Vail Backcountry Hut Trip - COLORADO!

The next part of my vacation was a hut trip to the 10th mountain division Jackal Hut in the backcountry of Vail. The hike was 4 1/2 hours and the sun was warm that day. The views from the hut were just incredible. Dreamlike! We spent 3 full days in the great outdoors, using an outhouse, no running water (we melted snow for drinking/eating water AND did not take a shower for 3 days) and slept in our sleeping bags... also there was NO cell service, which was VERY tough for me. : )

Here are some photos - there is more to this story, but these are my fave photos of me that Jana took! Between the 2 of us we took 1000 photos!

My hospital visit in Kansas City

(Picture: Judy and I in the emergency room in Kansas City)

I arrived in Kansas City to attend the RFL Nationwide All Staff Meeting on Tuesday 4/17 having dinner and some wine with collegues and then waking for my usual "on the road" run with Judy (about 5 miles) in the morning. After networking with ice breakers with the group, I left to go the bathroom and my urine is dark red. I realize it isn't "that time of the month".... So I am sitting in the back of the room with my Illinois friends and collegues and write a note to Judy - "There is blood in my urine, I think there is something wrong with me...." - with a worried look I almost start to cry... I don't normally get sick, so this was really odd for me. Judy tells Michelle, Michelle leads me out of the room with a big hug and says "let's call your doctor" - - I call my OBGYN (my absolute favorite doctor in the world, and talk to the nurse, who I also love that entire office). She gives me all the scenarios that may be causing the blood, including everything from dehydration to kidney problems. She tells me to go to the ER or a clinic in the area to do the tests needed. I call my Primary Care Doc and then Judy and I get in a cab to drive 3 miles up the street to the hospital.

The friendly greeting at the window was a welcoming beginning. They all were so happy and wanted to help. I really liked this place (that is a lot coming from someone who HATES hospitals). He took my vitals and gave me forms and had me wait. Then this very nice male nurse came and got me, and I brought Judy into Rm 10 with me. He had me change into my johnny and Judy & I laughed while I made a comment about my "granny underwear" and how your mother tells you to always be prepared with clean respectable underwear in case you end up in the hospital (oh well - so much for the pink ensemble I had chosen that morning). : )

So he stuck me with the IV and started to replace the fluids I had lost from the week of diarhea and the marathon... he stuck me again in the largest vein in my arm (which there were a LOT to chose from...) and took blood for tests. We waited and were visited by a female blonde doc and then Dr. Gaddis (sp) to give me an update on the tests and options of illness... dehydration, kidney issues and breakdown and more... He mentioned I may be admitted for a few days, which freaked me out a little... and I mentioned how I really needed to get out of there to go back to the meeting to present that afternoon and catch my 5 PM flight to Denver to go ski the back country. They all laughed ... Judy was impressed that my new doctor friend kept coming in to talk about us as I reminiced about my marathon and he shared his competition history as well. Very funny indeed.

After blood tests, IV, kidney ultrasound and spilling my ice water on my bed 2 times, 3 hours later they let us go with my extreme dehydration diagnosis... Thank you to my dear friend Judy, who hates hospitals as much as I do - for being there for me!

Boston Marathon - "The Pre Race Story"

(Photos: Tina & I at the Doubletree 5:00 AM, Me with my new friends, Shelly & Debbie from Louisville, KY, Our footwear - Shelly was wearing fur lined army boots before the race! Me - just before heading out to the start, The scene inside the tent of more than 20K runners)







Amazing! What a weekend and race I had in Boston. Schuyler, Jess, Tina, Lilly, Nick & I went to Boston early Sunday morning. We went to the hotel - parked our cars and headed to the expo to get my number and do some athlete shopping - The Hynes Center was a mecca of sneaker vendors, socks, apparell, sports nutrtion and various other fun things to mill around and look at. We at the free samples and looked at the marathon goodies. I got Schuyler a great hooded sweatshirt, picked up my number, t-shirt - - Tina bought a few things and we milled with the many 1000's of people there to shop with their "runner". It was all very exciting and overwhelming at the same time. We saw Frank Shorter speaking to the crowd and I remembered my last boston in 2002, 6 mths post partum (I ran a 4;15) - going to the expo with Schuyler at 6 mths old. I have a picture of Schuyler with Frank and if he wasn't speaking I had hoped to get one of him at 5 1/2. The crowd was elbow to elbow and we had lost Tina, Lilly & Nick - once we met up with them again (thank god for cell phones) we left and they all went to the Science Center.

I went back to the hotel and checked in. The room was ready and they had upgraded us to the presidential suite. It was a beautiful suite! I tried to relax and get my stuff ready for the next day, laid it all out and brought most of the luggage up to the room. The kids were so excited to be in the suite, it was really cute. But the rain was coming down in droves.... there was an electrical short and while Schuyler and I had gone out to get ice, we found that the engineering guy was worried about us in the room and evacuated us to 2 rooms down the hall for the night. It was fun in there while it lasted....

