Running Resourcefully :) !!
As a grade one teacher, one of the most important skills that I believe I can teach the students that I am blessed to work with, is to be resourceful. It is a rare occasion that I will spell a word for one of my students, make everything fit in their backpack for them, give them a pencil, tape a ripped piece of paper together, open a wrapper, or give them a bandaid on a cut that doesn't exist. 99.99% of the time, each student is capable of finding a way to solve each of these problems without me. They spell the word by using charts around the classroom or working with a buddy, they re-fold and re-pack things in, they go to where the pencils are kept, they get tape/glue and ask a friend to help if they need, they use their scissors (and if they don't have any they ask a classmate to borrow some), and... as for the bandaid situation, I just think it is important to teach kiddos that a bandaid's purpose is to stop bleeding. Now, I am NOT trying to be mean - I just believe it is so valuable to find a way to work through a problem. As I observe my students' abilities to use their resources to solve problems - I started to think... MAN, if a 5/6/7 year old can access the resources they need... so can I (AND so can yoU)! So let me share with you an essential question that I started to ask myself:
"Who do I know that knows what I would like to know?"
Now - let's get on topic and make this question running/training specific. I run, I love to run, I could VERY happily run for one million hours a day, if there were in fact one million hours in a day. However - I have NEVER ever been trained on how to run. I actually know veryyyyyy little about technique and all of the science behind it. I have 2 years of a BPE degree and was a certified fitness instructor for a few years, so I have a decent understanding of the basics of the human body, and I felt comfortable getting into running on my own. However, now that I am MORE into it than ever - I have definitely had to seek resources to help my body and running become stronger. Another note here is that where I live, there isn't a Running Room, nor are there running clinics/coaches... so that's where my essential question above became quite imperative to me! Here are some examples of areas that I have received the help/support I needed by using the resources available to me (you will notice that people are my preferred method of resource... lol, thanks everyone)!!
Here I have Mister Brent and I. This dude has given me a serious strength training foundation. He always helps me work to perfect my form, and takes all of the videos and pictures that I request to help with this. He pushes me to push myself harder, and he helps me learn what I am physically capable of. Thanks, Brenters!! Also as a note - if i have question that Brent thinks his lovely lady could answer better, I get in touch with her. Another amazing resource that I have been blessed with!! :) Thanks, Kerrin!!
To my right I have darling Rebecca! Let me tell you something - THIS GIRL CAN SWIM!! When it has come to wanting to know anything about swimming (breathing, strokes, body, core, kicking etc.), Rebecca has coached me all along the way!!
This is my Aunt D and I. She showed me the ways of gears, clipping in, clipping out, and gave me all of the patience in the world as I asked and re-asked the same questions over and over again!! Thanks for my first road bike day ever, Aunt D!!!
To my left in this photo, is my friend Josh. Josh got me out for bike ride number two and helped me to explore the NEXT steps of road biking. We got out onto the open roads, and he coached me along as I completed my first highway ride!!
Up top is my babe of a boyfriend and I. Bless his soul as he answers any and all of my questions whether it is morning, noon, or night (sidenote - Jason is a rockstar athlete)! Above all he listens to every ounce of my training journey and supports me in every single way. XO!!
I am so grateful to have such an insanely amazing group of family and friends to help me learn the skills that I need to run and cross-train. Aside from these beauties, I also have a couple other key resources for my training.
1) BENEFITS... my goodness, folks! CHECK YOUR HEALTH BENEFIT PLANS!! I will be honest, I absolutely could not do what I do if I didn't have a health plan. From massages, physio, and chiro, to the doctor ensuring all of my health is in check, to orthotics helping me out with my high arches, and most recently shockwave therapy!! All of these amazing health care services and specialists make running possible for me - thank you!!!!
2) INSTAGRAM... there are so many amazing, knowledgeable, and inspirational people out there in #instaland who are SOOOO passionate about sharing their passion!! A handful of people I am constantly growing and learning from include: @krista_lifestyletraining @donnymarchuk @cowgirlruns @simon.ong88 @kaellaontherun @anthrochad @jczaja @yesfitinc and @prettylittlegrub (and others)!! Thanks, guys!!!
As mentioned, people are my preferred method of accessing information. However, there are many incredible books, websites, and magazines out there on running/training. How will you find the resources that you need to rock your stride? If I can be of any help, or help you track down any resources, never be shy!!! Light it up, make it happen, go get it, and...