Saying goodbye to 22 Paquette

First photo: Schuyler and his friends Jake and John who came over to help with arranging the garage sale.

Second photo: (with the timer) My birthday - cupcakes with Steve & Schuyler. We went to the movies and saw Fabulous Four... what an incredible night.

Bottom photo:My sister Laura and her daughter Paige who were a HUGE help in moving out furniture to the farm in Vermont. Sad to say goodbye, but happy for a new and happy beginning.

Waterskiing!

Skiing in the rain - the mist, getting in as many days as possible before leaving my home on the pond. Here are some fave shots of the other morning skiing with Gary. Jerry slept in and Paul drove the boat.

I LOVE THIS SPORT!

Gary put on my back binding and I skied it for the first time with both feet "locked" in - it was amazing the feel, the difference and really getting the ski on edge. I leaned so far into the turn I spun around, did a 360 and CRASHED! Smiling the whole way, I got up and skied another lap and a half .... Such a great way to start the day.

The above photos are of Gary skiing on Perkins Pond. He really has done a lot to support me and give me feedback on my waterskiing. He is a great skier and really is passionate about the sport. I will miss my morning ski - but plan to come back to visit and ski as much as I can.

Resume Building

Saw this article on Monster and thought it was a great one to share for future reference. I have shortened it and included the link because there is a lot of good advice and continued support links on the site. CLICK HERE to view the whole article and additional links.

Writing a resume is like exercising: You may not look forward to it, but you feel better once it’s done. And like the results of a good workout, a well-presented resume can help you keep your career in shape.

Title and Objective
Enough with the stupid titles we dismiss and make fun of. This is your career we're talking about.”
And an objective must get an employer’s attention quickly or it won’t get any attention at all. Your resume must grab my attention within the first few words of the objective. It must be clearly written and relevant to the position you are applying for. Take a little extra time and customize the objective to the position you are seeking…. If you cannot sell yourself with your resume, you might not have the opportunity to sell yourself at an interview”

Look and Feel
For the hard copy of your resume, make sure you invest in good paper stock, says one HR professional who has also composed and drafted resumes for professional clients. “Before our prospective employer even takes one glance at our resume, there is something they do first, and that is FEEL it,” she says. You can double the effect if you choose good-quality paper in a professional color other than white.”

Length
When President Lincoln was asked how long a man’s legs should be, he said they should be able to reach from a man’s body to the floor. Likewise, your resume should be long enough to sell you properly without overstating your accomplishments.

Style and Grammar
Trust me: I won't give a second thought to deleting a resume and/or cover letter that is fraught with mistakes.”

Resumes normally get less than a 15-second glance at the first screening. If someone has asked you to review his resume and you want to help him ensure it gets read -- or want to know if your own is up to par -- be sure you can answer yes to the following questions:

First Impression
Does the resume look original and not based on a template?
Is the resume inviting to read, with clear sections and ample white space?
Does the design look professional rather than like a simple typing job?
Is a qualifications summary included so the reader immediately knows the applicant's value proposition?
Is the length and overall appearance of the resume appropriate given the career level and objective?

Appearance
Does the resume provide a visually pleasing, polished presentation?
Is the font appropriate for the career level and industry?
Are there design elements such as bullets, bolding and lines to guide readers' eyes through the document and highlight important content?
Is there a good balance between text and white space?
Are margins even on all sides?
Are design elements like spacing and font size used consistently throughout the document?
If the resume is longer than a page, does the second page contain a heading? Is the page break formatted correctly?

Resume Sections
Are all resume sections clearly labeled?
Are sections placed in the best order to highlight the applicant's strongest credentials?
Is the work history listed in reverse chronological order (most recent job first)?

Career Goal
Is the career objective included toward the top of the resume in a headline, objective or qualifications summary?
Is the resume targeted to a specific career goal and not trying to be a one-size-fits-all document?
If this is a resume for career change, is the current objective clearly stated, along with supporting details showing how past experience is relevant to the new goal?

Accomplishments
Does the resume include a solid listing of career accomplishments?
Are accomplishments quantified by using numbers, percentages, dollar amounts or other concrete measures of success?
Do accomplishment statements begin with strong, varied action verbs?
Are accomplishments separated from responsibilities?

