Unfinished Business

Sorry, I don't really have any, but Casper is on in the background and I was at a loss for a title for this post anyways.  Basically I'm just keeping you updated.  This weekend is the Devil's Chase 6.66 in Salem, which I did last year.  It was a lot of fun, but the race is on Saturday morning, yes, Halloween, in Salem, so there's pretty much no way you're getting me there.  Unless you have a free bib to give away, in which case, see you bright and early Saturday! I did like their medals last year though, so if anyone is running, you'll have a good time and the bling is worth it.
I also have a few friends who are running Philly and I actually spent a few minutes debating whether or not I wanted to sign up too.  Then I remembered that I hated the out and back and that I don't want to drive to Philly for a weekend.  So, again, unless someone's giving away a free bib, that's out too.
As of right now, we're going to Louisiana the weekend of the marathon, but I'm not signed up for that either.  Basically this is just a post about all the runs I'm not signed up for.  I'd like to run Baton Rouge again for two reasons.  1. It was flat and fast, so if I have a chance of breaking 4 hours, it's here.  2. The medals this year are fabulous and I really want one.  Of course that's not until January, so who knows, maybe I'll end up running it after all.
Last bit of info for today, I realize that a lot of you may not be aware that I'm posting the link to my fundraiser page within my posts.  I've been labeling the link as a word or a phrase, so in case you're having trouble finding it, I'm posting it right now as a straight up link.  Cccchhhheck, ccccchhheck it out. Fundraising Websites - Crowdrise

The road to redemption

After a nice two week break, I ran the Newburyport GreenStrides Half marathon today. Similar name, definitely not a similar experience to Newport.  In fact, so different that I almost titled this post, SUCK IT NEWPORT.  But, that wouldn't be very adult of me, now would it? So I opted for a more mature title, even if I am still thinking the other in my head.  Actually, I thought that a lot on my last few miles this morning.  Because it turns out, it wasn't the hills or the weather, it was just a bad day last time.  Finishing this half in 1:49 has given me a good sense of redemption and I feel better about the whole running career thing again.  Don't you worry, I'll stick in my official results and my Garmin map so you can see my pace, which matches up in the splits to be a lot more consistent than it looks on the map.  Seriously, if I went by the graph, it looks like my pace and heart-rate were doing their own thing but it didn't seem like that.  I'd also like to take a moment to point out that someone told me recently that 176 BPM is not a sustainable heart rate for a long distance run. To that person, I'd like to point out that you were wrong.  It may not be the BEST choice for a heart rate, but it was sustainable.
There are a couple of things I would like to say about this race.  Number one, the porta-potty situation has got to get under control.  Sure, I used them when the lines were short, but by now you would think that there would be an endless row of potties for the amount of people that are expected to show up.  I'm fairly certain that most of the people in the lines did not make it to the race start on time.  Number two, this course was a lot better than I remember it being.  Last time I ran it, we were a week out from doing MCM and I wasn't aiming for a PR or anything.  I do remember not loving the course though, and thinking that there were more hills than necessary.  This time around it didn't seem nearly as hilly and honestly, the miles flew by.  There were crowds in helpful places too.  The worst part was the finish.  This didn't change from 2013.  You come around a bend and suddenly you're on a wooden walkway, surrounded by cheering people on both sides. Lovely and inspiring, but tight if you're trying to beat it to the finish line.  Nearly impossible to pass, even though I managed it.  Sure, I smashed into someone's elbow, but when you're trying to get across that line before the clock hits 1:50, anything goes.  (Sorry unknown lady, hope your elbow was ok.)  So, I wish they would have a wider finish area.  I was in a pretty good clump of people, so there was a bit of a bottleneck effect going on, which is not ideal when you just want to be done.  I'm definitely going to have to go back to 2013 and read my original thoughts on this race now, but I really did enjoy the run.  Oh and I got my free slice of pizza afterwards, so that's a double win.  We also watched an adorable proposal at the finish.  The girl came around the bend with her friend and the boyfriend was waiting just in front of the line.  He proposed, she said yes, he carried her across the finish line, the friend puked 3 times, it was really romantic.  Ok, maybe not for the friend, but at least it's a story she'll never forget.  I'm probably going to have to get another new pair of Hoka's soon, but I suppose that's the price you have to pay for wanting to run Boston.  Plus, the shoes are totally worth the money as far as impact absorption goes.  As far as running goes, that's about it for now, nothing else new to report.  I'm working on that fundraising, so keep on DONATING if you're feeling generous. To all the Gibbs' and other family members that have already donated, thank you so much!
And now, pictures and my map

Official time. 

