RunSingTeach

So here I am starting Day 7 of the 21 Day Sugar Detox. I have been reading about the program for a while. I hear Diane and Liz talk about it frequently on the Balanced Bites Podcast. So finally, on a random Tuesday, I took the leap.

Here is a short summary of the program:

21 Days. Yes to Veggies, Meat, Poultry, Fish, Good Fats, Most Nuts/Seeds, and Grass Pastured Diary. No to Grains, Legumes, almost all Fruit, Alcohol, Sugar (natural or synthetic of any kind), and virtually all processed foods. No Cheat Days. No Dispensations.

Goodbye Desktop Snacks. See you in 3 weeks, maybe…

What am I hoping to accomplish?

A re-set of my digestive system, a renewed sense of energy, and a met commitment. The reduction of food urges and allowing my life to be led by sugar highs and crashes. The ability to make more rational choices about my food. The ability to say no to a daily coca-cola.

What am I eating?

I’m eat a lot of veggies, salads with olive oil/balsamic, greens. Meat and chicken, an attempt at fish this week. I’m allowed dairy so I’ve put a little cheese in my diet for protein and fat. I could not live without almond butter, unsweetened coconut flakes, and pecans right now. You are allowed one green apple per day and I had my first one (cooked with almond butter and cinnamon) yesterday. It was like manna from heaven. You are allowed one cup of sweet potato or butternut squash per day. Before coaching on Saturday, I had a cup of mashed sweets with a tablespoon of grass-pastured butter. It was DELICIOUS. I think I’m going to lean on this allowance of one cup of sweets per day just for my sanity. Friday night’s dinner was amazingly delicious.

Taco meet with grass fed beef, lettuce “shells”, red pepper, yogurt-cilantro dip, guacamole. Yeah. I can do it.

What am I feeling so far?

Hungry and a little nauseous. I started the program with a massive head cold, so I’m not sure how the first few days would have gone if I had already felt ok. I have this lightened sensation in my stomach. I’m not sure I believe the scale when it says I’ve lost 10 pounds since my last dr visit. I’ll judge that by my pants which generally feel the same. If I were to self-diagnose, I would say I need MORE food. I’m finding I still have no interest in breakfast, but I’m also finding I have lost interest in drinking coffee. (Say What?!) So far I’ve been able to combat and say no to any and all cravings I have. Today is mac and cheese day at school and that hurts my heart just a little bit, but I know it is worth it. To the salad bar!! I made it through eating out with my Mom and sisters and they endured my ordering and I endured the beautiful basket of sea salt-rosemary fries before me.

So ummm, running?

Other than 40 minutes of coaching last Saturday (Day 5), I have not run in 2 weeks. First it was lack of motivation and last week it was the giant massive cold that kept me sleeping whenever I wasn’t at work.  So now I need to get back into gear and make sure a long run happens this coming weekend. This is where I’m not completely sure how to fuel. If all forms of traditional “on the road” nutrition are out…what do I eat at mile 7 of a 12 mile run? Do I need to eat anything? Or do I just put an avocado in my pocket…..Thank goodness for the forum support on facebook for the 21DSD! I shall ask away and I always get great answers.

All in all I feel like this was the right choice for me. To try this form of diet modification just to see what happens. How will my body become fat adapted rather than carb dependent? When this is over what will I add back and what I will say sayonara to forever? One week down and 2 to go. I’ll report back in a week and let you know…until then….

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A lot of people have told me throughout my years that I take things too personally. I cause myself unnecessary pain and suffering by thinking that things I believe, do, and say or that are done and said to me are personal. Well…that is completely true. And no one can say it better than Meg Ryan as Kathleen Kelly in You’ve Got Mail.

I suppose I could try to thicken my skin or morph my personality to be someone who isn’t 24/7 passionate about my work, but I don’t think that would allow me to be true to myself. If we are truly fearfully and wonderfully made then I want to respect that God gave me passions and one of those passions is learning. I get to be passionate about learning and growing and I believe that it may cause me pain now and again. So be it.

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I am suffering a bit from blogging relevance deficit so I’ve been a bit dormant lately. I know, I know….you anxiously wait with bated breath my next inspiring post but alas, you shall keep waiting.

So in the spirit of maintaining my rep as a “blogger”, here is my Friday Five.

