I ran 7 miles yesterday, and I'm pretty excited about it.
I had 10 on the plan for that day before I got hurt last month. Since then I've reworked my plan. Those last two miles were tough- my legs felt heavier than they should have. I cut back on Camp Gladiator workouts in order to give my body time to recover. My new adjusted plan is to just finish this race. I don't see myself getting a PR after how yesterday's run felt. Usually I don't feel that heaviness until mile 10. I still have three long runs left, though. I just wish I could be more active (it would help to shed these extra holiday pounds) in order to build up more speed. I feel like I'm not getting the speed workouts I need now.
After yesterday's 7, I soaked in Epsom salts. I didn't ice it because it's chilly in my house, but it feels great. I didn't feel any soreness at work today.
Now, I have mountain cedar allergies bothering me. I took the day off of working out because the medicine I take makes me feel so sleepy and dehydrated. I figured a workout in this state wouldn't be good for me. We will see how tomorrow goes. I will probably need a workout since there is another event using our rehearsal space for one act play and I will be confined to my black box. It's difficult to rehearse this play without our stage.
I usually bring a 64oz water bottle to work and fill it up again by the end of the school day. I got down the road this morning and realized I didn't grab it. I stopped at the gas station near school and found a gallon of electrolyte water so I grabbed it. I finished half of it, and I'm about to drink more. How much water do you drink a day? Does it leave you satisfied or do you feel symptoms of dehydration?
Have a great week!
Cheers,
Kasey
Monday, January 14, 2019
Friday, January 4, 2019
"The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry."
The very same can be said for marathon training. My first week and a half felt AMAZING and I was in top shape to really get some tough workouts in and have a better chance at a PR at the Missions Heritage Half in February.
Then I felt it. A sharp pain in the front of my lower leg on a easy two miler. It was sore for a week after, so I didn't work out, didn't run. I taped it up, soaked in Epsom salts, foam rolled, and iced. I saw a doctor but he was no help. I'm really bummed that I was forced to stop when I was just getting started.
Since the week of Christmas, I've run a few times and taken it slow. It definitely doesn't hurt as bad, and when I run it's never above a 1. So, I'm going to tweak my training plan and see if I can salvage this training cycle even though my race is a month away.
New and Improved Half Marathon Training Plan:
Week of: December 30: easy 2, cross training, 5 miles
Week of: January 6: cross training, easy 3, cross training, 7 miles
Week of: January 13: cross training, easy 4, cross training, 9 miles
Week of: January 20: cross training, easy 5, cross training, 11 miles
Week of: January 27: cross training, easy 5, cross training, 8 miles
Week of: February 3: crossing training, easy 4, easy 2, RACE DAY!
I'm giving myself more recovery after long runs this time around to see how I feel. If I feel good, then I will add more cross training throughout the week and tempo runs. It went from a 10 week plan to 6, but I already had one and half in the bank so I guess it's 7 and a half?
I am extremely competitive, so part of me still wants to get a PR on this race, but I have a feeling I will just have to hang in there and hope I can finish at a decent time now that I've lost 3 weeks of training.
Thanks to KT Tape, compression socks, ice, foam rolling, Epsom salt, let's see if we can get this back on track!
What are some challenges you had to face during training?
Cheers,
Kasey
The very same can be said for marathon training. My first week and a half felt AMAZING and I was in top shape to really get some tough workouts in and have a better chance at a PR at the Missions Heritage Half in February.
Then I felt it. A sharp pain in the front of my lower leg on a easy two miler. It was sore for a week after, so I didn't work out, didn't run. I taped it up, soaked in Epsom salts, foam rolled, and iced. I saw a doctor but he was no help. I'm really bummed that I was forced to stop when I was just getting started.
Since the week of Christmas, I've run a few times and taken it slow. It definitely doesn't hurt as bad, and when I run it's never above a 1. So, I'm going to tweak my training plan and see if I can salvage this training cycle even though my race is a month away.
