My Charity Runner Story in Honor of Mary Beth Reddell

"I share my story, because I can... In the circle of life, we All touch eachother"
Mary Beth Reddell, American Airlines, National volunteer leader, Relay For Life

I want to share my story - my story of will, of dedication, committment, training, years of racing, competing and the hours of time that I have put in preparation for the upcoming race day - another day at the start line of a race, this time a marathon - the Vermont City marathon.

It doesn't always come easy, getting out of bed each morning, being motivated by my loving husband, Steve (who yells at me to get my _____ going and catch those ponytails!) and my rambunctious "full of energy" son to the each race, looking for that "me" time to put myself to work - to increase in mileage, speed or endurance as a whole.

But when I can perform like I have proven in the recent past - with a seventh place master finish with a 3:05 at Boston and then 7th master again in San Fransisco at the Nike Woman's marathon this past fall. I qualified in 2008, at age 43 for the World Championship 1/2 ironman and the US National Championships for the Olympic distance - - on my own raw talent, because anyone that really knows me, knows I am of the "less is more theory". I am self coached with my Ipod nano, my training buddy Oakley (the yellow lab) and the support of my family. I research training plans online, communicate online with other runners and just get up and put my feet on the pavement each and every morning.

This story of will and results is something to share, but now as I dedicate this run to the American Cancer Society through Charity Runner - recently renamed DeterminNation - to make a difference in the lives of others.... through donor dollars generously given in my quest to run this marathon. I think about the word determination. The determination of athletes in endurance events, making a difference through the work of the American Cancer Society in the nationwide fight against cancer, all cancers, improving the quality of life of cancer survivors, supporting caregivers and community members working to find a cure for this disease.

This is a cause that truly motivates me - - and I realize is about the journey of those cancer survivors that I want to honor and dedicate my race.

“Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.” - Gail Devers

So now as I tell my story - I want to share the story of a national volunteer leader that I have had the pleasure and the honor to get to know and care about deeply. Through her story of survival - - of cancer - - her DetermiNation - - to fight - - gives me the power to fight harder, to raise more money. In my 15 years with the Society, it is survivors like her that drive this home for me, for all - - to truly fight, make a difference and hope to some day rid this world of cancer. I have decided to dedicate my marathon - my DetermiNation as a Charity Runner for ACS in her honor.











This is the American Way Magazine article from a couple of years ago... has some examples of how she uses humor "chemo carwash" above that shows the humor and strength of this amazing woman - she is a "Hero of Hope" in Texas, the High Plains Division - - and is a true fighter - - determined to the core - - a true role model and someone I truly respect and admire.

A couple of weeks ago (just fresh out of another round of chemotherapy) was the annual "Executive Idol" where she and two of her friends including one of the VPs dressed up like ABBA and sang super-trouper during the Executive Idol contest at AA the day of the Relay they all participate in! She raises thousands of dollars through her own Relay team and multiplies that by making one on one visits to hubs to get others in American Airlines rallied around the cause. Truly amazing.

I don't even know how many times she's lost her hair, her fingers have a constant tingling sensation (or did anyway) her hair fell out but at one point her eyelashes grew so much she kept having to cut them, her taste buds are constantly messed up, but she is alway fiesty and always positive so even her articles don't share negativety or sadness, they are always upbeat! This picture of Mary Beth was when we recognized American Airlines for their accomplishments as a part of the National Team Program. Her comment to me was that she "loves the photo because she chemo and her lashes were long due to the side effects...it was freaky!"

From Hero's of Hope program in High Plains - MB shares her story:

This is from MB's care page:
My story is very simple. I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer at age 41. I didn't have the trendy cancer - I had an old people disease! IT was in my colon, abdomen, and liver - they said there was no cure and gave me a "pat" on the head dismissing me - as if they assumed I was going to die. That made me very angry - as I thought God was the only one who knew when the time would come for me to go. That was almost 4-1/2 years ago. I've had six major surgeries. Countless chemos and radiation. I've fought it off 4 times and its back again for another round. This time its in my lung and back in the liver. I'm giving it all I have and with the love of my friends and family - I will win the fight. This fight also gave me the chance to connect with the American Cancer Society and I am a Hero of Hope, a spokesperson for ACS and the Relay for Life. Having cancer changed my life, and through my struggles I have been blessed with all of you.

I share my story because I can, and through the circle of life, we all touch each other.

More to come on my dear friend, stellar ACS volunteer and cancer survivor - Mary Beth. Stay tuned.....

