Memories, Dreams & Reflections 2011

Reflecting on 2011 through photography.... 

Me! -  My proudest moment was running the Vermont 50 and placing 4th woman in 8 hours and 30 min. It was less than a year after completing my last chemo treatment for lymphoma.  A cancer survivor and stronger than ever! 

I looked back at my goals for 2011... just to see how I did & I totally rocked 2011 - even though I only accomplished 4 of the 15 goals (2,3,6,10)!-- it was an amazing year. I set my goals pretty high! BUT check it out -- I am truly amazed at what I did accomplish in the first year as a cancer survivor! :)
My first Ultra - won my age group (VT50) 8:30
PR in the 5K - won my age group (Big 4th) 19:56
2011 miles total running
41 days for my longest run streak
Post Cancer PR marathon = NYC 3:26 in November

Cancer recovery and having my spleen removed in February slowed me down a bit.. :) But I am stronger than ever now. :)

Here is the link to last year's goals: 

The coolest part is I feel stronger and my goals will be even more challenging this coming year -- so excited to be healthy, happy & fit! :)

I Love You - I fell in love with this man skiing at Pico --   His love and passion for skiing is unmatched.  I married him!  As a dad, a ski coach, a PSIA examiner and as a husband who I just love to watch him ski coach & teach...  I am so proud and happy to be with this man.  I love him so very much, more and more every day. 

Still Laughing... - 

The Stingers U10 Soccer Team... so many smiles, laughs, stories from this year.  It was a great soccer season for Schuyler... looking forward to the spring!  Funny story is watching the energy of this group.  You can see Chris in the front, but they get it from their Coach Mike M. who will jump straight up about 3 feet off the ground like a giant frog!

Winter Wonderland -

In the winter I focus on ski race photography --- this is my son Schuyler skiing the Brad Haight Memorial Open in March 2010.  I am so proud of him, he makes me smile and beam with pride every time I ski with him and watch him ski and ski race.  He is really growing up to be an amazing skier -- all around --- everywhere -- Mt Hood, Snowbird and many eastern ski areas to be an incredible skier and ski racer.  He may not place top 10.  But his is number one in my book.

Birthday - 

It was my son Schuyler's Golden Birthday this year -- so much fun and surrounded by all his friends!  We played our favorite birthday games, like donut on a string & Tug-o-War.  :)  He is an amazing child, doing so well in life -- so happy -- so loved. 

Friends - 

This is Schuyler, Alexandra, Aidan, Arianna & Leah at the top of Mount Hood Timberline Ski Area in Oregon.  Skiing the glacier for the first time in his life --- Schuyler has amazing little friends.  They have this common bond and really have grown close.  I love this photo! :) 

Also sharing a photo of me with one of my very best friends from college.  Kimberly Kline Williamson - We have reconnected on Facebook and have been able to see each other twice in the past 3 years.  Her smile makes me smile and it was so great to see her during the holiday season!

I Was Inspired... - World Cup Dreams --- Truly an inspiration to watch these Olympic World Cup Ski Racers sharing the love of skiing with our children at the top of Mount Hood.  They give their time and effort to raise funds to help support the US athletes in their ski training as it is not government supported and many struggle to pay for health care costs, lodging, equipment and more.  I truly was inspired by all of these young strong and successful athletes.

Spring Fever - 

I know you all are seeing a snow theme here, but from mid November till the beginning of May our lives are all about snow and skiing --- Here is a photo of Charlie's Chase at Mount Snow -- it was the last day of the local chair in April.  Spring skiing is the best!  

Travel or Vacation - Mount Hood from our ski camp vacation in July 2010  

Summer Days - Great photo of Lucas' birthday party -- Schuyler is in the blue shorts --- he has so much fun with his friends!

A Day In My Life -

Not sure this is the typical day -- but this is the days I want to have every day -- surrounded with love and sun and drinking Cook's Champagne with the love of my life! :) 

All Smiles - 

The graduation trip to Vermont to see family I was able to get some great portraits of my niece.  This was my favorite of that photo shoot.  She is so happy in college -- I think that this was the positive beginning of her steps in the world as an adult - releasing the past and grasping her future.

