Pace Setter : May 2024

Athlete Profile - Nicole Moslander

By Sara O'Grady

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Nicole began her running journey in 6th grade when she joined the modified team at her middle school. Initially, she admits to simply walking and running, not foreseeing the natural running ability that she would develop with her coaches over the years to come. It was only after winning one of those early middle school races that coach Frank Meyers encouraged Nicole’s mom to nurture her talent. Thanks to her mom's support, Nicole joined the Colonie High School Team as a 7th grader and successfully competed at the Varsity Level. One of the highlights of her high school running career was her fifth-place finish in the steeplechase at States during her senior year. Nicole’s achievements in high school not only showcase her talent but also underscore the invaluable coaching and encouragement she received from both her mom and coaches throughout her formative years.

Nicole receiving her first place award at Runnin' of the Green along side her daughter (left) MaryEllen and  Co-Race Director (right) Jessica Northan. 

Nicole considers this time period as the start of her running journey, and now she's encouraging her own daughter, MaryEllen, who is currently in 6th grade, to take up running too. MaryEllen is following in her mom's footsteps by getting ready to join the modified team next fall. She's gradually improving her endurance, with her mom providing the same support she once received at the same age many years ago. Nicole offers her daughter pacing tips and helps her through any challenging moments, just like any supportive mom would, especially one who's a running enthusiast!

After high school, Nicole continued her running career at the collegiate level, beginning at Iona College. Despite being a consistent scorer for the Iona team, she chose to transfer to the University of Buffalo after her freshman year. Competing in the Mid-Atlantic Conference, she traveled to various locations, and while she enjoyed this experience Nicole eventually decided to focus her competitive spirit closer to home. This led Nicole to enroll at SUNY Cobleskill. In addition to running while at Cobleskill, Nicole made another important discovery. It was at SUNY Cobleskill where she and future husband, Dane Moslander, learned they would be parents. Nicole went on to earn her degree, and she also became a mom! She is fortunate to have the love and support of Dane who cheers from the sidelines as she continues to run at different local events.

MaryEllen Moslander striding forward in her mom's footsteps?

Nicole has maintained a healthy running career with the guidance of her coach, Dick Vincent, who is affectionately known as 'Coach' by not only Nicole but also her young daughter, MaryEllen. The trio can often be found at the SUNY Albany track, with Nicole training while MaryEllen attending workouts during her school breaks. Nicole prefers to spend as much time outdoors as possible, but like many runners, she resorts to the treadmill when necessary.

Nicole races to races to victory at the Firefighter Run 4 Your Life 5k in March, Photo Courtesy of Nicole’s mother, Ellen Snee.  

Nicole's recent victories at the Electric City 10K, Firefighters 5K, and Runnin’ of the Green 5K have been impressive and indicate the promise of a fast year ahead for Nicole. In the short term, she plans to keep competing in races while shifting her focus to shorter distances. The hope is to feel 'springy' (editor’s note - Nicole recently won the 1500 meters at the RPI invite in 4:41 and led from start to finish - so she is feeling fast and springy!). After some fine-tuning over the summer, Nicole is looking ahead to the fall, where she has set her sights on the prestigious Fifth Avenue Mile Race. Nicole hopes to continue pushing her limits in the mile at this event and to run a fast and competitive time.

Nicole with trophy after her third victory in March at the Firefighter Run 4 Your Life 5k (Nicole won the Electric City 10k, Running of the Green 5k, and the Firefighter Run 4 Your Life 5k), Photo Courtesy of Nicole’s mother, Ellen Snee.

Nicole's daily routine involves the typical tasks of a parent, such as taking MaryEllen to school, interspersed with work and her running sessions. Both Nicole and her mother have been long-time participants in local road races together. Nicole's mom has always been supportive of her and continues to show her support in this chapter of her life and running career. Now, though, Nicole, her mom, and MaryEllen all participate in local races together. The trio enjoys supporting and cheering each other on and Nicole is glad that she has been able to include both MaryEllen and her mother in this important part of her life. 

Lifetime PR's:

5K - 17:18 Barn to Bridge, September 2023

10K - 36:49 Electric City, March 2024

15K - 56:08 Stockade-athon, November 2023

 

 

Nicole, MaryEllen, and Ellen goofing around and having fun after the cold and windy Firefighters Run 4 Your Life 5k in March, Photo Courtesy of Nicole’s mother, Ellen Snee

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Happy Mother's Day Nicole! 

Happy Mother's Day Ellen! 

Happy Mother's Day to all our Club Moms!