So by 10 pm at night I was exhausted from the expo, waiting for the room and moving all our stuff from one room to the other. Schuyler was completely wound up from the move and from going all day, he was really excited to be on this trip. So 10:15 we were sleeping and I set my alarm for 4:30 AM after laying out all my gear for the next day - number, clothes, warmup clothes and post race clothes with drink & GU ready to pack for the 26.2 miles....

Tina got up with me and joined me in the lobby - we milled around with the others all dressed and ready to take the shuttle to the buses. Despite the ongoing rain everyone was in pretty high spirits. Tough enough to run this course in good weather, but the noreaster and the monsoons predicted was just enough to make you a little nervous. I was psyched, I had my training behind me and felt like I had done my due diligence in the long runs and really was aching to run!

The shuttle to the bus and then I got in line - here is where I met my 2 new best friends... Shelly and her sister (Debbie?) - they were from Louisville KY and I started to chat with them at the line of the bus, telling our stories of the marathons we had run and the experiences... Shelly had been to Boston last year, and it was Debbie's first - sisters, they were going to run it together. I asked if they minded that I hang with them and we got on the bus... I chatted with Debbie all the way there. At "Athletes Village" right near the school in Hopkinton we were some of the first to arrive. They had this huge tent set up and we proceeded to get some water, bananas and then I got a few boxes to flatten out and make the "camp" for the next few hours.... It was still only 7:30 AM, but we were prepared and ready. People continued to get there and we met some new friends. One guy from Santa Rosa & the other from LA and a couple from Florida that we shared our camp of cardboard. Sharing stories about ourselves, stretching out, talking about what to wear and how fast we want to run. It was a cool experience.

We ate a little bagel, Debbie & I had some coffee, they shared their tylenol and various other sundries of prep (Shelly was a pro at this - was cool to see all the stuff she prepared and had in her bag). We took turns hitting the port a john and watching camp... Then it was time - 9:20 AM - we headed out to the buses to put our gear bags for the finish, said good bye to our new friends and started to walk in the rain to the start. I had my $5 NYC umbrella I planned on tossing at the start and it kept me dry. I decided to hit the port a john one more time and the lines were 8 ppl. It took what seemed forever as I checked my watch. I finally was at the front and jumped on what this man thought was his line, Oh well - I was nervous not to get to my corral on time with only 7 min to the start - I sprinted from that spot to the 6000 corral and made my way to the front. I shared my umbrella with this shorter man and chatted with a few - - not only were we running Boston but in a "noreaster". Someone sand the national anthem and then the rope dropped for the elites.... I was 6 corrals back and we walked for a little while... I milled my way forward as much as possible, ditched my umbrella and then crossed the start line. I was on my way! I was flying!

This is the weather and race news that shares how bad the weather was ----> CLICK HERE

Lessons Learned:
Leave early - it helps with psyche and preparedness
Prepare - have a little bag (kit) with vaseline, aspirin, tissues, a pen, wear different running shoes and pack an extra pair (i didn't and wish i did), Rain poncho is a good thing to have packed too.

My results are posted in a previous blog entry, but the other great thing about where I finished was that each person's number is granted by the qualifying time that you submit. My 3;14 in Chicago gave me the number 6552 -- So when you get your finish ranking, that shows you how many people you finished ahead of that qualified with a faster time. My finish rank was (unofficial) 1480 (i will confirm later, it is in the Boston Globe) - so that would mean I passed 5100 runners that had faster qualifyings times than I. What an incredible day!

Boston Marathon - MORE results

From the BAA page ---> CLICK HERE to read more
Masters 40-49: Women
Place Bib Name Official Time State Country Ctz
1 F160 Lozano, Heidy F. 2:56:03 TX USA
2 3780 Goldsmith, Lisa M. 2:59:38 CO USA
3 F168 Mason, Sheila 3:02:42 MA USA
4 F161 Jurasek, Esther 3:03:06 AK USA
5 F151 Ferraro, Angie 3:05:17 ON CAN
6 6586 Desmeules, Lynda 3:05:57 PQ CAN
7 6552 Peck, Nancy E. 3:05:59 NH USA
8 3453 Barry, Debbie L. 3:06:07 MA USA
9 F169 Tolley, Lisa 3:06:19 SC USA
10 5500 Grisbrook, Shelley L. 3:07:04 HI USA CAN
11 4591 Campbell, Polly 3:07:56 FL USA
12 3918 Baker, Carol J. 3:08:18 IA USA
13 F166 Morrissey, Bronwyn D. 3:08:59 CO USA
14 3346 Parsiegla, Karsta 3:09:28 GER
15 6752 Eddy, Amy L. 3:11:13 WV USA


From searching by my race number: 6552
Bib Name Age M/F City State Country Ctz *

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6552 Peck, Nancy E. 42 F Sunapee NH USA
Checkpoints 5k 10k 15k 20k Half 25k 30k 35k 40k
0:21:01 0:41:46 1:02:37 1:24:05 1:28:43 1:45:50 2:08:40 2:32:04 2:55:32
Finish Pace Projected Time Official Time Overall Gender Division
0:07:06 3:05:59 1427 73 7