Race Resume - April 2009

2008 Race Result Highlights
Boston Marathon - 3:18:35 - 3972 overall - 64 in division - 381 female
Nike Woman's Marathon - 3:22:24 - 23rd female, 33 overall

Mountain Goat Series Female Overall Winner - 6 race series
Top honors winning the series with 461.17 points.
Series placement: 2nd at Loon, 4th at Cranmore, 7th at both Northfield and Pack Monadnock, and 10th at Wachusett.

Applefest 1/2 marathon: 1:32:30 - 48th overall -2nd in age, 6th woman overall out of908 finishers


2007 Race Result Highlights
70.3 World Championship, Clearwater, FL 33/63 in age group - 5:18 finish time (11/07)
70.3 Timberman 2nd in age group, Gifford, NH - 5:15 finish time
Chicago Marathon (3:26:13)- 896 overall - 128 female - 15th in age group (10/07)Boston Marathon 7th overall master woman. 1626 overall(4/07)
4th master ING Atlanta, Georgia 1/2 marathon (3/07)
1st overall woman - Swanzey, NH 1/2 marathon (9/07)
4th woman, 1st in age - Greenfield Triathlon USAT Club Championship (8/07)
Ranked 144 USAT for 40-44 female age group (2007)
USTS National Olympic Distance Triathlon Championship (6/07) 191/475 in age)


2006 highlighted results:
Chicago Marathon: (3:14:38) – 2161/38,000 overall – Gender 263 – Division 35
Tufts 10K for women, Boston, MA: (42:23) 88/7000 overall – 14/1348 age group
FIRM MAN ½ Ironman, Narragansett Bay, RI (5:09:51) – 9th woman – 3rd in age – 118/641 finishers
Swanzey NH Covered Bridge ½ marathon – (1:31:01) – 4th woman – 1st in age – 21 / 311 finishers
CIGNA 5K, Manchester NH: (20:04) – 16th woman – 2nd in age - 4260 finishers
Sea to Summit (12 mi kayak, 90 mi bike, 9 mile run up Mt. Washington) – 10:36:24 – 2nd woman
NETS Fairlee, VT: (1:47:12) – 4th in age – 117/ 467 finishers


4 time Iron man competitor
Iron-man Triathlon –swim 2.4 mile, bike 112 miles, run -6.2 miles
PR – 11:52:01
1990 - Sunapee, NH (12:59)
1991- Sunapee, NH (12:36:41)11th female
1994 -Martha’s Vineyard (12:15:42) 9th female
1996 -Sunapee, NH – 11:51 – 2nd place female


Marathons – 26.2 miles
Competed in 19 marathons including:
Chicago - (October 2007) -3:26
Boston (April 2007) - 3:05:59
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)
Boston Marathon – 1990(3:51), 1993 (4:16), 2002 (4:10) 2007 (3:05)


Personal Record List
Marathon – 3:05:59 – (2007) – Boston, MA
½ Marathon – 1:28:48 (2007) – Alton, NH
Ironman distance triathlon – 11:51 (1996) – Sunapee, NH
½ ironman – 5:09 (2006)– Narragansett Bay, RI
5K – 20:04 – (2006) Cigna 5K, Manchester, NH
10K – 40:44 (1994) – Killington, VT

Other Accomplishments:
Sea to Summit 2nd place woman – 12 mi kayak, 90 mi bike, 9 mile run to Mt. Washington (2006)
USTS National Olympic Distance Triathlon Championship 1990 (Top 50% in age)
3rd place – Sport Women Pedro’s New England Mountain Bike Series (1994)
Raced Category 4 Woman’s class – (1992 & 2000)
3rd place female overall – VT Triathlon Series (1994)
5 time Century ride finisher – Audrey Prouty Memorial Century for NCCC
Top 16 Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge, Killington, VT – (1997)
Woodstock, VT HS Girls Varsity Basketball Coach, JV Girls Lacrosse & Field Hockey (1990-93)

Qualifications
BS Physical Education, Castleton State College (1986)
Professional Ski Instructor of America certified since (2000) current Level 2 certification
Killington Ski Patrol, Killington, VT – (pro) 1987-1997
Keystone Ski Instructor, Keystone, CO (pro)– 1998-2000
Mt. Sunapee Ski Instructor, Newbury, NH (pro) – 2000-2006
American Red Cross – Director of Health & Safety Services – 1991-1994
American Red Cross, past instructor trainer certifications Water Safety, Life guarding, Emergency Response, First Aid and Professional CPR.

(Last updated: November 21, 2007)

Conference Call Tips - Keep them engaged!

I have been on some great and not so great calls in my worklife and have really tried to figure out the best way to facilitate a good conference call with all the budget restrictions for face to face and time restrictions due to the busy schedules of everyone. A friend recently asked me for some tips as she has really enjoyed being on my calls and I thought I would share them with you in case there is a chance to share this more broadly.

