Testing began today. And it SUCKS.
All the kids were tense from the moment they walked in. It's nice for a little while, when they sit silently and wait patiently, for the first time in their lives. But it lasted all day. It was exhausting for everyone.
The morning started with a 7th grade circle (5th and 6th testing aren't until next week). We have an annual circle that consists of a Powerpoint of photos of students and their achievements on past NJ-ASKs with some inspiring music ("We will...we will...rock you!"). The kids got really into it, both those on the slides and those who want to be on the slides next year.
The homeroom transition was uneventful, and testing ran smoothly. The tension was palpable, as these kids forced out reading comprehension and essays in short timed sections. I roamed the hallway, covering while teachers took breaks, making sure students didn't talk in the bathrooms, and checking all of the homework for every subject. It was boring and tedious, and I wasn't even proctoring! I can't imagine how difficult it must have been for the other teachers!
I had a brief 30 minute for lunch, and then I taught three classes in a row. The first one was really rough. I felt like I was single-handedly dragging 23 kids through a lesson on friction. And, I was taping that lesson. As much as I'll hate to watch it with my IL, it will be helpful to get all the advice I can before she leaves next year. The next two classes went much better, with my IL popping in and complimenting me on my awesome oral drill. By the end of the three, though, I was wiped out and a little cranky. I still put on my game face, but took a 90-second sitting break during the last class...and it was glorious. Who thought lunges and squats were a good idea?
Monday is my light weights day. My tutoring student cancelled on me, so I stopped in the gym and did some upper body weights and core. In addition to last night's squats and lunges, I should be in fighting shape in no time. I've already noticed huge improvements in my biceps and quads. Not bad. Hopefully, the weather will clear up in time for tomorrow's run.
Friday night, I went out for a nice dinner with the boyfriend. It was suitably expensive, but pretty disappointing. Oh well, it was fun nonetheless. Saturday, I ran 5 miles easy, feeling a little heavy, and swam a bit. My swim ended terribly, as I attempted a 10x100 yd time trial, and lost count about halfway through, and got so frustrated that I just gave up. Ugh. Gave up. It even hurts to type it out. I ended up doing a couple of 100 yd sprints in an attempt to finally clock in under 2:00, but after a 2:01 and 2:02, I called it a day. I'm sure if I were fresh or if I had a timekeeper and didn't have to fumble with my watch, I'd have that 1:59, but I'll just save it for another day.
Sunday, I finally decided that the 5-Boro Bike Tour isn't happening. I'm registered ($90 in) to ride 40 miles around NYC this weekend, but I don't think I can do it. It's not the fitness, it's the mental. I'm still mentally exhausted from the half marathon. I could do the ride, but it wouldn't be fun. It would put off my triathlon training for another couple of weeks, and I'd have the risk of getting injured or burned out early this year. I just don't feel like it. Instead, I went on an awesome 15 mile ride on Sunday morning, and finally conquered my fear of riding on the road. It felt great, and I figured out how to get to the bike path on a bicycle. I have no more need to put my bike in the car. I can ride as far and as long as I could ever want, right from my apartment.
I then tried to put in a 2-3 mile run. I found a new trail, but only made it a bit over a mile. I think I'm still a little wiped from the race. The internet says recovery takes one day for every mile of a race, so 13.1 or so days to fully recover. That takes me until next weekend.
Meanwhile, I've stopped pretending I'm going to watch an intellectual TV show like the Wire, and started (re-)watching Angel the spinoff of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, while I put together food for this week's Sunshine Breakfast.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Chapter 2
Chapter 1 began and ended with a half marathon. Cool, huh?
I am really tired this week, but I got in a good run tonight. I ran about 3 miles, with some strides at the end. Strides are 20 second sprints, with a couple minutes of easy running between. They're sort of an easy, low-impact introduction to speed training. I should be taking it easy, but I really can't wait to get faster. Tonight's run felt great, although I'm physically and mentally tired. I love running, though, and the weather was great.
School has been busy with preparation for state testing. Today, we had an entire staff meeting dedicated towards proctoring and testing policies. The tests are very highly regulated. All test booklets have to be accounted for, instructional signage in classrooms have to be covered, and students have to use #2 Ticonderoga pencils. Every piece of paper has to be accounted for. We are not allowed to take too long standing over any one student, so we don't accidentally read and memorize any questions. Proctors cannot have computers, cell phones, or pencils. Students are not allowed to talk when they go to the bathroom. It's very, very secure.
Due to all the mess with my certification, I cannot proctor. Instead, I'll be a hallway floater for all testing days. This is instead of proctoring computer-less, so I'm not too upset. In fact, it will be kind of nice to circulate and help out around all the classrooms. Less boring, anyway. My aim is to be as helpful as I possibly can, so that they make the hallway floater position permanent. The idea of proctoring for 3.5 hours without being able to get any work done sounds awful.
I have a quiz tomorrow, and then next week is easy for me, because the kids will be doing things like working on a persuasive essay (Is wind power a promising source of alternative energy?), doing a lab, and reading from a textbook. I could use the rest, since I've been doing a lot of standard-format lessons (teach, lead discussion, facilitate practice). I'm starting to feel the 140 days of school we've had, as we dive into the last 40.
Summer is so close, I can taste it. I'm starting to make plans to celebrate my birthday (late June) with my family. I am so excited to have a summer that is unlike last summer. Last summer was awful. This summer will be awesome, just because it will not be like last year. I will sleep, and train. I want to see how much training I can do. I might get on a bicycle or in the pool every day.
Let's call this the start of Chapter 2.
I am really tired this week, but I got in a good run tonight. I ran about 3 miles, with some strides at the end. Strides are 20 second sprints, with a couple minutes of easy running between. They're sort of an easy, low-impact introduction to speed training. I should be taking it easy, but I really can't wait to get faster. Tonight's run felt great, although I'm physically and mentally tired. I love running, though, and the weather was great.