Boston Marathon - "I'm a rock star"

How did it feel? Basically - I felt like I was running too fast. The down hill in the beginning of the run felt like I had wings... My heart was pumping - I was singing (hadn't found anyone to chat with -- so singing always helps my oxygen levels... funny, but true..) I bought this rubber bracelet to keep me on a 3:10 pace and checked the times at every mile mark. I was consistently running under 7 min/mile pace and felt really VERY good - - I fed off the crowd, the crowd that came out in the rain despite it all. At one point I was running with this man who kept raising his arms and the crowd would go wild, later on in the race I did the same thing. The little kids with their outstretched hands and the women yelling "girl power" gave me the extra push as well. It was amazing the speed in my legs, I rolled on my feet extended my stride, kept my eyes forward, thought about my "Chi" running style moving into the hill with the gravity pull to go faster and "digging deep". Looking inside myself for that strength and inspiration from those that I am connected to - I can do this - I can run a 3:05.....

The weather? I am doing my pre-race story - but really wanted to share these results first so everyone can feel the pride that I feel right now at this moment in time.... The rain was coming down in sheets before the race, but right as we were headed to the start the rain stopped - it was a little drizzly and the puddles gave me sore feet I may not have experienced if it was dry. The head winds were very strong in spots, so I would look for the biggest man to "draft" behind as much as possible. The crowds were dispursed at the end so I never did find someone at my own pace and those around me weren't interested in chatting - so I kept my positive self talk going to the end...

I remember all the towns, Hopkinton, Ashland (I looked for Peg), Wellsley (the screaming women) - looked for Mike at the 16 and then to my delight seeing Tina at mile 20 - she saw me and ran for a few minutes... her support has been incredible and having her and Oakley and Meg as running partners are what had prepared me for this incredible race.

Heartbreak Hill was long - a little tough, but ok - I held my hands out - leaned into the hill and pumped my arms (thinking of my friend,Jim, a fellow runner friend of Judy's) - - got to the top - the crowd was going wild " You can do it! It is all downhill from here" - - 5 miles to go - someone said that myself and this other girl were at least top 200 woman - so I kicked it in again.....

It was at the 5K that I looked at my watch to check if I had enough left to make my goal, how long will this take me...- I was almost there - a few corners in downtown Boston - I made it through Brighton and here I was almost home! I could see that I really could do it - a 3:05 was within reach. I pumped my arms, looked up to the sky, put my hand on my heart and said if it is in there I need it now. I kicked.... and kept looking at my watch. I saw the big blue finish line and ran hard, pumping and kicking! I crossed the finish line looking at my watch - I couldn't believe it - I ran a 3:05:59 AND MADE MY GOAL~ : )



My results below (to date):
7th in my division (40-45 age)
73rd overall woman
1480 - overall (23,000 runners)
2nd woman in NH
Masters Women? - hope to find that out soon!

I sat with Mike from Green Bay, WI on the airplane ride to Chicago this morning, who also ran a 3:05, he had the Boston Globe and finishing times for all runners was listed so I found my time and name. The winners of the US Woman Championships was posted as well, in fact, if I had signed up for this race within the race, I would have place 40 overall and there were about 5 women with times slower than mine.

SOME NOTES FROM FRIENDS:
From Jen Hager: Congrats on the Boston Marathon!!! You were on the Channel 9 news as one of the top three women in NH. Great Job!!

From David Rowell:
(below taken from my goal setting blog post)
> BOSTON:
> "The planets are aligned and the gods are smiling" time: 3:05

Wow... the gods were smiling on just you, considering the first place finishers ran about 8 minutes (an eternity!) behind the course records. Nancy, I'm ashamed to say I didn't think you'd do particularly well,not because of you, but because of the weather conditions. I much prefer the cold weather to the heat like most people, but today was ridiculous! (Not to mention the wind, which I figured must have been a significant factor. Seventh in your division, 73rd for women. "Congratulations" hardly seems adequate. Great job!
-dsr


From the Valley News (click here)

If any runners from our neck of the woods enjoyed it more, it might have been Sunapee resident Nancy Peck, who finished in 3:05:59. Only Scott Stone of Lebanon (3:00:52) ran faster among Upper Valley runners, and only 32-year-old Tammie Robie of Milford, N.H., (3:03:59) outran Peck among women from New Hampshire.

“That's my PR (personal record),” said Peck, who coached the Woodstock High girls basketball team in the early 1990s. “I just ran Chicago (in October) in 3:14 to qualify for Boston. The best I've ever done here was a 3:50, years ago.”

And this was at age 42, two years after she began a gradual return to running and triathlon racing after she injured a knee while teaching skiing. Among 2,538 woman finishers ages 40-49 yesterday, she came in seventh, and in the overall women's field of 7,966, she took 73rd.

“Life after 40,” Peck said with a smile. “You get faster, man.”

