How did I get here?

I am 41 years old and I ran my first 5k road race today.  I've participated in several road races--Susan G Komen Race for the Cure 5ks, 2 or 3 times and the Bay to Breakers Road Race (a 12k) 7 times.  But I always walked or power-walked them.  For few of the Bay to Breakers races I actually walked at an average of a 12.30 minute mile. Almost a jog, but not.
Today I ran a full 3 miles straight.  Until this year I had never done that.  Two miles, yes (over 25 years ago), three, not until this year.  In the grand scheme of runners, I don't rate, not even for my age.  And frankly, this was more of a fun run than a real race.  But in the grand scheme of me, it's a  big ding dang deal.
There were a lot of things I had to give up to get here.
I had to give up a lot of previously held ideas.

• that I wasn't made for running
• that weather forecasts are good planning tools
• that it could be too cold to run
• that running was an instant weight loss program
• that exercising is something best done solo

I had to give up some other things too.

• excuses
• sleeping past 5 am regularly
• hating running
• crashing in the afternoons due to lack of energy

But the trade-off has been pretty amazing.  I have gained so much--more than I can list completely but here are a few highlights.

• quality time with a good friend
• realization that I actually can run
• realization that running in the cold is actually exhilarating and actually easier than running in the heat
• a reminder that fitness is as important as losing weight (though weight is slowly and healthily coming off)
• a confirmation that committing to a friend you would never willingly let down is an incredible motivator (I just wouldn't get up at 5 to run in the dark for myself)
• the joy of inspiring my daughter (she got up at 6 AM one morning to run with Pam and me  and wants to run the Color Run in Birmingham)
• the knowledge that very little can get in my way when I'm motivated (we ran in the pitch dark, the rain, the snow, windchills of 19 degrees, took on fearsome hills, and even clingy children).  
• greater alertness and energy, especially on the days that I run
• a tighter bond with my dog (she runs with us when I'm home)
• inspiration and support from others

Pam and I started our Ease into 5K program on January fourth.  We've run almost every other day since--sometimes two days in a row.  We have actually been running 5K or more on our workout runs for the past month.  The Nashville Color Run was the first official 5K road race we have participated in, thus far.  However, I'm already registered for another one next weekend, a lower key event closer to home--Lead Me to the Cross 5K sponsored Mount Zion Baptist Church.  The event proceeds are donated to their neighborhood fire department.  And I've also registered myself and my 5 year old daughter for the Color Run in Birmingham (she has asked to participate and is already excited about it).  

I still feel like my real test of will and spirit will be making it through our crazy hot summer, but I have confidence that we'll do it.  Pam was already mentioning buying gear in preparation for running next winter.  We've got plans, see.  

Teacher of the Year

There's a lot of talk about teachers these days.  Many of my friends are teachers so I know there are really great ones out there (yes, all my friends who teach are awesome at it--not my bias, just my good luck with having fabulous friends).  And many of my friends have had distressing experiences with their children's teachers, so I know there are some who might be better suited for something else.
Today, I'd like to talk about a really great public school teacher.  I think we should celebrate them more often.  I can't imagine the sort of challenge is must be to deal with a class of students with various backgrounds, unknown home lives and distinctive learning styles.  Add to that the general challenge of dealing with any 5 or 6 year old child, much less nearly 20 of them--I am not sure why anyone wants to do it other than they are called.
I learned a little while ago that E's kindergarten teacher was her school's teacher of the year.  I wasn't surprised.  I've seen this teacher in action, she really has a handle on her class while maintaining the sweetest southern disposition you've ever seen.  She doesn't appear to play favorites and her students all appear to adore her.  And she definitely seems to love her work.
E loves her so much she'll sometimes say her teacher's name when she means 'mom' and vice versa.  But E's affection for her may not be all that unique.  E loves learning and has always been fond of her teachers.  Still, I think there's something extra special about Mrs. Dutton.
I have heard great things about all the kindergarten teachers at Walter Jackson Elementary School.  So what is it that makes Mrs. Dutton "Teacher of the Year" caliber?  Well, I believe it's her heart.
She really seems to care deeply about the children in her class.  She's been wonderful about communicating with me about E's good and bad moments in class.  She's not just concerned with her learning but her character development as well--she wants her students to become educated AND good people.  She also has shown she is concerned with each child having a good experience at school--she doesn't want them to feel singled out or left out for anything they cannot help.
I've mentioned on occasion that my E has a peanut allergy.  She's not a the point of severe reactions but we'd like to keep it that way--especially since you often don't know they've reached that point until they do.  So we a careful with what she eats.  E is aware of the risk, asks questions when something is a new food and is very good at accepting when food may not be safe.  Naturally, we informed the school and specifically, told her teacher about this.
Mrs. Dutton has been thoughtful about contacting me if there is any suspect food someone has brought for snack and has even gone so far as to keep a stash of vetted chocolate bars for E to have in lieu of a potentially nutty option.
And today, I got this email from her:
Hello!  E made a 100 on her sight word test!!!  We are going to have ice cream with all the fixings.  Is there a specific type of ice cream she can have and what fixings (caramel, chocolate syrups, cherries, ready whip cream, etc.) can she have.  I can give her skittles and sprinkles if I need to.  I already have that.  I just want to make sure her treat is just as good as the rest!  Thanks so much!!
It's that last bit, "I just want to make sure her treat is just as good as the rest!" that makes Mrs. Dutton so special.  To me, it's the difference between a good teacher and a great teacher.  Putting out that kind of care, attention and love has got to be exhausting.  I am so glad she was recognized for being willing to give that much of herself, for being truly great!

And it doesn't hurt her street cred that this is what my daughter drew for me yesterday: