2nd woman at the Loon Mountain Race!

We went to Winnepasaukee the night before to test drive a boat and stayed at our favorite campground at Gunstock, knowing that they had plenty of sites and my quest for a cheap place to stay didn't land me anything near Loon. It was a good night on the water and a great meal at Patricks in Guilford, NH.

We forgot our sleeping bag so we went to Wal-Mart and picked up a $20 Coleman bag that would get us through the night, as well as a little lantern and some other supplies too. The inflatable mattress didn't make it but 2 hours, so every 2 hours through the night we woke up to inflate and try to get some more shut eye. Waking up on time, showering and out to check out and on our way to Loon, not knowing how long it would take and questioning the start time (I thought it was 9:30)...

The start was scheduled for 9 AM which left me no time to register and get warmed up to the start line, but turned out to be fine and no worries - - I was there for the start and milling my way to the front of the pack where I like to be. My starts are a little fast, but I like to keep track of the competition and see the girls as they pass me (if they do). Uphill - the terrain map showed this race as all uphill, so I was fore-warned... Mostly work roads swithing back and forth across the mountain, the uphill was steep and the downhill had some spots of craziness on the trail. Goal: stay injury free! :)

Well only one girl successfully passed me, her name was "Jenny" from Bethlehem (and a younger age grouper) and was nice when i finally caught up to her. I passed her a few times, but was pretty happy being in 2nd, hoping the others were far behind... but not knowing and thinking of the possibility of actually winning this thing was pretty motivating. I reached the gondola and was only 1 min behind her.... down a sharp hill and then up around the corner "Upper Walking Boss" was a black diamond trail and they wanted us to run it... It was a power hike. I didn't look back, just was swinging my arms and power hiking as best I could to maybe catch Jenny - but not to stop. Keep going - keep looking up at the top... it took quite a while. At the top we flew over the top and really really fast downhill (where Jenny took off!) and I followed until the short steep uphill to the finish line. I made it! Second woman - I was really psyched! Uphill is my strength and I beat both girls from last week that beat me (2nd and 3rd from Cranmore). I felt great - congratulated everyone and drank a ton of water watching others finish. It was great! These people are all very nice and a lot are repeats each weekend, including Kathy from Fitzwilliam (who I got to know at Northfield) and Kat from Franconia...

Here is the course description:
Course Description

The course starts at a dirt parking area along the Pemigewasset River and winds its way through the road/parking area to the service trails heading up Loon Mountain. It follows a combination of dirt trail/service roads and ski trails to the Summit Lodge at the top of the Gondola, then works its way over and up North Peak and back over to the top of the Gondola. This is an ascent-only race. The race averages approximately a 10% grade with some sections of more than 20%.



My rank for the series should have me in first - still waiting for that post, but the Loon results are out.
From Cool Running
I was 34 out of 170 finishers
Time: 65:15
2nd overall woman
1st master woman

I won a pair of Inov-8 mountain running shoes, Hammer Gel and a Fuel belt.
I am a happy girl!

Sport specific training and staying injury free!

Now after running 4 of 6 of this mountain series, I am starting to get it and get into it just a little more... thinking when I am running, listening to my nikeplus coaches, Joan & Alberto.... thinking about the fact that I am out on the trail at least twice a week for specific training that really helps my results and prep for these races.

Tips that I have learned.
1. Sport specific helps you to gear up for the situation you are going to race in. If you are mountain running you need to run trails and uphills in particular. If you are road running, flat and pavement is fine, and so on....

2. Focus on the trail, firm landing is necessary to stay injury free. Keep your eyes open for the solid landing spot for your foot so not to turn an ankle or twist your knee (coming from someone who has had both issues). Look for rocks, stumps, dips in the trail, trees, branches sticking out in the trail, side hill and the best path to take so you can keep moving at the pace you have an not slow down.

