the ongoing rain everyone was in pretty high spirits. Tough enough to run this course in good weather, but the noreaster and the monsoons predicted was just enough to make you a little nervous. I was psyched, I had my training behind me and felt like I had done my due diligence in the long runs and really was aching to run!
The shuttle to the bus and then I got in line - here is where I met my 2 new best friends... Shelly and her sister (Debbie?) - they were from Louisville KY and I started to chat with them at the line of the bus, telling our stories of the marathons we had run and the experiences... Shelly had been to Boston last year, and it was Debbie's first - sisters, they were going to run it together. I asked if they minded that I hang with them and we got on the bus... I chatted with Debbie all the way there. At "Athletes Village" right near the school in Hopkinton we were some of the first to arrive. They had this huge tent set up and we proceeded to get some water, bananas and then I got a few boxes to flatten out and make the "camp" for the next few hours.... It was still only 7:30 AM, but we were prepared and ready. People continued to get there and we met some new friends. One guy from Santa Rosa & the other from LA and a couple from Florida that we shared our camp of cardboard. Sharing stories about ourselves, stretching out, talking about what to wear and how fast we want to run. It was a cool experience.
We ate a little bagel, Debbie & I had some coffee, they shared their tylenol and various other sundries of prep (Shelly was a pro at this - was cool to see all the stuff she prepared and had in her bag). We took turns hitting the port a john and watching camp... Then it was time - 9:20 AM - we headed out to the buses to put our gear bags for the finish, said good bye to our new friends and started to walk in the rain to the start. I had my $5 NYC umbrella I planned on tossing at the start and it kept me dry. I decided to hit the port a john one more time and the lines were 8 ppl. It took what seemed forever as I checked my watch. I finally was at the front and jumped on what this man thought was his line, Oh well - I was nervous not to get to my corral on time with only 7 min to the start - I sprinted from that spot to the 6000 corral and made my way to the front. I shared my umbrella with this shorter man and chatted with a few - - not only were we running Boston but in a "noreaster". Someone sand the national anthem and then the rope dropped for the elites.... I was 6 corrals back and we walked for a little while... I milled my way forward as much as possible, ditched my umbrella and then crossed the start line. I was on my way! I was flying!
This is the weather and race news that shares how bad the weather was ----> CLICK HERE
Lessons Learned:
Leave early - it helps with psyche and preparedness
Prepare - have a little bag (kit) with vaseline, aspirin, tissues, a pen, wear different running shoes and pack an extra pair (i didn't and wish i did), Rain poncho is a good thing to have packed too.
My results are posted in a previous blog entry, but the other great thing about where I finished was that each person's number is granted by the qualifying time that you submit. My 3;14 in Chicago gave me the number 6552 -- So when you get your finish ranking, that shows you how many people you finished ahead of that qualified with a faster time. My finish rank was (unofficial) 1480 (i will confirm later, it is in the Boston Globe) - so that would mean I passed 5100 runners that had faster qualifyings times than I. What an incredible day!
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