School has been busy with preparation for state testing. Today, we had an entire staff meeting dedicated towards proctoring and testing policies. The tests are very highly regulated. All test booklets have to be accounted for, instructional signage in classrooms have to be covered, and students have to use #2 Ticonderoga pencils. Every piece of paper has to be accounted for. We are not allowed to take too long standing over any one student, so we don't accidentally read and memorize any questions. Proctors cannot have computers, cell phones, or pencils. Students are not allowed to talk when they go to the bathroom. It's very, very secure.
Due to all the mess with my certification, I cannot proctor. Instead, I'll be a hallway floater for all testing days. This is instead of proctoring computer-less, so I'm not too upset. In fact, it will be kind of nice to circulate and help out around all the classrooms. Less boring, anyway. My aim is to be as helpful as I possibly can, so that they make the hallway floater position permanent. The idea of proctoring for 3.5 hours without being able to get any work done sounds awful.
I have a quiz tomorrow, and then next week is easy for me, because the kids will be doing things like working on a persuasive essay (Is wind power a promising source of alternative energy?), doing a lab, and reading from a textbook. I could use the rest, since I've been doing a lot of standard-format lessons (teach, lead discussion, facilitate practice). I'm starting to feel the 140 days of school we've had, as we dive into the last 40.
Summer is so close, I can taste it. I'm starting to make plans to celebrate my birthday (late June) with my family. I am so excited to have a summer that is unlike last summer. Last summer was awful. This summer will be awesome, just because it will not be like last year. I will sleep, and train. I want to see how much training I can do. I might get on a bicycle or in the pool every day.
Let's call this the start of Chapter 2.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Achievement Gap
In preparation for next week's state testing (NJ-ASK), we pumped the kids up during circle with a Powerpoint and discussion about the Achievement Gap. The kids were asked to interpret a graph showing the disparity between SAT scores amongst different populations (White/Asian vs. Hispanic/Black). This was then connected to their test scores, and we got to look at graphs of them destroying the Achievement Gap. No, seriously.
We saw that in 5th grade, my students blew away not only the Newark scores, but also the New Jersey averages. In 6th grade, they destroyed the NJ average scores, and were within +/- 1 percentage point of the NJ white average. As one student described it, not only have they closed the Achievement Gap at VMS, in math, they have reversed it.
I continued to challenge the students today, with a really hard lesson. We were discussing the exchange between potential and kinetic energy in the magic land of Zelmania, where there is no friction or air resistance. The kids found it very challenging, but not for the physics reasons. They don't really have the background in algebra. They can easily solve the equation Kinetic Energy = 1/2 mv-squared when given mass and velocity, but are completely baffled when they have to solve for velocity given all other variables. It's very frustrating for me to see a problem that I can't fix, because I don't have the week to spend on algebra basics that they won't really see until next year.
Two of my classes did a really good job working through the challenges, thinking critically, and following the right "procedure" to solve for velocity. The third class, though had more difficulty. This was the highest class, the one that always understands instantly. They don't have the patience to work through things. They want in and done. They were the most unwilling to accept that they just needed to follow the steps, and that they'd learn the algebra later. That class left me with several confused students, most of whom knew what to do, but not why they were doing it. They were unhappy, and I was unhappy, and that's where I left it.
Oral Drill Challenge
Towards the start of each class, we get the kids hyped up with a 2-3 minute series of rapid-fire questions, usually recall or simple calculations. Mine have been lagging, which creates a slow and non-urgent start to class, so I've been assigned a new PD goal. I need to make the start of class more urgent, and to do so, I need to ask at least 10 oral drill questions.
The only way I know to get engaged in a task like this is to get the kids engaged, so I created the Oral Drill Challenge. Each day, I set the timer for 3 minutes. In those three minutes, the we have 10 questions to get through (I can make up more if we finish those). I record the total number of questions the class gets correct, and the class with the highest total at the end of the week gets a team dollar. They kids are getting really into it, and so am I -- just as planned. It sets an urgent tone for the whole class.
I'm still sore, but I put in 10 minutes on the bike yesterday, which felt good and loosened everything up. I'm going to rest today and tomorrow, and get back on my feet with a short run on Thursday. I can't wait to start working on getting faster!
We saw that in 5th grade, my students blew away not only the Newark scores, but also the New Jersey averages. In 6th grade, they destroyed the NJ average scores, and were within +/- 1 percentage point of the NJ white average. As one student described it, not only have they closed the Achievement Gap at VMS, in math, they have reversed it.
I continued to challenge the students today, with a really hard lesson. We were discussing the exchange between potential and kinetic energy in the magic land of Zelmania, where there is no friction or air resistance. The kids found it very challenging, but not for the physics reasons. They don't really have the background in algebra. They can easily solve the equation Kinetic Energy = 1/2 mv-squared when given mass and velocity, but are completely baffled when they have to solve for velocity given all other variables. It's very frustrating for me to see a problem that I can't fix, because I don't have the week to spend on algebra basics that they won't really see until next year.
Two of my classes did a really good job working through the challenges, thinking critically, and following the right "procedure" to solve for velocity. The third class, though had more difficulty. This was the highest class, the one that always understands instantly. They don't have the patience to work through things. They want in and done. They were the most unwilling to accept that they just needed to follow the steps, and that they'd learn the algebra later. That class left me with several confused students, most of whom knew what to do, but not why they were doing it. They were unhappy, and I was unhappy, and that's where I left it.
Oral Drill Challenge
Towards the start of each class, we get the kids hyped up with a 2-3 minute series of rapid-fire questions, usually recall or simple calculations. Mine have been lagging, which creates a slow and non-urgent start to class, so I've been assigned a new PD goal. I need to make the start of class more urgent, and to do so, I need to ask at least 10 oral drill questions.
The only way I know to get engaged in a task like this is to get the kids engaged, so I created the Oral Drill Challenge. Each day, I set the timer for 3 minutes. In those three minutes, the we have 10 questions to get through (I can make up more if we finish those). I record the total number of questions the class gets correct, and the class with the highest total at the end of the week gets a team dollar. They kids are getting really into it, and so am I -- just as planned. It sets an urgent tone for the whole class.