Autumn Harvest - 

I know this looks like winter, but it was taken in October.  It was the best "fall" shot I got this year -- I do love the color -- and it reminds me of that freak snowstorm that took out power and cable for 9 days.  Crazy!

Family  - It was so great to have the whole family home for Christmas.   I just love this photo. :)

Celebrate!.

Here is a photo of Steve & I on our 4th wedding anniversary.  Every year we dress up in our "wedding clothes" to celebrate.  :)  Just love these photos and will cherish everyone of them forever. :)

Let's Do It Again... - I love the snow but I also LOVE the water!  Waterskiing is just such an amazing sport --- the strength that it takes to get up and then skip across the waves --- with so little time on the water to be able to make the big spray and look good is not as easy as it looks! :)  Can't wait to get out on the water again! 

I Miss You -   This is a photo of me with my Grama Hosely at her 90th birthday party.  She passed away 12/31/2010.  She was an amazing, loving, caring woman.  There are so many stories to share about the matriarch in our family.  I loved her so...

Beautiful - 

My dog of 11 years... "Toryfield Master Oakley" -- He is so photogenic and is always ready and willing to pose when the moment is perfect.  He also inspires me every day to run.  The best running partner in the world!

Dress Up -

Here is my favorite 2011 photo of Schuyler as a Webelo leading Pack 57 at the Belchertown Fair.  Another proud moment for the books!

Macro -.

I think it is the purple, or the dew or the dark background from the runs that I did in the mountains of Oregon when we were on the ski trip to Mount Hood.  I love this macro shot. :)

Holidays - Christmastime with the family really is what the holidays are all about!  IT was great to watch Schuyler open up his presents and love every one of them.  All 3 kids were home and we had Christmas dinner as a family.  It is so wonderful to have us all together!

 My Favorite - 

Every memory with my husband Steve is a favorite.... :)  I love our self portraits and asked for a gorilla pod so I could get the focus better on these shots.  Here we are with our "matchy matchy" Kuhl sweaters we bought in Snowbird.  Funny part is Oakley always tries to get in the shot and either looks perfect or messes up the framing...  but I love every photo -- every time. :)

Don't Ever Change -I love the fact that our family is such a strong skiing family.  We all work and ski at Mount Snow -- Steve (21 years) is now the J4 Competition Race Coach - I am a Development Coach in Competitions (my 5th year in Devo and 23rd year in the ski industry) -- Samantha is teaching at Snow Camp (since age 15), Stephen is also at Snow Camp and working toward all his PSIA ski levels... and Schuyler is a J5 and has been racing J5 for 4 years and skiing since he was 2!  We ski at Snowbird every year and it is something we are very proud of to have such a great skiing family!  I don't ever want this to change -- a family that skis together -- grows strong together!  This video is from late December last year -- but it shows his skiing and the benefits of having his Dad (stepdad) as his coach for all these years!  I will cherish this video forever --- knowing Schuyler will grow up and Steve won't be his coach forever, but these are the times I cherish.  

Just Because...So There! -

SO proud that 2 photos of mine were selected for national magazine exposure in 2011.

Ski Vermont chose this photo as a winner in a photo contest and then featured it in their magazine this fall/winter.  They are J4 girls that were gate keeping at the J5 Race at Stratton Mountain in Vermont. 

36 Degrees - the National PSIA magazine for Snow Pros selected and featured this photo in the Last Chair Section of their magazine this early winter issues.  

Hopes and Dreams -

I hope that my family remains happy & healthy

I hope that my running gets stronger each day & I accomplish my athletic pursuits

I hope that my kids accomplish the goals they set for themselves

I dream for a better world for our children, hope for the future to be bright and give them the opportunities that they seek.  

Multonmah Falls in Oregon from our trip to Mt Hood in July 2011.  

Here is the link to where you can see more great photography and join in on the fun of the Scavenger Hunt!

