Castleton State College Magazine- Wonder Woman highlight!

Last spring I communicated with my alma mater Castleton State College on my recent challenge with my upcoming Boston marathon after my lymphoma diagnosis.  I sent them the same interview info I shared with the ACS and then to my surprise this week a friend alerted me to this amazing article featuring my story.  A wonderful piece that I am so thankful to share with all of you.  Brought tears to my eyes reading it and just feeling the support of so many of you all over and thankful for my family and friends once again!

7 days till the Boston Marathon ..... "My Story"

My Story

I was recently asked to share my story - 

My story is one of will, dedication, committment, years of training and racing.    Accumulating what seems like millions of hours of time that I have put in preparation.... and now another marathon - another day at the start line of a race, this time the Boston Marathon - the grand daddy of them all! 13 days from today  - bib 9162, wave 2, corral 1 - standing, stretching, anticipating that start gun, with more than 20,000 runners headed from Hopkinton to Boston!  This will be my 6th Boston and my 27th marathon.  

It doesn't always come easy, getting out of bed each morning, but I am motivated by my loving husband, Steve who encourages me to get myself going and catch those ponytails! That plus my rambunctious "full of energy" son cheer me on at each race and give "me" the training time to put myself to work - to increase my mileage, speed or endurance as a whole.  I am so proud that I can perform at the higher levels like I have proven in the recent past - with a seventh place master finish in 2007 with a 3:05 at Boston and then 7th master again in San Fransisco at the 2007 Nike Woman's marathon  and then winning my age group at the Marine Corps Marathon in 2009. I qualified in 2008, at age 43 for the World Championship 1/2 ironman and the US National Championships for the Olympic distance - - on my own raw talent, because anyone that really knows me, knows I am of the "less is more theory" with all I have to juggle in life. I am self coached by "Greta Gamin" , my Ipod nano, and my training buddy, yellow lab Oakley. I research training plans online, communicate online with other runners and just get up and put my feet on the pavement each and every morning.  

It hit me like a ton of bricks last July when I was diagnosed with Diffuse Large B Cell lymphoma that running was my focus to keep my sights forward and always moving ahead.  I had signed up for the Chicago Marathon, and with God's will I would have the strength to endure chemo, endure training and complete the marathon.  It was a challenge I put before me and as a goal oriented person I knew I would do it.  Many may have doubted that I could do it, but when I was finally out there with tingly feet & hands, as hydrated as possible, with the goal to finish ---- it happened.  I crossed the line with all that support behind me from friends, family, colleagues.  My husband was there for me every step of the way, and my friend Cara dressed as BatGirl to support me in the marathon each mile while I wore my Wonder Woman outfit.   Feeling like Wonder Woman we crossed the line with a 3:57.  

My last chemotherapy treatment was in November.  Now I had my sights on Boston, recruiting the Dream Team to join me on the line again and adding a couple more to the team we were perched for success!  But they found something in my spleen and weren't sure that maybe the cancer was still growing inside of me.  On February 28 they removed my spleen to biopsy it and determine if more chemo was needed.  I waited a week and 3 days for the results, but got the call that there was no cancer in the spleen and I was "good to go"!  It was another challenge coming back from major surgery in such a short time frame before Boston.  The pain was tough to bear, even riding in a car at first, but I slowly moved beyond the pain and recovered enough to run and get some additional training in before the big day.   

Now, with only 7 days till the Dream Team meets me in Boston to rally that route from Hopkinton to Boston chills go up my spine thinking about what a year it has been for me.  The challenges before me have made me focus even more on that end result.  I hope to inspire others to focus on the goals, all the good feelings, the ups and not the downs.  I hope to share with others that you need to be as strong as you can be to get through the tough times and grow closer to that "pie in the sky" goal that you may set for yourself.  Live each day!  I have to end with my favorite quote from my "journey'

"Just remember that no one can hold you back from doing all the things you want to do.  Keep you goals in sight, take one day at a time, some days will be better than others, but every day is a blessing -so make each day the best it can be." 

  - Nancy E Cook, marathoner, cancer survivor, mother, wife & more!

If you want to donate to my DetermiNation efforts in the fight against cancer through the mission of the American Cancer Society please link HERE

The Dream Team is now less than $300 from our $15,000 goal!  Thank you to Cara, Charlie, DPittman, Matt and Jill all your amazing work!  