I'm still sore, but I put in 10 minutes on the bike yesterday, which felt good and loosened everything up. I'm going to rest today and tomorrow, and get back on my feet with a short run on Thursday. I can't wait to start working on getting faster!
Monday, April 22, 2013
Catch Up on Story Time
I've been behind on blogging the last few weeks, so I owe you a few stories.
Brown University Spirit:
During Spring Break, one of my favorite Brown professors (Ken Miller) was speaking at my boyfriend's medical school, so I got to see him. He is an incredible speaker, and is known for making the 300-student introductory biology class at Brown a must-do for science and non-science folk alike. This lecture was no different. He engaged the crowd with his speak about science education in America.
Of course I enjoy hearing about science education in America. It's kind of my thing. He talked at length about the weaknesses of scientific thought in this country. The Intelligent Design movement has been developed specifically to get people to question the rationality of scientific theory, without ever evaluating either side of the issue. Instead, we need to get people thinking critically about everything, but also understand that standards there are for something to be declared a "theory" or otherwise.
This has inspired me to get the kids thinking more critically. I have continued my efforts to trick them, confuse them, and have them question me. On last night's homework, only one student was able to say "None of these choices is correct!" I WANT them to question me. I want them to question what they're told, and make valued judgments for themselves.
Good News:
I signed my contract for next year. In addition, I have brought up the idea of teaching a health class next year. It's still in the works, and depends on scheduling, but I have a lot of support from the staff. The general consensus is that I'm just weird enough to make it work, and I have the science background. This is really exciting to me, and in that self-affirming, save-the-world sort of way. I might actually get to help middle school students learn to make smart life decisions, avoid pregnancy, and learn how to form healthy relationships.
Test Scores:
My NSA results from last week (2 weeks ago? Geeze.) were a little disappointing. The multiple choice section was actually great, with an average of 80%. This is what we had been working on, so it was nice to see the hard work pay off. Besides, you can't "cheat" multiple choice with easy grading. The short answers and open-ended questions mere much weaker, with an average in the 60s. Part of that had to do with students not having enough practice explaining some of the things we had studied (for example, how Newton's 1st Law explains various scenarios), and part of it had to do with the fact that I never really drilled the kids on definitions (which I don't think is the most important thing, but I'm working on it now). I've already done some review/reteach lessons, though, with much success.
Highest Praise:
The day following the NSA was the practical part of the test. Students had to complete an experiment and analyze the data, with no assistance from me. Not only did they do great, but I received this feedback later in the day:
It was great being in your class today! The students were extremely focused and engaged while taking their Practical! You gave concise “what to do” directions and you received 100% compliance. The students were very mature and they were tasked with doing many different things at once. ( Practical, Corrections and a head start on homework) you scanned and circulated with great urgency! Well done! I’m sure the students will do well :)
And this from someone who does not use exclamation points recklessly.
That's all I have for today. Stay tuned for more stories:
Oral Drill Challenge
Monotheism
Highest Praise
Getting in Trouble
Being a Bitch
The Accident
Brown University Spirit:
During Spring Break, one of my favorite Brown professors (Ken Miller) was speaking at my boyfriend's medical school, so I got to see him. He is an incredible speaker, and is known for making the 300-student introductory biology class at Brown a must-do for science and non-science folk alike. This lecture was no different. He engaged the crowd with his speak about science education in America.
Of course I enjoy hearing about science education in America. It's kind of my thing. He talked at length about the weaknesses of scientific thought in this country. The Intelligent Design movement has been developed specifically to get people to question the rationality of scientific theory, without ever evaluating either side of the issue. Instead, we need to get people thinking critically about everything, but also understand that standards there are for something to be declared a "theory" or otherwise.
This has inspired me to get the kids thinking more critically. I have continued my efforts to trick them, confuse them, and have them question me. On last night's homework, only one student was able to say "None of these choices is correct!" I WANT them to question me. I want them to question what they're told, and make valued judgments for themselves.
Good News:
I signed my contract for next year. In addition, I have brought up the idea of teaching a health class next year. It's still in the works, and depends on scheduling, but I have a lot of support from the staff. The general consensus is that I'm just weird enough to make it work, and I have the science background. This is really exciting to me, and in that self-affirming, save-the-world sort of way. I might actually get to help middle school students learn to make smart life decisions, avoid pregnancy, and learn how to form healthy relationships.
Test Scores:
My NSA results from last week (2 weeks ago? Geeze.) were a little disappointing. The multiple choice section was actually great, with an average of 80%. This is what we had been working on, so it was nice to see the hard work pay off. Besides, you can't "cheat" multiple choice with easy grading. The short answers and open-ended questions mere much weaker, with an average in the 60s. Part of that had to do with students not having enough practice explaining some of the things we had studied (for example, how Newton's 1st Law explains various scenarios), and part of it had to do with the fact that I never really drilled the kids on definitions (which I don't think is the most important thing, but I'm working on it now). I've already done some review/reteach lessons, though, with much success.
Highest Praise:
The day following the NSA was the practical part of the test. Students had to complete an experiment and analyze the data, with no assistance from me. Not only did they do great, but I received this feedback later in the day:
It was great being in your class today! The students were extremely focused and engaged while taking their Practical! You gave concise “what to do” directions and you received 100% compliance. The students were very mature and they were tasked with doing many different things at once. ( Practical, Corrections and a head start on homework) you scanned and circulated with great urgency! Well done! I’m sure the students will do well :)
And this from someone who does not use exclamation points recklessly.
That's all I have for today. Stay tuned for more stories:
Oral Drill Challenge
Monotheism
Highest Praise
Getting in Trouble
Being a Bitch
The Accident
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Race Report: UNITE Half Marathon at Rutgers
Pre-race:
Okay, I wasn't as trained as I should have been. I have an all-consuming job that I love, and have had some issues with my knees and shins. Still, I arrived at the race this morning feeling good and ready to go. I was hoping for sub-2:30, or approximately 11:28 per mile.