Please leave a comment if you stop by!

Happy New Year

I wish you all the best in 2012!

In the Hunt! In the Woods!

In the hunt again this week sharing my latest photography.  I hope you like my selections!  Please leave a note if you stop by!  :)


Waiting
Can I just tell you how much I love my dog "Toryfield Master Oakley"?  He is so photogenic and most of the time poses really well too! :) 

Oakley waits as we hike up the trail

Foliage
I think most of our foliage has now past and when it was at its peak we had this crazy snow storm!  I love this shot of the mix in weather.  :)

Foliage Mixed up with Snow

Candid
My husband the rockstar worker in the woods clearing today.  "There is nothing sexier than a man (my man) with a chainsaw."  An earlier quote from me when we first met each other.  :)    

My sweetheart hard at work

Knife Fork or Spoon
I got this at a craft fair somewhere and have always wanted to re-create it myself.... :)   

Kitchen Art

Rule of Thirds
Sharing my tree photos looking at all my pics to see if I follow the rule of thirds... ...These are the beautiful trees (still standing) that eventually because of the heavy snow fell and we have to clear them in the back woods to make the forest a healthy place to grow again.  

I love photographing the bark of a tree -- a natural beauty in the woods.

 "Pine Needles"

For more great photos from some fabulous photographer -- check out this link to Ashley below.  Anyone can participate and the steps to share are on her post too!  :)  The Scavenger Hunt is my favorite photo meme of all time!  Have fun -- join in! ;) 

In the Hunt! Loving my Photography!

Scavenger Hunt Sunday 
Mainly One Color:
All the flowers are gone now because of the storm, but this lovely shot was one that I wanted to share.  Just love the beauty of my Lily flowers in the garden.

Around the Home:
My favorite Oakley photo recently taken on the backyard rocks when we had that freak snowstorm.  It was beautiful to see the foliage in the background of the snow.  

Reflection:
I had the opportunity to tour and photograph Oregon and Washington while we were there this past July.  This is a beauty of a shot with Mt Hood reflecting in the lake below.  I was obviously too far to show the reflection, but can  you feel it? 

Writing 
A photo from Schuyler's birthday party with his good friend Veronica.  I LOVE the writing on her shirt -- "Girls Just Do it Better"  - She reminds me of myself at her age sometimes and it makes me smile.  Love the smiles on these kids when we had the donuts on a string game.... :)  So cute!

Water
At the Multnomah Falls in Oregon I got some amazing photos -- this one really shows the spray and beauty of the water!  

I hope you enjoyed my selections this week!  

Check out my Website - Nancy E Photo if you want to see more of my work! 

Thanks for stopping by!

All comments are read and appreciated!  :)

Winning Wine Wednesday!

Woop Woop 2010 Shiraz

While staying in New York City for the marathon we were right around the corner from Nancy's Wines!  AND with a name like that how could I resist!  I love wine.  This place was fun to browse and check the selection, none that I have seen in my area, with a lot of variety.  They were very helpful in picking out wines & champagne for our celebration and have a great wine club too.  Hoping Tabi will jump on that one and we can taste some great wines. All selections we bought that day were fabulous!  Including this Woop Woop bottle of Shiraz. :)  

My rating:  85  :)  Flavorful and bursting with berry just like a great Shiraz should!  :)  We need to buy a case! :)