Photo:  My new "ride" for Boston --- a little Relay Purple in these Nike Lunar Glides -- LOVE em! :)

The Marathon Experience - Marathon DAY! (Stage 2)

Here goes - time to finally chronicle the "DAY"....  I had a tough time with recovery from treatment this round and have been so tired and overwhelmed, my updates to you all haven't been there.  There is so much to share and I really wanted to do it right, so I needed to wait until I was feeling better.  Treatment started late because of our travel and therefore recovery was late too.  SO here I am FINALLy ready to report! :)


My Chicago Marathon - 10/10/10


I was happy that we got to bed at a decent time  -- dinner was fabulous and I was like a kid at Christmas, thinking the earlier to bed, the earlier to rise and then I can enjoy my presents!   OK - maybe not the best analogy but definitely anxious for the day to begin.  This marathon created less performance pressure because of my cancer and more focused on the fun and the completion-- so I was smiling and happy - knowing just crossing the finish line for me in Chicago would be an amazing success story in itself.

Palmer House, Chicago, IL (love this artsy shot with the side lighting of the sign) :)

I sent a text to Cara (aka: BatGirl) first thing in the morning to make sure she wasn't going to be late as Charlie had me all worried that she may be, but he kept her right in line with the time frame and they walked from their hotel to ours in the morning.  I couldn't find my glide, but finally did and covered my upper body where I normally get chaffed  - crazy as it sounds, my skin is so sensitive, I really need glide every race. Steve and I hit the lobby Starbucks for some great french roast coffee and I finished a croissant for a little carbo boost for breakfast.  No craziness for food in the morning for me, need to keep it simple so my body doesn't go crazy later!  Plenty of water and then we met Cara & Charlie and family outside the Palmer House.   We were quite the crew.  As I waited for Cara people walked by on the way to the start and commented "nice outfit" -- it was funny because we really look better together as they "Dynamic Duo".  Love the capes!  We decided we could handle the string and wear them the whole way because the look SO good!  My outfit was a little tight, but I really love the look -- so much fun once you get the suit on, I felt like a Super Hero!  Aren't we cute?! The "pirate hat worked (I honestly think having that hat has been a great disguise, so much that people don't even realize I am in chemotherapy.  Or least I don't think they can tell.... :)

We walked to the Elite corrals - Charlie was in Elite A and Cara & I (with David - who we met later) were in Elite B.  We wanted to be sure we were entering right as the time for the start was approaching quickly.   A few more photos as a group and we were on our way.  Steve is just so amazing, he was the tour guide, coordinator for the group to get around on the L and view the course, hoping to catch us with my camera along the course.  His energy and love I count on every minute, every mile.... I love this photo of us together, he is  my incredibly fit, gorgeous husband, and a balanced calming nature -- I love & appreciate him so much.

So we made it to this space and had to wait.  You see the three of us below - well we waited for at least 15 minutes.  I was getting a little nervous, but they finally let us and and it was smooth sailing from there.  People did try to climb the fence and they were immediately booted.  There were 45,000 people on that starting line in the different corrals.... it was pretty crazy!  We headed to the B corral, and said good luck and good bye to Charlie (he was hoping for a sub  3 hour marathon!).  It was truly fun how everyone commented and loved our costumes....  we smiled and waved and posed for photos- even in the start corral, racers pulled out their cameras and asked us if we would flank them for a photo.  SO much fun right from the start.  :)

And here we are after we met up with David PIttman  in Elite Coral B(LINK to his story on Chicago HERE)-- we all ran together in the beginning -- Cara and I chatting along and David just smiling!  

The ACS DetermiNation Dream Team was rocking Chicago!

Now a mile by mile recap!  Here is my post on Daily Mile to see the course and the Garmin entry of pace and more!

Miles 1-6:  Feeling fast, energized, excited and pumped by the crowd cheers!  We were "flying" with our capes on and honestly had a hard time running slow.  Truly feeling like a SUPER Hero in cape and costume! (This is usually a problem for me - so honestly I was taking advantage of it - knowing I would pay for it later).  We stopped at every water stop because of the hot weather and looming dehydration and warnings out there because of the heat.  But the water in our system also made it so we had to stop early for that bathroom! :)  

Lucky for us - no line!  In and out quick, but it did slow our pace to stop.