I woke up at 6, 2 hours before the race, to eat a waffle and poop. I had my clothes laid out last night, so I was ready to go. Underarmour tights and t-shirt, cheapo running jacket, gloves, and a running hat. My boyfriend dropped me off at the start, so I didn't have to worry about parking, and then disappeared off to the med school library to study for his exam Tuesday. My parents were meeting me at the finish line, so I felt well supported on all fronts.
It was chilly. I stood in line for about 15 minutes, shivering a little bit, trying not to waste energy, waiting for a portapotty. By the time I figured out where to line up, the pre-race ceremonies were beginning. We got a short briefing on the rules, and then American flags were handed out. We had a brief moment of silence for Boston, followed by the National Anthem. The gun went off at 8AM sharp, and I eagerly tucked my flag into the strap of my waist pack. I wanted to tuck it into the back of my hat, but since my head is tiny and the hat is shapeless, it didn't really stay.
I began the slow procession of 6,000 people towards a 12-foot wide inflatable archway, ready to hit the Timex.
Race:
When I started, I was feeling a little sluggish, but I was planning the first 1-3 miles as a warmup. The first few miles were uneventful. Mile 1 was about 11:50, so I stepped it up a notch. There was a live band at miles 1, 6, and some other time a little bit later. Miles 2-6 were pretty easy, with some gently rolling hills through Rutgers' campus. I kept exactly on pace, and at this point, had about a 40 second cushion for my goal. I kept telling myself to slow it down, but keep it steady. That was my mantra for the day. Slow down, keep steady.
At mile 7, I really started to feel it. It had warmed up a bit (at some point I had managed to take off my armband and waist pack, take off my jacket, tie it around my waist, decide it was flapping too much and retie it so it was a little more compactly wrapped, and then replace the waist pack and armband. All while running. I felt pretty badass.) and I was getting tired. My calves were getting tired, and I knew I had quite a bit to go. I slowed it down a little bit. After my second gel at about mile 8, I was getting a little crampy, so I slowed a bit.
Up through mile 10, I kept perfectly on pace. I hit mile 10 within a few seconds of my goal. Unfortunately, mile 10-11 was a tight loop, and I could see mile 11's hill (or so I thought). It was tough seeing that hill, and knowing I still had a mile to go before I got there. It was even tougher seeing those runners way ahead of me only 12 inches to my left. I could have just stepped over the double yellow line, and I'd be so close to the finish...but of course, I didn't. Instead, I stopped to walk for 20 seconds. I didn't want to take longer, since I knew my muscles would cramp, and was able to pick it up again right at the bottom of the hill.
Like all internet sources said, I dug deep. The last 2 hurt a lot. It turns out that hill was just the start of about 3/4 mile uphill stretch. It hurt. My side was cramping, and I had that burpy/vomity feeling. I put my head down and counted to 100. Then I counted to 100 again.
By the time I looked up, there was a mile left, and I knew where we were. This was about 1/2 mile after the aid station where a girl was holding a sign saying "Only 1 mile left!" Things like that shouldn't be allowed. It's just mean.
I was familiar with this part of the campus, because I had run a 5K there in December. I knew that at the next turn, there was a short uphill. Ugh. Another 30 seconds of walking.
At this point, I knew I wouldn't be done by 2:30. It would definitely be close, and I downgraded my goal to a 10-minute PR (last HM was 2:44:25). I put my head down and dug deep. I counted to 100 and counted to 100 again. My side hurt and my calves hurt and my right hip was tight. If I bent my knees all the way they hurt. I looked up, and crested a hill, and the finish line was 100 meters downhill. I was going to do this! I wasn't going to die! Probably!
This is where my parents saw me and started shouting my name. Or so they told me. I was busy digging deep.
I crossed the finish line in 2:33:45.9.
Post-race:
I sat down for a minute, until my dad made me stand up and move around. Definitely better for the body, but it certainly didn't feel that way. I had a yogurt parfait (best idea ever!) and put on a space blanket. As I cooled off, my calves and hamstrings started tightening. I had some fish tacos and a hard cider with my parents and boyfriend, and then went home to shower and take a nap. Well, I went home to take a nap, but I figured I should shower too. Several hours later, I'm well fed, well hydrated, and only mildly sore in the knees and hip.
I ran a good race. I don't think I had the training for a 2:30. It was nothing I did wrong today. Next time, I've got it.
Okay, I wasn't as trained as I should have been. I have an all-consuming job that I love, and have had some issues with my knees and shins. Still, I arrived at the race this morning feeling good and ready to go. I was hoping for sub-2:30, or approximately 11:28 per mile.
I woke up at 6, 2 hours before the race, to eat a waffle and poop. I had my clothes laid out last night, so I was ready to go. Underarmour tights and t-shirt, cheapo running jacket, gloves, and a running hat. My boyfriend dropped me off at the start, so I didn't have to worry about parking, and then disappeared off to the med school library to study for his exam Tuesday. My parents were meeting me at the finish line, so I felt well supported on all fronts.
It was chilly. I stood in line for about 15 minutes, shivering a little bit, trying not to waste energy, waiting for a portapotty. By the time I figured out where to line up, the pre-race ceremonies were beginning. We got a short briefing on the rules, and then American flags were handed out. We had a brief moment of silence for Boston, followed by the National Anthem. The gun went off at 8AM sharp, and I eagerly tucked my flag into the strap of my waist pack. I wanted to tuck it into the back of my hat, but since my head is tiny and the hat is shapeless, it didn't really stay.
I began the slow procession of 6,000 people towards a 12-foot wide inflatable archway, ready to hit the Timex.
Race:
When I started, I was feeling a little sluggish, but I was planning the first 1-3 miles as a warmup. The first few miles were uneventful. Mile 1 was about 11:50, so I stepped it up a notch. There was a live band at miles 1, 6, and some other time a little bit later. Miles 2-6 were pretty easy, with some gently rolling hills through Rutgers' campus. I kept exactly on pace, and at this point, had about a 40 second cushion for my goal. I kept telling myself to slow it down, but keep it steady. That was my mantra for the day. Slow down, keep steady.