Empty bottle of Woop Woop  :(

Vintage:	2010
Wine Type:	Red Wine
Varietal:	Shiraz (100%)
Appellation:	Southern Austrailia Price: $10.99  /  Bottle $113.28  /  Case (discount) -- The Ultimate Wine Shop
Tasting Notes:	This is another delicious Woop Woop Shiraz. It is deep in color and the nose is inviting. With oodles of rich, opulent Shiraz fruit the palate delivers a lush mouthfeel, bursting with blackberry fruit juice, blueberry jam and licorice - chock full of quintessential Aussie character.
Winemaker Notes:	A full-bodied and flavoursome wine, deep-hued with richly scented aromatics and a long, soft and juicy palate. Of lush mouthfeel, bursting with blackberry, blueberry jam and liquorice, this wine guarantees a true Australian Shiraz experience for consumption over the next 5 years. The fruit is sourced from some of South Australia's best growing regions including McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek. The wine is matured with the light use of French and American oak.
Food Pairing:	Enjoy this Shiraz with pork grilled & a nice fresh organic tossed salad with balsamic vinaigrette & crumbled blue cheese. About Woop Woop: Slang for "in the middle of nowhere", Woop Woop isn't a bad name for a ripper Aussie wine. Woop Woop is a collaboration between Ben Riggs, winemaker and Tony Parkinson, vineyard owner. They sourced grapes from the backblocks - outside their normal area of operation – they almost went to Woop Woop and back to find the right fruit. Nearly to the Outback, way past the black stump. Woop Woop wines capture the essence of ripe grapes sourced from Currency Creek, McLaren Vale and the Riverina, together with a good dose of Aussie humor. MORE bang for the BUCK! Woop Woop 2004 Shiraz In 2004 it was scored 89 points. This 100% shiraz from South Australia sees some oak, a small amount of which is new wood. (New barrels impart more flavor than those that have been used before.) Notes of flowers, black currants, licorice, and road tar are discernible, but the emphasis is on oodles of up-front fruit, an opulent attack, sweet tannin, and a lush, heady mid-palate and finish. This is the type of everyday red that will be exceptionally popular.

Speak to Entertain & Inspire

What is the message?  How do you want to engage the audience?  How can you be inspirational in your talk? Thinking about all that -- I research speaking and get up on stage as much as possible to share my story.

Recently I spoke for the DetermiNation team at the pre-race Pasta Party in New York City.  I really love to tell my story and am so honored when anyone asks me to speak.  I love to speak in front of crowds and getting nervous is not normally an issue for me.  I am very critical of my speaking and have considered joining Toastmasters but the locations and times are too much to juggle in my crazy lifestyle.   I have video taped my talkss and work to see what I can do better each time.  Check out my YouTube Channel to see me in action!

On LinkedIn one of the groups I follow had a question out there asking people what was the best tip tthat has influenced their public speaking.  Here is a collection (in my opinion) the best answers from that online conversation of Speakers & Trainers.  I recommend being a part of that group to get some really great insight from fellow professionals.  Here is the discussion below:


Nancy (Peck) Cook • Relax, Be yourself, Don't write it out and read it - use bullets of the points you want to make in an organized flow to get out your message and end with a strong summary stateent. Take your time and breathe.

Good teaching is one-fourth preparation and three-fourths theater. ~ Gail Godwin

 Jonathan Lavaro • A Guru once taught me, public speaking is likend to serving a dish in a restaurant. You first give them an appetizer. Then you serve them the main meal, and finally, serve them the deserts.

The best advice I ever got was to forget you're talking to a group. Speak to individuals and imagine having a series of individual conversations. It keeps you casual and relaxed. Otherwise we run the risk of sounding like we're pontificating. (Ron Cole)

1) Immediately open with a compelling statement (fact, question, challenge); never open with "Good morning, how are you? My name is..."

2) If you are going to take questions leave your closing line or inspiration statement for after the Q&A (you don't want to end with, "I guess there are no more questions...") So take the questions and then say, "I'd just like to leave everyone with one more thought..."

3) Similar to #1 above (and a little more controversial), never thank people at the beginning of your talk, thank whoever needs to be thanked at the END of your talk

- Kevin
Blog: http://www.kevinkruse.com/

 Prepare, rehearse, and record yourself if necessary. It's important to get your timing down. It is good to hear if you say things like "um" a lot.  (Sean Moran)

Know your audience well. This means doing your homework. It's only when we know our audience well that we are able to connect with them. And being able to do this is half the battle won. (Abdulrazak Yaacob )

Linda Hutchinson • The most important public speaking tip I've learned is to create a commitment bigger than my fear. We have all heard that speaking in public is one of the highest sources of fear. To overcome the fear, I create a commitment for the audience/participants bigger than the fear, that is, what is the difference I want to make with them. I do my best to keep my focus on that. Another tip, perhaps the most important, is that I have taken the Avatar Course (www.theavatarcourse.com) where I learned how to "discreate" the fear and anxiety in the moment and create a belief (like the commitment mentioned above). Recently I presented in front of 725 (my largest so far), I used the Avatar tools to have the courage to say Yes, then to quell my anxiety along the way.

