Strike a Pose, My winter fun is ski racing photography. I love to catch these young athletes in action! Check out these little ones Jake & Tess striking a pose. (J6 = 7-8 year olds) Tess below won both J6 races -- and for good reason -- look at that form!
Footwear Although ski boots are tight and not always fun to get on your feet. To get the right ones is a real advantage to how well you ski. Schuyler is in Nordicas and doing a little boot skiing at the top of the race course with friends!
Hobby A hobby, a love, a passion -- our family loves to ski and Schuyler has grown up in the ski world with us. I am so incredibly proud to see him ski the course with such vigor and be so proud of his performance at the finish line. There's nothing better than that!
Shiny After coaching on Sunday I went back to my knoll to shoot some J3 (13-14 year olds) photos for their race (SVC GS) at Mount Snow - these young athletes are amazing! This is Jean Pierre who I recognize because of his shiny goggles! :) We had the opportunity to free ski with his dad, Pepe, who is the Amherst High School ski coach & a long time family friend.
Color Me Green Here is Harrison Ma - our friends from Clifton Park NY. They ski out of Willard, NY and Pico VT -- I have photographed him every year and was so happy that I got a few shots of him in his new green GS suit - :) Last time I photographed him he was in yellow! Looking good out there cresting the knoll Harrison!
These guys were keeping me in line so I didn't wander too far into the course away from the B net. They were laughing and posed for this crazy shot. This is where the coaches and the TD stand where they can see the majority of the course. (TD = Technical Director) :)
What do I love about running? The list goes on and on... but one thing that comes up on my list over and over again is the fact that it is the time that I get to spend with my canine companion!
1/2 Marathon finish relaxing with Chester in Colorado 1999
Exploring the mountains with Chester in 1999
Chester & I in Keystone, CO 1999
I remember running with my first yellow labrador, "Birchfield's Chester Valentine" in the 1990's & it was early in my marathon training that I realized that the dog motivation to run was like none other. He would be wagging his tail and literally jumping around the room waiting for me every morning! The time that I spend on the road and the trails training was NOT alone because I have the companionship of my amazing dog. I called him the Wonder Puppy! My loyal, loving dog that LOVES to run almost as much as I do! The thing about running in Vermont with Chester was always to find the streams and the lakes where he could take a dip and drink from the streams. He loved to pull sticks and LARGE logs out of the woods... bringing a smile to my face. I have such amazing memories of running with Chester -- I cherish every single one! One race in the Stratton Mountain Vermont area I actually ran a road race with him & another dog by my side for more than 6 miles! He climbed mountains, swam in the lakes & went on snowshoe trips with me too! Chester & I packed all we owned in the back of my GMC Sonoma and moved west to Colorado for 2 years in 1997. He experienced Colorado life in the mountains with me at Estes Park, Keystone (sleeping in the back of the truck when we went skiing) & more! The sad day came when I had to put Chester down when they found cancer had taken over his entire body. I light a luminaria in his name every year at the Relay For Life in my community & look forward to participating in our nearby Bark For Life to remember and celebrate his life. I still have this sad feeling in my heart & love & remember the wonderful times with him all the time. Even though I thought he could never be replaced, Chester's legacy continued with my next yellow lab "Toryfield Master Oakley".
Oakley literally claws me out of bed in the morning relentlessly until I drag my weary self to the floor, to the coffee pot, to the door and on the road! Oakley is an amazing running partner & doesn't let me off easy -- he has been running with me since he was 6 months old. He didn't go to obedience school -- running with me was school! :) Oakley just turned 11 and has so much energy and "umpf" for a dog of his years! I truly think the years of running has increased his lifespan, strengthened his heart and the experience of running shows his love for life! Just like a human, the more you get out there, experience the world and enjoy life, the more life will give back to you tenfold! Oakley would run all my runs with me until the past year and now runs 2 to 5 miles a day. He loves to run the trails and in our woods out back we have a trail named "Oakley Trail Loop" that is our favorite place to run!
Tips for running with your dog:
Oakley & me - running all 4 seasons!
1. Hydration is key- remember that a dog can't sweat - they get hot and pant once it is to a point that they need to show it. Keep them hydrated and cool. It is best to run near streams and water so you don't get "stuck" when they really need water. Run in the shade and trees as much as possible to keep them cool.