Mommy's "Famous" Cinnamon Rolls

When I was growing up in Vermont (Jericho & Georgia) my mom used to make these cinamon rolls every weekend (or so it seemed). When we would go places and need to bring a "dish", mom would always bring her "famous" rolls. It is a wonderful tradition that I have been sharing with Schuyler and he loves to help - since he could hold a wooden spoon and play with his toy wooden rolling pin he would "help". He still has his own piece of dough and spreads his own butter, dumps the sugar and SPRINKLES heavily his cinnamon on the dough. He is getting better and better at rolling the dough and actually cutting his own rolls too!

Mommy's "Famous" Cinnamon Rolls

In a bowl mix:
2 tbsp oil, 2 tbsp sugar, 2 tsp salt
Add: 1/2 cup water
Add: 1 cup scalded milk
Add: (be sure mixture is not to hot) - 1 pack active dry yeast
Let set for 10 min until bubbling
Add: 1/2 cup flour (King Arthur Flour is BEST)
Add: 1 egg - mix together
Add: 3 cups more flour
Let set for 1 hour to rise (double in size)

Roll out dough, spread melted butter, sprinkle sugar all over the dough, sprinkle cinnamon (Penzey's Vietnamese Cinnamon is BEST)
Roll jelly roll fashion and cut. Place on cookie sheets and bake in the oven.
350 degrees
15 minutes

YUMMY!

Boston Marathon - Weather Alert!

Marathon Monday is almost here. There is a crazy noreaster headed to town for the weekend and it is snowing right now out my window. Yesterday there was a bit of "buzz" going around about the marathon being cancelled. It had me a little bummed, but thinking there is NO WAY they will cancel this race. So here below is the note from BAA warning of the weather and advising to dress appropriately. Honestly the weather won't bother me, but I my end time will definitely be adjusted to account for these conditions - - STILL can't wait to run this marathon - I have never felt so great, in shape and READY!!

See note from BAA below:

Wednesday, April 11 - As the Boston Athletic Association continues to make preparations for Monday's Boston Marathon, we are monitoring the upcoming weather conditions forecast for this area. Based on the National Weather Service's most recent report and in cooperation with the Executive Office of Public Safety (Commonwealth of Massachusetts) and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, together with the eight cities and towns along the 26.2-mile marathon route, we are planning for likely heavy rain and windy conditions on race day. However, all race day plans remain the same. The Boston Athletic Association advises participants in Monday's race to plan accordingly for their run, bringing with them gear and apparel to suit the conditions. The B.A.A. will continue to update its web site as necessary.

Run like the wind....

Here are some "award winning" photos from the weekend of Schuyler and Sailor, flying in the wind! The energy of these youth really fuels me daily the time that I get to spend with them ...

One week to go before MARATHON MONDAY! I am ready! 2 rest days, one tempo day, one semi long (8 miles) and run Saturday and Sunday 4-5 to keep the muscles ready.

Weather: High 30's - mid 40's
Lists: Shaklee "fuel" - Physique, Performance, race belt, GU apparel, (GU product came in this past week!) Look for the "GU Girl"... CLICK HERE FOR GU INFO

Website: For all the info you need on the race CLICK HERE. You maybe able to sign up for runner alerts and more on this site!

My BIB number is 6552 if you want to "watch" me online!

End of Winter

The end of winter
time is here

The snow is melting
change is clear

The white will be green
growth in the air

The sun shines bright
my love to share

The transition is rough
but clear to see

The beauty of the spring
knowing I will be free

- Nancy E

My List

Last year I got together with my mom friends and we had a ladies night, drinking wine, sharing memories of our lives, looking at our values and those things we might want to accomplish in our lifetime. Sharon hosted the party and it was an amazing night of self actualization. We all wrote our life goals of things, places, family goals, possessions, charities, sports, travel, etc.

Here is the introduction from My50.com:
Have you ever promised yourself you would learn to play an instrument, test drive a Ferrari, or simply tidy the garage? Well don't put them off any longer. With My50 you can make a list of things to do before you die - your life ambitions, goals and targets. In addition to your list of things to do, you can list your lifetime achievements and build up a history of your life successes and accomplishments.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE SITE

My50.com list:
Scuba-dive - Great Barrier Reef
Visit Paris
Climb a mountain - Mt. Everest
Christmas in New York
Go to a sporting event (Horse racing)
Do a parachute jump
Learn something new
Serenade someone
Be happy
Try ice climbing
See the Niagara Falls
Swim with dolphins
Go on a detoxing weekend
Learn a new language - or perfect an old one (French)

Go naked - this one I chose from the site (pretty great description and I couldn't help myself): Let's clear one thing up from the start, there's nothing wrong with being naked! You won't see other animals parading around in jeans and a T-shirt, and we're only animals too, right? OK, we admit, arriving at work naked as the day you were born may be frowned upon, as would displaying your own buns in your local supermarket. We're not suggesting anything as daring as this however. Try stripping off somewhere a little more excluded like a quiet field or beach and for a short time feel totally liberated as you run and swing in the fresh air as nature intended. Go naked, and get back in touch with nature.


