The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY March 11, 2010
Outside My Window...  It's dark.  Just said good bye to my sweet husband who is on the road to Loon Mountain in New Hampshire to teach a PSIA event.  I love to wake up with him and pack his breakfast and coffee.  At times we both travel and it is this support that keeps us both so strong, feeling loved and completely connected.
I am thinking...  I should go back to bed, but I love to write and share my thoughts.  So much to do and with ski coaching on the weekends my life is so busy, I don't have as much time to get it all done.
I am thankful for... my life, my family!  Schuyler is doing so well in school, socially and academically.  He had 2 calls for after school "playdates" (hmmm  what do you call them when they are 8?) and is so crazy about letting his hair grow long, he makes me smile all day!
From the kitchen... blended strawberries & Cool Whip!  I LOVE my Vitamix and my recovery drink of OJ, frozen strawberries & mango with Shaklee Physique & Performance was truly a culinary treat!
I am wearing... My leopard bathrobe & PJs  (still thinking I need to go back to bed!)
I am creating... a video montage of my photos of the girls from this year at Mount Snow.  I know the music to use because they (mostly Rachael, Emma & Sydney) would sing Taylor Swift from the chair EVERY weekend.  Sad --- I will miss seeing these girls every weekend, they are an amazing group -- I named them the Snow Divas!
I am going... to Snowbird after the Boston Marathon, but this time I have a week to rest before hitting the slopes.  I remember the first Snowbird trip with Steve after my 3:05 Boston and how sore I was!  It was a long recovery process after my dehydration bit at the hospital in Kansas City, Vail & Snowbird.  What a crazy time in my life --- April of 2007.
I am reading... with Schuyler as much as possible.  His poem each day from school to learn expression & all the books we have in the "library"!  Need to get to the town library again soon --- any suggestions?
I am hoping... my training pays off for the Boston Marathon after running my second 20 miler.... I am finally feeling "ready" although not quite where I want to be.  Need some speed training to go faster!  :)
I am hearing... a lot of new music ....  I love music...  my latest is "The Healing Hand of God" - - I think of Steve when I hear the words and I really love Jeremy Camp.
Around the house... we are getting things all picked up and ready for spring.  I went to the "transfer" station yesterday and LOVE the feeling of all the trash and recycle materials out of the house and garage.  I love having a clean house, it takes a lot of work and cooperation of the family, but it is so worth it!
One of my favorite things... is my new camera - a Nikon d300.  The photos I have been taking the past couple weeks have been at another level.  The upcoming slide show for the Development program is featuring a lot of my photos and I am so proud of the shots.  I get such great joy when someone loves one of my photos!  I get comments now at the races from Bromley & Stratton families too!  It is these moments with these children that are captured and treasured!  My photography business is getting off the ground and I am so proud of the photos.  Looking forward to an upcoming wedding gig --- stay tuned!
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:  Finish my slideshow, clean the car, pack for Mount Snow -- get a lot of ACS work accomplished & get ready for spring!
Here is picture I am sharing...  The group of J5's at the top of Bear Trap found their way up this building....  Schuyler and his friends are so much fun to watch learn and grow together -- they have all improved so much as ski racers and really have made this a great winter for all of us.  Steve loves coaching these J5 kids and the progress they are all making is phenomenal!  I love these smiling faces of Aidan, Izzy, Alex, Max & Schuyler!

June 24, 2009 entry - Simple Woman's Daybook

Teddy!

Teddy's mom approached me via email to see if I would photograph Teddy for his upcoming April Bar Mitzvah.  Working around my ski schedule we set the date for this past weekend.  After Devo I met Teddy & his friends Max and Harris Freedman (who are actually kids we know through our dear friend Tabi!).  Never having met Teddy, never having shot freestyle skiing and with my new camera I was a little nervous but excited for the opportunity to see what I could do behind the camera.

They started out with the top rail (got a cool shot of him jumping on the rail).

Then to the jumps --- too many trees and into the sun was going to be an issue, but continued to shoot hoping to get some good ones off the jump.  Good thing Teddy knew what he wanted and from his regular training with the Devo Freestyle group had some great moves off the jumps.

 With Harris

  The behind shots were really cool too.

Then off to the big jumps --- there was this one shot into Seasons from behind that came out great!  Looks like the boys are on their way home!