Miles 7-14:  Chatting away, flying high, waving at the crowd and raising our arms to make them cheer louder was so much fun.  My face hurt from smiling so much!  The kids were the best, to see the look in their eyes when they saw the Super Heros running by.  It was so heartwarming to see all the families out there cheering on their runners.  We looked for the ACS DetermiNation folks along the way - found a couple of girls and got my photo taken, but thought I lost Cara!  :)  She of course was waiting patiently for me in a slow jog.  She PROMISED never to leave me -- so cute.  :)  I am glad she didn't.

Photos by Steve Cook --  we didn't see him here - but you can see we were working the crowd. :) 

 This is the award winning photo that I autographed for Doc Mullally

 (Thanks sweetie!)

Miles 16-20:  This was the tough section where it began - we stopped again at the Port a Pottie and my legs were starting to cramp up - either from Prednisone or dehydration or acccumulation of drugs, not sure.... :)  But it wasn't much fun.  It was much easier to keep running.  My fingers and toes were tingly, but didn't feel blistery yet.  It was awesome while in the race when other racers would comment that they loved running near us because we were getting so many cheers and encouragement.  They called me Wonder Woman - and Cara quickly told them my story, how I was a true Wonder Woman STILL in treatment.  Impressed the heck out of them all!  :)  I was starting to lose it with my stamina, so all this talk of strength and admiration of what I was doing kept me going!  

We truly were having so much fun with the spectators and all the suburbs of Chicago -- there was this one section where the band was giving FREE HUGS and we ran right for them!  :)  Then right after that the whole area including a block of water and Gatorade volunteers had a Wonder Woman theme - they were ALL dressed as WW!  This was my section and it was just so cool to be there smiling and psyched to have them there as my WW team!  :)  There was this one transvestite that was dressed in a Wonder Woman outfit down to the boots --- I stopped and said "I love your outfit!" and he said --"I love yours too!"  SO fun!  :)  This one runner actually kept running as he tried numerous times to take our photo - we were the stars of the day!  And anyone who would listen got a quick recap of my story and you could see the amazement  almost look of disbelief on their faces.  Once or twice I took my "pirate cap" off just to prove I was bald.  :)

Cara's BatGirl outfit was a hit!  She was in black so sometimes people didn't notice her beside my red and blue bright outfit.... they called her "Batman, Bat Woman, BatGirl an my all time favorite Bat Chica!" She looked so awesome in the black cape and always had such a huge smile on - people gravitated toward her positiveness.   She checked in with me constantly (or as much as I would let her) to see if I was ok and if I needed anything.   We said a few "Our Fathers" and felt truly blessed and watched over the WHOLE way.  Yes- I thank God for Cara.  We got to know eachother that day - talking the whole way (or at least until I needed more oxygen) - telling eachother our life stories and became the BEST of friends.  :)  The Dream Team for me turned into this dream come true of truly dedicated cancer fighters that have supported me through my diagnosis, treatment and supporting me in my love for running and marathons.  I truly have become to cherish my long distance friendship with each one of them - all of us in our own corner of the country! :)

Here we are at mile 21 (I was "DONE" but couldn't wait to finish)

Cara is in midst of telling a story!  :)  Looking pumped up and ready to finish!  Love her expression in this photo --- she talked the whole way!  Sang a little too!

 At mile 21 we stopped to say hi to Charlie's mom  & sis, get a "WOOT WOOT!" from Mama T - and a HUGE hug from my sweet husband Steve to feel the energy and love our our families !   Steve was so great to snap all these super photos of our adventure!


Off we go!  The Dynamic Duo - making the city safe one mile at a time.  It was pretty funny as this is what we commented to any of the police officers on the side of the course.  It brought a smile to their face as they applauded our efforts.  Cara continued to let them know that I was the real super hero - still in treatment and running strong.....  Her admiration, and confidence in me gave me strength!

