My Top Ten @ The San Francisco Marathon

Putting together my race recap from The San Francisco Marathon - my 30th marathon including my 4 Ironmans & 50 miler. I wanted to get creative with this recap after reading this post on the ONION  . 
Summary -- Being a San Francisco Marathon Ambassador - getting to know all these other runners virtually, through blogposts and the SF Facebook Group - was one of the most amazing experiences as a runner I have experienced. I felt the spirit, the support & crazy as it sounds, I felt like I was running in my hometown when home is more than 4000 miles away! My prep for this race was more energized by belonging to this group, the pre-party and the VIP connection before the race. SO fun! Now about that run... 


Here is my Top Ten learnings, experiences & sharings - 

1. Being a part of a team is a very good thing

I love being a part of a team. Whether it was Dailymile, who were on the course cheering me on in the Golden Gate Park in addition to all my 300+ friends were cheering me on virtually too! DailyMile rocks! In addition to the SF Marathon Ambassadors mentioned above and my DetermiNation Determinators nationwide - the "teamwork" and support of other fellow runners who can relate to your addiction is amazing! The power of athletes supporting eachother with attaboys, good jobs and speedstar comments surely keep me going!

The 2012 San Francisco Marathon Ambassadors! 

2. Early start times can truly work in your favor

Crazy - we had to wake up at 4 am to get to the start on time. No public transportation, and the taxi was waiting for a better "fare" so we walked the mile to the start. Glad we got that Hilton hotel location on Union Square - it made everything so convenient! Jojo (leader of the Ambassadors) was coming in from her first marathon - she was one of a select group that ran this marathon twice (56 + miles) -- they went off course and had run a few extra miles, she was changing and I got her some Aleve from a fellow runner. I was a little focused on her coming in that I almost missed my start! Crazy but true. SO I bolted out to where I thought I needed to go and they redirected me -- oh boy! I could hear them saying Wave 1 was ready to go and I was sprinting around trying to find an opening -- then just decided to jump the fence, actually 2 metal fences to get into the coral. Geesh! But I made it and got into the crowd and saw my sweet husband before heading out of town! 

It was dark mind you. For the first 45 minutes of the race, which was definitely odd and you had to keep your eyes open not to trip on road hazards. But it was so nice and cool the whole race for a July marathon - truly AWESOME!

Marathon gear all layed out and ready to go for early morning!

3. Hills are your friends when you focus and train them. 

OR:  What goes up must come down!

This was definitely a hilly course - the tagline? "It's worth the hurt" -- I had trained hills in Western MA and I really think it helped. My legs were sore for the week after --- so definitely feeling those downhills!

My sweetheart was there for me to take this photo below -- it was one of the last hills we climbed that day. Maybe that is why I am smiling!

Climbing yet another hill at the SF Marathon!

4. Pacers really do keep you on track if you really want it bad enough.

The coolest thing I did this race was hang out with the pacers. My friend Kevin Babb was able to do that in NYC and came through with a great time, so I thought I would try. I stayed with that 3:15 group all the way till 16 miles and then dropped a bit to the 3:20 group. That was my goal so I kept him in sight till the end. 

Albert & Jesi - Pacers getting ready at the start - LOVE the yellow shirts!

5. Fuel for the miles and don't forget to use what works for you!

GU and GU chomps were it for me and they had that on course too! I ingest one every 4 miles. It kept me at a truly even pace. Great to test it out -- but I know it works for me!

6. Marathons are a great way to tour the city and get cheered on as you go!

Running across the Golden Gate Bridge was truly an experience of a lifetime --- the mist and the camaraderie of the runners passing going in the opposite direction was a boost! I saw many of the Ambassadors on the bridge and cheered them on and vice versa! Very very cool.

7. Water stations of enthusiastic runners really make a difference.

Lululemon is my new favorite clothing. :) I love my pinstripe shorts that I wore for the race that were introduced to me by the San Francisco location. Sossi & her group were so awesome! LOVE their water station and they recognized me and were cheering me on to greatness! Nothing like the fun music and fun dancing and signs from this water stop! 