1. I’m training my sister(s) for the Iron Girl Half Marathon. They are amazing and kicking total butt in workouts. Nothing says get out of your pj’s like seeing two emails from MapMyRun where your sisters (younger and older) have already completely the weekend workout!

2.  I got in the pool today for the first time. It wasn’t pretty but I felt happy all day because I smelled like chlorine and I drove to school with goggle eyes. I love it….why don’t I swim more?

 

3. I have a boyfriend who understands that I need to end this week with wine, pizza, and fancy pants ice cream. Yup, none of this is gluten free, paleo, vegan, or dairy free. And that just has to be damn ok today.

4. My Friday’s at school end with 12 kindergarteners ascending to the computer lab for class. Today’s class was awesome. Sticker worthy!! And I am so grateful to be a teacher.

5. We need a house (or townhouse) with a yard so badly. Why? Because of course we have our fur-love, Parker, and because I want this guy to be Parker’s brother.

That’s all for now. I promise, more relevance at some point. For now, thanks for letting me read YOUR blogs, stati, and other such musings.Oh, and GO RAVENS!!!

Peace.

RST

Whoa…where did 2012 go? It seems like yesterday I was getting fitted for my second round in a boot and writing about my explorations with paleo eating and adding all sorts of supplements because of an array of health nonsense. Now here we are on December 30th and I’m not sure what I accomplished this year. This year has flown by and I’m more than ready to start fresh with a new year.

I am in a place right now where I don’t a lot of things “for sure”. I know that we are blessed beyond imagination. I know that I have joined a new sort of community this year via social media. I have found this amazing group of women who hashtag their way into amazing influence in health, fitness, humor, and faith. I am so grateful for them even though most of us have never met face to face.

Dear BF and I were joking that we are proudly admitting to be “resolutioners” in the gym come Tuesday. We have 5 Ironmans and 15 marathons between us and we are currently pudgy, sluggish, and in need of better fitting pants. So off we will go to the “gym-let” to start burning the fat. We’ve decided it is a bit more economical to save our skinny pants and lose some lbs before we attempt shopping. Hopefully my students won’t notice that I only have 4 pairs of pants.

I am thankful for the people in my daily life and work who bring me inspiration. If there is one thing I CAN say I have done this year, it is renewed my commitment to studying the Word. I really appreciate the SheReadsTruth community for getting me started on this path and the Episcopal Digital Network, for taking over when I needed more meat in my study. This was a year I needed to be reminded that “when I am weak, I am very strong.”

We have no idea where we will be in the next year or what we will be doing. We are excited about possibilities and humbled by the waiting process. I am hoping to use this time of waiting as the chance to stay present. To serve where I am, to bring glory while I’m waiting. Our kick-a** priest (yup, she is) wrote an amazing prayer for our Prayers of the People last weekend and I haven’t asked her but I’m going to share it anyway as it completely and totally fits my hope for 2013.

“Almighty and gracious God, like your children from generation to generation, we trust that you hear our prayers. Help us grow in trusting that your response to our prayers is right and good, even when it looks differently than we expected. As we pray, give us discerning hearts to know when to partner with you quickly and when to wait and listen patiently. With faithful hearts in Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen” Rev. Sarah Lapenta-H, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Norwood

May the New Year bring you and your family health, peace, and delight beyond measure.

Peace.
RST

**This is a cross post with my teacher blog-teach2connect. I thought it appropriate for anyone in any situation that might lead to a burnout worthy frenetic pace.**

Our lovely and wonderful students went home on Wednesday to spend time with their friends and family for winter break. Faculty and staff alike are also undertaking a time of rest. My goal over break is to read a few great books, reconnect with a few friends, and spend time with my family. Just after we return in January, report cards will be due for review by teachers. We have an impending professional day too and our world will ramp immediately back up to its frenetic pace. Our amazing Asst. Head of School wrote a great email to her Middle School faculty before break that reminded them to actually take a break. For like the diligent type A teachers we are, some of this rest time might be spent crafting amazing tomes for our parents to read about their children. My sincere hope is that while this might take a little time, that we all use these days as a time for respite.