Relevance
Is the information relevant to hiring managers' needs?
Does the resume's content support the career goal?
Is the resume keyword-rich, packed with appropriate buzzwords and industry acronyms?
Is applicable additional information, such as awards and affiliations, included, while personal information like marital status, age and nationality unrelated to the job target omitted?

Writing Style
Is the resume written in an implied first-person voice with personal pronouns, such as I, me and my, avoided?
Is the content flow logical and easy to understand?
Is the resume as perfect as possible, with no careless typos or spelling, grammar or syntax errors?

Splash, Mash & Dash 2007

Prepping for Portland the season has started and my first triathlon of the year is upon me. Focusing more on training than racing this year, with Boston, Big Lake & Covered Bridges behind me, now it is time to hit the road and swim! I have been in the pond about 6 times to get some mileage (although not enough) at least there is some under my belt. I haven't gone on many bike rides, but the spin class all winter will be to my benefit. That will be my goal for the remainder of June along with packing up my house, is to get some bike rides in. I love to train and actually feel in top shape going into the season.

SO - here I go - off to Eastman on Saturday of next week. I just entered the race so I thought I would blog about it... Goals - a better swim of course, kick it in on the bike (as always) - hope we don't get rain, which will improve my time and then to feel the burn on the run and push myself competitively to see how that feels in a triathlon. I am one that likes to "hang" and enjoy the scenery... the trail run is a good one and I really do enjoy the people from this race. AND it is sanctioned so it helps my ranking.








CLICK HERE for last year's journal of my results
CLICK HERE for the event website

Time to say "goodbye"

I have been saving these old straight skis since I worked as a patroller in Killington back in the early 90's. I love the yellow Salomon's and dragged this entire crew of skis out west and back home again.... Lots of great turns, lots of great memories skiing many runs at the K as I grew my skills and strength in skiing - "anywhere - - anytime." And that beautiful TUA tele ski was my fave, just perfect for those backcountry treks down to Wheelerville Road and toward Shrewsbury off the back of killington. It is always tough to say goodbye, but it is time....

Good to documnent and scrapbook in my blog to forever be engrained.

Covered Bridges photos

Action Sports International - www.asiorders.com

Picture of me crossing the finish line (soaking wet and exhausted)
Picture of David Rowell and I at the start (when I was still smiling)

Look what is for sale on EBAY!

Please make a bid - - if you are local or related to me, we can easily find a way to deliver the item to you! : )

CLICK HERE for My World on EBAY

here is the link to ALL the pictures of the items.... CLICK HERE

Hope Lodge Tampa, Florida

Photos: 1. Welcome to Hope Lodge Tampa! 2. The Look Good Feel Better Room 3. Ceiling tile sample of hope and prayer 4. Our friendly tour guides and directors of the Lodge. CLICK HERE to view the photo slide show of the Hope Lodge, Tampa





Part of the Relay Advisory Team meeting in Tampa was a tour / visit to the Tampa Hope Lodge (CLICK HERE to read more about Hope Lodge in Tampa). This is a home away from home for cancer patients and their caregivers. It was really great to go with our leadership national volunteers to see the great work and wonderful facility there in Tampa. It was very heartwarming to hear the stories of the patients that have benefited from this care and location close to the cancer treatment center. We also got to see the patient service center (call center). Great staff people and volunteers work very hard to make this all work and be a good experience for the patients. Here are some of my favorite photos from the tour --->>

Covered Bridges Half Marathon - 5th woman overall!

Yesterday's weather was perfect for the 16th annual Covered Bridges 1/2 marathon from Woodstock to Quechee VT. The sign up for this race was closed within 3 hours, 3000 ppl had signed up, which tells you how popular the race is to the running crowd. I used to run the race in the early nineties when it was West Woodstock and the Lincoln Covered Bridge to Lake Pinnacle in Quechee. The course now starts at Suicide Six, the Woodstock Inn & Resort Ski Area in Pomfret, VT(one if not the first in history, right backside of the ski tow hill).

Steve, Schuyler and I met Tina & Chris at the Antique Mall in Quechee where Steve gave us a ride to the start. Tina and Chris raised more than $1000 for the Norris Cotton Cancer Center and were a part of the team - so we checked in there, stretched and wandered around the crowd.