Through the whole session the boys kept talking to Teddy about trying the front flip -- maybe off the cliff?  No - that was too lame, not a good choice for the air needed I suppose...  we never did get any cliff shots.  The last run -- Teddy said he probably was going to go early (this was a 2 hour shoot) --- and we headed down the hill.   The boys came to the launch with me and I set up for the shot while others took their turn and Teddy was going through the motions in his mind prepping for the flip.... Harris had the video cam ready and gave me the call - "Here he comes!"  ---
And there it was .... through my lens....

The approach

The flip

The layout
















The Exhilaration

I had to share this with all of you --- I had tears in my eyes as Teddy looked toward the chair, his fans, whoever was watching and then to celebrate with his best friend who got the whole thing on video --- and me who got it all "larger than life" to celebrate with all his loved ones at his Bar Mitzvah -- those priviledged enough to celebrate this moment and his special day in April!

Cheers to Teddy!

Boston Marathon Training 20 milers 1 & 2 Training Details

Thursday March 4, 2010 
Garmin Connect -Activity Details for Quabbin Tower out & back - 20 miler #1

A great day for a long run - sunshine, blue skies.  The one thing I really love about my Forerunner 405 is that I just turn on the satellites start the training and off I go on a 20 miler of my choice.  I have not run long on the Quabbin and it is down the street so not a normal run for me.  I hate to drive to run, so off I went up Bay, Allen and over the top to the route to Ware that heads to the Quabbin.  I remember the field trip and all the history behind this magnificent place.  It is so beautiful to run along the Windsor Dam and see the water --- this reservoir has a LOT of history!  The wind was strong across the dam and in my face at times.  I saw the sign up to the Tower and made the trek part of my run.  It slowed me down, but was worth the view!  There were a few cars, a couple hikers and "tourists" checking out the view - early in the spring season....  Back home I felt strong and fast.  Pretty great for my first 20!  In total I ran more than 24 and was very happy with the run. 

Fuel:  2 GU, Performance
Recovery:  OJ, Frozen Strawberries & Mango, Performance & Physique with ice in the vita mix, Bananas & PB, Almonds & peanut M&M's!
Powersong:  Breathe (2 Am) - Anna Nalick

Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Garmin Connect -
Activity Details for 20 miler #2 - Neighborhood & Bike Path Loop

Another great spring day for a run todays trek headed me out with Oakley for a little warm up and then with indecisiveness I went out on a long run mapped out last year.  Again so great to have the 405 so I don't need to map, just go!  I have been running these roads so much that is easy for me to estimate where I need to go and turn and finally after 3 years I am home here and know my way around!  I felt a little slow, but remembered my 12.5 miler yesterday and that I wasn't quite fresh.  Need more stretching and advil prior to my run to help it feel better in the future!  On the bike path I ran into an old friend that I met when her twins Eliza & Marin went to kindergarten with Schuyler.  They are the most beautiful girls and so photogenic!  Trisha Sorber was running with a friend, Kara, who is also training for Boston.  I was pretty psyched to connect with them and hope to train with them in the future, especially Kara in this current quest we both share!  It was mile 10 and I was chatting incessantly - they caught me all wound up and I LOVE to talk when I run so.... blah blah blah (I can hear my friends Beth & Judy laughing).  I had 8 miles to go after I left them and went up and down the bike path checking out the swamps, the geese, the ducks and the random runners, walkers & bikers.  A beautiful path that goes to Northampton where Schuyler will never forget our adventure in the thunderstorm!  Homeward bound up the hill - Old Bay Rd detour to add on enough and then finish!

Fuel:  Powerbar Protein, 1 GU and Performance
Recovery:  OJ, Frozen Strawberries & Mango, Performance & Physique with ice in the vita mix. Bagel & PB!
Powersong:  Get Up by Superchick

40 days to go to BOSTON!
1 more 20 miler (next week!) then taper!
$875 raised --- only $125 to meet my goal for ACS Determination!
Hotel reservations made!
PTO requested!
Yay!

Boston #4 for me!  Looking forward to it --- and will start thinking about goals soon.  Winter training is difficult with coaching at Mount Snow, but i think I have found a solution with some extra vacation time this year to make it work.  Hoping that a 3:10-3:15 is in sight - with a new age group the results could be VERY cool.

Keep on running!
N

Post it Tuesday!

 
 
 

Good Manners

The benefits of Schuyler growing up in Scouting is all the lessons in life we learn and share with him.  Good manners has always been shared with Schuyler and really has been a part of our lives since childhood.  There is nothing better than having a child that has good manners!

Here is the chart I found and the requirements for the belt loop and pin that we are working to complete!  Worthy of a blogpost!  :)

Mount Snow Devo Coaches Slideshow

My baby is growing up!