At mile 7, I really started to feel it. It had warmed up a bit (at some point I had managed to take off my armband and waist pack, take off my jacket, tie it around my waist, decide it was flapping too much and retie it so it was a little more compactly wrapped, and then replace the waist pack and armband. All while running. I felt pretty badass.) and I was getting tired. My calves were getting tired, and I knew I had quite a bit to go. I slowed it down a little bit. After my second gel at about mile 8, I was getting a little crampy, so I slowed a bit.
Up through mile 10, I kept perfectly on pace. I hit mile 10 within a few seconds of my goal. Unfortunately, mile 10-11 was a tight loop, and I could see mile 11's hill (or so I thought). It was tough seeing that hill, and knowing I still had a mile to go before I got there. It was even tougher seeing those runners way ahead of me only 12 inches to my left. I could have just stepped over the double yellow line, and I'd be so close to the finish...but of course, I didn't. Instead, I stopped to walk for 20 seconds. I didn't want to take longer, since I knew my muscles would cramp, and was able to pick it up again right at the bottom of the hill.
Like all internet sources said, I dug deep. The last 2 hurt a lot. It turns out that hill was just the start of about 3/4 mile uphill stretch. It hurt. My side was cramping, and I had that burpy/vomity feeling. I put my head down and counted to 100. Then I counted to 100 again.
By the time I looked up, there was a mile left, and I knew where we were. This was about 1/2 mile after the aid station where a girl was holding a sign saying "Only 1 mile left!" Things like that shouldn't be allowed. It's just mean.
I was familiar with this part of the campus, because I had run a 5K there in December. I knew that at the next turn, there was a short uphill. Ugh. Another 30 seconds of walking.
At this point, I knew I wouldn't be done by 2:30. It would definitely be close, and I downgraded my goal to a 10-minute PR (last HM was 2:44:25). I put my head down and dug deep. I counted to 100 and counted to 100 again. My side hurt and my calves hurt and my right hip was tight. If I bent my knees all the way they hurt. I looked up, and crested a hill, and the finish line was 100 meters downhill. I was going to do this! I wasn't going to die! Probably!
This is where my parents saw me and started shouting my name. Or so they told me. I was busy digging deep.
I crossed the finish line in 2:33:45.9.
Post-race:
I sat down for a minute, until my dad made me stand up and move around. Definitely better for the body, but it certainly didn't feel that way. I had a yogurt parfait (best idea ever!) and put on a space blanket. As I cooled off, my calves and hamstrings started tightening. I had some fish tacos and a hard cider with my parents and boyfriend, and then went home to shower and take a nap. Well, I went home to take a nap, but I figured I should shower too. Several hours later, I'm well fed, well hydrated, and only mildly sore in the knees and hip.
I ran a good race. I don't think I had the training for a 2:30. It was nothing I did wrong today. Next time, I've got it.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Crying, Better than Flying
I'll end Teacher Appreciation Week with this photo of the best gift I received all week. I will keep this in mind as I run on Sunday, and every day after that.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
As a Runner
In my lifetime, terrorists have threatened me as a New Yorker, as a first responder, as a Jew, as a teacher, and now as a runner. The common theme here is that none of these groups can be brought down so easily. Now I have all the more reason to go out on Sunday and kick ass for 13.1 miles, in 2 hours and 30 minutes, at about 11 minutes and 28 seconds per mile.
Last Saturday's run was phenomenal. It was one of those epic adventures that makes it worth running in the dark and rain and snow sometimes. It was supposed to be an easy 6-miler, so I could rest my muscles for next weekend. It didn't quite turn out like that.
I hoped to run the whole run at my goal pace (11:28/mile), to gain some badly needed confidence for the race. I started out a bit slower than that, not helped by a couple of red lights, but got into a comfortable rhythm. In fact, I zoned out enough, that as I approached a sharp downhill, I was too busy watching the street ahead that I missed a crack in the sidewalk. Suddenly, I felt myself flying too fast for my feet. I took one lurching step, then another, and went over. Luckily, I hit the grass beside the sidewalk with my shoulder, and stopped myself with my hand on the sidewalk. Out of sheer embarrassment, I picked my phone off the ground, re-strapped it to my arm, and assessed the damage on the move.
Most importantly, I don't think anyone say. I wasn't totally sure though, because a couple of firefighters were out fundraising in the street about a block back. An old man was strolling about 10 yards ahead of me, but he didn't even look back. Next, check the body. Legs fine and pain-free. Right palm scraped and bloody. By time I sorted that out, my average pace had dropped to 11:00/mi. Free adrenaline boost.
At this point, I had hyped up my fall so much in my head that I kept reliving an epic action movie-style dive roll, flipped back onto my feet, and kept on like Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I wasn't too disappointed.
At this point, I realized that I could beat my 10K record from February 1, 2009 of 1:10:20 (11:14/mi). I wasn't supposed to be pushing it, but I felt so good (except the hand). I went another mile further, to the halfway point, and then turned back. On the way back, when I approached the strolling old man again, he stopped to clap and cheer me on. Go vampire slayer!
I kept pushing harder and harder (except for one more red light), because my hand stung more than my lungs or calves. I pushed through the last mile in 10 minutes, for a 10K personal record of 1:09:03!
I then enjoyed the reward of a hot, stinging shower, and the discovery that the inventor of alcohol swabs was the most evil human being in the history of the world. Cleaned up, bandaged up, and feeling like a million bucks.
My week required a little bit of adjustment: no handshakes, snaps, or claps for a couple of days. I am temped to explain to the kids how some inertia and friction worked against me.
My run was nothing compared to the awful adventure faced by the competitors in Boston on Monday. But, there's one thing I realized:
Nothing and nobody is going to stop me. Nothing and nobody is going to stop the stubborn and determined people who train to run 3.1, 6.2, 13.1, and 26.2 miles.
Last Saturday's run was phenomenal. It was one of those epic adventures that makes it worth running in the dark and rain and snow sometimes. It was supposed to be an easy 6-miler, so I could rest my muscles for next weekend. It didn't quite turn out like that.