Lululemon Water Stop on course at the SF Marathon

8. Inspiration is all around us. You just to open up and talk to people and listen to their stories.

I love talking to people when I run -- It probably bugs some people and if they stay with me for a while, maybe it becomes a little annoying. But I love to hear their stories, asking about their running, why & what motivates them? I also love to tell my story & I have a captive audience - HA! I met this young runner wearing a DetermiNation singlet on the bridge, he told me about his mom who has thyroid cancer & that is why he runs - to hopefully someday find a cure. It was awesome & I got a ton of energy from that brief conversation.... :)

9. There is nothing better than the finish line! And just a little champagne to really celebrate!

The finish line at the SF Marathon is truly a highlight -- you have some corners coming back into the wharf area --- but then you see it --- lots of blue and a HUGE sign FINISH!!!! There are a bunch of cameras and  it was just so amazing! LOVE THE FINISH LINE! And check out my photo -- best photo ever! After reading Luiz blog on posing for this shot -- I think I finally got a good one! 

Me! Thumbs up for a 3:21 finish time! 1st in my age group feeling like a winner!

10.  Winning isn't everything -- but being number one in your age group truly gives you that rockstar feeling!

Check out these stats!  I was also 5th master -- among all women 40 and older. Very very happy with my results! Yay me! Oh ya "It's Worth The Hurt" ! 

Marathon

Runner Details	Race Results
Bib: 298 Name: Nancy Cook Gender: F Age: 48 Hometown: Belchertown, MA	Overall: 353 out of 6456 Women: 33 out of 4317 F 45-49: 1 out of 214 Age/Grade: 77.78% Place: 27 Finish: 3:21:34 Pace: 7:42 Tag Time: 3:21:34 Gun Time: 3:22:07
Split Times
5 Km: 23:37 Pace: 7:36 7.4 Mi: 56:13 Pace: 7:36 Half: 1:39:05 Pace: 7:34 20 Mi: 2:32:09 Pace: 7:37

Your Cheering Squad awaits you!

My number one fan -San Francisco in 2008 for Nike Woman's Marathon

Running and training for a marathon can be a lonely business. The early mornings, squeezing whatever miles you can get in at lunch or happy hour run(which doesn't always include a nice cold one). Having a crazy family schedule doesn't always allow for group runs or even timing to find a running partner. So when it comes race day -- the "cheering squad" or my "fans" are really what gets me to perform at my best! In the cancer survivor world we call them "caregivers" - those people that are by your side no matter what - driving you to treatment, helping you figure out your drug schedule, holding you when you're extremely tired & mentally being with you every step of the way.  In the running world we call them "fans" -- those who cheer for you -- push you harder when you want to walk -- think you're crazy, but love that much more for being a dedicated runner, putting all those miles in and it is finally the day for you to toe that start line! There is some prep that goes into being a "fan" -- carrying signs -- assisting the runner to remember the essentials & checking out the best places on the course to be able to catch a glimpse of their runner, shoot some great photos and cheer! Here is a link  to the maps and some cool videos that share the SF marathon course!

There is nothing like the support of your family! 

My number one fan is my husband Steve. He wants to be with me when I race, every race, any weather, no matter the distance of the race, or the distance to the race (i.e.: we head to San Francisco next Thursday!)  I will never forget the 2007 Boston marathon, the year of the Noreaster, when there was no one on the street because the weather was so cold and nasty.  Steve found his way to the front area of the finish line with a dozen roses to give me. He met a group of girls, who he told all about me and our story of how we met -- they belted out the largest cheer -- yelling my name "GO NANCY GO!" -- It was so cool! I felt like a rockstar at that moment -- larger than life! Every race he runs around the course points to take my photo, meets me at the finish with roses  and chills my favorite champagne for a celebration at the end. But my fan club also consists of all my family & friends that write my race number down, sign up for tracking, "ping" me on my Facebook wall, send me wishful speedy notes on email and cheer me on where ever they are in the US and abroad. I remember a bunch of friends of mine were visiting Germany but cheering me on in the Boston marathon this year. It is so amazing the love and support of your friends and family and how that feeds into the energy you feel on the course! I raise money for the American Cancer Society through the DetermiNation program and all the donations are my sponsorships from my fans! The more money I raise, the more of a rockstar I become in the quest for more birthdays and less cancer! I have raised more than $12,000 from amazing donors in 3 years through 7 DNation events and am pretty proud to be a cancer survivor finishing yet another marathon, trying not to skip a step in my life's journey!

