This year, I found it hard to get my momentum back after returning from spring break. Students in grades 3-8 prepared for 6 days of NYS testing over 2 weeks. In grade 8, we also had a field trip, hands-on Science test to administer, benchmark testing in ELA and Math and much more to execute while continuing to teach. I found myself starting to think about the finish line rather than the journey in between.
However, it was my son and our Mothers Day experience together that reshaped my thinking as a teacher, although I have not yet, shared that with him. I began a new health plan on February 3rd with a goal of losing 80+ pounds. I am fortunate to have a great health coach, Donna Smaldone and to be part of the Take Shape for Life plan on which I have enjoyed much success (-61 pounds to date). One of my first fitness goals was to participate in the Mother Lovin 5K Walk/Run. Encouraged by friends, I registered (with my son, asking him to accompany me as my Mothers Day gift). I spent weeks working through the Couch to 5K app at the YMCA, increasing the amount of time that I could jog during my walk.
As the day approached, I was nervous, but comforted by my son, Mike, my husband and many friends. Some of the words shared by my 14 year old:
"Hey, you're here. That's a start, right?"
"You have to start somewhere. Just do the best you can."
"Don't worry, I won't run ahead and leave you."
The race was by far one of the most exciting experiences for me personally. The hills definitely were tougher than I anticipated. I jogged some and walked some. Several times, Mike got ahead of me. When he noticed, he patiently moved to the side and waited for me to catch up. I was almost emotional at some of his words during the race.
"You are doing great, mom."
"Okay, at the next marker, we will jog again. You can do it."
But, what I will never forget was the conclusion to the race. I was pleased with my effort and was happy to walk the rest of the way. We were in the middle of the pack (runners ahead, walkers behind). I felt that it was a respectable place to be for my first EVER fitness experience. As we were on the final leg of the 5K, Mike gave me the following pep talk:
"Come on, you have to jog the last part of the course. You HAVE to give it everything you've got. This is the most important part after 10 weeks of preparing and being in the home stretch, now is the time to pour it on. Let's go. You've got this. You can do it. The finish is the best part!"
He was right! It was exhilarating and exciting to jog the last part, hearing the announcer in the distance and finally seeing the finish line. When I saw the clock with the time, I was shocked. My goal was to do this first one in under 45 minutes. We were crossing (together) at 43+ minutes, an accomplishment that would never have happened if Mike did not push me to give my all at the finish. And, I could hear dear friends cheering for us (something I never expected). I accomplished my first of many new fitness goals by giving my best at the end. It was a life-changing experience.
In the chaos that is June in education (and the fact that my son's travel baseball schedule has us out on the road a lot after school and every weekend now), I am reminded to give it my best at the end. I want to make more connections with students, have one more chance to strengthen their skills and leave my classroom and our middle school with a smile and positive memories. I am going to make the last days and moments with students and colleagues the best I can so that we may all experience a positive finish line experience. Thanks, Mike Siano, for inspiring me in so many ways. (Truly, my best work on this earth has been being a mom to my son!)
I wish all of my colleagues, friends, family and students a great finish to our school year!!