Let me know your thoughts or any other ide

as!


Nancy's Tips for a Successful Conference Call

1. Prep is important - contact people ahead of time to ask them to say a few words on something that has happened in their area. division or company
Any updates or action items can be listed on the prep email that you can go over on the call to emphasize in the beginning

2. Use Webex if possible - keeps those multi tasker type people involved and using 2 senses helps keep them focused on you as much as possible. Webex allows you to get everyone on the "same page" as you - whether it is your content in a powerpoint or showing useful websites or walkthrough to navigate them to sites they need to know about.

3. Welcome everyone by name with a personal touch
Write those names down for reference during the call
After every agenda item be sure to call on one of those names
referencing a conversation you have had with them
ask them a question how it relates to their area

4. Always "mix" up the voices
Ask for others to speak on their expertise (great recognition)
Ask someone else to facilitate and introduce you as the expert (if appropriate)

5. Save sharing for last - don't take too may interuptions or questions and ask that they save it to the end and you get the pertinent info covered. And they all like that part of the call to "brag" so save the best for last and they attend to the end!

6. Always say thank you for attendance (in the beginning and the end) - with the mention of how valuable everyone's time is (staff and volunteer) - it will make a difference!

7. Get the notes out as soon as possible - highlight the action and key takeaways

8. Save the Date! - for the next call and or series of calls with a call for agenda items if necessary


Additions from my friend Lissa -

1. Build an agenda, share it 24 hours in advanc, & stick to it.

2. Introduce the salient points of the call, go through the "presentation" of each topic, then solicit opinions, feedback, discussion, or questions as relevant *specifically about that topic* before moving to the next one. Do not allow your call to be hijacked by a question irrelevant to the topic at hand; my stock response is, "that's a great point but let's hold it until the end of the call; I'll stay on a few minutes late to address it with you."

3. Tag team: have one person as the presenter and one person as the note-taker. Ensure that the note-taker provides the recap of each topic and closes the call; allows for a reiteration of the main points and immediate clarification as necessary. (Especially helpful, as hearing two views on a topic boosts memory.)

4. DO NOT waste people's time; start and end on time.

Why did the chicken cross the road?

2008 version
Why did that chicken cross the road?
BARACK OBAMA: The chicken crossed the road
because it was time for a change! The chicken wanted change!

JOHN MC CAIN: My friends, that chicken crossed
the road because he recognized the need to engage in
cooperation and
dialogue with all the chickens on the other side of the road.

HILLARY CLINTON: When I was First Lady, I
personally helped that little chicken to cross the road.
This experience makes me uniquely qualified to ensure - right from Day One!
- that everychicken in this country gets the chance it deserves to cross the road.
But then, this really isn't about me.

GEORGE W. BUSH: We don't really care why the
chicken crossed the road. We just want to know if the
chicken is on our side of the road, or not.
The chicken is either against us, or for us.
There is no middle ground here.

DICK CHENEY: Where's my gun?

COLIN POWELL: Now to the left of the screen, you
can clearly see the satellite image of the chicken crossing the road.

BILL CLINTON: I did not cross the road with that
chicken. What is your definition of chicken?

JOHN KERRY: Although I voted to let the chicken
cross the road, I am now against it! It was the wrong road
to cross, and
I was misled about the chicken's intentions. I am not
for it now, and will remain against it.

AL SHARPTON: Why are all the chickens white?
We need some black chickens.

DR. PHIL: The problem we have here is that this
chicken won't realize that he must first deal with the
problem on this side of the road before it goes after
the problem on the other side of the road.
What we need to do is help him realize how stupid he's acting
by not taking on his current problems before adding new problems.

OPRAH: Well, I understand that the chicken is
having problems, which is why he wants to cross this road so bad.
So instead of having the chicken learn from his mistakes and take falls,
which is a part of life, I'm going to give this chicken a car so that he
can just drive across the road and not live his life like the rest of the chickens.

NANCY GRACE: That chicken crossed the road
because he's guilty! You can see it in his eyes and the way he walks.

PAT BUCHANAN: To steal the job of a decent, hardworking American.

DR SEUSS: Did the chicken cross the road? Did he
cross it with a toad? Yes, the chicken crossed the road,
but why it crossed I've not been told.

ERNEST HEMINGWAY: To die in the rain, alone.

GRANDPA: In my day we didn't ask why the chicken
crossed the road. Somebody told us the chicken crossed the
road, and that was good enough
.
BARBARA WALTERS: Isn't that interesting? In a
few moments, we will be listening to the chicken tell, for
the first time, the heart warming story of how it experienced a
serious case of molting, and went on to accomplish its lifelong dream of
crossing the road.