I found my way to the start line (I hate to juggle around people and it gives me the extra motivation and edge to start near the front), to begin and pushed it through right from the start. Not looking at my watch the whole first 1/2 of the race I actually led the women until mile 9. For some reason after the hill, I was all alone on the stretch before the Quechee golf course and really slowed my pace. I tried to push, but then began to think of the last 3 days in Tampa (tropical storm Barry hit them hard) and being delayed in Tampa (1/2 hour) and then in Phili (2 hours) arriving Hartford and driving home 2 hours to sleep at 12 midnight or so... Tough to travel and race and get into a regime for running.... I began my excuses in my head and slowed even more. No one was around me to talk to me, and the little bands on the road were done... the last one was the tempo drums on the flat... I ran through by Simon Pearce finally and to the finish, but by that time 4 women had passed me and I was 5th. I was disappointed in my finish, expecting a PR? Not sure, but still not so happy, or maybe I was just exhausted and am pushing myself so hard. I staggered at the finish, exhausted and just worn out. Lack of sleep these past few months felt like it was catching up with me. Steve and Schuyler were there at the finish to welcome me and give me big hugs.

We wandered around and I saw my friend Amy Robb, an old friend from my bike race days and we chatted for a while, catching up. So great to see her! We talked to Rod Viens, my neighbor out on Old Springfield and he was 5th. He wasn't real happy with his run, but he ran mid 5/min/miles.

After I changed out of my soaked clothes we went back to the finish to Tina & Chris who ran together finishing in 1:53 - awesome job for Tina's first 1/2 marathon. She was thrilled!




40 2/178 F4044 1:29:35 6:50 1:29:36 Nancy Peck 42 F 1827 Sunapee NH


Top Ten M/F Results

TOP TEN RESULTS
16th Annual Covered Bridges Half Marathon
June 3, 2007 USATF Certified #VT97004WN Woodstock to Quechee, VT
Timing By ChampionChip - Granite State Race Services www.gsrs.com
================================================================================
TOP TEN MEN OVERALL
************************************************************
Place Div Div Time Pace Name Age Sex Race# City/state
===== === ===== ======= ===== ======================== === === ===== =======================
1 1 M2029 1:11:10 5:26 Nathaniel Freese 22 M 820 Tunbridge VT
2 1 M3039 1:14:14 5:40 Rich Smith 37 M 2 Enfield NH
3 2 M3039 1:14:25 5:41 Paul Curtis 33 M 552 New York NY
4 3 M3039 1:15:05 5:44 Rod Viens 39 M 4 Sunapee NH
5 4 M3039 1:16:29 5:51 Matthew Hyde 30 M 9 Arlington MA
6 1 M0119 1:19:01 6:02 Dylan Grald 16 M 922 Grantham NH
7 1 M4044 1:19:03 6:02 Christopher Lang 42 M 18 Hartford VT
8 2 M4044 1:19:06 6:02 Christopher Gould 41 M 913 Pelham MA
9 1 M4549 1:20:02 6:07 John Lachance 48 M 14 Lunenburg MA
10 2 M2029 1:20:10 6:07 Joe Reynolds 28 M 1943 Brookline MA
Record 1:07:06 by Seth McClennan in 1995.