I hoped to run the whole run at my goal pace (11:28/mile), to gain some badly needed confidence for the race. I started out a bit slower than that, not helped by a couple of red lights, but got into a comfortable rhythm. In fact, I zoned out enough, that as I approached a sharp downhill, I was too busy watching the street ahead that I missed a crack in the sidewalk. Suddenly, I felt myself flying too fast for my feet. I took one lurching step, then another, and went over. Luckily, I hit the grass beside the sidewalk with my shoulder, and stopped myself with my hand on the sidewalk. Out of sheer embarrassment, I picked my phone off the ground, re-strapped it to my arm, and assessed the damage on the move.
Most importantly, I don't think anyone say. I wasn't totally sure though, because a couple of firefighters were out fundraising in the street about a block back. An old man was strolling about 10 yards ahead of me, but he didn't even look back. Next, check the body. Legs fine and pain-free. Right palm scraped and bloody. By time I sorted that out, my average pace had dropped to 11:00/mi. Free adrenaline boost.
At this point, I had hyped up my fall so much in my head that I kept reliving an epic action movie-style dive roll, flipped back onto my feet, and kept on like Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I wasn't too disappointed.
At this point, I realized that I could beat my 10K record from February 1, 2009 of 1:10:20 (11:14/mi). I wasn't supposed to be pushing it, but I felt so good (except the hand). I went another mile further, to the halfway point, and then turned back. On the way back, when I approached the strolling old man again, he stopped to clap and cheer me on. Go vampire slayer!
I kept pushing harder and harder (except for one more red light), because my hand stung more than my lungs or calves. I pushed through the last mile in 10 minutes, for a 10K personal record of 1:09:03!
I then enjoyed the reward of a hot, stinging shower, and the discovery that the inventor of alcohol swabs was the most evil human being in the history of the world. Cleaned up, bandaged up, and feeling like a million bucks.
My week required a little bit of adjustment: no handshakes, snaps, or claps for a couple of days. I am temped to explain to the kids how some inertia and friction worked against me.
My run was nothing compared to the awful adventure faced by the competitors in Boston on Monday. But, there's one thing I realized:
Nothing and nobody is going to stop me. Nothing and nobody is going to stop the stubborn and determined people who train to run 3.1, 6.2, 13.1, and 26.2 miles.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Appreciation
Last year, for Teacher Appreciation Week, I think we got an email on Friday from the principal, apologizing for forgetting Teacher Appreciation Week. This year, it's a little bit different.
Yesterday, the school provided bagels and snazzy new water bottles for the teachers. This is in addition to goodies brought in by students, which included another set of bagels, 2 boxes of pastries, cupcakes, muffins, goodies from Bath and Body Works, a fancy pen, a thermos, and tea. Additionally, a student (and his brother, for the 5th grade teachers) brought in a baggy of snacks with a nice note in it for the teachers today and yesterday. Yesterday, the baggy contained a diet iced tea, a bag of chips, and a piece of candy. Today, I got some instant coffee and flavored sweetener, and another bag of chips.
Needless to say, I did NOT feel good when I left school Monday. I felt not good in the most wonderful way. Of course, my boyfriend surprised me with homemade chicken enchiladas, so the awesome awfulness continued.
I guess the eating healthy to cleanse my body for the half marathon isn't going to work so well. I just have to be extra careful to eat well Thursday and Friday, so I don't have any porta potty adventures.
By Tuesday morning, we were ready to call the teacher appreciation thing off, but we got a notice on our desk (along with a pack of "Achieve-MINTS") that said this:
The North Star Day Spa re-opens for a blissful 7 hours! Stop by the Day Spa (formerly the Tutoring Room across from the V Room) today any time between 10 am and 5 pm for a 10-minute shoulder massage and a little zen. Yes, you can go back for seconds – but please let others ahead of you if they haven’t had a turn yet. :)
So, I didn't cancel the holiday just yet. When they said spa, they meant Spa. A little storage room was decked out in candles, relaxing music, and two massage tables (and two masseuses). I went twice. Heaven.
Lunch was a burrito bar. I went twice. Heaven.
Due to my incessant food coma, and plans to go running right after school, I'll pause the stories here. In the future, expect I do owe the following stories:
Brown University Spirit
Highest Praise
Test Scores
Getting in Trouble
Being a Bitch
Being a Vampire Slayer
Yesterday, the school provided bagels and snazzy new water bottles for the teachers. This is in addition to goodies brought in by students, which included another set of bagels, 2 boxes of pastries, cupcakes, muffins, goodies from Bath and Body Works, a fancy pen, a thermos, and tea. Additionally, a student (and his brother, for the 5th grade teachers) brought in a baggy of snacks with a nice note in it for the teachers today and yesterday. Yesterday, the baggy contained a diet iced tea, a bag of chips, and a piece of candy. Today, I got some instant coffee and flavored sweetener, and another bag of chips.
Needless to say, I did NOT feel good when I left school Monday. I felt not good in the most wonderful way. Of course, my boyfriend surprised me with homemade chicken enchiladas, so the awesome awfulness continued.
I guess the eating healthy to cleanse my body for the half marathon isn't going to work so well. I just have to be extra careful to eat well Thursday and Friday, so I don't have any porta potty adventures.
By Tuesday morning, we were ready to call the teacher appreciation thing off, but we got a notice on our desk (along with a pack of "Achieve-MINTS") that said this:
The North Star Day Spa re-opens for a blissful 7 hours! Stop by the Day Spa (formerly the Tutoring Room across from the V Room) today any time between 10 am and 5 pm for a 10-minute shoulder massage and a little zen. Yes, you can go back for seconds – but please let others ahead of you if they haven’t had a turn yet. :)
So, I didn't cancel the holiday just yet. When they said spa, they meant Spa. A little storage room was decked out in candles, relaxing music, and two massage tables (and two masseuses). I went twice. Heaven.
Lunch was a burrito bar. I went twice. Heaven.
Due to my incessant food coma, and plans to go running right after school, I'll pause the stories here. In the future, expect I do owe the following stories:
Brown University Spirit
Highest Praise
Test Scores
Getting in Trouble
Being a Bitch
Being a Vampire Slayer
·
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
10-mile Burger
I worked hard and played hard this weekend.