ARISTOTLE: It is the nature of chickens to cross the road.

JOHN LENNON: Imagine all the chickens in the
world crossing roads together, in peace.

ALBERT EINSTEIN: Did the chicken really cross
the road, or did the road move beneath the chicken?

COLONEL SANDERS: Did I miss one?

Mountain Running Summer - again?

As I start to increase my training now that spring is here I think about the races, the goals and the training needed to get prepped for the spring and summer season. I missed the deadline for Mt Washington and although have some other options, I need to think about realistically what is next for me? I love the training in the trails, on the dirt and up the mountains is just such a challenge and thrill to reach the top of every run, I am ready again to get going!

So.... 2 options...
The La Sportiva Mountain Running Series in NE is now the INOV8 Mountain Running Series and the same races are planned. The waive to get into 2010 Mt Washington is a great carrot and I won't let that happen to me again.... :(

But because I am a bit further south there is another trail series and a qualification for the Nipmuck Trail Marthon with 6 finishes of the "Grand Tree Trail Races" in CT and MA. These are put together by the Western MA Athletic Club.

Or a combination of both?

32 degrees - Caption in "Last Chair" - I'm a Winner!

NCTP Corporate Video is now on www.RelayForLife.org

J5 SVC Kombi Race at Stratton - VARA featured!

Taking the day off from Devo coaching to go to Schuyler's second ski race at Stratton on Sunday was a true treat. We got our stuff together in the morning at the Lodge... Samantha and Schuyler went to breakfast for tea and pancakes (actually 2 helpings of pancakes - proclaiming - "they're free?" - I'll have more.... as Schuyler fueled himself for the day)! Steve and I packed the car and got the skis together and we trekked the 1/2 hour drive from Mount Snow over to Stratton. Once registered Schuyler suited up and headed out with the others. Afraid that he was too cold I offered his ski pants... no, not needed, but he did want a neck gator. I guess he knows better than his mom these days. After checking out the course the boys and girls all around 8-10 years old skied a few runs warming up and staying warm as the 74 registered girls and 70 registered boys from Bromley, Stratton, Willard, Magic and Mount Snow geared up with their coaches at the start at the top. Jay, Galen & Samantha with Steve were our coaches talking to the kids getting their minds and bodies warmed up to hit the course as fast as they could... I found my way to a spot mid course on the first run for some great photos of all the kids and got to chat with Dani's mom as she had volunteered to gate keep for the day (they were short of volunteers). The things we do for our children.... My feet got a little sore, but I was dressed warm enough. Taking a break for lunch - hanging out with Steve & Schuyler - eating fries and hot chocolate as the Vinnick boys brought over some cupcakes to share, it was a fast and furious mid day rest... The second run I focused on the MSSC kids and again from the top got some amazing shots!

Here is a link to the VARA sight with the photos - including my favorite of Schuyler!
Here is a link to my smug mug site with the Faves of the MSSC J5 kids

Will came in 2nd and Hannah came in 10th - a great showing for MSSC and the beginning of a great future for the race program too! Looking forward to seeing these kids in the gates again soon! Great job by all!

Results from the VARA site
Here is how the girls placed in the group - - 52 finishers (2 DNF)
10. Hannah
15. Natalia
16. Emily
17. Sophie S.
18. Donovan
20. Sofia
26. Dani
33. Sarah
35. Olivia
36. Isabelle
41. Kendall
47. Sarah Mc.

Here is how the boys placed in the group of 68 finishers (11 DNF)
2. Will
16. Reed
19. Julian
22. Kyle
25. BRendan
26. Max McL.
31. Max Vinnik
46. Cameron
51. Ty
53. Alec
57. Schuyler
63. AJ
Trace - DNF (lost his ski on the 2nd run)

The Dos & Don'ts of Winter Running

The Do's and Dont's of Winter Running

1. Dress in layers. Use light weight wicking fibers as the layer closest to your body.
2. Do wear socks made of synthetic fibers that wick moisture away from your skin to help prevent blisters and athlete's foot.
3. Remember that your head may be responsible for about 40% of heat loss. Keep your head covered and wear gloves.
4. Apply skin protection using sun block and moisturizers as appropriate. UV exposure is not good in the winter as well as summer.
5. Don't forget to replace your fluids on long runs.
6. Warm up slowly and gently before your runs and especially before doing speed work.
7. Do wear sport specific running shoes. Running shoes do not have the lateral support needed for tennis. Help yourself avoid ankle sprains and other injuries and do fit your running shoes or other sports shoes with the type of sock you intend to wear them with. Do replace your running shoes often. Replace them at least every 350 - 450 miles run.