MORE from my List made last November:

Sports:
Qualify for Worlds (US Triathlon Championships)
Qualify for Alcatraz
Qualify for 70.3 National Championships
Qualify for Olympic Trials (marathons)
Rank Top Ten New England Master (running)
Rank Top Ten National Master (triathlon - 70.3)
Enduro Race - (one per year)
Race in Hawaii Ironman - before I am 50 (maybe before I am 45))
Compete in Master Water Skiing

Ski Education:
PSIA level 3
Direct Ski School program
US Ski Demo Team

Places I NEED to ski:
NH: Waterville, Cannon,
VT: Mt. Snow
ME: Sunday River, Sugarloaf
Italian Alps
BC / Whistler
California: Heavenly, Mammoth, Tahoe, Squaw
CO: Aspen, Telluride

Posessions: Own a mountain home in CO

Photography: Set up my website, get liscensed (DONE), Build portfolio, Get published in major magazines

Music: Piano lessons (pick up from my 8 yrs as a kid), Guitar, Perform on stage again vocals, Become a children's music performer

Education (general): Massage, Master's degree, Ballroom Dancing

I feel pretty great about my list! It feels good to think about all the great things that are left to do in life. Gives motivation to live life to the fullest and feeling good about who you are and what your goals are in life.

New England / New York Rankings - Boston qualifiers

March/April 2007 New England Runner Magazine report on top qualifiers for Boston Looking at the master's women I counted and I am 7th of all the masters listed!



Looking forward to Boston! Tina, Nick & Lily are staying at the Doubletree with Jess, Schuyler & I on Sunday night. Tina and I will go to the Expo on Sunday to get all the race "stuff" & do a little shopping... : )
Then to a pre-race dinner - to sleep early.....

Monday morning the bus to Boston for my race Wave #1 - leaves at 6 AM for Hopkinton to be on time and ready for the start (lesson #1 learned in Atlanta) - - My wave start is at 10 AM so I hope to look closer at the information and Tina is going to meet various places along the route and get me through Heartbreak Hill.

Starting to prepare - plan my food, my drink, my recovery, my mental strength... tapering my runs - ran my last long one (12) this weekend and working on stretching and muscle relaxation for the next 2 weeks. Planning on ample rest days for build up and nutrition / hydration shall begin now. This is my goal, the ultimate if I can pull off my goals for Boston - any one of them, but I need to dig deeper than ever.

Quote of the day

The beginning of love
is to let those we love
be perfectly themselves,
and not to twist them
to fit our own image.
Otherwise we love only
the reflection of ourselves
we find in them.

-Thomas Merton

ING Georgia Marathon - Winning Results!

My results: NANCY PECK (Half)| Bib #10128|SUNAPEE, NH - USA | Age 42 | F
START 10K FINISH
7:04:17 AM EST 42:16 1:31:09
TIME Chip Time: 1:31:09 Clock: 1:31:45 Pace: 6:57
Place Overall: 88 Gender: 14 Division: 1

Actually because of chip time, I was 1st in my age group- and 12 overall - - I see that they gave me the 1st in age because of chip time, but not overall. There are rules of gun time qualification, so I understand. BUT there is quite a crazy story to the start....

My excuses: Although not everyone needs excuses, it is always good to know what you could do differently next time to get a better result.

1. No speed work
2. No sleep (6 hours in 2 days)
3. Change in routine - new racing flats (Speedstars - very happy - no blisters) - new socks (LUCKY Julie Sullivan Irish socks) .. you just never know when you try something new. I admit that if I was to change more than it may not be as easy...
4. Hot Atlanta - I have been running in 20 degrees, neg 20 degrees and all those temps in between.
5. No mile signs, No clocks, I had no idea where in the race I was and what my efforts toward my goal would be.....
6. 20 mile run the day before didn't help with being "fresh" that is for sure.


Things that went well:
1. Nice cushy bed at Judy's - so the sleep (4 hours I got) was good!
2. Pre race meal - wheat toast with Smart Balance.
3. Training - Boston training, long runs and "junk Miles"
4. Positive attitude - I CAN DO IT!
5. Connection - the ability to dig deep and connect, make it happen.


For marathon trip photos CLICK HERE

ING Georgia Half Marathon pre race adventure

Should I start with the results or should I start with the excuses ??? : )
Looking forward to performing in Boston - following a pretty strict training regime and really needing/ pushing to get in the miles for Boston... knowing that this would be my checkpoint in timing to know if my goals for Boston are realistic, I have been apprehensive waiting for this weekend.

Julie and I went to the expo that day and waited in line to get our numbers... To find out my number was a ranked "preferred" number was incredible. It had been a tough week and I was extremely happy about this number and being a part of this race!


VERY happy with my results - -


Those that my know my personal life would know that this is an incredibly challenging time for me mentally. The support structure and mind games are wearing on ones soul. Although the thought of freedom from the strife and hope for a life to come is totally my goal and light at the end of the tunnel. I have never been so happy and so distraught at the same time. I hope to balance all that I have in front of me and do my best.... as much as it kills me, crying daily and dealing with the mentality around me...