Here we are  9 days away from the San Francisco marathon -- and it is important to guide your fan club to the best cheering stations on the course- share your number and the tracking that is available is cutting edge for this race. Download the ap today and share it with your friends! It truly builds the spirit of marathons, builds your fan club, inspires others to someday hopefully run a marathon or start a fitness regime to be at the best fitness level possible --- like you! But on marathon day you are the rockstar! Your fans are waiting -- even those you don't know on the side of the course, signs in hand, playing music for you and then at the end that shiny medal they hang around your neck, congratulating you for an amazing run!  

So who is "Your number one fan"? - The one that is there for you through thick and thin, fat & skinny, fast & slow, goes to your races, takes your photos --- even when they are not a runner... or if they are, still making you feel like a Super Runner?!

Fellow runner support is awesome - The Dream Team in Boston 2012

Here are some of the responses from the 

San Francisco Marathon Ambassadors 

Monika Carlson of Glam Runner states "My boyfriend Dave - Not only did he get up with me at 4am and drop me off, he stood on several street corners on the freakishly cold 27F morning cheering me on.  I think the #1 important thing to me was understanding the importance of running in my life and respecting it and giving me time to do it. Joining me was above and beyond, Actually, my marathon "wife" Christina (rivaling the wivery of Jojo Reuland and Erin Sheehy) is pretty awesome too. When I bombed a race a few years ago in between checking the medical tent to find out if I had died on the course becasue I was taking so long she stopped to buy me flowers and something to eat for when I finished. True love.. haha.Jojo Reuland replies "Hmm I think mine would be my coworkers, they're always my biggest cheer squad. Maybe its because we really love the sport, but they're amazingly supportive of me"Laura Langerwerf shares "My friend Kelly is my #1 fan. She trains with me all the time, even when she's not running a race. She knows how to pick me up when I'm down, and she even went to Nashville last April for the marathon. :) She's an awesome friend and an amazing race supporter."
And Charlie wrote his latest blogpost dedicated to his amazing mom -- his number one fan! :) 

2009 Boston Marathon finish with my roses

I have been to races where people have traveled far and are alone at marathons -- so it really is about the entire marathon community welcoming new runners that really helps the experience. The runners you meet, the fans on the side of the street, the musicians giving their time and effort to make this marathon experience the best ever. Your training is in the bank and you are ready. And on race day remember to enjoy it, take it all in, because you are the rockstar of the day!

It's all about the Cake!

Training for the SF marathon in Vermont 

My occupation is a national director, working for the American Cancer Society - an job that I have loved since the day I began in the "field" 18 years ago. I am an event planner, volunteer manager, relationship coordinator, fundraiser -- basically a party planner that celebrates  & raises the much needed funds in the fight against cancer. We have this saying that "It's not about the cake" - meaning that a celebration of survivorship should not center around getting a cake for everyone to eat, but there is so much more to planning this celebration.

BUT - In my running world it IS about the cake! When you set goals you also should set rewards for yourself - so you have an incentive, a little added meaning.  Something to really push you out there. Yes! Cake! I love cake, I love champagne! And bonus -- this is my birthday month - so it is all even more acceptable to celebrate every day! As a cancer survivor celebrations mean so much more to me now than they ever did and as a planner, I love to envision how that success is going to feel and how I am going to cross the finish line and then CELEBRATE!