8. Don't run on ice. Beware of Black Ice on the pavement.
9. Be careful running in low light conditions both because of road traffic, uneven pavement and also be aware of increased balance problems.
10. Don't do speedwork in bone chilling cold. You are risking injury. Most wise runners use this season for maintenance runs.

Family

The holidays were so grand this year as we were able to visit and spend time with much of our family. The annual trip north to my family for Thanksgiving will now become a tradition as it was so much fun and felt so good to see everyone! It has been great on facebook to reconnect with family and friends and the face to face connection has been even better because we have stayed in touch!

Christmas Eve Eve with the Cook family will also be an annual event for us - although it is so hard during the week to put it all together I think we pulled it off and had a great time for the second year in a row - although we missed Grama / Mom Cook so much! Red wine in the kitchen tasting all kinds, all years and just laughing and sharing during this time of year is so special.

And our family, the kids, Oakley - Schuyler wasn't able to be with us on Christmas when Samantha & Stephen joined us for the brunch, so we had a special gathering at the Lodge our weekend retreat at Mount Snow to open his gifts with all of our family.

Here posted is all the group photos - to share with all of you - and to give thanks for family.
We love all of you.

Photos:
Oakley in the backyard
The Stephen Cook Family in Belchertown, MA
The Stephen Cook Family (complete) in Mount Snow, V
The Peck / VanDine / Cook / Sizen Family in Georgia, VT
The Cook Families in Belchertown, MA

The happiest of Holidays!

Nancy E Photography featured on the VARA website!

It was a chilly day on Sunday and while juggling my responsibilities as Devo Coach to the 2 die hard skiers in my group, Gigi & Jenna - we skied a ton of runs and rode up Ego to see the start of the J4 race at 10 AM. As a commitment to the Mount Snow Ski Club I made time for taking photos at the races as much as possible - so this is the first of races on the mountain and I brought the girls to the finish line to watch the race a little while I snapped a few photos before break. The girls went in for break and I ventured back up to the race and continued to take photos at different vantage points on the course. First run was over and I finished the day with the girls... and then again returned to the course. It was great to see Harrison Ma our friend Alex Ma's son of Clifton Park, NY race and turns out my photos of him were the best of the day! I took more than 550 photos and really think I got some great shots.

Looking to share the photos - our friend & PSIA examiner Sue Kramer from Bromley was there with her athletes and I emailed the group, Vinnie, Steve Wolff and others. I went to the VARA site and connected with Toby to share and here is the group of best to be published. Very exciting to move forward in this area of action photography - my favorite.

Photographer highlight page - Nancy E Photography

Nancy E Photography
Nancy E. Cook, a Development coach at the Mount Snow Training Center, has been an amateur photographer for 8 years in various venues including - wedding photography, event photography for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life and ski photography for the Mount Snow Ski Club. For more information email nanskimtn@charter.net
For some examples of her work, see the Vermont Pictures in the Sidebar.

Vermont Photos link directly to one of my photos where you can select next to see the photos that I submitted.

The photo here is another of Harrison that I really think was just amazing - what a great day! Enjoy!

"Proof"

Here is a photo taken of Samantha and Lucas when we were out in the foliage taking the family photos. Lucas' tshirt is a classic and the smiles on their faces show happiness, so this photo really says a lot. :)

Remembering that day when the family assembled with Josh, our "adopted" son, one of Stephen's best friends who lives with us about 1/3 of the time in Stephen's room. Josh has been so great with our family, helping out when needed with Oakley and Schuyler and really has fit into our family so well. Lucas is the other one to mention and thank for that day. I set up the tripod, framed the 2 areas for the photos and we all meandered our way in place as Lucas kept his hand on the button taking about 50 photos that day! I made a little video of the photo shoot as it was really fun to watch us all get into place and Schuyler squirm away. It was such a beautiful fall day!

So here is the tshirt sighting - a great self portrait of Sam & Lucas and my fave of the family photos as it includes Oakley!

Proof of happiness.
God wants us all to be happy.
You just need to find it within yourself and within those around you.

All my favorite recipes from Cooks.com

These days I have found myself cooking more and more, proving to be the best "Mrs. Cook" that Steve could ask for.... it is pretty fun discovering the kitchen, trying new recipes, but not letting it control my "day" in planning. The easiest thing I find to do is go go to google and search whatever food I am preparing. We keep it healthy and simple with pairings with broccoli, cauliflower, roasted asparagus, corn, and lately roasted sweet potato "fries".

Here are a few of our favorites:
Chicken Marsala
Chicken Parmesan
Pork Marsala
Marinated Beef Tips

I do slight variations depending on the ingredients we have in the cupboard so don't be afraid to try something new if you don't have the right stuff in hand!

