A Beautiful Day of Skiing at Stratton Mountain

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We were blessed with a gorgeous day on the mountain yesterday! Everyone, ranging from those who spent their day on the top of the mountain enjoying moguls to me, who enjoyed a half day lesson and then a few afternoon runs on my own.

We were all out of the house by 9am, ready to take advantage of our time on the slopes! IMG_1494IMG_1493IMG_1492IMG_1495

Within minutes we had our rental gear in tow and were ready!

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Meet Debbie, my instructor for the morning!

IMG_0226I know my ability and knew that a half day lesson would be better than trying to explore the slopes on my own and fall constantly. I’ve only skied four times in my life and therefore still do not have the form and skills necessary to enjoy a day of skiing.

Debbie was the perfect instructor! She was patient, she had some great insight on my form and skills, and she made me laugh the entire time! One of her goals is to make sure that each student has an "instructional mantra" to remember while they are out on the slopes on their own.

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Even though I was limited to the lower slopes such as Tamarack, Daniel Webster, and Webster’s Way, I had a great time and perfected my form.

My mantra, by the end of the day, was "Butt, Core, Smile"

If I make sure to keep my butt lifted, core engaged, and smiling the run is 100% better! I mean really, as she said, it’s not like there is a toilet to sit down on when you’re skiing. :) The improved which she taught me yesterday meant that I’m barely sore today. A HUGE DIFFERENCE FROM LAST YEAR!

We took a quick lunch break to toast to a wonderful day on the slopes. Nothing tastes better than a cold beer mid-day!

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I spent the rest of the afternoon tending to my favorite skier. Unfortunately, he tweaked his knee on the moguls on his last run of the morning.

But, I still had time for an hour and a half on my own. It was so much fun, especially since I didn’t fall at all which meant I was nice and dry all day!

IMG_0239IMG_1524IMG_1523  Next up, making dinner for 17 people and pleasing everyone! ;)

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Rise and Shine Vermont

Rise and shine from snowy Vermont!

IMG_1484Everyone arrived safely last night during a two hour period. Within minutes of arriving, the wine and beer bottles were quickly opened. Three bottles of wine and a case of beer later, we all slept very well!

IMG_1486The views are gorgeous this morning but we’re a little scared of the snow and cold!

IMG_1478IMG_1483The bloggers are in action this morning in our breakfast nook as everyone else makes breakfast. This morning is fend for yourself morning using the bagels, bread, granola, Puffins, yogurt, and fruit we all brought!

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I put together a huge yogurt bowl to fuel me through the day. IMG_1488  I’ll give you all a quick tour of the home and then I’m off to layer up for skiing!

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NYRR Gridiron Classic 4 Miler: A New PR!

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This is the face of a girl who learned the benefits of speed training first hand today! I took a full minute off my pace per mile this year! Last year I ran this race with Dori and Meghann in 41:33 (10:23 pace).

This morning I ate the NYRR Gridiron Classic 4 miler for breakfast! I set a new PR along the way, keeping a 9:17 pace! This pace annoys me as my real pace was 9:15 but the course, or my distance, was actually 4.15 according to my Garmin. Oh well!

After 8 hours of sleep, Bo and I both woke up before the alarm clock, ready for our first NYRR race of 2011!

We quickly dressed and enjoyed our usual pre-race breakfast of toast, banana, and peanut butter. 

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I knew it was going to be a great day when I saw that the current temperature was 37, a tropical treat versus our temperatures the past few weeks.

I still dressed in layers for the race but they were far lighter than what I wore for last weekend’s Central Park run with Theodora and Emily.

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Today’s outfit included:

  • Lululemon Tank as a bra/base layer
  • Nike Cold Weather gear turtleneck (just like Under Armor)
  • ING NYC Marathon light wind jacket
  • Saucony fleece lined running tights
  • shoes & socks
  • Lululemon ear warmer

My outfit proved to be the perfect combination for today’s mild (did I just say that) race temperature. We headed out early as we needed to stop by Ali’s apartment before the race so we could all jog to the start together. Her great boyfriend Arthur even woke up early to take these very unattractive, half asleep pictures of us. Thanks Arthur!

Ali and I are both training for the National Half Marathon and therefore needed to make today’s race into a long run. We decided that 1.5 miles to the park+4 mile race+ a few miles in the park+1.5 miles back to her apartment would be a nice long run treat. It did just the trick and our plan worked wonderfully!

In fact, I think this 1.5 mile warmup jog was a great way to start the race as my body wasn’t cold. I guess I need to do this more often. I’m often guilty of not warming up or stretching before NYRR races.

The race wasn’t packed but the runners who were there were in a great mood. Not as many people were dressed up as last year but the energy was still high!IMG_0096 (800x598)

The race followed the typical 4 mile route the NYRR use for most of their 4 to 5 mile races. As soon as we crossed the starting line, which took longer than normal today, our adrenaline carried us up Cat Hill, down a flat and fast 2nd mile, up a tortuous hills of the upper and western end of the loop, and then a flat final 4th mile towards the finish.

The entire race I was focused on my music, keeping up with Bo, and steady breathing. I also took time to enjoy the park in all it’s white, snowy beauty.

IMG_0100 (800x598)I knew I was keeping a speedy pace but was elated that I could keep it up past the 3rd mile. The fourth mile was definitely tough on my legs and lungs but I pushed through. I knew I could handle 8 more minutes of hard work for a PR!

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I set a new 4 mile PR of 37:08 AND a new pace PR for NYRR of 9:17!

After the race I completed 1.5 lower loops in the park before Ali spotted me in my bright white! We ran together in the park though we made a few stops for picture taking, some downward dogs and deep stretching.

But, 11 miles later, we were foam rolling back at her apartment and ready to enjoy the rest of our day together!

I’m late for a Super Bowl party and therefore must quickly head out. But, if you want to congratulate Ali on her PR or read about the rest of our afternoon, head over to her blog! IMG_0102 (800x598)

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