#MyChicagoMarathon No. 4

This October, I am running the Chicago Marathon!

Why do I want to run 26.2 miles?

The simple answer is because it's something that I've never done before.

However, it's not a simple answer. There was a time, before I learned about mindsets and making intentional efforts to adopt a growth mindset, when I didn't think that I could (either physically or mentally) run 26.2 miles.

This thinking traces back to my experiences participating in track as a high school student. Despite, being on the track team, I was not too keen on running at the time (my participation was for social purposes and/or an effort to remain in shape for the sport that I really cared about, football). In fact, I distinctly remember ruling out the idea of running anything more than four miles. So when these distances were assigned for practices, a group of friends and I would start the route before finding a hiding spot to wait until the timing was reasonable for us to return.

Fast forward six years, and I was running the Bix. This was my first encounter with Davenport's iconic, seven-mile road race. My most distinct memory of that day is thinking, upon crossing the finish line, that I had just participated in the Bix for my first and last time. Then I ran it again, the following summer.

Five years after running my first Bix, I ran my first half-marathon. This was something that I never thought I'd do until I did it. Twelve half-marathons later, running 13.1 miles doesn't take the same amount of mental and/or physical preparation that it once did.

Goals evolve over time - they aren't (or at least they shouldn't be) static. Once you accomplish something, raise the bar. Keep raising the bar. Change a variable. Push yourself outside of your comfort zone.

But more than any other reason, I want to run 26.2 miles because I am a parent. My actions are what my children will remember much longer than what I've said. What we do matters. How can I expect my children to be brave and try new things, hard things if I am not willing to intentionally model those things for them to witness? I'm a leader, and that same rationale applies to those that I lead. I'm also an educator, and this also applies to the students that I serve.

Coming-up, I plan to dedicate my next post to why the timing is right to run my first marathon in 2019; later, I'll share why I'm running for charity, and why I chose Action for Healthy Kids. In the mean time, check-out my page My Chicago Marathon for Action for Healthy Kids. Thanks!

#MyChicagoMarathon No. 3

The interactive image, above, is a Thinglink. Through pictures, I've attempted to capture some of my running highlights from the past three to four years.

Family. Of the 16 photos, my wife and kids are in seven of them. I wouldn't describe any one else in my family as a runner (at least not yet...). Nonetheless, I love having them there when I race. When my kids were smaller, I loved pushing them in the jogging stroller during races. Modeling the lifestyle and mindset of a runner, for my children, is a priority for me.

Travel. These 16 photos were captured in six different states - Iowa, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. I love to travel, and I love to travel to new places. While traveling, I love running to explore. I'm working on a goal to run a half-marathon in half of the United States; as of now, I've run 12 half-marathons in seven different states. These destination races make for great long weekend trips with my family.

School. This my third year as principal at Van Allen Elementary. Two of the accomplishments that I'm most proud of are our Recess Running Club and #WorkoutWednesdays (in fact, a post specific to this is probably warranted in the near future). While I can't and won't take credit for these initiatives, I am willing to say that I've made efforts to support, promote, and participate. Again, modeling this commitment to a healthy lifestyle, for our students, is a priority for me.

Until next time, I'll close, again, with a shameless plug to my fundraising page (linked); I encourage you to visit, and (if you are able) donate. Thank you.

#MyChicagoMarathon No. 2

This represents my 98th post to my Learning and Sharing blog. Initially, I created this blog as a platform to reflect and share my learning as an educator. That being said, my learning is not (and has not been) limited to education.

In my last post, (linked) I announced that I will be dedicating my posts throughout 2019 to my experiences with preparing and running the Chicago Marathon. In-order to best tell my story as a runner, I think that the following posts that I've previously written with a runner's perspective are worth revisiting.

• The Bix and a Real World Growth Mindset, 7/31/15
  I reflect on the growth mindset that I've developed through my experience running Davenport's iconic 7-mile road race.
  
• Just Do It (Post #3 of 3), 7/25/16
  As I read Phil Knight's memoir, Shoe Dog, I share my inspiration from a particularly great quote included in the book.
  
• Unlimited You, 8/20/16
  As the start of the school year approached, I reflect on how the 7-mile Dam Backpocket Run compares to the course of the school year.
  
• Cruise Control, 12/1/17
  While in the midst of running a half-marathon, I realize how simple words of encouragement can have an extremely positive impact on others.
  
• Running is My Run, 4/21/18
  One of my favorite posts that I've written. After battling through back pain that prohibited me from running, I share the lessons that I learned on my way to overcoming my injury.
  
• Process and Persistence - Pt. 1, 11/24/18
• Process and Persistence - Pt. 2, 12/9/18
  Process, process, process. Do not underestimate the process. Trust the process. The outcome will take care of itself.

I hope you'll check-out one, a couple, or all of the posts that I've linked (above). Running has not only made me a better educator; running has made me a better person.

Until next time, I'll close, again, with a shameless plug to my fundraising page (linked); I  encourage you to visit, and (if you are able) donate.