Chocoate Face at Mount Snow

Ski Racing at Willard Mtn in NY

 Wolf Cub Scout - Pack 57 - Den 1

Playing baseball in the spring 2009

Summary of Schuyler (February 2010)

He's a great skier and soccer player

He is good at baseball and basketball

He does not drink soda

He reads quite well, just does not have inflection in his voice.

He's quite sharp, has quite the wit, and has a growing vocabulary

He goes hiking and snow shoeing in New Hampshire

He's a very good artist and is great at conceptual crafts

He cooks and feeds Oakley on occaision

He's a good Scout and has been awarded many belt loops and a few pins!

He obeys and listens well

He is respectful of other people and socially is doing very well
 
His grades at school are exeeptional and we are so very proud.....

Post it Tuesday!

I found this fun posting opportunity on Angie's Blog "Three's Company"---- which is now #97 in the ranking for Top Baby Blogs --- vote here!  She has some fantastic insights and experiences that she shares on her beautiful mommy blog!  Cheers to Angie!

A Year in photos

Photos from this past year!

 Top left to right:

Judy and I at the RFL Staff Meeting

Kim stopping by in her way home from Maine - first time I have seen her in almost 20 years!

Team IZOCA at the Troy Turkey Trot

Steve & I hiking up Mount Snow - early season training

Schuyler's group photo at his birthday on the Cedar Works playset

My Family at the Long Horn after the VCM

ACS friends - Stacy, Dana, Colleen & Jane - in Atlanta

Steve & I - Thanksgiving at the Ma Family house

RFL Nationwide Staff -- Judy, Kyadrine, Samantha & more

My family expanded version at Thanksgiving

Steve & I on the Moomba

Kelli Barry with me at the finish of the Dave Barry Memorial 5 miler in Hatfield

Veteran's Day with Schuyler & Steve

Steve's family at Bob's house when Krissy came to visit

Washington DC - the finish of the MCM

Olivia & Judy at the Relay Summit 2009

SVC J5 Race #4 at Stratton - Nancy E Photography

Love these latest photos from Stratton on Sunday -- the sun was right in my face on the side of the course, but I feel that my photos are getting better and better all the time.  This is the first I was able to play with my new camera - a D300s and VR 18/200 with image stabilization.  There are certain skiers that I get such great photos of including Will and Ian Lynch, Evan Hynes and of course our own Schuyler.  :)  We missed Jenna this weekend as she is with her family in Vail.

Enjoy!

J5 Ski Racing Gallery on Nancy E Photography




Hannah Trudeau

 

Reed Mullen

Sofia Kurd

Race Schedule 2010

Planning my race schedule and considering the below races....   I am signed up for Boston, planning on entering via lottery for Mount Washington and the rest is still for discussion and planning with my training.  Hoping to connect with my friend and past running partner Tina Naimie for some variety in racing in the mountains and on the trail!



Boston Marathon
April 19 - 26.2 mi - 10 AM start - Boston MA

Mount Washington Road Race
10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 19, 2010

2009 Mt Washington Road Race Results

Time	Bib	First name	Last name	Team	City	State	Zip	Sex	Sex Place	Age	Division	Division place
1:35:38	1085	NANCY	COOK	WHITE MOUNTAIN MILERS	BELCHERTOWN	MA	01007	F	30	44	F4044	4

4 of 50 in age group
189 overall out of 917 finishers

The below races are selected from the Grand Tree Trail Series from the WMAC running site:

Seven Sisters, 12 mi, Amherst, MA, 9am Sunday May 2, 2010
Seven Sisters
May 2nd   - 12 mi - 9 AM start - Amherst, MA

20^th Annual 7 Sisters Trail Race 

Sunday, May 2, 2010

For the Benefit of the Friends of the Mt. Holyoke Range

and Sugarloaf Mountain Running Club

9:00 AM

Amherst, Massachusetts

Twelve (12) very hilly, rocky miles

An out-and-back roller coaster ride along the ridgeline of the Mt. Holyoke Range on a single-track trail.  Very scenic overlooks of the Pioneer Valley with views of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst College, Hampshire College and the Town of Amherst, as well as a beautiful view of the Connecticut River and Northampton to the west.  Extremely hilly with 3,700 feet of climb consisting of many steep hills with hazardous footing in places due to the many sharp basalt rocks the comprise the elevated ridge of Mt. Holyoke.