Jackie Capers-Brown • Make sure the message you deliver is relevant to your audience. What's the point of someone listening to your speech if the information doesn't benefit them in some way? And, add as much play as possible in the presentation.

23 comments to date and the conversation is still going on if you want to add your insight and best tips---- or comment here below.  Thanks!

Snow, Mud, Wine ... Scavenger Hunt Sunday!

Scavenger Hunt Sunday

In my scavenger hunt selections of late I had been going with a search for it approach, but this week I am straying off and picking random shots that I have wanted to share!  These are from this fall and some more recent.  Enjoy!  Please leave a comment if you stop by -- I love photography and sharing my stuff with all of you --- Thanks for stopping by!!  :)

Before and After,

This is my interpretation of before and after because There is no editing work on my photos -they are all "SOCC"  Maybe someday I will have time for editing and playing with photography.  Life is so busy!

I love to photograph where I live, the woods surrounding our home is just so beautiful.  But recently we were hit with a freak snowstorm where we received 2 feet of heavy wet snow.  It was so heavy that the trees bent and broke and it reeked havoc with the power and cable lines.  We were out of power for almost 7 full days.  Thank God for our generator and wood stove to stay warm.  

Here is one of my favorite shots of Schuyler's first day of school walking down the driveway.  

Here is the after shots of what the snowstorm looked like in that same spot overlooking our neighbor's house at the bottom of the driveway.  LINK HERE to more of the craziness that our area saw when the snow came to town!  

 Opposing Lines, 

DISH restaurant in downtown Hartford CT.  Celebrating with a friend and checking out their wine selection.... opposing lines or opposing circles... I just loved this shot.

 Which Pair of Shoes Should I Wear?

This is my favorite shoe photo of all time.  I am not sure if you have read about my first ultra marathon - the Vermont 50.... it was quite the day!  Read on HERE if you want to know more...& link here for the video montage of me running!. These Inov8 MudRoc trail running shoes were a last minute selection due to my tweet conversations and really wanting to pick the right shoe for the job.  These shoes rock!  No pun intended.  And I was FAST!  4th woman overall 1st in age with an "8 handle" 8 1/2 hours!  :)  So I surely DID pick the right shoes.  :)

 Little Features

I love this photo.  It is the little features about this photo that I love... the contrast in the yellow /black outfit with matching shoes and glove.  The NCAA insignia on the ball so clear and smack dab on that line.  The angles and the power of the goalkeeper's body to hit the ball on the sweet spot.  This is the UMASS goalie kicking the ball and he was an amazing kicker.  Schuyler was the ball boy that day they played Charlotte and I got to take photos.... here is a link to the album if you want to see more.  I don't know any of the athletes.... but they were all amazing in my eyes!  I love action shots and photographing these boys in the air! :)

The rules are simple: 

1. Anyone can participate.
2. You're encouraged to take five new photos this week for the challenge. Creativity is also encouraged!
3. If you get stumped, you may use one photo from your archive 
4. Link up on Sunday (or Tuesday at the latest) - you can use the button above.
5. Leave comments for at least five entries around yours
6. Have fun!