Respite is one of my favorite words. I find that it to be a great noun-to take respite-a thing that is not tangible but is so incredibly valuable. Educators often shun respite; we work through illness, exhaustion, casting aside our personal lives for 8-12 hours a day so that we can be incredible teachers. This can lead us to a dark hole of burn-out. So taking our respite is essential to our strength as teachers. We must take breaks, true breaks, to renew our own bodies, minds, and souls in order to best serve our families and communities.

As our days are shorter and darkness finds our world earlier, I feel we have the natural reminder to slow down. To rejuvenate. I hope, dear reader, that as you take your own winter break that you find time for personal respite and renewal. It is not a selfish act to care for oneself, in fact, it is a great gift. As you give of yourself to others day in and day out, please use this time to allow yourself care. You will be better for having given yourself a well-deserved break.

Happy Everything.

I’m running a half marathon tomorrow. In days of old, this wouldn’t be a big deal but since my “retirement”, I’m sort of freaking out. I have spent more time on the couch than on my feet in the last few months. I’ve been trying to sleep more and study more and stay calm to reduce my symptoms of hypo-thyroid. Nevertheless, I’m getting up tomorrow and running 13.1 miles along the Delaware seashore.

Why not just quit, DNS, and eat ice cream on the couch? This is why:

 

       

 

 

This magical place called The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp makes a difference in the lives of so many children. It has been a few years since I have put on the Camp Circle rainbow colors and put my feet to pavement (or my cycle wheels to ground) for them and I knew I had to go back to the TEAM. You see, camp is no ordinary place. Like I said before, it is a magical place where kids get to “raise a little hell” and be themselves for a week. They can put cancer and other life-threatening illnesses aside to climb to the top of the treehouse or zip line down from the tower.

Many friends and family members have given of their blessings to help support camp and me as I take on another running adventure. My end of the bargain tomorrow, running in Rehoboth, might be a little painful and might take a little longer than usual, but I will cross that finish line. With each step, I will hold the campers, their families, their counselors, and the whole HITWG team in my thoughts. Their battles and their work are so much bigger and more important than running a race and I’m glad to honor them by doing so.

I offer great thanks to all of my supporters this year and thanks to Team Hole in the Wall for allowing me into their fray once again.

Peace.

 

Yesterday marked the first day of the season of Advent. I love this season. I love the idea of preparing our hearts for a great mystery that we get to commemorate every year. Sure, I put up my hot pink tree yesterday with lots of little ornaments and put up my nativity scene. Sure, I have purchased a present or two so far (with a few more on the list.) But I don’t really feel connected to consumer christmas (lower case c on purpose). I get angry at the endless commercials for deals and toys that no one actually needs. I feel overwhelmed by the planning and hustle. Every year Advent comes like a swoosh to Christmas. But this year I feel differently.

I want to break this cycle of feeling overwhelmed and concentrate on the true preparations for the (re)birth of Jesus. And more importantly to remember His message to us. I want to remember the fact that there are millions of people in this world who aren’t too worried about the new iPad mini or the pink Barbie dream house, because they are, in fact, hoping that they will eat this Christmas. I want to remember the millions of children around the world without access to clean water. I want to remember the children who fight cancer and life-threatening illness and their families that do everything they can to support them.  I want to remember why we have this holiday and not what Hallmark, Target, or Best Buy want us to remember. I want to prepare my heart and serve this King.

Is my heart ready? If the newborn king were to be born in my apartment in Maryland instead of stable in Bethlehem, would I open my door and give Him all I can? He asks for our heart; nothing more, nothing less.

Want to give more of your heart this Christmas? Here are some resources:

Advent Conspiracy

Episcopal Relief and Development

JustTryanIt

Hole in the Wall Gang Camp

24 Hours of Booty

Heifer International

World Vision

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have wanted to go to Harvard for about oh, my entire life. In the last few years this pull has become stronger as I seek higher academic study. This past week, a mini-version of my dream came true as I participated in the New and Aspiring Leaders Institute at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. WOO HOO.

One of the best parts, taking two runs around the Harvard Campus and specifically the Charles River. I have seen people running these hallowed lanes and rowing down the river in movies galore. Specifically, a cold winter morning run with the crew team in With Honors…(one of my favorite movies of all time.) This is what I picture in my head when I think of running at Harvard.