New and Improved Half Marathon Training Plan:
Week of: December 30: easy 2, cross training, 5 miles
Week of: January 6: cross training, easy 3, cross training, 7 miles
Week of: January 13: cross training, easy 4, cross training, 9 miles
Week of: January 20: cross training, easy 5, cross training, 11 miles
Week of: January 27: cross training, easy 5, cross training, 8 miles
Week of: February 3: crossing training, easy 4, easy 2, RACE DAY!
I'm giving myself more recovery after long runs this time around to see how I feel. If I feel good, then I will add more cross training throughout the week and tempo runs. It went from a 10 week plan to 6, but I already had one and half in the bank so I guess it's 7 and a half?
I am extremely competitive, so part of me still wants to get a PR on this race, but I have a feeling I will just have to hang in there and hope I can finish at a decent time now that I've lost 3 weeks of training.
Thanks to KT Tape, compression socks, ice, foam rolling, Epsom salt, let's see if we can get this back on track!
What are some challenges you had to face during training?
Cheers,
Kasey
Friday, December 28, 2018
Emotional Stages of an Injured Runner
Slowing down is difficult for many of us runners. Even when our body is telling us, "Hey! Take it easy!" we don't want to believe it. It happened to me a week and a half ago.
I had a GREAT first week of half marathon training. My long run felt great, I was sprinting faster than usual at Camp Gladiator. Then I went on a short, easy run around the block and felt a sharp pain in my right shin. I cut the run short and headed for home, hoping that it was nothing. But, it was sore for a few days after that. I thought it could be shin splints, so I taped it up. Usually that feels better but it made my calf muscles tight and the dull ache was still there. I foam rolled. I soaked in epsom salt. I even AVOIDED running for several days! Then I went for a test run. Two miles on our usual route, and still felt a dull ache.
I made a doctor's appointment. It's this afternoon. I know I won't get an immediate answer today because x-rays don't typically show stress fractures so an MRI will need to be scheduled so who knows when that will be. If I do need an MRI according to this doctor, I will have to defer my entry to the Missions Half Marathon in February. I'm super bummed because I was in awesome shape when this happened and I was really looking forward to tough workouts and another PR.
My friends try to console me by telling me there are other ways to exercise but I look at them like they are crazy. (There's nothing else besides running!!)
10 Stages of a (hopefully not) Injured Runner
1. Feel a (slight) pain and pretend it was nothing. We do have a high tolerance for pain, anyway.
2. Go for another run the next day, feel the pain again, and it's worse, but maybe not? Maybe I'm just making this up in my head.
3. Ice it anyway. It will go away tomorrow.
4. Apply KT tape and ice it the next day. It can't be that bad. Go for a run.
5. Foam roll with KT tape, then ice it. It's really not that bad! Go for a run.
6. Soak in epsom salt, foam roll with KT tape, then ice it. It's going away! (hopefully) Go for a run.
7. Take ibuprofen, tell yourself it's better. It HAS to be with the epsom salts, KT tape, ice, and foam rolling! I even took a few days off! Go for a run.
8. Give in and make a doctor's appointment. Stop running. Cry myself to sleep.
9. Go to doctor's appointment, play it off like it really doesn't hurt that bad. Wait impatiently for results.
10. If results are negative, lace up IMMEDIATELY! Don't forget the ice later. If results are positive for an injury, wallow in sorrow, scroll Instagram and feel extreme jealousy that others can run right now. It's going to be a long recovery!
I'm praying I can lace up again soon! Until then, take care of yourselves! Listen to your body and eat your goddamn vegetables.
Cheers,
Kasey
Saturday, November 17, 2018
My Half Marathon Training Plan
I've gone and done it: I signed up for my 6th half marathon!
Half Marathon 1: Rock 'n Roll San Antonio Half in 2010 (2:44)
Half Marathon 2: Alamo 13.1 in 2013 (3:18)
Half Marathon 3: Cocoa Women's Half in 2015 (DNF)
Half Marathon 4: Alamo 13.1 in 2016 (2:39)
Half Marathon 5: Cocoa Women's Half in 2018 (2:28)
Half Marathon 6 will be the Missions Heritage Half on February 9, 2019. I have more success running longer distances in the winter in Texas, so I avoid signing up for longer races in late spring, summer, and early fall. January and February are the BEST times to run long in Texas!