3. Did I say keep your eyes open? Yes - keep them open and forward. Kind of like skiing, you don't want the snow snakes to get you - so look ahead. I had some sweat in my eye today - running at 1 PM wasn't so "cool" if you know what I mean.... and it was really hard to see.. so maybe a sweatband to clear your face, but always - yes - keep your eyes open. My ankle is still sore from last weekend, after the girl past me I was working to catch her and was looking TOO far ahead. Look to where your foot wants to land, needs to land, when you are on the trail. It is pretty intense running trails because of that footing issue, but such an accomplishment and a work out!

4. Don't look back. Not even for competition. Just assume they are RIGHT behind you (15 pony tails on your back - as Steve would say). If you see them it may psych you out, and they are pacing with you anyway, so wait until they pass you to pour it on, or at least let them get close enough so you can save your energy - obviously they are pushing to catch you.

5. Know the course. It is tough to "drive" a mountain course, but it is good to know the terrain so you know what is in store for you. Be prepared in all aspects. Drink a lot of fluid the day before and the morning and eat something for breakfast and bring GU along just in case you feel low or the race goes beyond 45 min.

6. Stretch & refuel. The most important part of staying injury free is the stretching. I am notorious for NOT stretching, so I need to remind myself. Refuel - watch out for dehydration, keep drinking after the event and any post fuel option you like (mine option is Physique from Shaklee - LOVE it!) you will feel like new if you refuel right!

That's all for now - - Loon is Sunday morning and we are going boating all weekend - so it should be fun - and I promise to KEEP MY EYES open! Wish me luck - need to keep that leaders jersey amongst those other FAST western MASS women!

My ACS girls.... friends across the country!

Kyla, Naomi Jane & Shawn in front of Stats in Atlanta on my visit last week.




Naomi, Jane Shawn & me!

I love this group of women... I feel so blessed when I connect with friends from all over the country and it "clicks".

Kyla
I met her probably 7 years ago when she worked for Mid South division as the Relay Director. She was the luminaria chair of the first Celebration on the Hill. Always friendly and nice, and a friend of Shawn's, so when she left the Society and wanted to come back Shawn would connect us all together to search for suitable positions so we could get her back in the Society.... then she was finally hired by Jim and works on my team now as the Manager of the NTP for Strides and other projects. We talk daily it seems and really lend eachother's ear to one another when needed. Mostly work related, but also personal, we have become really good friends. She lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee and drives to Atlanta in 1 1/2 hours. She has 2 teenage kids that she loves so much.... A very stylish person with a beautiful smile!

Jane
She has worked for the Society for 30 years - starting in the Florida Division and then to National. I met Jane back when the NTP started and she was working with Quest Diagnostics. She always had such good insight to corporations and from the income side of the house - - how to incorporate all that "we" do into the relationships. We have worked together very closely now since then (almost 8 years now) and go to the RFL Summit together every year. I have served on many workgroups with and for Jane - - and our friendship has also evolved throughout the years. She is a really sweet and smart person that I have come to know and really enjoy her company at these events. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia, is the president of her garden club and has finally found the man of her dreams! : ) (we have that in common too)

Naomi
Naomi rocks... she is a real "can do" person. In life and in her job, which she is the analyst of data for our corporate group and does an amazing job. I am always impressed with her response time and commitment to get it all done for everybody. Her dry sense of humor and straight shooter personality really adds life to data - which not many have that skill. I love working with her and I really have had a great time getting to know her and her son and husband through various newsletters they send to update on the happenings of the family. She lives on a 200 acre lake outside of Atlanta and is boating this weekend. She stays in shape with exercise .... and our common bond at meetings is our love for good coffee (gourmet) black and hot coffee! We laugh about it every meeting. I have known Naomi for about 3 years now and each year we get closer and closer as friends too. She made this interactive power point to analyze my birthday. Very cute indeed - and a true friend to remember my birthday in a special way.

Shawn
I have some other posts about Shawn, as we have been very close through some very hard times. For me and for her. She has been there for me as a really close friend, although she lives in Paducah, Kentucky, it seems as though she was right next door when I needed her the most. She is currently going through a tough time in her life since her daughter Hilary was in this horrible car accident. You have to check Hillary's blog to see the latest, but it seems like there is always something happening and the prayers are needed daily. I have a link right on my blog to the Hilablog and read it at least once a week. Shawn will always be my dear friend. I miss her daily chats, but know she has so much going on... and that we will always have a connection.