************************************************************
TOP TEN WOMEN OVERALL
************************************************************
Place Div Div Time Pace Name Age Sex Race# City/state
===== === ===== ======= ===== ======================== === === ===== ========
1 1 F3039 1:27:24 6:40 Laurie Greenberg 32 F 2566 Perkinsville VT
2 1 F4549 1:27:41* 6:42 Cindy Pomeroy 45 F 1 Windsor Locks CT
3 2 F3039 1:27:54 6:43 Maribel Souther 32 F 3 Hanover NH
4 1 F4044 1:28:50* 6:47 Debbie Gould 41 F 914 Pelham MA
5 2 F4044 1:29:36 6:51 Nancy Peck 42 F 1827 Sunapee NH
6 3 F3039 1:29:39 6:51 Amie Creagh 34 F 524 Deerfield MA
7 2 F4549 1:29:46* 6:51 Sue Lachance 47 F 16 Lunenburg MA
8 1 F2029 1:29:55 6:52 Rebecca Butler 29 F 330 Honnnnover NH
9 2 F2029 1:31:05 6:57 Beth Coughlin 28 F 507 Newton MA
10 3 F4549 1:31:53* 7:01 Sarah Tabbutt 47 F 2284 Philadelphia PA
Record 1:18:40 by Maribel Sanchez in 1998.
* Under USATF Age-Group guideline
______________________________________________________
FEMALE AGE GROUP: 40 to 44
Place O'All Nettime Pace Guntime Name Age Sex Race# City/state
===== ===== ======= ===== ======= ======================== === === ===== =======================
1 35 1:28:47 6:47 1:28:50* Debbie Gould 41 F 914 Pelham MA
2 40 1:29:35 6:50 1:29:36 Nancy Peck 42 F 1827 Sunapee NH
3 116 1:37:29 7:27 1:37:36 Lynn Stanford 43 F 2221 Lancaster NH
4 132 1:38:28 7:31 1:38:32 Lisa O'Neil 41 F 1773 Quechee VT
5 133 1:38:28 7:31 1:38:32 Kim Sheffield 41 F 2128 Woodstock VT
6 161 1:39:05 7:34 1:40:18 Stephanie Clark 40 F 436 Lyme Center NH
7 175 1:40:33 7:41 1:40:57 Katrina Hotchkiss 40 F 1096 Pittsfield VT
8 181 1:40:56 7:42 1:41:18 Robyn Churchill 41 F 428 Cambridge MA
9 187 1:41:04 7:43 1:41:25 Cindy Pierce 42 F 1863 Etna NH
10 253 1:44:02 7:57 1:44:47 Catalina Vial 40 F 2385 Pittsford NY
* Under USATF

On the glass

The sun is rising
Morning is here
Go out for my morning run with Oakley
Back at the house
Look out to the pond
Glass ....
Meet Gary at the dock with my morning cup of joe
Neighbors wave as they sit and watch us ski laps on the Pond
Cutting up the glass, the water so smooth
Ski until my arms can't hold on anymore.
What a great way to start the day!

9 Guiding Principles for Sales Success

by Tom Suddes
Here are my 9 GUIDING PRINCIPLES to help you 'sell' your VISION, your MESSAGE, your PRIORITIES. Pretty self-explanatory, but there are some 'notes' at the end.
Action: You can print this out and carry with you as a REMINDER.


GP #1 CHANGE YOUR VOCABULARY!
WORDS ARE IMPORTANT! Stop using all the typical 'nonprofit' industry jargon. Start using 'sales' terms, 'business' terms, 'common sense' terms.

Appointments
Visits
Power Points
Presentation Tools
Asking for Money

Presenting the Opportunity


GP #2 THINK BIG. BUILD SIMPLE. ACT NOW!
My absolute favorite Entrepreneur's Mantra. Also works great for SALES. THINK. BUILD. ACT. BIG. SIMPLE. NOW.

GP #3 THE RULE OF 3!
This principle alone is worth the price of admission! 'FORCE' everything you do into groups of 3! Your Message Points. Your Priorities. Your Buckets. Your Sales Presentation. Trust me. It works.

GP #4 NO TIMEOUTS. NO SUBSTITUTIONS. NO EXCUSES.
My Notre Dame Boxers' Mantra. Works for sales. Take responsibility for your life. Your actions. Your results.


GP #5 PREPARE. PRACTICE. PERFORM.
You get PREPARE and PERFORM. What we never, ever, ever do (in our world) is PRACTICE! PRACTICE YOUR PRESENTATION. Your response to objections and challenges. Your opening. Your close.

GP #6 FIRST WITH THE HEART. THEN WITH THE HEAD.
This is the corollary to a great line in my favorite book, THE POWER OF ONE. Zig Ziglar, über sales trainer, says it perfectly: "People buy on emotion, then justify with logic."


GP #7 DO THE MATH.
You can't 'SELL' unless you understand all the 'NUMBERS'! This is about goals, self-fulfilling prophecy, and the Stockdale Paradox (Face the Brutal Facts).

GP #8 ASK QUESTIONS. (ACTUALLY) LISTEN TO ANSWERS.
This is, without question, the greatest 'SALES TIP'... ever!

GP #9 SHARE THE STORY. PRESENT THE OPPORTUNITY.
No explanation necessary. Just do it.

