Starting to feel it...

missg86 · #1 10-22-2009, 05:38 PM

This is just a vent, but I'm wondering if anyone else feels the same way.

I'm a runner. I love to run. Last year when I was subbing I would run everyday after work and it was great. Now that I have my own classroom I'm constantly writing lesson plans, making sure I'm on top of my paperwork, and creating activities for my classroom. I do more than what's necessary or what people expect (especially from a first year teacher), so I know I could take a break... but whenever I'm about to head out for a run, or to do anything else for that matter, I always feel guilty about not spending that time doing things for my classroom. So I don't end up going. So far I've only been running on the weekends... and it just feels wrong.

Bleh... anyone else going through this?!

jen12 · #2 10-23-2009, 07:55 PM

I hear you. I'm not a full time teacher yet, just a sub and I have more time off than not lately. When I did my student teaching last year I forced myself to run regularly, and trained for a marathon. I almost gave up teaching when I got horribly sick the weekend of the marathon and couldn't participate. I've never been so angry at a job before!

Don't feel guilty. You'll need the fitness to fight off illness in the winter and the cardio also helps relieve stress. It will help center you and you may even come up with better ideas while running than you would by working. Take care of yourself or you won't be able to take care of the kids....at the very least, tell yourself that you'll set aside one hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays or whatever two days of the week work for you. Two hours a week won't make or break your teaching performance, will it?

fratermus · #3 10-24-2009, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by missg86

break... but whenever I'm about to head out for a run, or to do anything else for that matter, I always feel guilty about not spending that time doing things for my classroom. So I don't end up going. So far I've only been running on the weekends... and it just feels wrong.

I think you are a runner, and runners must run.

What if you thought of your running as a necessary part of your day, part of what makes you a talented, happy even-keeled teacher? I suspect that when you do not run you are cheating your students by not giving them 100% of your gifts. :-)

How are we doing? Are you lacing your shoes up yet? No? How about this one...
What if you carried a lightweight digital voice recorder with you and recorded ideas, fragments of plans, and other teaching-related snippets that floated through your mind while you are running? I had a professor that said he got most of his ideas while running, and felt like if he could run forever he could solve all the world's problems. It was hyperbole, but indicates how stimulative a run can be. The trick is to bring the snippets back for later reflection.

No? Still not planning Monday's route? Here is the last arrow in my quiver, and it's an unashamed appeal to authority:
Legend claims Aristotle's school was called "peripatetic" because of his habit of constantly walking while lecturing.

I hope this helps. Let us know what you decide.

MissEducation · #4 10-26-2009, 03:26 PM

I feel you. I've worked out about 5 times since the beginning of the school year and used to about 5x/week. I've also gained about 5 pounds because of it

I also find it hard to set aside time to do anything constructive that I enjoy - usually any free time I have just goes to watching TV or playing online because I have no energy left for my "old" hobbies like knitting, running, scrapbooking, photography, etc. It's like I have no creative or emotional juice left after a day of school.

Let us know if you think of some strategies!

mrachelle87 · #5 10-26-2009, 04:33 PM

You owe it to yourself to run. It will make you a better teacher to have a release. Just do it.

DrivingPigeon · #6 10-26-2009, 06:20 PM

Don't feel guilty-get out and run!!! Last year was my first year and I gained about 5 pounds. You'll feel way worse if you can't get your pants on!

newexperiences · #7 10-27-2009, 01:22 AM

It will get better. The first few months of teaching I felt bad about spending even weekends doing something other than preparing. After a while you will be able to relax more, it will come!!!

teacheragz · #8 10-27-2009, 04:34 AM

I hope you are able to get back to your running. I am certain it makes you a better teacher and person. As others have said, don't feel guilty.

I know how you feel. Over the summer I waas finally committed to a workout program to get myself healthy and I felt great. Then school started and immediately I was 2 weeks behind. Starting a new nine weeks today was supposed to be "refreshing" but alas...still weeks behind.

At some point I am going to have to accept this is a job not my life.

RUN! RUN! RUN!

missg86 · #9 10-27-2009, 10:11 AM

Thanks all! I'm definitely going to try and get out more... I think I might start by doing 3 days a week, and then adding more on as I get comfortable with school. I like the idea of telling myself it's a priority-- or as I tell my kids a "must-do!"

I will definitely be a happier person if I start getting back into my old routine...