Without getting into detail, I move on... fly to ATL and have a couple of advantageuos meetings with Linelle, Julie and Anthony takes care of my laptop. Truly a trip to NHO worth every minute. From there - I stay with Julie - we go to this great WING bar to meet Alpa and friends for Trivia and food. It is a great distraction for me with life and to get ready for this marathon weekend in ATL.

I stayed with Julie for the first night and she made me a little pencil map with street names for my run on Sat morning... I head out - flying - feeling strong - which doesn't surprise me, I love to run and my fitness level is at such a high. I ran and ran, got a little lost but found Piedmont and then Piedmont Park. It was beautiful (high pollen season) but lots of flowers and colors. I ran around the park knowing it would be good to get in a long run. I ran and looked for Peachtree, getting a little sidetracked but staying on course. I finally saw the hotels that I normally stay at with meetings (Embassy Suites, Intercontinental and then the JW Marriott)... But even though I was at more than 1:30 I ran past the sign for Julie's street and off to Cheshire Bridge (TOTALLY lost!). I ran past the homeless and the little on the side of the street - - finally to see a little life where I felt "comfortable" to ask for directions. This indian couple tried their best to help then referred me to their collegue who gave me a "shortcut" and off to Piedmont I went.... I took the right, left, right and then left on Piedmont running along - hoping to see Sydney Marquis. I think the craziest thing about this experience was that I wasn't alone - I had guidance, and faith that I would be ok. I asked this man for directions, followed them... and then running up Piedmont - I finally found Julie!

Ten Tips for Staying Happy at Work

I found this article on the web while browsing and thought it was pretty appropriate for my current situation with a few edits....

Ten Tips for Staying Happy at Work
(by Beverly West)


1. When you're preoccupied with personal issues, it's difficult to concentrate or be happy at work, says Alison Rhodes, a founding partner of The Balance Team. By all means, make sure you have your kids covered in the event of an emergency, but realize that nobody's personal life is ever going to be completely problem-free. Just as you need to let go of work to enjoy your time at home, it's important to leave personal worries at home so you can focus and be productive at work.

2. Create an Office Nest: "You are at your job for at least eight hours a day, which is more time than you probably spend in your bed," says Jennifer Star, a founding partner of The Balance Team. "Make your space your own, decorate your area as much as your company policy permits, and make yourself as comfortable and relaxed as you can be in your office.

3. Develop an Office Support System: "Gathering a circle of colleagues who share similar backgrounds or lifestyles can take a lot of pressure off you at work," says Rhodes. "When you are able to voice your feelings to people who understand, it can really help minimize stress.

4. Eat Healthy and Drink Lots of Water: "Maintaining a good diet and keeping yourself properly hydrated throughout your workday can really make a big difference in your energy level and attitude," says Shirly Weiss, a certified holistic health and nutritional counselor and consulting expert for The Balance Team. "And if you can manage to maintain a diet of whole foods, as opposed to refined foods such as sugar and bread, then you'll really be ahead of the game.

5. Be Organized: Create a manageable schedule to handle your workload, suggests Stacy Raden, a founding partner of The Balance Team. "A sense of empowerment stems from accomplishment," she says. "When you feel overwhelmed, it tends to intensify dissatisfaction. By being proactive and taking control, employees can feel a sense of satisfaction, enhanced confidence and motivation.

6. Move Around: "Working in an office can be a very sedentary job, so it's especially important to your overall sense of health and happiness to take a few minutes during your workday to get up and move a little," says Jason Bergund, founding director of Dancetherapy, a dance class, and a consulting expert for The Balance Team.

7. Don't Try to Change Your Coworkers: "You can't change anyone; you can only change the way you react to them," says Star. "Don't let other people's actions affect you. Just figure out a way to resolve conflicts and avert uncomfortable situations."

8. Reward Yourself: Identify a reward outside of your job, and indulge yourself, says Raden. somthing else it be dinner with friends, a movie, exercise or a manicure, treat yourself every once in a while. Just as stress from home can interfere with work, the positive aspects of your life can influence mood at work as well.

9. Take a Breather: "In yoga, we practice the breath of joy, in which we inhale a long breath and then exhale laughter," says Sarah Schain, founding director of Yoga Tales studios for children and a consulting expert for The Balance Team. Stand with your feet together and your arms at your sides. Inhale deeply, then exhale laughter and bend forward. Try to do this movement 10 times.

10. Focus on the Positive: "Identify the things that you like at work, even if they are as simple as your coworkers or the nice view from your office window," says Raden. "You create your own mind-set. If you stress the positives, you will make your job more enjoyable. Worrying about the negatives may cause you to become overwhelmed."

This is good. Keep it all together. It will help you excell in work and home.

Mom Girlfriends

We started out as young moms - with our babies all the same age - - they were 3 months old - Carson, Liam, John Wayne, Abby, Schuyler, Matthew, Courtney, Lily, Robert,Quinn, Cameron & Olivia. We shared tummy time first steps, first words and each and every moment of growth in our children with eachother. Our beliefs in many things were the same and acceptance for those differences was clear and supportive at the same time. Some stay at home moms and some like me that work full time and fit it all in. We have grown together through these past 5 years and become great friends. Xmas parties, summer parties, each and every birthday party - we coined our group the Birthday Party Gang at one point and always smile at the silence that a cake after the "happy birthday" song brings.