Friday night, I used a Groupon for a pub, and enjoyed an order of fried pickles (as delicious as you'd think - very) and half a hamburger (I saved the other half for another time - I'm being healthy! I'm halfway to my weight goal!). There also might have been a drink or two.
Saturday morning, I tutored at school. In the Saturdays preceding state testing, we hold tutoring sessions. Fortunately, there is only testing for math and English this year, so it's not personally stressful. Besides, we get a stipend. So, I got paid to put on jeans and talk about integers for a few hours.
Immediately after Saturday school, I went to the park to get a head start on my second 10-miler. In preparation for this, rather than having pizza at noon with the students, I had the second half of my hamburger at about 10:30, so I had a few hours to digest for my 1PM run. It was definitely a smarter idea, although I wouldn't call it smart. In fact, I learned several important rules:
1) 3 hours of teaching on my feet is not a good warm up
2) I will regret eating a hamburger before running by mile 6
3) Warm weather is only a treat for the first 90 minutes
I was hot and sweaty and my stomach was unhappy. It was also much harder than last weekend's 10-miler, probably because of the combined miles. Next weekend's long run will only be 6, so I'll be well-rested in time for the half marathon in 11 days.
In the future, all long runs will be first thing in the morning. It leaves fewer variables (only breakfast) and fresher legs.
I also got in a great 12.5-mile bike on Sunday with my dad and his friends. Oh, that's what hills feel like.
Friday night, I used a Groupon for a pub, and enjoyed an order of fried pickles (as delicious as you'd think - very) and half a hamburger (I saved the other half for another time - I'm being healthy! I'm halfway to my weight goal!). There also might have been a drink or two.
Saturday morning, I tutored at school. In the Saturdays preceding state testing, we hold tutoring sessions. Fortunately, there is only testing for math and English this year, so it's not personally stressful. Besides, we get a stipend. So, I got paid to put on jeans and talk about integers for a few hours.
Immediately after Saturday school, I went to the park to get a head start on my second 10-miler. In preparation for this, rather than having pizza at noon with the students, I had the second half of my hamburger at about 10:30, so I had a few hours to digest for my 1PM run. It was definitely a smarter idea, although I wouldn't call it smart. In fact, I learned several important rules:
1) 3 hours of teaching on my feet is not a good warm up
2) I will regret eating a hamburger before running by mile 6
3) Warm weather is only a treat for the first 90 minutes
I was hot and sweaty and my stomach was unhappy. It was also much harder than last weekend's 10-miler, probably because of the combined miles. Next weekend's long run will only be 6, so I'll be well-rested in time for the half marathon in 11 days.
In the future, all long runs will be first thing in the morning. It leaves fewer variables (only breakfast) and fresher legs.
I also got in a great 12.5-mile bike on Sunday with my dad and his friends. Oh, that's what hills feel like.
Monday, April 8, 2013
New Adventures
On Tuesday, I had a running adventure with a colleague. Right after
school, we drove to a park nearby (but in the safe, suburban nearby). I
took my new running shoes and had a lovely time. I ran 2 miles up a
gorgeous hill, and 2 miles back down. At the top, I had a beautiful view
of Newark and Manhattan. I plan to do the same next Tuesday.
The rest of the week was stressful due to the start of the 4th round of IAs. I had some pretty rigorous review lessons planned, and had a surprisingly good time doing them. Wednesday's lesson was a review of graphing, with a focus on comparing distance vs. time and speed vs. time graphs. Students are good at looking at one aspect of one type of graph, but once different types of questions were asked about both graphs at the same time, the students got very confused. The lesson was geared towards looking at the axes and breaking down the given information. This worked very well for about 75% of the kids. What was interesting, though, was that breaking it down did NOT work well for the top students. I had a few of my smartest students having a really frustrating time trying to break down ideas that they already understood at a higher level. On the other hand, I had students understanding some concepts for the first time. In the future, I will do this type of lesson much earlier, probably along with the first introduction to the two types of graphs. I don't think I got close to 100% mastery, but in 55 minutes, I brought about 30% to 50%. It's a start. Definitely an opportunity to improve for next year.
Thursday's lesson was focused on multiple choice questions. In order to keep the high kids challenged, and the low kids engaged in more review, I introduced the students to some trick questions. I taught them the phrase, "You're being silly. You can't determine that from the given information." I gave them multiple choice questions with two answers, and had them argue it out, until that one bright kid's face lights up, hand shoots up, and I get the answer I was looking for: "You're both right. The answer is both B and C because..."
I hope I'm teaching the students to think critically and to not take anything for face value. This is really my ultimate goal as a science teacher, and I'm proud that I finally figured out a 7th grade way to do so.
That afternoon, I had to cancel my run because the hilly-new-shoes run from Tuesday left me with an excruciatingly sore calf. Fortunately, I felt good enough for the weekend.
The rest of the week was stressful due to the start of the 4th round of IAs. I had some pretty rigorous review lessons planned, and had a surprisingly good time doing them. Wednesday's lesson was a review of graphing, with a focus on comparing distance vs. time and speed vs. time graphs. Students are good at looking at one aspect of one type of graph, but once different types of questions were asked about both graphs at the same time, the students got very confused. The lesson was geared towards looking at the axes and breaking down the given information. This worked very well for about 75% of the kids. What was interesting, though, was that breaking it down did NOT work well for the top students. I had a few of my smartest students having a really frustrating time trying to break down ideas that they already understood at a higher level. On the other hand, I had students understanding some concepts for the first time. In the future, I will do this type of lesson much earlier, probably along with the first introduction to the two types of graphs. I don't think I got close to 100% mastery, but in 55 minutes, I brought about 30% to 50%. It's a start. Definitely an opportunity to improve for next year.
Thursday's lesson was focused on multiple choice questions. In order to keep the high kids challenged, and the low kids engaged in more review, I introduced the students to some trick questions. I taught them the phrase, "You're being silly. You can't determine that from the given information." I gave them multiple choice questions with two answers, and had them argue it out, until that one bright kid's face lights up, hand shoots up, and I get the answer I was looking for: "You're both right. The answer is both B and C because..."
