1. I've decided to give the half marathon another shot. I'll be running the one at the Open University on the 8 of March. Fingers crossed I make it past 8 miles in my training this time. I have a few people running with me, which means that I have a bit more of a push. I've also looked into joining a running club in the MK area. There's one at the ShenleyBrook Leisure Club, though that's a bit of a treck so I'm trying to find one closer. Not only will it give me more motivation, but I'll hopefully continue with my NY resolution to create more of a social network in my area. On the topic of running, I ran over 4 miles today for the first time in a long time. It felt really good, though I'm a bit worried about my left knee as it's been more of a consistent problem.
2. I'm slowly starting to feel like myself again after a good week and a half of being in a semi-daze. My mood swings are starting to calm down (though last night was not a very good example of that). I find with each day it gets easier and easier. Coffee with Lindsey this evening helped (as did the running).
3. My teaching...I sometimes forget that was my initial reason for creating this blog. I'm finding that my classroom management skills are becoming stronger and stronger as the days continue. I am less worried about what my students think of me and more concerned about their performances in my classroom. I find I'm accomplishing a lot more with my students and they're beginning to respond differently than they did last term (I mean that in the most positive way possible). My year 13s today really irritated me--only 5 showed up (most were in testing or study leave) and of those five only two had actually started the book I had assigned before Christmas break; the other three hadn't even purchased the book. It frustrates me because A. They're being lazy B. I know that they're incredibly capable C. They're at the age where, if they're in these bad habits now, imagine what it's going to be like in University.
4. Gulz is coming on the 24 of January :) Excited!
5. Booked my tickets to Dublin for February. It'll be good to be back. I met an Irish bloke (ironically named Jason) in Italy and we'll probably be meeting up at some point, which will be really nice. It'll be nice to get a tour of the city from someone who actually lives there.
6. I'm really excited for my Saturday: Run in the morning. WaterStones mid-morning for some coffee and a new book (all of the ones I received as gifts are now stowed away under my bed for a good 6 months or so). Stoney Stratford in the early afternoon to early evening :) Very excited!!
7. Newest Snow Patrol CD is my newest obsession along with Robert Randolf and the Family Band (thanks Matt lol).
Must be off to mark.
2 comments:
A half marathon sounds awesome! I know you can do it this time. As soon as my cough is really gone I want to start running again. Running does a whole lot of good. You also need to venture to Scotland, your other neighbor.
Maybe I do need to ship you the book I gave you so that way you can read at least one of your gifts! Oh also, apparently Vicki Moore is in London? I just noticed that on her FB. Love you and hopefully we can talk soon!
p.s. My Mom and I apologized to each other after a lovely episode today.
On running that half Marathon: I've only completed 15+ miles once in my running career and I now believe I accomplished the arduous feat with two techniques. 1) Left foot. 2) Right foot.
Is it that simple? No, but honestly, keep it simple. Don't worry if your calves are burning during mile # 10, don't worry that you smell and you're beginning to look homeless. Some tasks are meant to be completed, others are designed to hurt, to cause pain and to make you hate life. This is not a challenge to anyone else beside yourself, and that the key to long distance running. It's about YOU, never about who's in front, or who ran it faster. It's all about you. When you let yourself down, and don't make it, cause you will eventually, watch how upset you become. Then watch yourself complete it with an even sweeter taste of victory.
Hope everything is going well!!
-M
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