Here's how I'm planning to train for this race:
The main training format I plan to follow involves running 2-3 days a week and cross-training 2-3 days a week. I know; it seems strange to train for a running race with so much cross-training, but that is what I did for February's half and I came away with an 11 minute PR. Typically, training includes different types of runs:
1. easy run (comfortable pace)
2. speed work (sprints with rest periods in between; these can be short or long sprints)
3. tempo runs (warm up mile, race pace miles, cool down mile. Typically a longer run in the week.)
4. long runs (slow, for endurance)
I try to do an easy run mid-week when I'm exhausted, a long run on the weekend, and use Camp Gladiator for speed work. I may add more longer tempo runs during the week into January. My training plan is only ten weeks instead of twelve because I can run 5 miles at this point in time. (Sometimes, I need to start earlier because I'm not always in shape...)
My Missions Heritage Half Marathon Training Schedule:
As always, a good training plan needs to be vigorous but flexible at the same time. I didn't label the top of the chart with days of the week even though I try to stick to workouts on the same days. We all know that work and life get in the way so there needs to be flexibility. Right now, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays are Camp Gladiator Days. Wednesdays and Saturdays are run days. I have a contest for work and two major holidays in there but it should all work out. If I miss anything during the week I try not to freak out as long as I can get my long run in on the weekends.
It's also important to make sure I'm watching my diet and fueling properly as mileage increases. I'm trying to lose body fat right now, but as my runs get longer, I need to add more calories back to my diet. I never try to lose weight when training for a half marathon; especially the last month of training. I learned that the hard way with my DNF in 2015. Whole 30 and running long did not work for my body.
I always try to beat my last time for any race that I run, even if I tell myself to just have fun. I'm very competitive so it's hard to turn that off! My current half marathon PR is 2:28 which is an average of 11:17 per mile. I did a lot of walking after mile 8 in that race so I'm hoping to avoid that this time. I don't have a goal pace, but I think I will be training for under 10:00 per mile on my speed work/tempo runs and under 11:00 for long runs.
I hope this training plan inspires someone out there, and I hope I can stick to it and have a great race!
Cheers,
Kasey
References:
Kara Goucher's Running For Women
Half Marathon 1: Rock 'n Roll San Antonio Half in 2010 (2:44)
Half Marathon 2: Alamo 13.1 in 2013 (3:18)
Half Marathon 3: Cocoa Women's Half in 2015 (DNF)
Half Marathon 4: Alamo 13.1 in 2016 (2:39)
Half Marathon 5: Cocoa Women's Half in 2018 (2:28)
Half Marathon 6 will be the Missions Heritage Half on February 9, 2019. I have more success running longer distances in the winter in Texas, so I avoid signing up for longer races in late spring, summer, and early fall. January and February are the BEST times to run long in Texas!
Here's how I'm planning to train for this race:
The main training format I plan to follow involves running 2-3 days a week and cross-training 2-3 days a week. I know; it seems strange to train for a running race with so much cross-training, but that is what I did for February's half and I came away with an 11 minute PR. Typically, training includes different types of runs:
1. easy run (comfortable pace)
2. speed work (sprints with rest periods in between; these can be short or long sprints)
3. tempo runs (warm up mile, race pace miles, cool down mile. Typically a longer run in the week.)
4. long runs (slow, for endurance)
I try to do an easy run mid-week when I'm exhausted, a long run on the weekend, and use Camp Gladiator for speed work. I may add more longer tempo runs during the week into January. My training plan is only ten weeks instead of twelve because I can run 5 miles at this point in time. (Sometimes, I need to start earlier because I'm not always in shape...)