My friends mean so much to me - - and I have so many great ones spread all over this country... Atlanta, Chattanooga, Paducah & more!

4th woman at the Cranmore Hill Climb!

It was crazy
I hate thunder and lightning with a passion. Scares me like nothing else... Getting ready for the race I ran up the little hill once and then there was a downpour. Steve & I gathered in the tent with about 20 others and then made a dash to the base lodge to hear when they would start - thinking after the storm blew over... Well they had us start in the middle of this lightning storm. freaked me out - - it cleared by the time we got to the summit on the first loop - - had to run up and down twice... over grass, rocks, side hill, single track (walked a couple sections - just too steep) and the last loop - i missed the last corner following this guy, talking to him about how I was in third place and how she wasn't going to catch me - then the racers starting yelling to us "hey - hey you're going the wrong way!" we had to climb back up probably 400 yards or so... such a drag - she had passed us at that time and I filed in right behind her - although it got my competative juices going once I hit the mucky section and twisted an ankle, it was tough to push harder and finished 4th - just out of the money (could've won $50). : (

But even if I beat myself up because of my competition soul inside it is all so great!
I love the feeling of accomplishment - and feel I am almost used to the "push" that you need (but not yet).
What keeps me pushing? The knowing I can - be the best for me - if not today, tomorrow, if I keep training and pushing, I will get better inside, and out, and on the trail!

Out of 139 runners I was #52.
Distance: 6.2 miles (all up and down the mountain)

Cranmore Hill Climb - June 29, 2008
North Conway, NH

52 Nancy Cook 76:13 F 44 Belchertown MA
4th woman
2nd in age group (masters)
Here are some more pictures of the race finish when it was safe to get the camera out - (thanks Steve!)

2 more races left to go!

The best news yet is that I just checked the standings for the La Sportiva Mountain Running Circuit and I am the NUMBER ONE woman with overall points - and second place for the best 3 of 4 behind a 30 year old Abby Woods (and only 10 points)! Yippee!!

Check it out!
I am leading by 3 points with overall - - close leader board, how exciting, who knew! : )
I need to kick it in at Loon that is for sure!

Next race is at Loon Mountain - Sunday morning!
Wish me luck!

Cranmore Hill Climb video 07

Running Raw: US Mtn. Running Championships 6/24/07

The FIght Back Express!

Had to post my favorite photo of the FB express trip to Atlanta. I met up with my Relay BU friends at NHO and as I was gravitating with my camera to the front of the crowd (trying to look like the official photographer), but just really trying to get some good ones. I know that Bobbie loves my photos! So here I am with Liz, Linda, Sarah & Toni (top row), me & my "soul sister" Michelle (we were born 6 days apart and love to celebrate our birthdays together!).

Here is a link to Nancy E Photography to see the rest of the album - what a beautiful day it was and it was really good to meet up with old and new friends at NHO!

Learn.Speak.Act. - MIKE-E Video (long version)

Checking out You Tube this morning and saw this video from the ACS - - it is really cool and gets RIGHT to the point! Check it out for yourself!

ACS CAN Fight Back Express Bus Tour

I was in Atlanta yesterday to sign the Fight Back Express. The celebration was kicked off by CEO Dr. Seffrin and a special appearance by the governor of Georgia. It was a sunny day and it was great to be there and sign the bus! Check out this video for more information and the story behind the bus!