"The Experience" - New York City Marathon 2011

There is so much to share about the NYCM!  It was quite the adventure to say the least!  Here is my "Race Report" :)   

Training:  My focused training on speed through training working to best my speed on my various routes in the neighborhood had me feeling strong.  Taper discipline was great combined with the fact that we lost power after receiving 2 feet of wet glop grounded me & messed with my normal routine.  Completing my first ultra at the #VT50 was such an accomplishment, but the taper in and recovery out of that time frame truly ate into my progressive training --- although mentally I was READY for this marathon better than any other. :) 

Friday: Still no power after 5 days --- I was able to do a load of wash using our generator so I would have my favorite jog bra. (priorities)  We traveled to NYC to get in early for the DetermiNation pre race dinner.  It was nice to be there early, although we got caught in traffic and ended up arriving to the dinner just on time as they were running late too. Yay.  I love sharing my story and having people just amazed at all I have been through this past year with my cancer journey.  And to compete --- this being my third marathon since diagnosis..... I was truly feeling like a rockstar after that dinner with the cowbells ringing from the volunteers outside the restaurant.  

Video of my cancer journey at the Pre - race pasta dinner: :) 

Saturday:  After a great night sleep at Tabi's house on 76th st / Central Park West (primo location for the marathon) --- we had a great brunch at a local joint around the corner and then off to the expo.  The expo was also a great experience --- I got those compression sleeves from the CEP folks after making the guy give us his "sales speech" :)  Socks, cutie hat, NYCM vest / hoodie & more!  Shop till you drop -- my favorite of all shopping is at these marathon expos! :)  Fun to see all the people milling around, buying, everyone with smiles and energy abound.  My favorite pre race meal is to go to Northern Italian food and get some Shrimp Scampi and lots of bread. :)  Seriously that is my #1 choice EVERY marathon.  We went to Papardella and I had shrimp pesto with Paparedelle pasta.... tiramisu and lots of bread.  Yum...  

Things got a little crazy at night as we walked a bit to work off that pasta as my stomach was so full.  I am not used to eating that much and it had me rolling. :)  We shopped at Filene's basement (our other favorite thing to do in a BIG city).  :)  Got some cutie jeans and so did Steve.  Cool.  Well I was so worked up, and got all my stuff together for the next morning -- wake up at 4 AM!  I am not sure, but I probably got maybe 5  hours sleep...  couldn't get in that REM space....  I think i ran a marathon in my sleep!

Sunday:  Early wake up --- I was thinking about the fact that Coach Ramon gave me a bracelet to ride the bus --- oh no! Where is that bracelet?  UGH -- I needed it to get in the Charity Village too -- so I was scrambling all over the house looking for it -- no luck.  I texted Coach - he said "no worries" - Sarah will take care of you.  So off we went in the dark walking on Central Park West to the bus.  There were a couple others that I met outside the bus also had lost their bracelets. :)  Deidre was wearing a costume (I wish at that point I had my Wonder Woman costume - and after I told them my WHOLE story on the bus - of course I made sure they weren't hearing it for the second time :)  I also got to meet Ed Schober (#2 fundraiser for the ingNYCM athletes & fellow Determinator Blogger!) -- he wasn't able to run because the week before NYCM he had to have retina surgery. :(  The folks on the bus were amazing.... I just love DNation marathon runners.... so many of these runners experiencing their first marathon, I could feel the excitement and they all felt like "family". Love being surrounded by passionate people!  

The tent was cool to hang out talk to a few people, drink a little coffee, eat a bagel & make sure I don't get LOST!  I always worry about missing my start (must have been a bad dream once and I just can't get it out of my head).  I looked to see if there was anyone in my corral and introduced myself (and told him my story when this other guy came over and wanted to shake my hand - #rockstar feeling!) -- I guess I need to can my story a little more! :)  Well, I lost him in the shuffle and after Ramon gave us all a GREAT kick in gear PEP talk (YOU ARE SUPER AWESOME!) -- I wandered out alone.... and yes!  I found my corral!  I snuck to the front (saw a 3:15 pace group sign ahead of us so I felt like I was on target!).  I found a piece of pavement and realized we  had more than 30 minutes to sit before moving forward.  I met a bunch of runners -- DC girl, Italian snowboarder, Norwegian Tall Guy, and Arabic Dutch Man (he recently moved)..... it was amazing the international flare all around -- I was American & felt one of the minority out there...  such an awesome feeling to be a part of this international event!  NYC is the favorite amongst the internationals and they are all so friendly and talkative at the start!  