My Missions Heritage Half Marathon Training Schedule:
|
|
Workout 1
|
Workout 2
|
Workout 3
|
Workout 4
|
Workout 5
|
|
Week 1: December 2
|
Cross training
|
Cross training
|
Easy run 2-3 miles
|
Cross training
|
5 miles
|
|
Week 2: December 9
|
Cross training
|
Cross training
|
Easy run 2-3 miles
|
Cross training or tempo run
|
6 miles
|
|
Week 3: December 16
|
Cross training
|
Cross training
|
Easy run 3 miles
|
Cross training
|
7 miles
|
|
Week 4: December 23
|
Cross training
|
Cross training
|
Easy run 3-4 miles
|
Cross training or tempo run
|
8 miles
|
|
Week 5: December 30
|
Cross training
|
Cross training
|
Easy run 4 miles
|
Cross training
|
9 miles
|
|
Week 6: January 6
|
Cross training
|
Cross training
|
Easy run 4-5 miles
|
Tempo run
|
10 miles
|
|
Week 7: January 13
|
Cross training
|
Cross training
|
Easy run 5 miles
|
Cross training
|
11 miles
|
|
Week 8: January 20
|
Cross training
|
Cross training
|
Easy run 5 miles
|
Tempo run
|
12 miles
|
|
Week 9: January 27
|
Cross training
|
Cross training
|
Easy run 5 miles
|
Tempo run
|
8 miles
|
|
Week 10: February 3
|
Cross training
|
Cross training
|
Easy run 4 miles
|
Easy run 2 miles
|
RACE DAY!
|
As always, a good training plan needs to be vigorous but flexible at the same time. I didn't label the top of the chart with days of the week even though I try to stick to workouts on the same days. We all know that work and life get in the way so there needs to be flexibility. Right now, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays are Camp Gladiator Days. Wednesdays and Saturdays are run days. I have a contest for work and two major holidays in there but it should all work out. If I miss anything during the week I try not to freak out as long as I can get my long run in on the weekends.
It's also important to make sure I'm watching my diet and fueling properly as mileage increases. I'm trying to lose body fat right now, but as my runs get longer, I need to add more calories back to my diet. I never try to lose weight when training for a half marathon; especially the last month of training. I learned that the hard way with my DNF in 2015. Whole 30 and running long did not work for my body.
I always try to beat my last time for any race that I run, even if I tell myself to just have fun. I'm very competitive so it's hard to turn that off! My current half marathon PR is 2:28 which is an average of 11:17 per mile. I did a lot of walking after mile 8 in that race so I'm hoping to avoid that this time. I don't have a goal pace, but I think I will be training for under 10:00 per mile on my speed work/tempo runs and under 11:00 for long runs.
I hope this training plan inspires someone out there, and I hope I can stick to it and have a great race!
Cheers,
Kasey
References:
Kara Goucher's Running For Women
Saturday, October 20, 2018
Weekly Recaps
One month ago, I posted with my health goals. I'm in a private health group with friends on Facebook and I found myself adding weekly updates every Sunday night based on my 3 goals, so I will share them below. I find that ending a week on Sunday keeps me accountable over the weekend, especially if I need to weigh in. I'm going to buy a scale today, but in the past I've found that weighing in on Monday morning at the end of my week definitely keeps me on track over the weekend. It's so difficult to keep up with healthy habits when you've had a tough week and just want to drink all the wine and eat all the food and lay on the couch watching true crime murder shows on Netflix.
But, when I know my week isn't over, I can keep up with the end of my week's goals. Now, having said this, balance is okay, so if I don't track my food on Saturday, I don't beat myself up about it. I also don't just shove food into my mouth, either. My Garmin watch keeps me going, too. My average step count today is 8,319. I want to increase my average, so every day I try to beat it. I try to "Beat Yesterday", which happens to be Garmin's tag line. Even on Saturday and Sunday I try to get up and do stuff so my average increases or doesn't fall too much and then I have to work extra hard during the work week.
Here's what I've posted in the Facebook group:
Week 1:
But, when I know my week isn't over, I can keep up with the end of my week's goals. Now, having said this, balance is okay, so if I don't track my food on Saturday, I don't beat myself up about it. I also don't just shove food into my mouth, either. My Garmin watch keeps me going, too. My average step count today is 8,319. I want to increase my average, so every day I try to beat it. I try to "Beat Yesterday", which happens to be Garmin's tag line. Even on Saturday and Sunday I try to get up and do stuff so my average increases or doesn't fall too much and then I have to work extra hard during the work week.