2. Running with your dog on a leash is a skill in itself. Expandable leashes are great when you have the room to let them extend and explore, especially as a puppy. When they are better trained you can go to a shorter leash and it will be easier to be able to control them, keeping them close and tight to your body.
3. Realize when your dog is tired and give them a break. A dog will lag back and you can figure out the mileage that your dog can cover and limit it to that without pushing them. If your dog is lame, or limping - no better how much they drive you crazy to run with you -- they honestly need to rest. :)
4. Manage the distractions - realize ahead of time when you see another dog, a squirrel, chipmunk, rabbit and other humans along the way that you are going to get pulled in that direction. Be ready, brace yourself and eventually train your dog that they need to just keep running by. This is the upper body workout in running when you have your dog & can be a challenge but manageable at the same time! :)
5. Be safe & stay safe - Know when you can go off leash & when you need to have your dog on the leash. Obey all signs in this regard. Nothing worse than nuisance dogs off leash irritating your dog to the limit. Dog fights are NO fun - so avoid them at all costs. Know when there is a dog friendly dog and when to STAY away!
6. Know your doggie neighborhood & the leash laws. It is nice to know where the dogs are in the neighborhood to manage distractions, but also to be aware and ready in case they happen to be "off leash" in their own property. I have been bit by dogs and my dogs have been bit by dogs. It is no fun to have to get a tetanus shot and treated for infection after a dog bite. It is even more horrible to watch your puppy or dog get attacked by another dog and you are doing all your might to pull them away. Just ask me. :(
Carry "poop" bags and be respectful of others property. Obviously if you aren't deep in the woods, you are responsible for "it". :)
7. Share the love! It is so great to run with your dog! I love dogs & the dog "friends" in the neighborhood. I was so fortunate when I lived in New Hampshire to have a running buddy that also had a chocolate lab "Nutmeg". Lucky Oakley had a running friend too! Sharing our annual story through our Christmas letter every year is written by Oakley! He does a fine job for a canine with paws on the keyboard. HA! He can write a pretty good fundraising letter too! :) Check out a local Bark For Life to meet other dog lovers! Great way to meet others that love to exercise with their dogs! As a dog lover, photos of my Oakley are something I am very proud of- check out the gallery below! Enjoy every minute -- a canine life is too short not to be lived to the fullest each and every day!
More great canine running info I have found very interesting and helpful below!
Happy times running with Oakley the best running partner ever!
What to know before you go.... on a plane, train or automobile you need to be ready, packed and motivated to get all your workouts in while you are on the road. The high heels don't like to share the bag with dirty sneakers and packing can get tight if you are trying to fit it all in an overnight carry on bag so you don't have to check luggage. Ask me - I know -- I have traveled in my current position for the past 15 years in upwards of 60,000 miles a year. I travel to various places in the United States and stay at many different brands of hotels. The best part about running to me is the fact that you can pack your shoes and clothes and you are ready to run! Just remember you need extra shirts, bras & socks if you run more than one day... they tend to get smelly - especially on those southern trips! :)
Traveling for work can be adventurous and it is always great to meet new runners along the way. I have been known to introduce myself and invite a random runner dressed up "runner style" in the morning to tag along just for company! At work we have email groups of the people traveling to our meetings so it is a great opportunity to let people know that "We" are running and will meet in the lobby at 6:30 am to run and be back to shower and ready for the day. "We" don't wait for people and are on a schedule so be on time! In the lobby we either all run as a group or gather by pace choice if there is a large group or naturally break up as the group splits into a comfortable pace. "We" always have someone in the front to lead (and not get us lost) and someone in the back to make sure we don't lose anyone. :) Our group of runners has run in some great areas of the country. "We" have run in Orlando out to Pleasure Island, Austin along the river, Boston along the Charles, Salt Lake City up and around the capital, Dallas in the ice storm and in the middle of the city and LaGuna Beach in California along the docks on the water. It is a great way to get outside and see the sights before a meeting and really get to know some of your fellow workers too!
It is important for me to get in my exercise as I am ultimately more productive and can be very happy that I am on track for marathon training and getting in my weekly mileage. The worst part is when I have to catch an early flight --- it isn't always easy fitting it in, but I do my best!