The beach in the summer, the toys on the lawn and then the winter slopes that our in our neighborhood we all count our blessings for these wonderful friendships. When the group turned 3 we put together our own co-op preschool and took turns teaching those MWF mornings for 2 plus years. It was an incredible experience to teach these beautiful children and to be a part of their early growth. My photography has grown in the experience of taking their photos - each with their own personality, smile & inner/outer beauty. I love each and every one of them.

Some how we found time for ourselves in these recent years, now that the children are going to school and there is more balance in our lives. So our once a month "play date" is with eachother. This could be a movie, a "List Party", hot tub at Nancy's, tubing, dinner at a local restaurant or bowling.

I am thankful for these friends!

Jen - tennis player, personal trainer (Kyle & Courtney's mom - Schuyler's little girlfriend)

Paulette - social worker, training for her first marathon, David's wife (runner / friend) and mom to Abby & Annaliese

Heidi - Robert's mom - Boston Red Sox fan and makes some incredible jewelry and fun parties at her log cabin overlooking the mountain. Runs daycare centers in MA.

Dawn - past military, met Joe (my spin class instructor/triathlete friend) in NYC. Biggest heart ever, God loving incredible woman. Mom of Matthew & Jonah

Linda - owns and runs the Inn at Pleasant Lake, our favorite restaurant in the area with her chef husband Brian. LOVE the story on how they met when she was a cocktail waitress in Blackhawk, CO! Mom of Olivia & Josh

Sharon - Fellow wine lover and boating friend. Deemed leader of our playgroup from the beginning. Always the diplomat, and always with a smile. I love spending time with her (New Year's was the BEST!). Web designer and mom to Carson & Saylor - they are our extended Canadien family.

Maria - neighbor up the road. Joined the group just recently. Mom to Quinn & Cole. Social worker and loves to teach, hoping to have a preschool at her home.

Rhonda - The neighbor who welcomed me and got me to New London hospital to meet all these incredible women from the beginning. Mom to Liam & Lilliana. Rhonda is in spin class too!

Stephanie - Mom of Lily & Ashley... Brown Hill Boat house parties will always be a great memory for me. Stephanie loves to have fun, so light hearted and caring. She is always the first to volunteer and help the community. Fashion lady!

Kim - John & Jake's mom. Kim is the researcher, very blue (data driven) always on top of the latest info! Cyclist and a loyal friend to those she has in her circle, I am happy to be a friend of hers.


(picture - girls at Christmas)

Achieving the next level - goal setting

Today went online and checked out the preferred runners for the Boston Marathon, and then went to the USATF site to get the qualifying times for the Olympic Trials... I thought to myself today, feeling so fit that I need a new challenge. IF I can be that fast.... why not push it... The time for qualification? U.S.women = "A" standard of 2:39:00 or the "B" standard of 2:47:00.



I don't feel I am doing EVERYTHING I can to be where I want to be physically, so there is some room for speed. I think I have it in me, or at least I can try and see how it materializes in Boston. Mentally, I need some help there and I have not had that mindset for a long time. I need a zone, a place to go - - I need to look in my library and re-read Dan Milman. I think I need to pull out those books again.... The Peaceful Warrior, The Warrior Athlete - it is about zen - - zone - - place - mind set. There is so much to that and I haven't been there in this recent state of competition status (which to me is amazing - - considering my age, yet my experience is proving me to be at a new level....)

Every positive change--every jump to a higher level of energy and awareness--involves a rite of passage. Each time to ascend to a higher rung on the ladder of personal evolution, we must go through a period of discomfort, of initiation. I have never found an exception.”

~ Dan Millman
21st century philosopher
Courage Quotes - Growth

Goals for the upcoming Atlanta Half and Boston Marathon to follow suit from last season I have one really aggressive goal, one realistic goal, and one goal that to beat even if I have to do it on one leg. I thought this was really cool to do shared by my friend and Abby's dad David.

Here are my goals:
ATLANTA:
It's my day! My training and speedwork are paying off... who said early season races are difficult? = 1:29 (this would be a PR for me)
It is supposed to be flatter than NH. Squeeze out a PR perhaps? = 1:31:00
OK - maybe Judy kept me out too late and I had too much red wine and italian food for post race fueling. = 1:35


BOSTON:
"The planets are aligned and the gods are smiling" time: 3:05
"Considering averages, moods, tendency to want to slow in the last 5 miles - this would still be a great time: 3:14:19 (and would PR me after my rockin Chicago time)
"It's just not the day to hit my PR .... " Hills, fuels, late start time, and early season training in the snow just may not be enough to reach my epic time : 3:25

I know my goals are high this year especially after the year I had in 2006. Personal Records may be hard to come by, but my efforts and spirit are there. So here's to a great half in Atlanta and marathon in Boston!