Here's what I've posted in the Facebook group:
Week 1:
1. Track my food intake and hit calorie goal ✔️
2. Be more active; went to CG and went past my step goal ✔️
3. Get more sleep. Fell asleep before 11 last night and ready for bed now (9:15!) ✔️
2. Be more active; went to CG and went past my step goal ✔️
3. Get more sleep. Fell asleep before 11 last night and ready for bed now (9:15!) ✔️
Started last week, but it feels good to get back into my routine. I think my students can tell I'm feeling better, too!
Week 2:
1. Tracked food 6/7 days. Stayed at goal 6/7 days!
2. Active (outside of work) 4/7 days. 3 CG workouts and one run. Need to run more! It felt great tonight.
3. Hit sleep goal 4/7 days. I stayed up too late a couple of nights and really felt it at work the next day. Slept a lot this weekend!
2. Active (outside of work) 4/7 days. 3 CG workouts and one run. Need to run more! It felt great tonight.
3. Hit sleep goal 4/7 days. I stayed up too late a couple of nights and really felt it at work the next day. Slept a lot this weekend!
Victory: I tried on some pants that were snug when school started and they fit now! Woohoo! I also haven't had an alcoholic beverage since August 28th, which I know is helping me stay on track on weekends and my sleep patterns more regular.
Ready for another week!
Week 3:
1. Logged food and stayed at calorie goal 5/7 days. Chose a healthier meal at Chuy's, even after a crazy work day.
2. Active 5/7 days. Goal achieved! I need two rest days in my week to keep up energy and it was difficult. I fell asleep on the couch when I got home from work on Wednesday!
3. Got enough sleep only 3/7 days. I didn't take melatonin and it's hard to fall asleep early when my husband doesn't get home from work until almost 10, when I need to be asleep. Still working on it, though!
2. Active 5/7 days. Goal achieved! I need two rest days in my week to keep up energy and it was difficult. I fell asleep on the couch when I got home from work on Wednesday!
3. Got enough sleep only 3/7 days. I didn't take melatonin and it's hard to fall asleep early when my husband doesn't get home from work until almost 10, when I need to be asleep. Still working on it, though!
Victory: I wore pants I didn't fit into in August!
Week 4:
1. Tracked and stayed at calorie goal 6/7 days. Yay!!!
2. Active 5/7 days with a long run today. Yay!!
3. Got enough sleep 4/7 days.
I sleep in on weekends but it's still hard for me to fall asleep at a decent time during the week.
2. Active 5/7 days with a long run today. Yay!!
3. Got enough sleep 4/7 days.
I sleep in on weekends but it's still hard for me to fall asleep at a decent time during the week.
Victory: ran my longest run since April and timed a pretty good mile!
Week 5 ends tomorrow night for me, so I'm not adding another update yet. After looking back on these updates, I can see that I'm achieving goals and feeling better. It really helps to go back and see how good sticking to my goals makes me feel. I'm two weeks away from opening night of our musical, and I've been so exhausted from trying to teach 7 classes and get the show ready. This week I didn't work out as much because I hit my step goal at work, but I knew I needed to stay on track nutritionally and that has kept me going. I don't want to go back to coming home and eating everything and sitting around. I know that does not make me feel good; it makes me feel like I have less and less energy while my body packs on the extra fat from energy I didn't use.
I know my body, and I know staying healthy and making it happy is hard. Keeping this little record of my weeks has definitely helped. I challenge you to try it!
Cheers,
Kasey
Thursday, September 20, 2018
Working Out, Eating Healthy, and Balancing Life
I am definitely one of those people who gains 5lbs from looking at a piece of chocolate. In my 34 years on this Earth, I've learned that my body does not burn fat on its own like some lucky people; it HOLDS ONTO IT. I blame my northern heritage. It's so cold in the winter that a few extra layers of fat help a bit.