SF Marathon Ambassadors celebrating their finish at the Boston Marathon 2012

Have you seen the VIP treatment that the SF marathon offers?! That is truly a way for you to celebrate the weekend in style. How fun! What are some other ways to celebrate a victory, crossing the finish line? Just to finish a marathon (or a longer mileage race) is cause for celebration! My favorite way to celebrate is meeting my sweet husband at the finish line (He is most likely armed with roses and champagne) and then a little gathering of friends around some ice & Advil wearing my medal and jacket. Post race for me usually includes reservations for dinner at a nice Italian restaurant with a "nice" bottle of red wine. All my favorite things and being surrounded by family & friends.

When asked, my fellow Ambassadors shared their favorite way to celebrate finishing a race.  Courtney of course eats some of her favorite pancakes! :) Charlie responds "I start with an ice bath, beer ( the good stuff, none of that light crap), and pepperoni pizza with extra cheese. & I always wear the shirt of the race afterward and once I take a shower" :)

Celebrate! Me in my Glam Runner Tutu ! :)

Monika heads straight for the burrito stand in her Glam Runner Tutu! Peter Rabover  says "I like to put on my SF Marathon shirt, my armbands, and of course the sweatyband and kick back and relax thinking about next years race." Always ready to represent and share the SF marathon love!

Michael, our North Carolina boy shares "I usually seek out the most unhealthy food possible. Preferably some hot wings. Then I begin writing myself an emailed race recap for a later blog post while running the play by play in my head." Nurse on the Run Susanalso takes a healthy view on celebrating... "Beer and a burger! And if I have enough salt on my face, tequila shots all around. (er...maybe not.)" And Wesley will be definitely be joining them both eating beer and pizza.:)

Luis will be writing his race recap & listening to the playlist of music back just to revel in the accomplishment of the race just a little bit more. :) That and trying to walk normal again!

Here's are a couple SF recommendations... From Laura - "After I run SF I ALWAYS get a bread bowl of clam chowder from Boudin Bakery by Fisherman's Wharf. YUMMMMERS! :)" and from Emily "More than likely you will find me at Shake Shack after any race... or any run for that matter..."

It's my birthday month & I love cake!

Whatever you decide is the best way to reward your efforts of the day - it will be special fun and memorable. Cake is always memorable. You can be sure that my post race will include cake! I truly can remember the finish of all my almost 30 marathons! Can't wait to cross that line & celebrate on July 29th in San Francisco! It will be a time to Celebrate!

Power Food: Fueling Success

I must admit I love to eat. I love good heathy food. At our house it is always a quest to make the perfect healthy meal and make sure it is something that will fuel our bodies for the activities we endure on a daily basis. Diet & nutrition play a big part of any athlete's performance. Ability to consume and use the food you put inside your personal"vessel" really does make a difference. I am not a nutritionist, but I have read plenty of books on the subject, and as a competitive endurance athlete since the 1990's -I know what works for me! I also know that I cannot perform well when I am "heavy" and out of "shape" for my own body. So I am always reading up and trying to stay on top of what keeps me near that "Racing Weight". It has always been a struggle for me, like it has been for many others I know that have taken up running to lose weight.

The VT50 was a true test of fueling my body - September 2011

There are many types of powders, gels, and recovery foods out there on the market. Only you can be the judge on what works for you and take the recommendations of others and do lots of taste testing and real time run testing to really find out what works, how your stomach feels, and how your performance is enhanced. Top on my personal list is Shaklee Sports Nutrition (Performance & Physique) and lately I really have performed well with GU - GU2O and GU gels & chomps. But my latest? Jelly Belly Sport Beans --- oh ya! A Swedish Fish lover, these little gems hit the spot! (Yum!). Seriously when you can say yum after a sports nutrition product - you know it is your fuel! :)  In the Boston Marathon 2012 I had great success with 1 GU every 4 miles and I really am glad I pushed the fuel a little more than I had in the past to survive that marathon! So try some sports nutrition on your next long run and see how much of a  difference it makes for you! 

