Thursday, October 19, 2006

When all else fails

When all else fails, I am trying to remember that I trained for an Ironman for 9 months, and for those 9 months, I managed to find time to work, eat, sleep, and train from 8-19 hours a week consistently.

I'm trying to remember that because I am buried under a sea of 78 projects--although they are very creative and really good and it excites me to see what the kids come up with, at the same time, grading 78 projects and 78 corresponding papers is a little overwhelming. It looks like a history book threw up in my classroom right now.

And next week, I have to give tests in each class, grade them, and grade everything else that's piled from this week, and get my grades for all students entered in the system.

Ah, yes. The end of the grading period. Those that are educators out there know what I mean.

When all else fails, I try not to think of what January-August might bring, as we are transitioning a bit and still trying to find what's the next best step. And it's a bit scary to think of what we might be doing, or how we pay for it, etc. etc. etc.

So when all else fails I remember that somehow I managed those 9 months.

So I've been trying to get a few workouts in, because I need them more this week than ever. I tried some speedwork for the first time since, oh, June. 800 repeats, TriSaraTops. TriSaraTops, 800 repeats. Nice to meet you.

And it didn't go so bad. One was under 3:40. The rest weren't, but were close, and all things considered, I'll take that for this week.

When all else fails, I remember what I did on September 10th and how I got there, and I don't sweat it.

When I talked to my friend today, and I realized how much she needs me, and needs her friends and family right now, I dropped what I was doing and dropped my workout so I could try to help. And I feel bad--like I didn't really help, and wasn't of much use--but when all else fails, I remember that sometimes it takes a long time and a lot of patience to make a difference, so I will keep trying and trying and trying. And I know how strong she is and how strong I am and I know we'll get through this together.

As I sit here, completely overwhelmed by numerous responsibilities I have this week--as a friend, as a wife, as an educator--I think about what really matters. What really matters is their projects might take a few days. And that's okay. Because tomorrow I will get on a plane, and repay a favor that meant more to me (and continues to mean more to me) than I can really explain. I will be there as my friend Jaclyn takes on her first Marathon in Chicago--because she was with me every step of the way in Madison, consistently checking on me when I was overwhelmed with training and life, sending me cards just to let me know that I was inspiring her.

Me? Inspiring her? It still seems crazy.

So I will be there for her. And I hope that I can give her as much support as she did for me that day. And I will do whatever I can to make sure she has an amazing, amazing race day. No matter what happens.

Because when all else fails, you remember what's important--your friends, your love, your family. You remember what Ironman taught you. To eliminate everything else except these things, because you have to or you just won't make it even to the starting line.

And so that's what you do.

17 comments:

a.maria said...

"...Because when all else fails, you remember what's important--your friends, your love, your family...."

thanks for the post. sometimes its so easy to forget.. but you're right.

that IS what's important. and sometimes i need the reminder.

Wes said...

So many other challenges in life. It's nice to have something like an Ironman to put them into perspective. Sometimes the greatest gift is just being there. You may never know. But they will know. And that's what counts.

teacherwoman said...

Ahhh...the joys (or not) of being a teacher! Good thing the paperwork is usually outweighed by many many other wonderful things that happen within the classroom!!

Habeela said...

I was just wondering something similar today. I guess it doesn't matter what or how much you have to do...it always seems like too much. :)

LoneStarCrank said...

That's the great cycle of this sport... each person feeding off of another, each milestone a marker that continues to teach long after the finish.

Thanks for the great posts and perspective.

tryathlete said...

Well put, Sara. Sometimes we are so fixated by training details we forget those who sacrifice to let us do what we want.

Have fun in Chicago!

BuckeyeRunner said...

Nice post. You are a great friend. Good luck to Jaclyn in Chicago this weekend! Have fun!

RunBubbaRun said...

Good luck to jacks this sunday, it will be a great time for both of you. The marathon expo is way cool. Supporting your friend is truely awesome. That is what this stuff is all about sometimes.

Jodi said...

It's so great that you will be able to be there for your friend this weekend. I think it will mean a lot to her to have someone who knows exactly what she's going through. Have fun in Chi-town!

Jodi

Cliff said...

it takes a long time and a lot of patience to make a difference, so I will keep trying and trying and trying

Thanks for reminding me.

walchka said...

Great post Sara! I'll see you in Chi-town...

Rae said...

Have fun supporting in Chicago this weekend. Crowd support is so important and I know your friend and all the RBFers will appreciate it.

I can't wait to win Powerball so I can take the whole RBF on the most amazing, relaxing, stress free cruise. I guess I might need to buy a ticket to make that happen.

Papa Louie said...

So good for you to be there for your friend Jaclyn in Chicago. We'll be cheering for her and we hope you have a great time too. "...Because when all else fails, you remember what's important--your friends, your love, your family...."

TriBoomer a.k.a. Brian said...

Ahhhh yes... it's easy to lose focus of what's important. Thanks for reminding us.

Have fun in Chitown.

Stay tuned...

The Big Cheese said...

I am not sure where in Ohio you are located, but I am currently in Columbus. Do you know anything about this city? Where do I have to go?

Drop me an email if you have any ideas.

PS. I like'em with low self-esteem.

Spokane Al said...

Well said. You are obviously a good friend who remembers and appreciates.

xt4 said...

That was awesome.