 

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So I mapped out a 5k run and took off on Sunday morning with my iPhone in tow hoping to capture a moment or two of Ivy League bliss. It was all I had magically hoped for; a crisp fall morning, scullers pulling out of the boathouse, bright shining sun. Sometimes it is in these moments of joy that I know God exists and hears my prayers. Here is my, non-professional take on the surroundings of my run.

And there you have it. A perfect fall 5k that took me past K school, along the river, over the bridge, and back home again in perfect idyllic fashion.

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The interwebs are a swirlin’ with New York City Marathon hullabaloo. To do it? To not? I’ve seen blog posts and comments recognizing the for and against the running of a marathon for 40,000 people through a city less than 7 days outside of a major weather/public health & safety crisis.

My friend Miss Zippy opened a great conversation on her blog with really thoughtful comments. Check them out here. There was a great op-ed in NY Business Week (a Bloomberg publication) about why the marathon should NOT be run. And today an announcement from NYRR establishing a foundation  benefiting Hurricane Sandy victims in NY/NJ.

So for what it is worth, here is my .02. I am a past participant in NYCM. In 2007, I ran my first race for Team Hole in the Wall and it was a once in a lifetime experience. Running the streets of the city with all of its sounds and smells was amazing. Coming into Manhattan for the first time to the wall of cheers brought tears to my eyes and seeing family and my teammates  at mile 17 with giant hugs, incredible. I recommend to every runner I know that they apply for the lottery to get into NYCM or even better run for my awesome team.

With all that said, I just think it is irresponsible for organizers to allow the marathon to go forward this weekend. We are talking less than a week post a mildly catastrophic event that still has residents of NYC without power. The largest commuter system in the country is not fully operational and nor will it be by Sunday. The resources of the city, police, fire and rescue, power companies, water companies, etc., are already being maxed out with recovery efforts and we are going to take them away from their posts to run a footrace? Really? I love my marathons and I love my friends who run them, but in the end, they are simple races. There are others. In the bigger picture of citizenry, this is where I think our marathon mania needs to take a back seat to humanity.

I have heard and respect the arguments of New York Resiliency and good feelings for the city. I have heard about the 350 million dollar influx of cash that marathon participants bring on this lovely fall weekend. Nevertheless, I’m sticking to my guns on this one and sitting firmly in the no camp for NYCM.

So there you have it. If we are friends (or you are one of my three cyber stalkers) and you plan to run NYCM, awesome. I will not judge you for two seconds. You have trained, paid a fortune, and deserve an amazing time. I don’t think you as the participant should be forced to choose which is why I put the onus for the decision on NYRR and Mayor Bloomberg.

Feeling the need to do something about all of this? Pop on over to the American Red Cross and give of your race piggy bank to help those whose minds are surely not focused on a little marathon this weekend.

Peace.

 

 

I sometimes wonder when important dates start to lose their meaning? Does December 7th still live in infamy for people who don’t know anything about it? How many of my students don’t have a personal connection to the date 9/11? Does the average 7 year old know what happened on 11/22/63 and do we need them to hold the day with reverence? How many of us think about birthdays past, or loved ones memorials, or big international events? Why do the numbers stay put in our heads.

This was in my brain yesterday as I passed by a date, lingering on it briefly and silently, thinking in reverence but without regret. It also sits on my heart as I choose NOT to run marathon 12 on the date 12/12 as I did with #10 on 10/10 and #11 on 11/11. I’m ok with letting these dates linger in the cobwebs of my long-term memory. I still pause on 9/13 and think about Ironman and I still wish many a happy birthday on 5/14, 3/14, 6/11, 4/20, and 12/11 (and all the other days facebook tells me to remember). I annually argue with dear K on 6/18 whether it was 6/18 or 6/20 that we met for that first cup of coffee.

As dates pass and change, I think that we can celebrate and remember without having to hold onto deep meaning. I think it is ok to let the wounds of particular days heal and move forward. I hope it is ok to get to 1/1 every year and not be punishing ourselves with resolutions.  I think stopping on 12/25 and remembering the immense hope brought to the world by a single newborn child is a celebration of faith and love. But on those days which we weaved onto our hearts with expectation that now have faded, I think it is ok to let this fade…and make new marks on our calendar for joy.

Happy 10/22/12. A Monday filled with hope.