Wonder Woman Granola in Mom's Wooden Bowl

Like my mom, I love to cook and make things from "scratch" Today we call it the home made revolution -- we as a family are trying to get away from processed food. Have you read labels lately? Look for fructose, sugar, high fructose corn syrup and check out the fat content too. When you make it yourself - you know what is inside, without the chemicals, preservatives and others things that could really reek havoc with your system. My latest lunch favorite is Chobani Greek Yogurt (great substitute for dessert if you are an ice cream lover!) -- Try it with home made granola! I came up with my own recipe for "Wonder Woman Granola" last year to get fueled for the Chicago Marathon and I swear by it's power! :) 

If you are looking for other bar recipes that actually taste really good check out the Bohemian Revolution - they have posted quite the line up. Best part about making your own is that you can choose which tastes you want inside! 

Nancy's Top Twelve Training Foods: 

Adapted from Runner's World article "The Best Foods for Runners"

Almonds - We love roasted almonds - just have 5 and it curbs your appetite and gets your metabolism going! Slivered almonds on salad is truly a treat. 

Black Beans - Mix in with salad or try a little chili to warm you up!

Eggs -  Try just one scrambled in the morning is a good protein to sustain your morning. We also keep hard boiled eggs for a quick protein pick me up!

Chicken - Grilled is our preference - after all it is almost summer - but we grill all year round!

Low fat yogurt - CHOBANI -- with my WW granola it is such a treat!

Mixed Salad Greens - Salad every night!

Oranges - Clementines are so sweet & tasty! 

Salmon - We love it in phyllo dough or just with white wine, EVOO, lemon and spices

Sweet Potatoes -My husband's favorite cooked with a little olive oil & Montreal Seasoning roasted in the oven

Whole Grain Bread - There are so many varieties to choose from -check out the grocers shelf near you!

Whole Wheat Cereal - MY favorite morning choice - Heritage by Nature's Path - have you tried it? 

Whole Grain Pasta - My son Schuyler's favorite !

Food is fuel. If you choose the right type of calories it will equal power and endurance. Eat to run and give your body that edge to feel strong and powerful. Recovery is as important as fueling before a race, so get on a good plan and make it work for you!

Other articles of interest: 

35 Power Foods

Race Weight: A Healthy Way to get There

12 Power Food: Never Go Hungry

18 Winter Power Food recipes (Whole Living) 

Outside Magazine: How do I find my Ideal Race Weight?

It’s all about the “Schwag”

My favorite Boston memoribilia

I don’t remember where I first heard the term, “schwag”, whether it was in the ski biz or as a runner when I would win a spot in my age group.  As a running “racer”, I began to collect “schwag” or all kinds of “stuff”. I would collect fun items with the race logo & giveaways at races that I would proudly wear. Maybe I thought it would show that I am a runner - branded everywhere! J It was back when I was living “hand to mouth” or as my dad would say – when I “didn’t have 2 dimes to rub together”… that I would appreciate all that could be collected as part of my race entry fee. J  I would rate the race on the pre-race goodie bag, the post-race BBQ and the “schwag” that could be won by running as fast as I could! J I would race every weekend - - make new friends – eat some great BBQ and collect new running partners, along with all this great "schwag" ! SO much fun!

My dog Oakley walking through the crystal. :)

My first Boston Marathon in 1997 I couldn’t afford to buy the jacket, but I eyed the $100 stylish little jacket & all the other gear with the Boston Marathon logo – paying for the Motel 8 was the priority and not more “stuff”. J  Fast forward to 2002…. I bought my first marathon jacket at Boston and like my friend DP says -  just love to “strut” with my jacket on! Every year I have run the Boston Marathon since I have bought the jacket and wear it with pride! I truly am a collector of jackets and love the marathon jackets that are offered at the races. So cool to say “ya – I ran that marathon!" I hate to even admit to how many marathon jackets are in my closet, but I will say that I proudly own 7 Boston Marathon jackets!