I'm working on my new Sales Book and would love some feedback. Send me an email (tom@forimpact.org) and let me know how these guiding principles impact you or your organization.

Power up for CBHM

Getting ready for the half marathon this weekend. Headed to Tampa to the Relay Advisory Team meeting from Thursday to Sunday - running with Judy all mornings and I am here long enough on Thursday to get a run in too (hopefully with Tina because I missed her this morning. : (

Here is the site with the information on the race....--->>> CLICK HERE it is such a great run. I did this race back in the early nineties and hit my PR last year here, soon to be faster at the Swanzey 1/2 and then Boston, and then this year's Big Lake! So - with a new PR of 1:28:48 from Big Lake, I am not sure of a new goal, so here I go with some easy goals and predictions.

"My heart is connected and my rest lately is giving me that extra edge" time: 1:27:15
"Knowing the course, getting enough sleep the night before and diet is JUST right, this to is possible": 1:28:40 (and would my PR by 8 seconds)
"Not my day, long week in Florida, too much food and Judy made me drink too much" : 1:31:00"

Here is the recipe for Sue Logan's power bars - I LOVE them, but they are so HIGH in points I haven't allowed myself to make them in a long time... but maybe now that I am in the heat of the season again and feeling at the top of my game for fitness and weight, I may just make some up today!

POWER BARS
Toast in oven: 350/15 min
1 1/2 cu oatmeal
1 c RICE KRISPIES
1/4 c sesame seeds

Mix and stir into:
3 c dried fruits & nuts
1/2 c. wheat germ
4 c grape nuts (I use GO LEAN CRUNCH)
1/2 c protein powder
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp cinamon

Heat in pan
1 1/4 c PB
2 c rice or corn syrup
1/2 c honey

Mix together and press into cookie sheet
Cut and freeze for storage

My first house

The property went on sale last week and they showed it to one couple. They saw it and put an offer in.... within 3 days on the market it was sold for $525,000. It is a happy day to sell, but a sad day to actually say goodbye. So many memories of Schuyler growing up and my love for this home is overwhelming. It is another day, another road, I have found a new life, a new love and a new direction. Time is tough in the realm of change, but the change is good, and the light at the end of the tunnel is very bright. Unwritten - I need to write more, but have so little time to express completely how I am feeling, without the threat of judgement from so many. I am happier than I have ever been and look forward to the future.

I took photos of the house and you can see them at my gallery - - >> CLICK HERE

USAT All American HM status

Feeling like a million bucks today - despite all the craziness in my world!
Next year they require 3 races to qualify so that will increase my chances for a higher ranking. NEW GOAL for 2007 - to be ranked in the All American status - who knows, hopefully with the races I have on my calendar I will reach it!

My running adventures - nationwide!

My dear friend Judy - we run everywhere we go -- how many cities do we visit a year? What are those experiences that we remember and deserve to be journalled - read on....

Rating (1 - poor to 10 great)

Dallas (1)- I almost tripped on a homeless man and at the Hilton they told us the only safe place to run was the parking lot. So off Judy, Beth & I went running in the dark in the city!

Salt Lake City - As we ran through this pristene city we ran in the residential area and came on this fence where these pit bulls started running up to us and barking wildly from the yard. Beth screemed and I jumped about 2 feet in the air! Pittsburgh - along the water we loved running in Pittsburg. Beth & Judy followed me in the city (not sure why) as I ran out in the street to cross and the bus was moving forward - - they will never let me lead or at least not follow me that blindly again!

Dallas (8)- There was this ice storm on the streets of Dallas by the Marriott Quorum. It was like running on glass and was incredibly slippery. I barely made 3 miles.... When we run in that area we travel through Emmit Smith's neighborhood through the park and the trees... beautiful area.

Washington DC (10)- Nothing like a tour of the monuments on some really great pathways in DC!

Chicago (10)- We run along Lake Michigan with at least 25 others in the morning. Around the corner by the beach in all weather there is water splashing and totally has soaked our sneakers. My favorite memory is running with Dr. Bob, Beth & Judy on Navy Pier when we would be laughing about everything and then he asked someone to take our picture in the middle of the run.

Boston (9)- Park maze, Charles - crossing the railroad tracks, climbing through the bushes and up the hill with Judy - "adventure woman!"