Spinner Class Nancy Featured Playlist

Spinner class is held Monday, Wednesday & Friday at the Newport Health Club at 5 AM. Tina and I have been going since the drop in temps and darkness of winter to balance and get training in for the spring cycling and racing season. It has been SO much fun listening to some great music and cranking the gears, dripping sweat, fogging up the mirrors and getting to know the characters in the class - my new friends....

Joe - the spin instructor. Friend and husband of Dawn, dad of Matthew and Jonah. Dawn is in the mom's group and I have known her and Joe for 5 years. Joe competes in triathlons and is a great motivator, coach and well trained in getting us ready for the season. He knows my competitive spirit and plays up on that for the group. He knows I appreciate the PUSH!

Tina - my running buddy, spinning buddy, the Naimie family is the best! Tina is the CFO at our local hospital and incredibly smart. Makes for some great conversation on everything. But she is a TOP TEN friend and just an incredible listener and level headed person. Very supportive. She is very sympathetic and caring. Lily & Nick are the kids and Chris her husband is a competitive Cat 2 cyclist, Xctry coach for Bow High School and in incredible shape...

Rhonda - Neighbor and also in the mom's group. Rhonda is running for library board and passionate about politics right now. She is the neighborhood welcome person.

Aggie - Chiropractor in town (mid 30's?) - mom, good athlete, does a great circuit routine when Joe didn't make it one day. Great person.

Neil - All smiles, hard worker...

Nick - owns the golf course in town, loves to talk golf and when we had our "riders choice class" Nick shared his dream of a CLIMB!

Eric - Big guy, tatoos all over his body, but a real softie inside, I can tell. : )

Kent - Cycle guy, big goals, no history of racing. Interesting.... we shall see. Eric called him "Sally" one day and he never got over it... (funny!).

So that is the class - there are 2 other girls (can't remember their names right now) and they are great too - but we have become a little family in the 3 short months I have been training with them. I love coaching, razzing, motivating and laughing.... so this class really gets me going in the morning. Looking forward to the season to see the result of these early season trainings. Look out Nationals! I am just about ready... Just need to find time to swim.

The image is my playlist for an upcoming class, where they will feature my chosen music. Very cool.

Stowe Relay For Life

My trip this weekend to the only nordic Relay this weekend in Stowe after Schuyler's Mighty Might Challenge. It was a busy day, skiing all day, driving to the event - - taking photos in the rain -- the rain stopped - - I skied about 10 laps around the course and the tents in the snow - - alongside the skate sleds, the xtry skiers, classic and skate, the snow shoeing people... I did make it in time for the opening ceremony where the President of Johnson State College gave the opening remarks, how all our lives are touched by cancer as she named off the immediate circle of recent and past diagnosis she personally experiences...

I pause to think of my friend fighting, those surviving,(Susan and Keith - the strongest woman and man I know that fight daily... ), those still fighting (Naomi's dad), those lost (Chester my beloved dog, Kim the incredible volunteer from Boulder, Diana Love the number one volunteer in Western NH for so many years). Strong lives lost and strong ones continuing to live with this disease - - including those I meet at each of these events that touch my heart and my soul and keep me working for the cure - - I know so many incredible people from my travels around the country, survivors of all kinds - - fueling the fight in so many. 4700 events this year nationwide - it is mind blowing if you think about it, how communities across the country put these overnight events together and celebrate survivorship with those they know and honor those they have lost and spend time talking, supporting, having fun and celebrating life - yes this is a celebration.

The tent was warm, the outside snow was wet and a bit slick, the teams were so spirited. I took many pictures, but lost them on my hard drive, I was so sad, and still am, after my friend and I search and tried to recover them.... But the spirit and the pictures are still in my head. The season is just beginning, the passion for the fight - - stay tuned..... here we go!

Unwritten - Natalie Beddingfield

I.... I... I....
I am unwritten, can't read my mind I'm undefined
I'm just beginning, the pen's in my hand ending on time

Staring at the blank page before you - open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the that you cannot find
Reaching - for somewhere in the distance so close you can almost taste it
Feel the rain on your skin, no one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in. No one else..
No one else can speak the words on your lips

Treat yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
To that is where your book beings
The rest is still unwritten

I break tradition, sometimes my tries are outside the lines
Within condition to not make mistakes, but I cannot live that way

Staring at the blank page before you - open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the that you cannot find
Reaching - for someone in the distance so close you can almost taste it
Feel the rain on your skin, no one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in. No one else..
No one else can speak the words on your lips

Treat yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
To that is where your book beings
The rest is still unwritten

Staring at the blank page before you - open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words that you cannot find
Reaching - for someone in the distance so close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions

Feel the rain on your skin, no one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in. No one else..
No one else can speak the words on your lips

Treat yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with ams wide open
To that is where your book beings
Feel the rain on your skin, no one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in. No one else..
No one else can speak the words on your lips

Treat yourself in words unspoken
Live you life with arms wide open
To that is where your book beings
The rest is still unwritten
The rest is still unwritten
The rest is still unwritten....