Boston 2009 Finish Roses from my sweetheart

Expo photo with my number in Boston 2012

Let me tell you about the marathon EXPO.... When you go to a marathon expo, you get to see the latest in gear. You see the latest cutting edge products in technical wearable’s & energy foods. It is so fun to shop with 5000 or more of your new “running buddies” – all sharing  the same love of running. I find my eyes wandering to what shirts they are wearing – what shoes they are trying on – and the varied reactions to new product being tasted. And maybe run into some friends you have met before or waited to meet along the way. J

Posing with the mannequins :)

After you finish it is the shiny metal blanket that covers your shoulders, keeps you warm, or blocks the elements. It is the memories of that finish when you get the cool medal to hang around your neck and wear for at least the rest of the day!  I have a shadow box of my medal collection & a shelf with some shiny hardware proudly sharing my marathon memories!  Some collect bib numbers, technical tshirts & those shiny metal blankets Iike me! For some reason to look back at them gives me strength & motivation knowing what I have accomplished.

What is it that you like to collect from your race experience?  Is there anything that you look for in particular when you go to a large athletic Expo?  Be ready because the SF Marathon has a great expo with lots of vendors and fun to share! Be ready to check it out!


See you in July!
Signed "Marathon Shopaholic" :) 

A Cast of Athletic Characters

Next time you go to a road race or triathlon look around you... and do a little "people watching". If you are a "race junkie" like me you may have noticed some similar characters there like I have at the races. It is fun to be a part of this social network -- sometimes every weekend if you race in the region, you meet and get to know many amazing people. But where ever you go you might recognize some of the same "characters" that show up. :)

The question was asked on dailymile a few days back "What personalities at the races annoys you?" and "What race etiquette or pet peeves annoy you the most".... someone must have been on edge at a race recently to ask these type of questions so close together.  Anyway - I came up with personalities that you may see at races where ever you go. These characters are identified from my days as a triathlete - I hope you find it as  funny as I do. 

MCM 2009 feeling fit!

1. The "Flash" - They think they are so "hot" and walk around like they are better than everyone else with their high priced equipment and clothes. I love to pass these people in the race. Sometimes you find them in the shower area immediately after blow drying their hair to look "hot" for the award ceremony. 

2. The "Yen" - They are "one" with themselves & sit around focusing on the side of the event, find a hill put your hands together and start chanting - you will find them everywhere. :) I can relate to this group the best - so I am not poking fun (seriously) 

3. The "Social Climber" - They try to act like they are building up a group for political office, try to be exclusive & ask where "Shirley, Jackie, and Louise" are today because they missed them last race. They usually clump together at the award ceremony too. I avoid these people like the plague. :)

Our favorite Studmuffin Charlie - kidding! 

4. The "Rookie" - first race or first BIG race, this person is wide eyed and wheeling their "10-speed" to the rack (maybe even a mountain bike) - no speedo, but owns goggles (whew!). Sometimes you just have to reach out and let them borrow your Glide or an extra towel because they really had no idea what to expect. I remember when I fit this description! :)

5. The "Cinderella" - She (or he) is new to the scene, fit & ready to compete, not quite the top of the line "stuff", but not rags either -- This is another version of the newbie, yet a little more on the ball and kicks everyone's butt out there! Upsetting all those "Social Climbers" :) You go girl! Find your Prince Charming! 

6. The "Stud-muffin" - Think little black comb hidden in their pocket to use at just the right moment. Quiet but strikingly gorgeous, just sitting in the background - not a winner, but always ends up with the girl. He doesn't come to win. He comes to conquer. You find him in the chaise lounge at the award ceremony in the back. He isn't hard to miss.

My favorite Chatty Cheerleader Friends at Boston 2011

7. The "Chatty Cheerleader" - Does she ever shut up? How can she get enough oxygen to compete when she talks so much? Do you think she has something to offer on EVERY subject? All negativity aside the Chatty Cheerleader is making friends with everyone and is there to cheer them on all thae way to the end, even when she is walking to her car and the last participants are crossing the line!  This is me. To a tee. :)

Do you recognize these characters - - Is anyone else out there worth mentioning? I can find a little of each of them in me (almost). I am sure you can think of other characters that I may have missed! Enjoy your next race and take a minute to look around and observe those fun people everywhere! 