The start was such an amazing experience too... the Star Spangled Banner never sounded so good -- the music throughout this course was top notch -- thinking my marathon entry fee was worth it because it truly was worth the "concert ticket" throughout the 26.2 miles.  There were Rap artists (good ones!), Rock Bands and various mix of music that was on my playlist!  Amazing how that happens -- you hear all the popular music everywhere!

The marathon start for Wave 1 was 9:40 -- my corral was #11 which was the last corral in wave 1.  I didn't know it at the time and was happy to be in wave 1 - but the flow of people slowed as the numbers moved forward to the start.  This meant that there we're 11,000 people ahead of me.  I like to get my pace early and the crowds were just never spread out to get moving for the first 3 miles.... so I jumped up on the curbs of the bridges and tried to keep up with this girl (long brown ponytail with neon pink calf sleeves and arm sleeves.   I followed her for 5 miles as she was pushing ahead through the crowds just like I love to do!

OK - so if you want a step by step rundown and great evaluation of the course I found this great piece on the INGNCYM site --- which would have been good to read ahead of time.... but hey - I have not always been great at the recon on the course (I love a good surprise). LOL

Quotes from the road:

I love the signs people make for their friends and family --- and people yelling at those with names on their shirts.  As Wonder Woman I loved getting the cheers too (sad I didn't wear the suit) -- but then again the quiet helped me focus.  The international runners from France & Italy were all around me.  I ran with this guy from Norway all dressed in long tights/long sleeves.  He was hoping for a 3:15 too - so he was a good pacer.  I felt strong and even in my pace (which seeing below that I was right on track!).  When we hit Brooklyn after going over the first bridge there were fun signs everywhere

"Welcome to Brooklyn - Run Like you Stole Something!"  were on signs and some girls were yelling it from the sidelines too.  Everyone was smiling and happy --- it was a gorgeous day to watch a marathon.  LOL

"Toenails are Overated" and "Black Toenails are SEXY" - 2 signs I totally relate to as my big and third toes on both feet are still BLACK from the VT50.  :)

Leaving town.... "Welcome to Brooklyn - Now get OUT!"  ;)   

Queens is tough --- hilly --- and just tough.

I remember the winds in my face running under the bridges ---- and this guys says to me "Have you done this one before?  Check out the view of the city -- it's amazing!  Just breathtaking!" and he was right -- I looked to the left and remembers to "smell the roses" -- and smiled.  NYC is absolutely beautiful!  The energy is something you just can't explain.  All the people on the street just cheering, clapping, singing, smiling, little kids putting their hands out --- just an amazing city.  I was feeling the love on this course! 

After the view we came into  Manhattan -- my favorite sign "Welcome to Manhattan - Welcome to EASY" --- Yay!  It was!  Flat, fun, I was cruising in Manhattan!  :)  Then into the Bronx, it was tough (as the Bronx can be) but the people were out in force giving me strength... I kept my pace strong.  Then 21 mile mark was here! Manhattan again (have I told you I LOVE Manhattan?)  :)  5 miles to go -- but the course was pretty hilly --- seemed to go up and up and up.  Central Park is amazing and I just tried to focus.  I looked at my Garmin and knew my pace wasn't where I wanted it and all those negative talk thoughts scrambled my brain... I needed to dig, kept trying to run faster... ouch.  When is this going to be over?  The crowds were awesome people were cheering so loud I couldn't hear myself think (and that was a GOOD thing).  I smiled and pumped my arms.  I was going to do it.  I looked at the clock on the side and I was pushing past a 3:20, and after feeling like I threw out my goal when I left my watch at home - I thought it may still be possible to beat that 3:30 -- a post cancer PR (personal record).... and well not too shabby!  I focused again -- saw the finish line and kicked!  Seriously I had something left -- not much but something! :)  Crossing the finish line with a big smile is the most amazing feeling.  After pushing hard for 26.2 miles I just wanted to collapse - - the volunteers at the finish line are the coolest -- smiles, tin blankets, medals, food, and we kept walking.  It was over.  I was done.  I broke that 3:30 and didn't really know my time, but I was happy. :)  Now to find my bag and go back to Tabi's house.

