J is for jogging. I despise jogging. There is nothing fun about jogging and feeling your blubber bounce up and down each time your foot slams into the pavement. I have always wanted to be a runner. In my mind when I think of runners, I think of thin, lean, healthy women. Who wouldn’t want to be that?
I have probably started some sort of jogging program at least 52 times. No program has worked. I get about two weeks in, and find a reason to quit. My go-to reason is: I am not a runner. Some people are built for it, and others aren’t.
Two weeks ago, I started yet ANOTHER jogging/running program. It is called the C25K. Couch to 5K. Just to up the anny, I added the pressure of students to the mix. I was talking to a student about starting this, and she asked if she could do it with me. The next thing I know, I have persuaded about 17 students to join us. Crazy, I know.
After getting permission from the school, and convincing another teacher to get on board, we sent out the permission slips. I was shocked at how many kids wanted to do this. I explained that it wasn’t going to be fun. I told the kids I’m not just a hard ass in the classroom, but I would be equally as tough on them out on the field. Day one, kids show up with their shoes on ready to go. We get out there and start the program.
I have never been so proud in all my life. These kids are amazing. Not only were they motivating me, but they were motivating the students at the back of the group. They ran around them and encouraged them. Made my heart melt. If it weren’t for these kids, I wouldn’t be out there three times a week. They make me want to improve myself. I have about four students that are on the heavy side, and they are out there working their butts off. Do you think they are quitting? Nope.
I can’t complain about wishing I were thinner. I know I was blessed with an amazing metabolism. Two weeks after giving birth to a 10.6 pound baby, I was back in my pre-pregnancy jeans and below my pre-pregnancy weight. I still have a stretched out stomach, but I am still blessed. There are people that aren’t as lucky as me. There are kids that aren’t as lucky as me. With that said, these kids don’t sit and dwell on the fact they are overweight. They are out there working hard to improve their health. They are excited about it. They have energy. These kids make me want to be a better person. They have more heart than I do.
We haven’t planned the 5k yet, but we are planning to do one at the end. They are getting so pumped about the end. I am going to need to do something special for them because by the end of this, they will have earned it.
I love my kids. They give me all the encouragement I need to continue. They make my heart smile when I see and hear them encourage each other. They make me proud when the show up every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday ready to run with no excuses lined up. Their drive and spirit make me run just a little harder and a little longer each day. Love them.
So awesome!!!
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