New England Runner - Boston ranking 7th master!

Big Lake Half Marathon

Crazy times, I thought this race was on May 19th - - so I went to the site this week so I could register before online reg was closed to find that it was Saturday the 12th! I sent a note to the race director who was so kind to return my email right away on Friday - - they had 50 slots open for race day reg and if I got there early enough I would be ok - -

So with some delay I arrived to register bout 7:30 after calling Louise and knowing she was walking the distance with Leukemia Lymphoma. She was there already and I was kind a thinking that she could help with my stress and register me, but I was fine. There was plenty of room, of time and I was registered. I warmed up with a quick little run down the street - waited my usual 15 minutes in line at the portajohn and made my way to the start line. I got there and there was plenty of room. I was right on the start line (very cool) and ran with the lead group - - I kept my position until the 6 mi mark as number 1 woman and about 14th overall. I was feeling really great! Except I couldn't breathe, or get my breathing consistent and steady. OK - not so good, but I was running 6:20's.... Hmmmm So the blonde passed me, skinny legs, floating by... oh well. I kept pace for a little while and saw her until the road got twisty. I figured she was about 32... (not that age matters, but I did find out later that she was exactly 30 - still makes me feel good). So I kept pushing, slowed a little at the 9 mile hill and then looked forward to the downhill/flat that finished the race after the last hill. The paved part of this course is pitched at a slant and uncomfortable, causing blistery feet. Not real pleasant. The finish line is in a parking lot and not real visible, but I remember that from the rainy nasty day last year finding the finish.

SO - I tried to kick it in for the finish - wondering if I would beat my Boston marathon 1/2 time (1:28:43 ) and .... I was 5 seconds short of that PR. BUT this is my PR for a half solo.... : )


But I did finish 2nd overall with a few nice prizes to credit along with the nice medal and tshirt for my $45 fee. : )
2nd overall woman
1st in my age
26th overall

Looking forward to the next race !! I love to win. : )

Check out the results!

BIG LAKE HALF-MARATHON
May 12, 2007 Half Marathon (USATF Certified #NH03005RF) Alton Bay, NH
Directed By: EndorFUN Sports
ChampionChip Timing By: Granite State Race Services steve@gsrs.com
================================================================================
RESULTS IN OFFICIAL GUN TIME ORDER
Place Div/Tot Div Guntime Nettime Pace Name Ag S Race# City/state
===== ======== ===== ======= ======= ===== ====================== == = ===== =======================
1 1/82 M3034 1:10:57 1:10:57 5:25 Scott Rowe 32 M 1179 Dover NH
New record. Old record 1:11:22.2 by Rod Viens in 2002
2 1/65 M2529 1:16:51 1:16:50 5:52 Alex Mroszczyk-Mcdonal 26 M 965 Burlington VT
3 1/55 M4549 1:17:01* 1:17:01 5:53 David Severance 49 M 1229 Melvin Village NH
4 1/19 M2024 1:17:59 1:17:59 5:57 Michael Brown 24 M 151 Boston MA
5 1/73 M4044 1:18:28 1:18:27 6:00 Mark Gibson 40 M 472 Durham NH
6 2/82 M3034 1:19:09 1:19:08 6:03 Jason Bigonia 30 M 98 Walpole ME
7 3/82 M3034 1:19:48 1:19:47 6:06 Andrew King 31 M 722 Lowell MA
8 1/78 M3539 1:22:01 1:22:01 6:16 Nicholas Hinsley 38 M 612 Bedford NH
9 2/73 M4044 1:22:06 1:22:06 6:16 Marc Samson 40 M 1195 Lac Beauport QC
10 2/65 M2529 1:23:43 1:23:43 6:24 Jason McDonough-Hughes 29 M 894 Somerville MA
11 3/65 M2529 1:23:58 1:23:53 6:24 Michael Miller 25 M 937 Hanover NH
12 4/82 M3034 1:24:35 1:24:35 6:28 Mafair Mayid 34 M 879 Manchester NH
13 2/19 M2024 1:25:05 1:24:59 6:29 Alex Gill 21 M 476 West Newbury MA
14 5/82 M3034 1:25:18 1:25:18 6:31 Bob Trautwine 31 M 1351 South Burlington VT
15 1/107 F3034 1:25:34 1:25:31 6:32 Kim Webster 30 F 1413 Framingham MA
16 4/65 M2529 1:25:47 1:25:41 6:33 Bruce Rose 29 M 1166 Bradford MA
17 6/82 M3034 1:26:28 1:26:27 6:36 Tyler Brannen 34 M 130 Nashua NH
18 3/73 M4044 1:27:39 1:27:39 6:42 Dan Poliquin 40 M 1092 Farmington NH
19 7/82 M3034 1:28:27 1:28:25 6:45 Vincent Johnson 32 M 683 North Berwick ME
20 8/82 M3034 1:28:28 1:28:19 6:45 Jeremy Fletcher 34 M 1493 Greenland NH
21 5/65 M2529 1:28:29 1:28:22 6:45 Kempes Corbally 28 M 261 Alton NH
22 9/82 M3034 1:28:36 1:28:35 6:46 David Boyle 32 M 126 Atkinson NH
23 4/73 M4044 1:28:38 1:28:36 6:46 Anthony Johnson 41 M 672 Merrimack NH
24 6/65 M2529 1:28:40 1:28:25 6:45 Anthony Vinciquerra 28 M 1387 Niskayuna NY
25 1/11 M0119 1:28:47 1:28:38 6:46 Eric Dinwoodie 18 M 337 Hornell NY
26 1/86 F4044 1:28:48* 1:28:48 6:47 Nancy Peck 42 F 1497 Sunapee NH