Friends: Judy Reichling

It isn't more than a day that I don't hear from my friend Judy - who lives in Atlanta with her husband Tom in Lawrenceville, GA.
She has two great boys (Matt & Andy) who I have met and spent a little time with through the years (each have also spent time with Schuyler which is cool!). We have been friends since the days of MAXX and RETS - - and those in ACS world can appreciate that this was LONG ago. Especially since we are beyond Kintera, into Convio and heavy into SIEBEL! :) I have been with ACS now 14 years and she has been close to 16 years so we have known eachother for more than 10 years! Thick & thin, she has been there for me. We have many stories to tell! shhhhhhh

I really have enjoyed our friendship, the many mornings that we have run together in various cities that we visit for Relay meetings. She is one person I can always count on being there for me, not expecting too much, but a sensitive caring friend that I know really deep down will be there for me. We have run a few marathons together, tried to get groups together to visit and go and really only got together on 3 of them (Disney, Chicago & the Woodstook 1/2). She visited me when Schuyler was a baby, and then again when things were "rough" and now just recently in my new happy life here in Belchertown. She has seen me through so much and like I said has been there - at least every other day (Even on weekends) to encourage me in my racing and just to talk about work or whatever needs to be accomplished. Cheers to Judy - my dear friend, running partner, colleague and more!

Here are some great photos from the wedding.
It was really funny when I asked Judy to do my hair - when I decided not to go professional, because she does such a GREAT job with her own hair and I pick on her so much for taking so much time on her hair when we travel to meetings... she was the PERFECT hairdresser for me. : ) My friend - and the best hairdresser ever!

Start of the Northfield Mountain Run!

There were a few photographers at the event on Sunday and this picture of the start shows the crowd and the beautiful area of Northfield Mountain.

Here is a link to the overall series results - although I have an email into Dave to add my Wachusett results. : )

Relay Countdown: Shelley

The famous sequence (from my kodak gallery of Mark Luftkin photos labeled "NOTHING SEEMS TO WAKE HER")...My West Coast buddy Shelley reappears on MY blog today. I love her blog, she was the one that got me into this crazy obsession with online journaling and here's a shout out to her - thanks for all you do for ACS - but more than that thanks for your smiles, your hugs - - for all your friends, for your great self portraits and can't wait to see you.

Good luck with your Relay! Go Merrill Lynch! Everyone must visit her blog for some great Relay photos, stories and more!!

Charlene's Angels?

Doing research for the EI staff meeting and came across this video - hilarious!
Ok - it exists! So excited to find....
Charliesangels.com

Do you think I look like Jacyln Smith? I always thought I did - or wanted to... : )

The Optimist Creed

Back in 1997, I applied for a job with the ACS in the Colorado Division so that I could go west and ski after this amazing ski vacation in Utah, Wyoming and Idaho.... I just had to go! Well - I packed my plants, my clothes, my dog Chester and headed west in my GMC Sonoma. It was an amazing 2 years of growth in my life. Although I don't have time this morning to write the entire story - - I was reminded of my growth, learning about people as I was all alone with no family and made new friends to make my way. My boss at the time, Stephanie Haberkorn, gave me this saying from the Optimist International and it was a "mantra" of sorts for me - through that time and my entire life. I found it framed in the cellar and then searched the web to find it to post here today.

Keep it in your heart - along with the Jon Gordon Energy Bus - - this will truly fit your life too.

Promise Yourself-
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.


Optimist International

Flash from the past! Searching the archives...

Looking for some photos for my dear friend Kevin who has something up his sleeve... I came across some classics to post on my blog. Friends, smiles, good times, conferences that really made a difference and celebrating volunteerism with some of my long time favorites.

1. Jim & Angela

2. Phylecia(GA), Sandra (WI) from GE , John Klika (WI), Pat Flynn (WA) - from last year's recognition

3. Arlene (MA) & Kristie (NY)

4. Bobbie Johnson (CA)

5. Ava Volandes (NY)

Gardner Logistics Tshirt - Celebrating 15 years of a top notch Relay

This Relay has been a top Relay in the US for so many years.... at least 10! I have to look back in the historical files for sure... but Fran and this wonderful woman with him have been the fuel behind the logistics of this event that has been more than 500K in fundraising and close to 1 million for the past few years! Great volunteers and a solid staff partnership -- really setting the pace for New England!

