Since late January I have been working toward a goal of running a 5K; I use the term “running” loosely. TODAY I SUCCEEDED. My goal was to run an official 5K in early May, but it’s been postponed and the day after early May in South Texas is too hot to do any running.
I’ve been building my stamina by working on my heath, nutrition, and fitness needs. Every day I focus on one of those elements a little more than other days, never completely ignoring the others. When I have a “rualk”-focused day, I know I need to fuel my bodies with more protein and carbs. When I have a nutrition-focused day, I know I need to fuel my body with fewer carbs and more protein. It’s a pattern I’ve developed with the help of a health and nutrition coach. And. Because I’m a teacher, I can’t help but think about how it relates to our students.
Stamina doesn’t just develop. It takes practice and time and patience and support. Our role when it comes to helping students build stamina is much like the role of my coach, Jaimielle. As coaches working alongside our students, we provide them with the support they need through focused instruction based on their needs, we help them find the texts and ideas that work for them, and help them set achievable goals and then celebrate the milestones along the way. Today I am feeling so accomplished and proud. I want that for our students. I want them to feel the exhilaration of success. Below is the sweaty face of accomplishment.
Just Write for Me 
Congratulations on achieving your goal of running a 5K! I ran my first 5K last Spring. It is an AMAZING feeling. So true about building stamina! Sense of accomplishment and pride is so important for our students as well! We all need to feel success in our lives!
Hip Hip Hooray! Sweaty-faced accomplishment indeed! I love that the lessons you’ve learned from challenging yourself are also lessons you take into the classroom to challenge (and support!) students. For me, it’s yoga. I swear that practicing yoga is one of the biggest influences on my teaching, even though technically one has nothing to do with the other. I’m sorry your race got moved, but I’m impressed that you kept right on going. Stamina, indeed!
Congratulations on you 5K! Such an amazing goal! I often use my running as an example when talking with students about stamina. Way to go!
Students’ needs change from one subject to the next, one lesson to the next, just like your needs change during training. Great connection between coaching and teaching–and a big high five for reaching your goal!
I’m so excited for you! I know this has been one of your goals.
I do enjoy the idea of setting physical goals for myself – it puts me in the role of being a learner, of having to work for something – and that gives me a feeling for the courage and determination my kiddos have to show.
Well done, you!