Soapstone Mountain, 14.5 & 4 mi, Stafford Springs, CT, 9am Sunday May 16, 2010

24k COURSE
The first mile of the 24k travels along a slightly downhill dirt road before turning sharply onto a more 'traditional' hiking trail. From there it starts a slow accent towards Soapstone Mountain. After crossing the first road, the trail makes another sharp right where participants are challenged with the first difficult climb - a very steep 1/2 mile trail named "Killer Hill". Once at the top of the hill, runners travel by the Soapstone Mountain observation tower and then run down a steep descent. Following the downhill, the trail becomes a series of switchbacks and rollers through the woods - though it's challenging, the rollers aren't steep enough to dramatically alter one's overall pace. There are brook crossings and a muddy stream decent. There are lots of rocks and roots to twist ankles on. Watch your footing! Towards the latter half of the race, the course has one more significant climb up a single track, followed by a steep descent on a dirt trail continuing on dirt road and finishing on single track to end the race in a grassy field surrounded by friends and family. The entire course is marking with painted white dots on rocks and trees. In areas where the trail splits or is tricky there will be additional flagging.




Greylock Trail Races, 13.5 & 3 mi, Adams MA, 10am Sunday June 20, 2010


Savoy Mountain, 22mi (GT race), 11mi, & 4mi, Florida/Savoy MA, August 15, 2010


Mt. Toby, 14 mi, Sunderland MA, 9:30am August 22, 2010

12 of 12: Another Day in the Neighborhood

Not sure what I was planning for 12 of 12 this month, but I have missed a couple months and wanted to get one in --- then my camera crashed in the parking lot.  I called Nikon and plan on sending my lens in for repair work.... so today has been a sad day considering my options for a new camera, D300? and the repair on my lens that I love so much!  With 2 ski races in the next week I really don't want to be without my camera for more than 5 days, so the timing of the repair is tough for me to make.  Who knew I would be so attached?  :)

So here is my 12 of 12 -- Oakley again is my star....
Music in our lives makes us happy - 7 AM

Our home view from the trail as I run up every morning.... 8 AM

North South East or West?   8:30 AM

Peaceful Surrounding --- love the sunshine in the greenhouse area of our house 9:00 AM

Gorgeous puppy in the living room...  9:15 AM

On the deck....  10 AM

My new office area & new desk!  LOVE it!   1 PM

In the kitchen....

6 PM

Skis for sale ---- a raffle win at Pro Jam --- any one need slalom skis?  Hart makes a great ski - stay tuned for a craigslist post soon!  6 :15 PM

Schuyler home from school!  6:30 PM

Oakley  upstairs, following me around the house....  : )  7 PM

And last photo for my craigslist sale --- these are brand new from my days as Lange girl - never skied them, very cute!  8 PM

I hope to be back in action with a new camera soon!  :)

Here is my November 12 of 12

New to 12 of 12?  Check out Chad's site for all the details....  

My story of "DetermiNation"

Putting together my story for a national website promotion of the American Cancer Society DetermiNation program at More.com.

Description:

MORE magazine, for its Website (more.com), is interested in producing a slideshow of female DetermiNation athletes over 40 years of age. The photos -- one of each athlete, and preferably during competition -- would be accompanied by a brief synopsis of their stories as to why they compete for the DetermiNation team. As well, the slideshow would be accompanied by a brief bit of context about our new collaboration with CGI and the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series.

As I look through the photos from the Marine Corps marathon it shows the determination & endurance it takes to train and then run for 26.2 miles.... Although this was my 22nd marathon, in my 40's I feel stronger, smarter and more dedicated ...  My times are faster, my results are better and my appreciation for good health has become my focus now that I am in a place in life where I am happy, fullfilled and loved.

In one year I will have run 3 marathons and signed up as a DetermiNation runner to raise the much needed funds in the fight against cancer through the American Cancer Society.   (Please note all fundraising dollars are net dollars.  Travel and registration costs & fees are my own responsibility).

Vermont City, May 2009 = raised more than $1100
Marine Corps Marathon, November 2009 - raised more than $1000
Boston Marathon - upcoming - April 2010 - currently raised $710
Total raised more than $2800 ---

All of these marathons in honor of my dear friend and volunteer leader from American Airlines, Mary Beth Reddell --- as she continues to fight, I will continue my quest to run marathons and raise money for an organization that I truly believe in the mission.  Creating more birthdays, celebrating life, remembering and fighting back against  this disease are just a few of the taglines that pop into my mind as I train each morning --- building up the miles and this time for the grand daddy of them all --- the Boston Marathon.  Below are some links of interest sharing my results from Vermont City in May, Marine Corps in November and also some information on my story about fightning cancer through DetermiNation - the American Cancer Society's charity runner program. 