Mother's Day Weekend

I have to share this note I sent to my cousin Deb who is turning 40 tomorrow.... just because it shares where I am right now. I will blog about my victory in the Big Lake Half later, but here is my note to Deb:

Enjoy your big day.... being 40 is great.... I remember that year very well (which mind you is only 2 years ago). I celebrated the whole year and was VERY proud to be 40. Every restaurant I went to, I made them bring me cake or my favorite dessert with a candle and sing to me - it was hilarious (and I went to very cool places... like Mario Batali's BABBO and Emerrils place in Atanta. Look it in the eye - enjoy it, life only gets better when you get older. You know yourself better, you know your body better, you appreciate those around you more and are AWARE of everything. I have only gotten faster in my 40's and I look back to my 20's and 30's and wonder why now I am so fast... and I think it is because I am happy with me, I am light on my feet, light in my mind, without a million things dragging me down, wondering where I should be going in life - I have a plan (even in my current state of craziness - I still have a plan).

.... "And at 40 you know it all. Or at least have the desire to continue to learn."

Happy Mother's Day to all mom's - it was a great day for me with Schuyler. We played, we cleaned, and we made mom's day cookies of hearts, squirrels, moose, wishing stars, bears and numbers. Schuyler woke up and proclaimed he would do anything for me and then after I asked brushed his teeth, got dressed all by himself and vacuumed too! What a great boy! I am so proud to be his mom. And then we took photos of us and with Oakley too - - see below:

Dan Millman Quotes

Stay strong and Be strong!

"Willpower is the key to success. Successful people strive no matter what they feel by appliying their will to vercome apathy, doubt or fear."

"Wake up! If you knew for certain ou had a terminal illness- if you had little time left to live -- you would waste preciouslittle if it! Well, I'm telling you... you do have a terminal illness; It's called birgh. You don't have more than a few years left. No one does! So be happy now, without reason - - or you will never be at all."

- Dan Millman
21st century philosopher

See the Thinkarete.com site for more inspirational quotes!

USAT - Triathlon National Rankings 2006 - Honorable Mention!

See description of National Rankings in this month's Triathlon Life (USAT publication) and page of rankings for my age group. Very motivating as I train for the USAT National Championships in June!

*******************************************************************************
Personal ranking - 141 in age 40-44 nationwide, 10th in age New England, 1st in NH

New England Rankings
6. Amy Rice (RI) - 95
19. Maria Cimonitti (VT) - 90
63. Karen Makin (MA)- 87
92. Robin Passander (CT) - 85
100. Elain Debitetto (MA) - 85
109. Kristine Mannion (MA) - 85
121. Daria VandeVeer (CT) 84
123. Julie Nocka (MA) - 84
138. Nancy Phompson (MA) - 83
141. Nancy Peck (NH) 83.87