Enjoy!

Freakonomics and charitable giving

Attending this webex from Merkle today called "Five Strategies for Successful Fundraising in a Challenging Economy" and jotted down some useful resources that I need to look into more later and decdied to share with all of you in the meantime. Interesting stuff looking into the future and current state of charitable giving.

Trends in Giving from Contributemedia.com


NY Times blog on Freakenomics
About Freakonomics
Stephen J. Dubner is an author and journalist who lives in New York City.
Steven D. Levitt is a professor of economics at the University of Chicago.
Their book Freakonomics has sold 3 million copies worldwide. This blog, begun in 2005, is meant to keep the conversation going.

Giving and volunteering in the US data

Key findings:
Giving (households)
89 percent of households give.
The average annual contribution for contributors is $1,620.

Volunteering (individuals)
44 percent of adults volunteer.
83.9 million American adults volunteer, representing the equivalent of over 9 millionfull-time employees at a value of $239 billion.

Nonprofit times survey about Online giving this holiday season
Among those who plan to donate, 42% plan to give $100 or less, 20% plan to give between $100 and $1,000 and 4% claimed that they will give $1,000 or more, 35% are not sure of the amount but plan to donate.

"Micro charities set up for giving online":
Mission fish
Just giving
Six degrees.org - started by Kevin Bacon!
One.org - more advocacy highlights
Network for Good

Understanding the Giving Model - AUDIENCE 98’s Giving model is an statement of the interactions between givers’ motivations, mindsets, and means.

A little fundraising rant - boy did this search come up with a lot of information, all very interesting to read... and it lead me to this about "Baby and the Bathwater".... to my favorite quote of the day -

Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. Get some more bathwater. And maybe a few more babies.

One of Schuyler's favorite books was mentioned that i have pictured here. The book was so popular that it inspired the If You Give A series, which includes If You Give A Pig A Pancake, If You Give A Moose A Muffin, and If You Give A Cat A Cupcake.

If you give a mouse a cookie and he will ask for some milk:
Compare that to: If you give a donor power and they will ask for options, customization, greater insight and issue focused giving and ability to designate.


Ending thoughts....

"It's time we stop talking about giving as being voluntary when the great bulk of history looks at it as a moral obligation".

Hope you enjoyed my notes!

Our "Deer" Family

Today for the second time this week I looked out the window in the middle of the day to find a family of 3 deer - 2 adult and one baby in the yard. The first day they were right in the middle of the lawn - Oakley was going nuts, but once I calmed him down and grabbed my camera I got some great photos. Today in the rain they returned and I took this other picture through the screen door. I love living in the woods and with the animals. It is one more thing that I am so thankful for in my life.

A little info on the white tail deer in Wikipedia - all I can think of is Bambi. :)

Family Photo Archives

Photos:
Louis A. Peck - (1959) US Army photo

Janice L. Hosley - (1960) graduating picture from Mildred Elly Secretarial School in upstate NY - before she married my dad.

Anna E. Pilling & Harry A. Hosley Jr. on their wedding day - July 15, 1939
This is my mom's mom and dad - Grama is turning 88 this year (i think?). After Grampa's death she remarried Harold Lane and is now Anna E. Lane.

Collection of Quotes - From all my friends on Facebook

From Liz

Live to learn, learn to live, then teach others. - Doug Horton

A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step. - Lao Tzu

Love doesn't make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile. - Franklin P. Jones

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. - Theodore Roosevelt

I don't necessarily agree with everything I say.

Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless. - Mother Teresa

From Katherin:

"I am bound to praise the simple life, because I have lived it and found it good. When I depart from it, evil results follow. I love a small house, plain clothes, simple living. Many persons know the luxury of a skin bath - a plunge in the pool or the wave unhampered by clothing. That is the simple life - direct and immediate contact with things, life with the wrappings torn away - the fine house, the fine equipage, the expensive habits, all cut off. How free one feels, how good the elements taste, how close one gets to them, how they fit one's body and one's soul! To see the fire that warms you, or better yet, to cut the wood that feeds the fire that warms you; to see the spring where the water bubbles up that slakes your thirst, and to dip your pail into it; to see the beams that are the stay of your four walls, and the timbers that uphold the roof that shelters you; to be in direct and personal contact with the sources of your material life; to want no extras, no shields; to find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter; to find a quest of wild berries more satisfying that a gift of tropic fruit; to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest, or over a wild flower in spring - these are some of the rewards of the simple life."
--John Burroughs