OK - this part of the story is the worst part for me -- I call it the death walk -- it is crowded shoulder to shouldr walk through Central Park that felt like a full mile.  I wanted to sit (the medical people tended to all that sat down) - the volunteers on the mega phones say "Keep Walking, Almost There" for a full mile.  It was horrible.  My legs were starting to cramp - I rolled down my CEP compression socks to relieve the pain.  but my body was shot.  I wanted to cry.  It was chilly and my body was sweaty under the aluminum blanket.... No one said anything to each other -- everyone was looking down at the ground.  This one guy commented to me that he thought this has always been the worst part of this marathon.  We walked by all the green UPS trucks and finally found my UPS truck for the 11000 numbers.  Steve, my amazing sweet husband, was there -- he could see that I wasn't doing well and was stuck behind the fence.  The little boy pointed me somewhere else to get my bag after waiting in line... and then I just pushed through and got my bag.  UGH.  Toast!  I was toast!

On course looking strong! :)

Then my favorite part of the marathon.... taking photos of my medal -- drinking champagne with my sweetie at Tabi's with Tabi.  We picked up snacks and invited Charlie, Mom & Lily over for a celebration.  It was fabulous!  Another marathon under my belt!  I loved the course -- NYCM rocks!  As Coach Ramon would say "SUPER AWESOME!" !!!

Here is a link to my NYCM Facebook Album

It was an amazing trip!  Thank you to Tabi for hosting us -- being at the finish line was phenomenal!

Nancy E. Cook

Age 47

Overall Place:  4559 of 46,795

Female:  596 of 16,928

Age (Female) 45-49:  37 of 2079
24th marathon
3rd marathon as a cancer survivor
6th marathon with ACS DetermiNation
Total raised through DNation $9380

See below for my splits:  

So cool that I ran a pretty even 7:30 till the 20 mile mark!

Starters Men 30,166 Women 17,272 Total 47,438 Finishers Men 29,867 Women 16,928 Total 46,795 Weather conditions at start: 51°F, 54% humidity, wind SW 9 mph conditions at 12 noon: 53°F, 52% humidity, wind 3 mph Finishers by Age Group Men Women Total 18-19 95 48 143 20-24 706 629 1,335 25-29 2,578 2,817 5,395 30-34 3,924 3,068 6,992 35-39 4,849 2,821 7,670 40-44 5,857 2,996 8,853 45-49 4,535 2,079 6,614 50-54 3,715 1,428 5,143 55-59 1,764 583 2,347 60-64 1,088 280 1,368 65-69 359 82 441 70-74 157 26 183 75-79 34 6 40 80-84 8 4 12 Oldest runners Joy Johnson (San Jose, CA), age 84, 7:44:45 Women's Age Group: 45-49 1 Paula Keating (45), CAN 2:50:41 2 Karen Friedman (49), USA 3:02:35 3 Franca Fiacconi (46), ITA 3:07:04

A few last fun facts about the race, courtesy of Asics:

1970 year of the first New York City Marathon
127 starters
55 finishers
$1 entry fee

142,903 applicants to the ING New York City Marathon 2011
47,438 participants in 2011
8,000+ event volunteers
2 million spectators along the course

150+ NYRR staff working year-round on the marathon
74 UPS trucks transporting participants’ bags from start-finish
608 media credentials issued
4.4 million readers of the results section of the NY Times

62,370 gallons of Poland Spring® Water
32,040 gallons Gatorade G Series Pro Endurance Formula
2,300,000 paper cups
57,600 PowerBar Energy Gels at Mile 18
368 portable toilets, at more than 35 locations (every mile)

54,000 finisher medals
60,000 Heat Sheets™
54,000 finisher recovery bags

Finish!  3:26:26 - I sprinted to beat that 3:30 on the clock!