Miles 20-26.2: 
Off we go to finish the race.  It has been said that the race begins at mile 20-22.  So as you can imagine with all the adrenaline gone and the body using up its energy that this is a point where you just need to dig deep.  We walked for quite a while it seemed right around mile 22 and drank a TON of water.  Each water stop I poured water over my head and in my face to cool off and add hydration to my body.  Walking was ok, but my legs were cramping up.
Crazy - but we stopped at medical to use a Biofreeze (Bengay type product) to soothe the muscles.  The next stop I went to use another and Cara grabbed an extra.  The medical folks warned us that there was only enough for one per runner.... Cara wasn't too happy with that and let them know I was in chemotherapy and that they really should make an exception.   :)  She ended up using one for herself and gave it to me.  :)  I showed them my bald head - first time exposing it!  They were impressed.   :)


When I stopped for the Port-a-pottie again, my calves cramped big time, so much I needed to stop and stretch.  I grabbed bananas and had paced out my 3 GU along the course for energy and ate oranges that were offered as well, hoping to help the cramping.  Once we got to 24 - I said to Cara... "let's just finish this thing!"  She replied "I can do that- let's go!"  I asked her if we could make the 4 hour goal and she said we could.... so then I just began to dig deep -- it was easier to run than walk, the cramping started to subside at least for the time being.  This is when all the interesting food comes out and there were people with signs that read "Dig Deep - You're Almost There",  "Smile if your Horny" and "They ran out of Beer at the finish" - we smiled as people cheered us on and we saw the same groups more than once (I remember specifically the Frog Umbrella people" and the girls with all their costumes and make up!  ;)  We had fans following us EVERYWHERE on the course.  :)


We ran those last 2 miles without walking - a 10 1/2 and a 9 min/mile --- it felt a lot faster than that.  Best part we crossed the line with a minute or 2 to spare in making that 4 hour goal.  I was elated.  It was overwhelming and tears came to my eyes.  I did it.  I just ran 26.2 miles - in under 4 hours, which is a BQ (Boston qualifier) and I am in the middle of chemotherapy!  Any doubters out there are now hushed.  It was an amazing accomplishment for me - one I will never ever forget.  Spiritually I felt connected and empowered by strength from above.   The skies were shining on me!


We got our medal, got a mylar blanket, and headed to the food / water/ gatorade and finisher photos.  Charlie found us and walked with us through the volunteers and got our free beer (which I of course couldn't drink because it just doesn't taste that great with the drugs in my body).  It was a little tough stepping up on the curbs and walking, but we headed   to see our families at the meeting area.  Once I saw Steve I was relieved and overjoyed.   He hugged me and held me and was so proud.  SO was I.  I was pretty tired, not real talkative, a bit worn out - my feet hurt (maybe a bit blistered) and I was definitely a little fuzzy!  But I was still smiling, so much that my mouth hurt!


The toughest marathon ever?
Yes indeed it was in so many ways both physical and mental.  - and now I can write about it and share my strength and joy with all of you!


Next:  Post Race - "The DetermiNation Experience"

Here is the mileage data is from my Garmin Forerunner 405 

Here is the full detail on this run from the connect.garmin site

Split	Time	Distance	Avg Pace
Summary	03:58:03	26.57	08:57
1	00:07:49	1.00	07:49
2	00:07:33	1.00	07:33
3	00:07:45	1.00	07:45
4	00:07:39	1.00	07:39
5	00:07:46	1.00	07:46
6	00:09:01	1.00	09:01
7	00:07:41	1.00	07:41
8	00:08:11	1.00	08:11
9	00:08:31	1.00	08:31
10	00:08:21	1.00	08:21
11	00:08:19	1.00	08:19
12	00:08:21	1.00	08:21
13	00:08:12	1.00	08:12
14	00:08:04	1.00	08:04
15	00:09:18	1.00	09:18
16	00:08:44	1.00	08:44
17	00:09:11	1.00	09:11
18	00:10:44	1.00	10:44
19	00:08:56	1.00	08:56
20	00:09:34	1.00	09:34
21	00:09:32	1.00	09:32
22	00:10:30	1.00	10:30
23	00:11:48	1.00	11:48
24	00:11:39	1.00	11:39
25	00:10:39	1.00	10:39
26	00:09:06	1.00	09:06
27	00:04:56	0.57	0

This truly was an amazing experience - it is hard to really share in words, but I really appreciate all the comments here, the notes, the cards, the letters, and the comments on Facebook.

Thanks for stopping by - please leave a comment!