From Dan

"The unexamined life is not worth living." - Socrates according to Plato
"The life unlived is not worth examining." - Can't find the attribution
"No conclusions about what we ought to do can validly be drawn from a description of what most people in our society think we ought to do." - Peter Singer
"i know the human race is doing the best it can, but hells bells that's an explanation not an excuse." - don marquis as archie the cockroach

From Grace:

"For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry. For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day. For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone." ~ Audrey Hepburn

I relay for my dad, my grandma, my nana, Mr. Near, Dr. C., Ashley, and the hope that in the future, no daughter will have to hear her father say, "I have cancer." I spend my free time babysitting not just for the money, but because I love it. I talk to myself in the car. I tend to laugh at the worst possible moment. I think flannel shirts should come into style for someone other than farmers and "hicks." I think falling backwards off a 42-foot drop was one of the most trusting things I've ever had to do, but it was amazing. I truly think my parents are cool. I want to fall in love. I wear my heart on my sleeve and a cross around my neck. I wish on stars. I yell at myself when I screw up.

Yeah, that’s me. So take me as I am.

From Nadia:

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?

What kind of thing is so important that it can't wait for cake?
-Emily, Gilmore Girls (possibly my favorite quote ever)

If no one spoke unless there was something to say, the human race would soon lose the power of speech
-from The Painted Veil

If someone went into a coma twenty years ago, and woke up today, they would think that the world had gone mad
-Keith Richards, quoted in Rolling Stone

From Kelli:

I get up every morning determined to both change the world and have one hell of a good time. Sometimes this makes planning my day difficult.
- E. B. White

From Karen:

Things turn out the best for those who make the best of the way things turn out -- Art Linkletter

We are building Bridges of HOPE -- Jeff Ross

Don't confuse your wants with your needs
Believe in Love, forsake your greed
And give away what you want to receive
-- Roger Clyne

From Jeff Ross:

"I would that one think I'm a fool than open my mouth and remove all doubt!"
-Abraham Lincoln

"Loose Lips...Sink Ships" - Ester on Fred Sanford

"The Main Thing is to keep the Main Thing the Main Thing" - Lou Holtz

"Call the Po-Po" - Madea

Don't Suck -Julie B. O-H-I-O

From Angie:

So we must love while these moments are still called today, take part in the pain of this passion play, stretching our youth as we must, until we are ashes to dust, until time makes history of us.

The way to love anything is to realize that it might be lost.

But the most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you can find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous.

It's really hard to walk in a woman's shoes -- that's why you sometimes need really special shoes!

Nike Women's Marathon - Results & Photos

All in all I was happy with my time and rank for such a large marathon.. It was an early morning and a nice cool run (although so VERY long) through some early steep hills and smaller hills at the end. I was in the lead early - a little crazy (Probably started too fast - oh well) and then slowed at the end. My stomach felt funny - not sure if I fueled correctly - ended up in the port a john at about 21. So maybe not my best run capable - but a good one.

Lessons learned -
Don't start out too fast - think about pace early
Fuel is so important - drink & GU (I didn't have drink at all)
Mentally don't get wrapped up in stuff you can't change.
Have fun - always have fun! If you don't it isn't worth it.

Here's to Boston - my next big endeavor! :)

Results from online:

Nancy Cook
Race: Full Marathon (1008)
Hometown: Belchertown,
Full Results: Overall, Female Elite

Full Course
Time: 3:22:24.100
Pace (Min/Mi): 7:43
Overall Rank: 33
Female Elite Rank: 9
[show split times]
5k
Time: 0:20:48.790
Pace (Min/Mi): 6:41
Overall Rank: 5
Female Elite Rank: 1
10k
Time: 0:22:27.600
Pace (Min/Mi): 7:13
Overall Rank: 14
Female Elite Rank: 3
15k
Time: 0:24:28.250
Pace (Min/Mi): 7:52
Overall Rank: 37
Female Elite Rank: 8
13.1 Mile
Time: 0:26:44.670
Pace (Min/Mi): 7:04
Overall Rank: 36
Female Elite Rank: 9
25k
Time: 0:20:14.500
Pace (Min/Mi): 8:18
Overall Rank: 33
Female Elite Rank: 7
30k
Time: 0:24:16.000
Pace (Min/Mi): 7:48
Overall Rank: 61
Female Elite Rank: 10
35k
Time: 0:25:37.540
Pace (Min/Mi): 8:14
Overall Rank: 85
Female Elite Rank: 13
40k
Time: 0:26:17.940
Pace (Min/Mi): 8:27
Overall Rank: 85
Female Elite Rank: 15
26.2 Mile
Time: 0:11:28.810
Pace (Min/Mi): 8:31
Overall Rank: 209
Female Elite Rank: 17
Unofficial results. Last updated 2008-10-20 09:07:26.

