Running Room ....

Alright I know it's been forever ... but I figure it is better to get back on track rather than completely disappear from my blog. I have two very exciting things to announce

1) I have started a running club with my students three days a week, first thing in the morning. I have read a lot of research that shows getting this type of exercise truly helps them focus on their academics throughout the day and decreases inappropriate behaviours - perfect for a typical day in my classroom. Not to mention it's great to include my exercise into my working day. My principal loved the idea and so far the kids seem to be on board and I'm so proud of how hard they have been working on their running.

The best experience so far was when one of my students said "My favourite part of the day was running because I know I tried my very best".

It is also incredible how open my wonderful staff of EAs have been. They really are open to trying new adventures with me. Today we had to do our run earlier than usual due to a lock-out planned so two of my EAs took it upon themselves to start work over 15 minutes earlier than their usual start time just because they wanted to be a part of our run. It's such a great community feeling we have going on and I hope it keeps up!

2) Corrie, Katie and I are part of the running room, more specifically the Learn to Run -5k program. It's all outdoors so I'm finding it a much better prep for my end of May 5km run than running on the treadmill. It's amazing to be part of such a dedicated group and run together. It's so amazing to hear them yell out "RUN" .... and then after 2 minutes of running "WALK" ... it's incredible how easy 2.5 km seems when you're part of a group. That's how much I did today at the running room practice night and it felt awesome. Only having 1 minute walk between the 2 minute run interval was a little tougher than expected, especially with all the prep I had been doing with the couch to 5k program.

In closing .. we're starting up another Burlington Biggest Loser so I have to get back on track and focus.. .this is a lifestyle, not a diet and I know how important this type of lifestyle is for my future.

A few quotes that have stuck with me:

"I run because it's so symbolic of life. You have to drive yourself to overcome the obstacles. You might feel that you can't. But then you find your inner strength, and realize you're capable of so much more than you thought." --Arthur Blank

"I always loved running...it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs."
 -Jesse Owens

And for those of you that are scared to start the great hobby of running .. or even just hesitant in starting an exercise routine .. think of these two quotes:

"Running teaches us to challenge ourselves. It teaches us to push beyond where we thought we could go. It helps us to find out what we are made of. This is what we do. This is what it's all about."
-PattiSue Plumer, U.S. Olympian


"The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start."
-John Bingham, running speaker and writer

Thanks everybody for your continued support. I think making exercise and healthy eating a lifestyle is difficult .. there are so many temptations .. so many distraction ... but I have to stay focused and determined. I find once it becomes part of my routine it's a lot easier .. so here's hoping :)