My students rock!!! They will rise to almost any challenge presented to them. Waaaaaaaay back in November when I was upping my count in pushups I challenged them to join me. We started out with a few groans and whines, but everybody did them the first day (and every day after that!) They all thought they were such studs - until the second day! When they dropped into their first pushup position they were very surprised by the pain they felt in those unused muscles!! Loud moans and groans accompanied the pushups that day! But they all did them - every single one. It was so exciting for them to see their growth - many kids progressed from doing all pushups on their knees to every single one on toes!! A few of them added in their own styles. So many times the dismissal bell was just about to ring when one of the kids would shout out a reminder to do pushups. One time we forgot and one of my students called me after school to ask me to send a reminder text. The next day the kids came to school to tell me they had received the text in supermarkets, grandparents' houses, or supper time with their family. They all did the 30 pushups on their own. These are committed kids!!! Yes, they had fun flexing those biceps, but the best growth was the self-esteem. They set out on a challenge that many thought impossible at the start and they did it!!!!! This teacher is proud!!!
I am super excited to tell them about the next challenge I have for them (besides rocking the state tests!!) They all know that I am running a 50K in April. They are great supporters and love to hear about my long miles, new shoes, and running stories. So with this knowledge, I am going to challenge them to run 31 miles in the 31 days leading up to my 50K!!! I have a plan on how we will accomplish that - we will run for the first 10-15 minutes of recess-- together, all of us. Some may start out walking and that is fine. But I bet you anything by the end of the 31 miles ALL will be running!!!! I am calling this run the S'milin' Away 50K! All who complete it will receive a t-shirt with a huge smiley face on the front. I have been checking out prices and I think I can make it affordable for all. I would also love to put together a swag bag - if you have any ideas for cheap or free prizes let me know.
I hope that I am a positive role model for the kids - I truly believe that a healthy body equals a healthy mind. I want them to know that running does not have to be their exercise of choice, but that exercising should be a choice they make every day!