Knowing this, I need to make sure I am active and eat right. Do I accomplish both things 100% of the time? NO! I find it extremely hard to teach and take care of myself. God bless teachers who have their own kids because I don't know how they do it every day.
On a "good active and healthy day", here's what my timeline looks like:
6:11 am: Hit snooze
6:30 am: Get up, make breakfast. Breakfast is usually two fried eggs on two pieces of toast smeared with avocado. Add Trader Joe's Everything But the Bagel seasoning and chipotle hot sauce.
7:10 am: leave for work.
11:00 am: quickly shove food in my face and savor any adult conversation time. Lunch is usually leftovers from the night before or a salad. Greek yogurt cups, La Croix, and Baby Bel cheese.
3:40 pm: eat a snack. A handful of almonds.
5:30 pm: leave work, change clothes, head to a Camp Gladiator workout.
(If I don't go to Camp Gladiator, I have to wait until it's not too hot outside to run. Usually this does not work because I will either eat everything in house or fall asleep or both.)
7:45 pm: return home from working out, make dinner. Dinner is usually planned, but I've added pasta into the mix now, as well as maintaining a vegetarian diet.
9:00 pm: shower and get in bed. (hopefully. Usually doesn't happen.)
This routine is exhausting. I had a really rough start to the school year mentally, so all I wanted to do was eat and lay on the couch. So I did.
Sometimes, balance is good. But, I tipped the lazy side of the scale a little too much, and now my fat pants are more like regular pants. I'm starting to feel like myself again, so here's the new plan to make my clothes fit better before the holidays: (notice how I'm not focusing on a number on the scale, because we don't have a scale. Numbers are overrated.)
1. Enter food into MyFitnessPal. This always works for me. I need to track my calories to force myself not to eat so much. When I know I have to add what I eat into my phone, I don't eat as much.
2. Be more active. I want to get back into running again. My dog misses it. And we're giving our "foster" animals back this weekend so she will be lonely and bored. My plan is to go to Camp Gladiator on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursdays, and run Wednesday or Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
3. Get more sleep. I struggle with this. My body cycle does not match my work schedule. It's been 7 years and I still cannot get myself to sleep early and wake up feeling refreshed and ready. Mornings are the devil. BUT, I plan to stay away from electronic screens before bed. I have a stack of scripts and novels I can read before I fall asleep. I plan to get in bed at a reasonable hour so I can be asleep at a reasonable hour.
Getting healthy and staying healthy is tough. Some people may find it easy, but let's be honest: a healthy lifestyle is difficult. But when I achieve a fitness goal, I feel strong and unstoppable.
It's time to set some goals for the fall!
Cheers,
Kasey
Knowing this, I need to make sure I am active and eat right. Do I accomplish both things 100% of the time? NO! I find it extremely hard to teach and take care of myself. God bless teachers who have their own kids because I don't know how they do it every day.
On a "good active and healthy day", here's what my timeline looks like:
6:11 am: Hit snooze
6:30 am: Get up, make breakfast. Breakfast is usually two fried eggs on two pieces of toast smeared with avocado. Add Trader Joe's Everything But the Bagel seasoning and chipotle hot sauce.
7:10 am: leave for work.
11:00 am: quickly shove food in my face and savor any adult conversation time. Lunch is usually leftovers from the night before or a salad. Greek yogurt cups, La Croix, and Baby Bel cheese.
3:40 pm: eat a snack. A handful of almonds.
5:30 pm: leave work, change clothes, head to a Camp Gladiator workout.
(If I don't go to Camp Gladiator, I have to wait until it's not too hot outside to run. Usually this does not work because I will either eat everything in house or fall asleep or both.)
7:45 pm: return home from working out, make dinner. Dinner is usually planned, but I've added pasta into the mix now, as well as maintaining a vegetarian diet.
9:00 pm: shower and get in bed. (hopefully. Usually doesn't happen.)
This routine is exhausting. I had a really rough start to the school year mentally, so all I wanted to do was eat and lay on the couch. So I did.
Sometimes, balance is good. But, I tipped the lazy side of the scale a little too much, and now my fat pants are more like regular pants. I'm starting to feel like myself again, so here's the new plan to make my clothes fit better before the holidays: (notice how I'm not focusing on a number on the scale, because we don't have a scale. Numbers are overrated.)
1. Enter food into MyFitnessPal. This always works for me. I need to track my calories to force myself not to eat so much. When I know I have to add what I eat into my phone, I don't eat as much.
2. Be more active. I want to get back into running again. My dog misses it. And we're giving our "foster" animals back this weekend so she will be lonely and bored. My plan is to go to Camp Gladiator on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursdays, and run Wednesday or Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
3. Get more sleep. I struggle with this. My body cycle does not match my work schedule. It's been 7 years and I still cannot get myself to sleep early and wake up feeling refreshed and ready. Mornings are the devil. BUT, I plan to stay away from electronic screens before bed. I have a stack of scripts and novels I can read before I fall asleep. I plan to get in bed at a reasonable hour so I can be asleep at a reasonable hour.
Getting healthy and staying healthy is tough. Some people may find it easy, but let's be honest: a healthy lifestyle is difficult. But when I achieve a fitness goal, I feel strong and unstoppable.
It's time to set some goals for the fall!
Cheers,
Kasey
Monday, July 23, 2018
Teachers: Let's Support Each Other!
It's the end of July, and some teachers may be ready to start setting up their classroom and utilizing all of the wonderful materials they read and skills and tips learned in trainings attended all summer. Others, like me, may be in a panic thinking that I slacked off and only read one script and didn't update any unit plans nor did I continue reading and planning after attending an awesome training. One of my flaws as a teacher is that I am constantly comparing myself to others.
I had a fellow colleague my first few years of teaching who always made me feel like I wasn't doing enough for my students. This feeling has never left me. When I leave at 5:30 pm when my students do, am I doing enough? When I don't add extra trips and parties, am I doing enough? When I step back, I can clearly see that I am doing more than enough for these kids. Our performances and contest results validate that for me several times throughout the year. But, I still have this feeling in the back of my mind that I'm just not working hard enough.
Ten hour days and spending my own time and money shopping for supplies for plays is most definitely enough. Planning field trips and parties is definitely enough. The fact is: every teacher has their own style, and their own method of doing the work they need to do in order to achieve their individual goals. As teachers, we need to stop judging other teachers for what we see them do, or don't do. We need to support one another even more now than ever. So, when your colleague leaves at the end of contract time while you're still working, don't judge. When your colleague stays until 7 every night, don't judge. How about we all work towards asking one another for help or offering it? I admit, I have a hard time asking for help, but I really appreciate it when someone does so.
I promise to work harder for my students AND my colleagues this year.
Let's get ready for another school year! (Or take more time to relax before getting ready!)
Whatever sprinkles your doughnut!
Cheers,
Kasey
I had a fellow colleague my first few years of teaching who always made me feel like I wasn't doing enough for my students. This feeling has never left me. When I leave at 5:30 pm when my students do, am I doing enough? When I don't add extra trips and parties, am I doing enough? When I step back, I can clearly see that I am doing more than enough for these kids. Our performances and contest results validate that for me several times throughout the year. But, I still have this feeling in the back of my mind that I'm just not working hard enough.
Ten hour days and spending my own time and money shopping for supplies for plays is most definitely enough. Planning field trips and parties is definitely enough. The fact is: every teacher has their own style, and their own method of doing the work they need to do in order to achieve their individual goals. As teachers, we need to stop judging other teachers for what we see them do, or don't do. We need to support one another even more now than ever. So, when your colleague leaves at the end of contract time while you're still working, don't judge. When your colleague stays until 7 every night, don't judge. How about we all work towards asking one another for help or offering it? I admit, I have a hard time asking for help, but I really appreciate it when someone does so.
I promise to work harder for my students AND my colleagues this year.
Let's get ready for another school year! (Or take more time to relax before getting ready!)
Whatever sprinkles your doughnut!
Cheers,
Kasey
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