Scavenger Hunt Sunday - Skiing in Style!

Scavenger Hunt Sunday Skiing in Style


Routine
This is Max. 
It's all a routine for a skiing family. The benefits of your children skiing in the Development Program at Mount Snow really makes skiing fun and a routine that fits the winter life at Mount Snow. He is a freestyle skier and at 13 is comfortable skiing every where! We skied the park at Carinthia, the trees, steeps on the Northface, Yard Sale and even "Ripcord" which is the steepest of them all. Such fun -- such a great routine!

Music
This is Barb. 
When in Vermont we think of the Sound of Music! The hills are alive with the sound of music - indeed! Such a beautiful photo of my dear friend and ski racer mom. Love the view of Stratton Mountain from Bromley!

Technology
This is Olivia. 
She is an amazing athlete & skier. Failed technology was in the stars at the race this past Sunday at Bromley. Many of the boys and girls "stepped" right out of their bindings. . . You can see how when she hit the burm (edge of the track) she steps right out of her binding and crashes to the ground. She was utterly disappointed and so so sad. You can see her father comforting her in the shots below. These kids push themselves so hard, that when a crash like this happens it really affects their psyche.

Show Me Your Style
This is Danny. 
This 9 year old boy is true inspiration. His edge angles, body position and line is always so exact he is a joy to watch & show others as a perfect example. The best part about this boy is just so sweet & nice and caring of all his friends. You can see the love of the sport of skiing in his face every time he competes. I made an album of his ski racing last year and it shows his style -- so perfectly. 

Mismatch
This is Kayla. 
All the colors of the GS suits are actually hard to match if you get various colors! This is such a beautiful colorful display of matching or mismatching of a colorful style! I love how these colorful GS suits POP out in the snow!

Hope you like my selections this week! It has been a fun winter photographing and getting to know these 7,8.9 and 10 year old little athletes! ;) Please leave a comment if you stop by!

Scavenger Hunt - 2 of my favorite things - Skiing & Mountains

Crossed
Berkshire East hosted the Pioneer Valley Individual Championships.  I shot the boys Slalom run - this is the number 1 seeded boy John Mentor - what amazing form!  In Slalom skiing when you reach across your body to hit the gate is called a "cross block" :)

John Mentor, Longmeadow, Seeded #1

A Glimpse

...of a future Olympian. :)  Schuyler is so jazzed now that he is skiing fast and placing in and near the top 10 of the 70 plus 9-10 year old boys.  He has such great form, the whole thing is finally coming together and he loves it!  So amazing to see him have such confidence in his skiing!  

Schuyler - 2nd run at Stratton, VT

Handwritten

The Stratton Training Center made this banner for their kids at their home race this past weekend.  Each J5 (9-10 year old) signed the banner -- very cool to have the motivation and support of your team mates!

J5 STC banner at Stratton, VT

Bliss

... to see our friend Glen who survived a stroke at the same time I was diagnosed with cancer a year and a half ago.  It was bliss to see him recovering and happy!  Here he is with our other dear friend Richard - they are coaches for the Longmeadow team.

Glenn & Richard

Gray

..skies mean snow is coming! Or so we hope.  It has been a dry winter here in Massachusetts and pretty dry up north in Southern VT too.  Here is the view of Bromley from Stratton Mountain.  We love the mountains in the winter!

Bromley Mountain, VT

Hope you like my photos! Please leave a comment if you stop by! If you are interested in more great photos from some amazing photographers and/or want to play along check out the link to Ashley's blog below! 

The Wonder Woman Runner Streak!