My letter after frustrated with the online system:

Hi Jodi -
Searching through the results this morning from yesterday's marathon and a bit disappointed with the timing system and what is reported online.

I was the ninth woman across the finish line for the full marathon with a time of 3:22:24. My number is not searchable in the results and the information I receive when I search by my name comes up as ranked 33? and 9th elite with the correct time. Why does my name not show in the overall results and why is my overall rank 33? My husband took photos of the females crossing the line before me and the announcer said congrats to another top ten finisher right before I crossed the line. When I searched at the tent when I completed the race they had me as 6th elite with the same time, and with my husband's photos and my recollection of women passing me after the 1/2 marathon split, I should have placed 9th.

Is it possible that since the 1/2 marathon clock was different that later on one of those participants was posted with full marathon time instead of their half marathon time, therefore squewing the results? By the way the first participant (Arien O'Connel) listed as F at a 2:55 is incorrect as the first female was definitely after 3 hours. Do you have any estimation when all of this will be "cleaned up"?

I know that there were mistakes in the bibs given out to half marathon participants and really think there are some issues with these results. I am very disappointed in this marathon as a whole especially after making a special trip from Massachusetts to participate, and this really makes it more disappointing than ever, since I lead for the first five miles and this result board has me so far down in the rankings and no where on the overall list and it took me 10 minutes to pull up the results using my name.

Please let me know who else I need to talk to in resolving this situation.

Applefest Half Marathon - results!

Here is a link to the overall results on the official page for the Applefest 1/2 marathon.

My results:
48th overall
2nd in my age group
6th woman overall
908 finishers

I was really happy with my results, but had a tough time kicking it in to be competitive throughout the race. Steve met me around the last 4 miles and wanted to give me a "boost" as I was not breathing or hurting like the others. I raced mostly alone with no chatting during the run. The course was amazing and the spectators and volunteers all very nice and friendly.

It was great to have Judy come up from Atlanta and she had a great time too!

Here are our results posted below.

48 2/71 F4044 1:32:30 7:04 Nancy Cook 44 F 838 Belchertown MA
767 8/14 F5054 2:18:17 10:33 Judy Reichling 50 F 381 Lawrenceville GA

Here are some news posts that I found interesting from the event that give more insight to course and challenge of these runners and more!
Double J
Photos by Strider Dave Delay

Boston Marathon 2009 - third consecutive Boston for me!

I am so excited - I registered for the Boston Marathon this morning. Filling out the application it was really great to fill in the fact that this is my third consecutive Boston, I can see why people pride themselves on registering and completing this marathon every year. I guess I am addicted to it - running, racing, marathons in particular. Something about the thrill to complete them time and time again is a real notch in my belt so to speak, and to call myself a "marathoner" is a point of pride for me. Last year I didn't get as much training in for Boston as I did the year before, but now with a good routine for the winter at Mt. Snow and with Schuyler here in Belchertown, I think this year will be more successful for me in training. Looking to the future... actually this is a good psych up for this weekend's Nike Woman's marathon! I need to think about my goals and post them.

See below registration info peeled off the site after i registered this morning:


ATHLETE REGISTRATION

Thank you for submitting an entry to the 113th Boston Marathon. Your credit card has been authorized for payment. Upon verification of your qualifying time, your credit card will be charged the non-refundable and non-transferrable entry fee of $116 USD. Your submission ID# is 9007529.

We appreciate your patience while your application is being processed. We may need to wait for official race results to verify your qualifying time, and this could delay the procedure. If we are unable to verify your time, we will contact you. You may search the "Entrants" database on the Boston Marathon web site beginning in October to confirm your acceptance into this year's field. If you requested electronic notification, you will receive an email when your name is posted onto the web site. You will also receive a confirmation of your acceptance by mail.

In early April accepted applicants will receive, via first class mail, an official Number Pick-Up Card and extensive information regarding the B.A.A. Boston Marathon and related race week activities. If you do not receive your Number Pick-Up Card (required to claim your number) and brochure by April 11, please contact our office at registration@baa.org.

Note that bib numbers will not be distributed on race day. Your travel plans should take into account picking up your number at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston on Friday, April 17 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., or Saturday, April 18 or Sunday, April 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

PERSONAL INFO
Is this your first Boston? No
Number of Consecutive Boston Marathons Completed 2
Total Number of Boston Marathons Completed 5
T-Shirt Size Women-M


QUALIFICATION INFORMATION (subject to verification)
Qualifying Time 3:18:35 (Net Time)
Overall Finishing Place 3972
Qualifying Race Boston Marathon 04/21/2008