Here are some great tips while traveling:
Pack running shoes in carry on in case of lost baggage.
Check the weather before you go and make sure you pack the right clothes to wear if you are planning on running outside!
Check out the running opportunities in the area before you leave and use tools like MayMyRun and GoogleMaps to help you build a route and a plan while on your trip.
Always check in with the concierge or front desk for directions and "safe" running locations before heading out on your run. They can be available to hold your room key so you don't lose it too! :)
IF you are feeling really social you can search online local running clubs that may share routes or even have a group run you can "crash" :)
Be safe! Carry identification or better yet medical information in case of emergency. If you don't already have one consider buying a RoadID or 1BandID . Always let someone know where you are going and try to always run with a partner when running while traveling.
Other great websites to check for running routes where you travel:
USAT - "America's Running Routes"
Did you know that USAT has a searchable database of running routes? Check these out for travel and even for your home area! Very cool.
Photos Top to Bottom - Judy Reichling & I at the Applefest 1/2 marathon in New Hampshire 2009, Judy & I at the Chicago Marathon 2010, Becky Lunders & I in California at her 2008 Relay For Life. Love my travel running friends!
It's January. We see a lot written about goals for the New Year. People see January 1st, the start of a new year, a clean slate, time to start anew. We re-evaluate the goals we set from last year, we celebrate those goals we accomplished and see the reasons why we didn't make some of the others. After all it is the new year and it is a chance to look at new things to accomplish and realize some things that aren't so important anymore. The latest trend is to categorize into focus areas - focus words - focus actions they want to see happen in this new year. I like to set goals, am a goal oriented person, motivated by numbers and commitment. Once I write it down, share it with others it's in front of me to achieve.
A newly addicted runner friend of mine said to me the other day how she loves the running community and especially because the competition is about YOU. It is about your own "Personal Record" or PR. Everyone cheers each other on and the camaraderie of motivation is evident at the races, online and in the running groups that form where ever you go. I love that about running too. Seems most of the time I run alone and need to motivate myself to go faster, find new "carrots" to dangle in front of me and set goals almost every run so I can achieve success in my running. So when I network on social media I love the interaction, motivation and cheers from other runners just like me - needing motivation and push each day. I love it when I find new running groups, partners to pace with or even just for the company along the road. All of this can help me meet my goals of being a better runner, faster runner and give back to the running community to inspire others to run and compete at high levels.
Let's set our goals this year! Set a focus - or focus areas - or a focus word - whatever feels good to you... something that you can focus on to make things happen in your life this year.
My focus word is CELEBRATE. I have just celebrated one year as a cancer survivor and I can relate that word to all my goals as I celebrate each day. :) Now let's create an Acrostic Poem. An Acrostic poem tells about the word. It uses the letters of the word for the first letter of each line and share your goals.
Here's mine:
C - CELEBRATE each goal, each day, each birthday, each holiday with some type of special tradition. E - ELEVATE my PR times, goals in training and in racing. Speed play and running partners and training with the high school cross country team should help to accomplish this. L - LOVE my family, my friends, my co-workers for all they do to support me! E - ENORMOUS! Goal -- what shall it be -- choose one race to KICK some serious butt! For me I hope to kick it in for the Boston Marathon in April (my 7th Boston and PR course!) and the San Francisco Marathon on July 29. The timing is perfect for a great running pace and hopefully with my long distance training and racing the course won't slow me down too much! B - BOY-- take care of my boy - help him to set goals for himself in sport and school. Share my passion and motivation and thrill for making a goal come true. Celebrate his goals! R - RUN hard, run fast, run long, Runstreak to 100 days (or at least 75 -- who knows maybe all year?!) A - ALLOW- allow my faith to carry me through hard times, injury, soreness and overwhelming periods. Try not to stress about the little things and do only what I think is possible. T- TEACH others to do the things that make me happy & help me to stay positive. Running and skiing is on the top of that list. Work with those that ask for my assistance and help them to reach their goals with encouragement and support. E - ENTERTAIN - Always stay positive, be happy & positive to inspire and entertain! It is fun to entertain with friends and family!
What a great year it is going to be! Tell me about your goals!
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. :)
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!