When I think of streakers, I think of crazy people.  Remembering back when I was a ski patroller at Killington one of only 5 woman patrollers, we would get the random call of a "nudity" issue on the slopes - whether it was male, female, topless, bottomless or both! :)  My friend Ned was "famous" for streaking through the Rutland mall parking lot and we continuously would laugh about those days! If you are wondering - the answer is no, I never did ski topless.  :)  I did however ski with tights on and my Louis Garneau bike outfit (see picture below) :)

Me at the Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge circa 1990's

But now streaking has taken on a new meaning to me. Runners World put forth the challenge to get people up and running every day for at least a mile from Thanksgiving to New Years. Since I was currently running consecutive days and loving these motivations to keep on the pavement, I joined in. I was able to talk a few of my dailymile friends to do the same.  It was Sandra and I who braved it out those short winter days to get our runs in and shared  "you are a rockstar" motivations!  At first I thought that maybe my body would get tired, achy, and not want to go out every day.  I usually catch a cold in the or feel under the weather that a day off is always so nice, but knock on wood, I have stayed very healthy through this whole timeframe.  I always have looked forward to my run, but something about this streak thing has me craving running even more and finding new ways to squeak in the miles.

The best running partner ever!

Yes - I get up every day and start my day with a run with Oakley, my beautiful 11 year old yellow lab.  (Check out my last post on running with your Canine Companion) We run 2-3 miles in the "hood" and I miss him when I have to travel or coach on the weekends.  Coaching skiing at Mount Snow is my regular weekend gig.  I really didn't know how it was all going to fit into my winter lifestyle, but honestly it has been AWESOME to run in this mountainous area that I love as my second home.  The hills are challenging, but making me so much stronger!  I have new loops up there that I run every weekend now.  The added bonus is the cheers from my fellow coaches, ski instructors and families as they pass me in their cars.  They think I am nuts, but they are all so encouraging and have become quite a motivator.

Today I have been running every day for 95 days
Yes that is running every day since before Thanksgiving for at least 2 miles of running per day.  Approaching the 100 day mark is really exciting.  I love counting the days!

Me skiing Mt Hood in Oregon - July 2011

When will I stop?  I really don't know yet, I want to prep myself that I may not be able to keep this up and listen to my body - so when that time comes - I will stop.  Promise. :)  First I will hit 100, then 150 and so on, but ultimately I would like to go a full year.  If I can keep this up during ski season when skiing is my prime sport - I KNOW I can do it during the other seasons too!

Why streak?  It becomes a habit.  It is a challenge. It is another goal to pursue. You have an excuse to tell your story, why you run.... and experience running everywhere you go. You have a reason to change it up, otherwise it will get real boring fast! It is something I haven't done before and as a cancer survivor, I celebrate every day, so why not run every day!

Today is 51 days till the Boston Marathon.
This will be my 25th marathon (not including my 4 Ironman Triathlons & 50 miler) and my 8th Boston!
I am feeling really strong and I credit this runstreak -- nothing gets in my way to get my run in and actually I am known for 2 runs a day to lessen the impact on my body and to get in those additional miles.  I have been doing fairly low mileage weeks lately because I am so darn busy, but hope to increase in the next few weeks.


Things I have learned from "streaking"
1. Plan ahead - when & where are you going to run?
2."Just do it" - get out there and run!  NO excuses.  Even if it is 1 mile (that can be a rest day)
3. Change the scenery, find new routes - keep it interesting
4. Find friends to run with and talk to, it will keep you going & entertained!
5. Hydration, diet and sleep are KEY to keeping up with any endurance event or goal like streaking!
6. Stretch, yoga, meditation - do what it takes to stay flexible and not get injured
7. Log every day - dailymile is great for posting a note about each day of your streak- tell your story and keep yourself accountable.
8. It's all a balance, time with family, time to cross train and time to run!
8. Celebrate your success and share with others - people are real supportive of this healthy habit/obsession called running.

The Big 4th Springfield MA 2011- Random fun runners everywhere!

Here are some links of interest on Runstreaks that share the fun and many others that streaking right along with me.  I found some other streakers by keyword #runstreak on Twitter too.  How fun! There are people that have been streaking for more than 1500 days -- just incredible stories out there.  I hope that my story of the "Wonder Woman RunStreak" will be just as incredible some day.  Wish me luck and watch me run!

Runners World Holiday Runstreak
Twitter RunStreak Search
Streak Runners International
The Dangers of Streak Running