Feel Free to IMPROVE

I have written about my C25K...

I am writing a letter to Michelle Obama, and would LOVE to get your input in my letter.  PLEASE if you see any mistakes, or ways I can word things different, I would greatly appreciate it.  This is your opportunity to rip up my writing (for the good).  Don't just tell me it is good, tell me how I can improve it.  I need to mail it out by Wednesday...so the clock is ticking!!

Thank you!!

My name is **.  I am a 7th grade Language Arts teacher at ** Middle School in **, Connecticut.  I am excited to share with you what our school is doing to follow your lead in your Let’s Move Program.  

Recently coming out of a pregnancy, I felt unmotivated to get back in shape.  I was talking to a student and told her I needed to get back into shape.  I explained that I considered doing a C25K (Couch-to-5-K).  She asked if it was something she could do with me after school.  Excited at the thought of having someone join me, I decided to open the offer up to our entire team (70 students).  I also convinced another teacher on my team, Sarah * , to run with us.  Sarah, also wanting to get in shape, quickly agreed.  Over a two week period, we went from two teachers and a student to two teachers and 13 students. 

After we got permission slips signed, we started our eight week program.  The C25K is a program that trains you to be able to run a 5k.  It starts off with a short run/walk method.  We are four weeks in and we are already up to running 3 minutes/5 minutes/3 minutes/5 minutes.  

This group of kids motivate me.  If it weren’t for them showing up every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday...I wouldn’t have stuck with it at long as I have.  These students have odds stacked against them.  They come from an underprivileged school AND a quarter of them are battling obesity.  Despite their obstacles, we have not had a single student drop out.  We have, however, gained two students and three teachers.  

I just want to share with you what it is like to be encouraged by children.  Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, these students give up their after school time (45 minutes) to head out into the warm weather for a difficult run.  To see the faster students circle the slower students and give them encouragement and accolades for running, is absolutely inspiring.  When I am struggling, I just look at them and my desire to walk dissipates.  The energy and heart they have, keeps me pushing forward.  

Our plan is to run a 5k at the end of our eight weeks (June 8th or 9th).  We feel they have earned the right to wear a number across their chest as they run through the finish line of a goal that seemed unachievable to many of them.  These kids have changed my life in a wonderful way.  I know they have motivated the other teachers and each other.  We are so proud of them and I wanted to share their achievement with you.  Thank you for promoting health and exercise for children.