The program is such a perfect fit for runners like myself --- sign up, make a committment to run and raise money by sharing your story of why you want to fight cancer.....  the online fundraising function is user friendly, the Boundless Fundraising tool on Facebook has been a great help and reminder for a soft outreach and the Training Peaks program has truly kept me on track with daily tips and reminders of the miles to run.  I recommend the program to anyone that wants to run a marathon, 1/2 marathon or event that DetermiNation is connected with nationwide.  Now with the Rock n Roll partnership where ACS will be highlighted - more people will become aware of the program and feel even more accomplishment when they cross that finish line --- to make a difference, create a world with more birthdays, and as I celebrate another birthday in June --- I will again be training, getting stronger and fighting cancer so that others may survive this terrible disease.

Story links of interest:

My Charity Runner Story - from my first ACS Charity Marathon Spring 2009
Article about me in the Republican before MCM - Fall 2009
Marine Corps Marathon results - first in age, 50th woman
Vermont City Marathon results - 4th in age, 21st woman

Please consider a donation today --- help the American Cancer Society create a world with more birthdays.....  Link here to my personal fundraising site to make a donation today. 

Celebrate life, honor a cancer survivor or donate in memory ...  

We all have been touched in so many ways.  

I run and dedicate my fight to: 

Susan - My best friend from my days in Boulder, CO.  She lives with this disease and is one of the strongest women I know. 

Phylecia - A true leader in the Society  & Dick her husband -- both amazing leaders and friends!

Chester -- my first yellow lab that fought this disease and gave me so many days of love and devotion.   13 1/2 years he was always by my side through thick and thin.  Oakley is doing a great job of living that legacy of my sweet yellow lab.  :) 

Mary Beth - a volunteer leader in the NCTP - the strength of this woman amazes me... and her smile and energy light up the room.  I read her stories and experiences and it fuels me more and more!

Diana Love - One of my original volunteers that did EVERYTHING for EVERYONE and every organization.  The most amazing community leader  that gave me my start as a staff person in the Society.  Her memory will live on forever in my heart and in the hearts of everyone in NH and Sullivan County.  

Diann Roffe

Recently I had the opportunity to meet, spend time with and be coached by Olympic gold medalist, Diann Roffe. The 2 day race camp was a great experience for me as a skier and has met some personal goals of mine. Where before I have been tentative in the gates in downhill and never before been in the slalom gates -- this put the pieces together and helped me understand lines and tactics in a course. It is a great as a parent of a ski racer, coach of development program skiers considering racing and my own personal skiing -- can't wait to get in the gates again!

Here is the link to Diann's new site - she is an incredible athlete and person. I recommend her as a speaker and coach!

Here is a link to her 1994 Olympic GOLD medal run!

The Zen of Skiing

Ski Vermont Mag features Terry!

On our list trip to visit our best friends, the Barbours, we got to talk to Terry about the interview with Ski Vermont and see the article at their home. What a great interview! Terry is Steve's best friend and they have been working together in PSIA for many years and have worked together analyzing skiing techniques.

Quote: "I want them to think of skiing as a dance.... If you keep dancing it becomes beautiful" Terry Barbour

Here is the article. Enjoy!

New Year's Quotes

A collection of my latest favorite quotes ---

"I wish for those I love this New Year an opportunity to earn sufficient, to have that which they need for their own and to give that which they desire to others, to bring into the lives of those about them some measure of joy, to know the satisfaction of work well done, of recreation earned and therefore savored, to end the year a little wiser, a little kinder and therefore a little happier." - E. Roosevelt

What do we live for, if not to make life less difficult for each other. -George Eliot-

Nothing cures like laughter. Make each day a reason for jubilation, laughter and festivity. Create celebration in your soul.

Joy is not a precious concept reserved for holidays and special occasions. Rejoice in simple things. Make joy at home in your heart today.

Unshared joy is an unlighted candle. -Spanish Proverb-

The simple pleasures are life's truest treasures. Indulge yourself.

Contentment with little makes happiness. - African Proverb

"Wealth is not a matter of intelligence; it's a matter of inspiration." — Jim Rohn

"Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don't wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it's at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored." -Earl Nightingale

Link to Falconwing11 Ken's Posterous Website of quotes and posts