Pic #1 - the Tshirt (how cool is that?!)
Pic #2 - After the cutting of the ribbon

Relay Tour with Judy, Sue Ann & Schuyler

La Sportiva Northfield Mountain Race

Distance: 6.5 miles - the course was on Northfield Mountain a winter resort for snowshoeing and cross country. Northern MA - just outside of Greenfield - it was an easy drive, but after a late night cruising Relays with Judy & Sue Ann - I woke the boys and drove the 45 min north! Nice people, reminding me of my winter friends, I warmed up with Schuyler who is "jonesing" to run a kids race soon! I looked around & registered, noted that the results with points for the series didn't have my Wachusett results - so I talked to the race director.... great guy & very well organized race.

The start of the race was an intro to the course, marks, the championship NE mountain trail running and the La Sportiva series. There were all sorts of girls from the running clubs on the line as we started up the grass trail - then dirt road, then trail to the top... Grind it up the hills and let it fly down the hills was in my mind from Steve reading the brochure on the way to the race - - I had a pretty good run - felt very fast on the downhill, banging my knees, but still solid.

I finished in 49:08 - 51st overall - 7th woman and 1st in my age group! YIPPEE! Finally a WIN!

I realized the girls that had beat me weren't there - - but I was thrilled, got this very cool tech tshirt - a new pair of mountain trail sneakers and a Fuel Belt water bottle and carrier. SO COOL - and VERY happy!

Link to the article about the race

Link to the results

Opportunity Knocks -

The beginning of my week was traveling to Atlanta to attend the 2008 National Conference on Volunteering & Service put on by the Points of Light foundation. My role was man a "booth" for the American Cancer Society with aspirations to link to our current corporate constituents and to look at the potential companies for our workplace solutions programs. It was a great conference - with a theme "the urgency of NOW" - which I found very inspiring. We were surrounded by some wonderful non-profit volunteer recruitment and engagement companies and major sponsors of the event such as UPS, Loreal, Delta Air Lines & Home Depot. It was great to meet people excited about volunteering in their community and how to connect with what they had to offer volunteers.

One of great people I met was Lynne Norton of "opportunity knocks" - an online job site for non-profits. The traffic of people was slow that morning and we sat and talked for quite some time. She told me about her move from corporate to non-profit and the transfer of skills and experiences, and then I spoke about my career history with ski patrol, acquatics, American Red Cross & American Cancer Society and how I have grown as a professional within ACS. It was fun to talk to her about the journey and she then asked if I would be interested in being interviewed as a part of her podcast series on "OK Radio" highlighting professionals in non-profits. What a great "opportunity" for me to share my story. And very appropriate after the presentation with the AMA!

Pack Monadnock - #7 woman - 2nd race in the La Sportiva series

Just got home from the race... It was pretty grueling - rolling hills to the 1.3 mark -- and then "straight" up to the top. My goal was not to walk on the steeps.... just to keep picking up my feet! I thought I could walk faster at one point, but no... it was better to keep picking the feet up as if to run. I passed 2 girls on the last 1/2 mile. I finished in 1 hour 25 minutes (approximately - unofficial). Crazy. I think I was 6th woman and no idea for age group, but I beat the last year master winner time. Looking forward to seeing the results. Anyone who finishes this one is a winner! 4 more to go!

Found the results.... so crazy how these 40 year olds are kicking my butt! : )
5th in my age, but 7th overall woman!
Funny story that I encouraged the 20 year olds around me to race against eachother - "You better pass her, she looks like more your age group than she is in mine" Turns out mine were all way ahead! 30 year old wins, then 5 40 year olds, a 20 year old and me! : )

53 overall out of 277 ppl (last finisher came in at 2 1/2 hours)
5/37 in age F4049
Nancy Cook 43 F Belchertown MA
1:23:36 overall time
8:22 min mile.

Mother's Day at the Road House - tshirt sighting

Yes- -I had to get this one.... asked the waitress to turn around.... very nice. This place is great ! Organic food you can't beat the eggs and the french toast. It was a special day of days to remember. forever. My boy and my true love with me on mother's day!