I hope I'm teaching the students to think critically and to not take anything for face value. This is really my ultimate goal as a science teacher, and I'm proud that I finally figured out a 7th grade way to do so.
That afternoon, I had to cancel my run because the hilly-new-shoes run from Tuesday left me with an excruciatingly sore calf. Fortunately, I felt good enough for the weekend.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Skills Room
I actually finished a Thursday task already, so I figured I had a moment to spare to write. My week is turning out less stressful that I thought, largely due to changes in the testing schedule.
Monday, back to school, was pretty uneventful, although I expertly removed a student from class and I don't think the other students even noticed. It's quite a change from my past technique of getting angry, yelling, and then having the class completely derailed. It's part of my work to use a strong voice, and not waste time on unnecessary words or raising my voice. My IL was pretty proud.
On the other hand, I showed that I get so nervous about my most challenging class that my tone changes. I become less excited, less vibrant, less urgent. I need to work on consistency in tone. That is my new project.
The big change in the testing schedule this round is that for each subject NSA (North Star Assessment) or IA (Interim Assessment), I am doing "small group" proctoring. Instead of trying to get work done while simultaneously proctoring a room of 20 students, I acting as scribe for a single, sweetheart, skills student. I read the questions for him and write his essays. It's a little more work to do, but it's much more laid back. Besides, I'm in a room with about 12 students and 4 teachers, so I can take a break to get water or use the bathroom. I don't need my usual test-day rule of never drinking any water at all. I also got to know my student a lot better.
That helped make my day better, more relaxing, and less exhausting.
Stay tuned tomorrow or the next day for a story about a running adventure and a really interesting review lesson.
Monday, back to school, was pretty uneventful, although I expertly removed a student from class and I don't think the other students even noticed. It's quite a change from my past technique of getting angry, yelling, and then having the class completely derailed. It's part of my work to use a strong voice, and not waste time on unnecessary words or raising my voice. My IL was pretty proud.
On the other hand, I showed that I get so nervous about my most challenging class that my tone changes. I become less excited, less vibrant, less urgent. I need to work on consistency in tone. That is my new project.
The big change in the testing schedule this round is that for each subject NSA (North Star Assessment) or IA (Interim Assessment), I am doing "small group" proctoring. Instead of trying to get work done while simultaneously proctoring a room of 20 students, I acting as scribe for a single, sweetheart, skills student. I read the questions for him and write his essays. It's a little more work to do, but it's much more laid back. Besides, I'm in a room with about 12 students and 4 teachers, so I can take a break to get water or use the bathroom. I don't need my usual test-day rule of never drinking any water at all. I also got to know my student a lot better.
That helped make my day better, more relaxing, and less exhausting.
Stay tuned tomorrow or the next day for a story about a running adventure and a really interesting review lesson.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
The Bonk
Spring Break has sprung! (Which is great, because Spring is still working on it.) Break was wonderful, and relaxing.
Accomplishments:
My first Seder! 2 Jews, 3 non-Jews, and some chicken. Big success.
4000 yards swum in 2 swims (about 2.3 miles, almost the distance of an Ironman)
25.7 miles run in 5 runs, including an 8- and a 10-miler (almost the distance of a marathon)
20 miles biked in 1 bike (it would've been more, but I had a little cold at the start of break)
3-bean chili with chipotle chive cornbread
36 stars in Super Mario 64
No injuries!
It was a good week, and I did a good job of relaxing.
Most importantly, I diagnosed the problem I had at my first half marathon. I had done a 12 mile training run, pretty comfortably, so expected the 13.1 to be the same. It was NOT. At about mile 11, I was feeling so bad. The last 2.1 miles were the hardest I've ever run in my life (including four hours into a triathlon). In fact, I use that as a motivation to push harder sometimes, because I know I have more in me if it doesn't feel that bad. Stupidly, I didn't realize the problem was so obvious. I was hungry.
I had been training with snacks (energy gels or candy). I had taken a small snack every 30-45 minutes. On the day of the race, I was too self-conscious to wear my waist-pack, so I ate all of my snacks at the start. I figured that the first few miles of upset stomach was the worst of it, but I was wrong. It was the awful crash 150 minutes later. Runners call it "bonking".
Problem solved. Take snacks in my race, and I'll be all set. Easy as 13.1 miles.
I'm incredibly busy this week, due to some scheduling challenges (and our last round of interim assessments), so I'll update more soon.
Accomplishments:
My first Seder! 2 Jews, 3 non-Jews, and some chicken. Big success.
4000 yards swum in 2 swims (about 2.3 miles, almost the distance of an Ironman)
25.7 miles run in 5 runs, including an 8- and a 10-miler (almost the distance of a marathon)
20 miles biked in 1 bike (it would've been more, but I had a little cold at the start of break)
3-bean chili with chipotle chive cornbread
36 stars in Super Mario 64
No injuries!
It was a good week, and I did a good job of relaxing.
Most importantly, I diagnosed the problem I had at my first half marathon. I had done a 12 mile training run, pretty comfortably, so expected the 13.1 to be the same. It was NOT. At about mile 11, I was feeling so bad. The last 2.1 miles were the hardest I've ever run in my life (including four hours into a triathlon). In fact, I use that as a motivation to push harder sometimes, because I know I have more in me if it doesn't feel that bad. Stupidly, I didn't realize the problem was so obvious. I was hungry.
I had been training with snacks (energy gels or candy). I had taken a small snack every 30-45 minutes. On the day of the race, I was too self-conscious to wear my waist-pack, so I ate all of my snacks at the start. I figured that the first few miles of upset stomach was the worst of it, but I was wrong. It was the awful crash 150 minutes later. Runners call it "bonking".
Problem solved. Take snacks in my race, and I'll be all set. Easy as 13.1 miles.
I'm incredibly busy this week, due to some scheduling challenges (and our last round of interim assessments), so I'll update more soon.
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