Training for life

I'm the kind of person who loves a checklist.  I know, kind of "geeky"!

The stroking off of tasks and accomplishments makes my day feel complete and proud of the work I've accomplished. 

Just over a year and a half ago, I ran my first half marathon.  

STWM 2012

The thrill of working through each training day and following the advice of my handy, dandy, built in coach, Hal Higdon was not only exactly the type of structure I thrive on, but the plan of attack that helped me reach my goal.

Last week I had the privilege of being apart of the Ministry of Ontario's Teacher Learning & Leadership Program (TLLP).  The two and a half day conference, "Leadership Skills for Classroom Teachers"  is second to none.  The agenda is jam packed with meaningful professional development, an all star cast of presenters, a focus on highlighting real Ontario teachers who have already traveled along the path of a TLLP (Roland, Derrick, Natalie, Daniela, Cathy and ME!) and provides participants chunks of time to complete a series of focused tasks.  

This is my kind of pd.

One of the presenters that I took a lot from was Susan Perry.  I have heard Susan speak at this session a year prior and two years prior to that.  Finally, though, her message that resonated with me this time was that, "attaining a goal is like running a marathon ~ finishers medal and all!"

Most of us don't have the talent to just up and start running and BAM...

Rather, most of us start out by perhaps completing a Coach-to-5K program.  We purchase running gear.  Run a few 5K races in our local area.  Start to talk about running...  And so on and so forth.

Essentially, each one of us will need to make a plan, set realistic time lines, goals, and revamp based on our own personal needs.  

The best part though...?  If we stick with it (and it will be hard to do) our goal is achievable.  

I think this type of message is one that we all need to hear.  

Not specific for a group of teacher leaders.  

Not specific for someone who wants to run a marathon.  

And not specific for someone who now wants to complete her first triathlon!  (Seriously... that last one is me!)

Setting goals, having a plan of attack and being able to recalculate when you take a wrong turn or an unexpected road block is really being ready to train for life.

When I first started running, my coach Dawn Linklater told me not to look down at the immediate path in front of me.  (She assured me I wouldn't fall in a pot hole!)  Rather, my eyes, she advised should be slightly focused straight ahead, in the direction one wants to travel.  

So, if I could combine Dawn and Susan's powerful messages here for you, I would ask,

Set a goal.  Make a plan.  Look up and see the direction you want to move in.

Then,

Leave me a message or a comment below.  I'd love to know what you have your eyes focused on in the near and not-so-near future.

Leslie

The "Half Way" Point

Today was an amazing day.  Not because Chapters has 30% off all in-stock Playmobil toys or because I  was able to attend a super-meaningful Remembrance Day ceremony with my school and the local Mildmay community.  But rather, today was an amazing day because it's like God thought that I needed to be reminded about the importance of the "half way" point.   

Walk with me a little while I explain.

Tonight I was awesome.  I belong to OurTown Crossfit in Listowel.  I have been missing in action for a wee while, but tonight I was back to give it my all.  
I arrived and was excited to see what our WOD (work out of the day) was.  I knew it would be something special, being that today was Remembrance Day and we have so much to be thankful for.  I was right.  I arrived to see this:

After reading the WOD post, I knew tonight that I was going to be seriously drenched by the time I was finished 6 Rounds.  But I was also looking forward to having this opportunity before me.  So, I started.  If you are a Crossfit Athlete, you know what the warm up alone makes you sweat and aware of your breathing.  Tonight was no different.

Coach Chris yells, "3, 2, 1, GO!" and off I went.  Squats in groups of 10.  Dips in groups of 5.  My whole body feeling it.  All I could keep thinking was, "Get to the half way point Leslie... get to half way."  

The Box clock ticked on and my time was rising and rising.  But, despite that, I kept going.  Yearning to make that half way point.  Then I did.  One of the guys yelled out words of encouragement, "You got this Les, keep going.  You are half way.  Don't quit."

I kid you not.
Half way.  Don't quit.

I pushed on.  And before you know it, I flung my arm in the air to call out my last finished round.  I did it.  Not my fastest time ever, but, nonetheless I did it.  

I felt proud.

You see, I've been trying to work on myself.  Not just with Crossfit, but with running too.

After a few years of jogging on and off I can finally stand proud and say that "I'm a runner."

Yes, a runner.  I'm not the speediest, most gracious or elegant human being you will ever see move, but I am upright and moving in the right direction.  Last October I ran my first half marathon.  

It was unbelievable!  This was something that I always thought 'other' people did and could do.  For you see, it all started with a wish.  I wished I could do something like that ... someday, someday.  
Then, a dear lady, Dawn Linklater, who actually taught me to run through her "Couch to 5K" program, signed an e-mail with this signature quote from Katherine Paterson:

That was it.
I was going to turn that wish into something more.  
And I did.

I cried tears of joy as I crossed the finish line.  It was one of the best days I have ever lived!

BUT....if I'm honest with myself, and honest with you, at the half way point that day I didn't fully believe I could do it.  Really.  All that training, hours of leaving my family on a Sunday to do a long run, and the time and energy I put into preparing my mind and body, and I still doubted myself?

Motivation is one thing, but as I've learned it can only get you so far.

So, as I decided at the half way point... it was all downhill from there.  Half way.  If I can just get half way, then I can get my butt through that last half and across the finish line.  Turning a wish into reality.

Half ways are in our life at different vantage points and moments.  If you are struggling as I was, even after carefully creating a plan to get to where you need to be, the realization of making it to a turning point is huge.  

Right now I'm half way through my IICT Part 2 course through ETFO.  Half way.  Half way through writing assignments.  Half way through from missing the snuggles on the couch with my dear hubby because I'm on the computer reading articles (ok... not really, but maybe a little bit), responding to posts, and making my tired brain think!  Half way through engaging in learning, collaborating, and thinking constructively about topics and insights my fellow classmates bring to our online classroom.  Half way!  

But you know what?  I wouldn't change this halfway point for money.  Seriously.  It may be the half way point through my course syllabus and learning activities, but I know this is really a new beginning.  New classmates that I will call friends, who are only an e-mail or a tweet away.  New resources shared, and connections and experiences had.   

For as much as I need to see the clear "half way" point drawn like a line in the sand, I also know that the silly line can move and expand depending on where we are on the road to changing our wish into a plan.  

Where are you right now?  At which half way point do you need help turning the corner?  Who is there with you cheering you on?  Or, maybe you are where I was on that first "Couch to 5K" run.  Taking the first step is the hardest, but I assure you, when you make it to your half way point, it's all downhill from there!

Blessing,
Thanks for reading.
Leslie