He Runs Far that Never Turns: Push through the Fatigue, Stand on the Podium (The Final Lap)

He runs far that never turns-

Similar to it’s a long lane that has no turning, this obsolete phrase means ‘it is rare for people to maintain a particular position, practice, etc., indefinitely’. The implication, despite the optimistic sound of these words, is that people inevitably do turn, and so don’t (figuratively and literally) run all that far in a single direction.- Oxford Dictionary

We have stretched, warmed-up and started the race. We have kept our stride and kept up with the pack. But, we also staggered ourselves, just behind the front line of runners. This way we could keep a more steady pace and then speed up, near the end, to finish strong.

If we step up on the platform, join the winners circle, we feel successful. If we do not make it to the stage, we need to know there is another obstacle, to jump and another chance to win a medal. We need to take a deep breath, drink a swallow of refreshment and look around for our team. Our supporters. As impermanent as life tends to be, we need something consistent and reliable. If we have fostered strong relationships, this dependability, will be ever present. For many of us this is our family, our profession, our faith. For our students, it may be us, our classrooms. But maintaining our rhythm and stride causes lethargy and ennui. As educators, we have to work through the pain, embrace the cramps and finish the race.

-A teachers routine (how I stay mindful)
-set morning intentions, I say them verbally before I even step out of bed
-sticky notes- I write little mindful messages and reminders- I read them at the end of the day
-mindfulness jars- keep a Mason jar full of student feedback and positive notes, on my desk- I read them when I need a pick me up

The fatigue can feel overbearing. But it is necessary. It reminds us we have earned our position on the track. Even if we are trailing behind, we are still in the marathon. For some it is a sprint, for others a relay. The more we can pass the baton and ask for help, the smoother our dash to success can become. Students will ease into a rhythm, a pace, if we make clear lanes, and help them choose the right shoes. We are the coaches and the cheering crowd on the sidelines and in the bleachers. We are also runners on our own track. We have left a solid tread, on which we add new grooves. These indentations an impression, in which our students can ease into their personal endurance run. Their own cross-country scamper. How can you keep up with the demand on your spirit?

-personal rejuvenation (How I make sure I have the energy to move forward)
-meditation and yoga- may seem like 'fake news' but honestly, it works
-collaborate- find at least one person who I happily collaborate with- camaraderie is key
-unplug- not only from social media but from grading, lesson planning, I keep my weekends free to relax

Every day in our classrooms is an event, a show of athleticism and endurance. Our students grab the ball and run with it. They see the finish line and run towards it. We may be the ones who are holding the whistle, the score card, but they choose which type of track and field event, they are entering. But, ultimately, if they do not choose, to tie their shoes and walk up to the chalk line in the dirt, they will become lost in the crowd. The hustle and bustle of passengers and spectators that keep the wave of energy alive. If they get caught in the turmoil and rambunctiousness of the mob, they will miss out on their goal. They will get distracted. Misdirected.

staying the course-
-a moment to be kids- let them talk, play outside, listen to music
-clear and concise goals- the directions may vary but the goal should be definitive this way they can have more independence
-be flexible with due dates- give a timeline but if we are flexible there is less stress and they will be more likely to complete it willingly

We as educators, have to be boisterous, captivating, and enticing enough to lure our students, away from the masses and help them place their feet firmly, on the track. Be independent thinkers. Make their own choices. Use the stretching and warm-up strategies we have taught them, to loosen up and hunker down successfully, for the long haul. We have to prepare them for the real world, which is not freeze tag, but a track and field event. They will be running this race alone and we have to build their confidence and practice endurance and determination, in order for them to stay the course.

Summer is the time, they file into the rushing throng. All we can do is hope the skills we helped them acquire, provide a solid footing, for their next Olympic games. If we placed hurdles in strategic positions, staggered the pace and not only guided them, but provided them with purposeful and meaningful methods and blueprints- they will carry them with them. These approaches will be the route, which they take to reach the podium. Whether on the top tier or the two below, they will be standing tall, classroom anthem playing and a medal around their neck.