Best race swag this year

And my after run lunch.  Sure, I probably should start eating breakfast BEFORE the runs, but this worked too.

An Invisible Red Thread

If you're not already familiar with that phrase, let me enlighten you.  There's an ancient Chinese proverb that states "An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance.  The thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break."  Now, this was originally meant to be a way to explain soulmates, but times change and so do meanings.  I've read this quote before and I've really come to appreciate it as a way of thinking about why the people I've met are in my life.  It's kind of nice thinking that you would have met these people, no matter what, because you were destined to meet.  Of course there are people that, like you, I'd rather not have met, but I still like to apply the red thread concept to them.  I suppose it's my way of making sense out of a seemingly random act of life.
As you know by now, I'll be running Boston next year for Michael's Miracle Team, to support the respite center that Morty attended.  Coincidentally, the team color was red last year.  So, again, looking for logic in random places, I've come up with my Red Thread Campaign, to connect the proverb and my fundraising.  You see, I'm sure there was a reason for meeting Morty and his family years ago, and I highly doubt that reason was just so I could run Boston in 2016.  But, it could be to spread the word about a wonderful center in Hopkinton that does so much for the families who need it, and asks for so little in return.  Here's the bottom line.  From now on, should you make a donation, in return, I will send you a red paracord bracelet.  This bracelet will come with a tag that has the proverb on one side, and Morty's story on the other side.  I may even branch out and ask families if I can share their loved one's stories on the bracelet tags. So, when you're donating, you're not only helping a great place, you're connecting yourself to someone you wouldn't have otherwise been connected with.  A red thread.  Bonus offer: If you donate more than $25, I will put your name or a name of your request, on the back of my marathon shirt for the day of the race.  I'm going to try and get donation jars out this week at a couple of local businesses as well, and supply them with a handful of red bracelets to be distributed to anyone who drops money in the jar.  If you're curious as to what the bracelet looks like, I've provided a picture below.  As always, if you want to donate, CLICK HERE

Some dreams keep on gettin' better, gotta keep believin' if you wanna know for sure

I ran Newport on Sunday and it didn't go the way I wanted it to at all.  My final time was 5:01.  I know, I talked a big game and I think I built myself up to believe that I was unstoppable.  Hubris man, it gets you every time.  But, after a good day of wallowing and a nice round of punching it out, I'm moving on.  As Ryan so kindly put it, did Tom Brady quit when he lost the Superbowl in 2008? No, he went back out there next year and worked harder.  Once again, Ryan comes through with the support and logic that I need.  Really, my life would be a lot worse if there was no Ryan.  (Ya, I know, barf, whatever, he deserves recognition.)

So, Newport's over and now it's on to Boston.  Of course my fundraiser is still waiting for a lovely person like yourself to drop a few dollars in, so you can head on over to that at any point if you're feeling generous.  Just CLICK HERE TO DONATE! Don't worry, all your money goes to that fantastic charity and I promise to work hard on every mile, in recognition of everyone that donates and supports the cause.

Now, since I'm using this blog as a way to bring in donations, I'm going to have to update a bit more often.  I"m sure anyone who donates will definitely want to follow my training plans and track my run when the big day finally comes.  Of course, the training is still a few months away, so in the meantime, I'll try to keep you entertained with ways I'm fundraising and events/activities I'm doing in between.  For example, yesterday I bought a new Garmin, one with a heart rate monitor, and I'm super pumped to try it out.  Sure, it's just a running watch but I think it will help me understand my pacing a bit better.  I've never tracked my heart rate before, so I might actually learn a thing or two about it now.  Another piece of equipment I'm still debating is an elevation mask. If anyone out there is wondering what to get me for my birthday *ahem, family members* I'd be happy to have one of those bad boys.  Pretty sure you can get it on amazon.  Probably a small.
Moving right along though, I don't know if those actually help, but I do feel like my lungs have a harder time keeping up than my legs.   So, if I can increase my lung capacity, I might be able to run further faster.

Now, before I end this post, I would be remiss if I didn't throw out a thank you to the other people who pushed me through my rough patch of being mad at myself for not running a better marathon.  It's surprising how many people have come to recognize me at Title as the girl who runs, even if we don't know each other's names.  Of course the trainers are always willing to give an encouraging word, but it's nice to know that the other members offer that same support.  This is the reason I still go to Title, and it's the main reason you should join one near you.  I doubt you'd find another gym where the trainers and members get to know you and can offer you advice but not placate you and try to tell you what you want to hear, instead of what you need to hear.  Title is the Batman of working out. That's the easiest way to put that statement.  So, that's it, and please enjoy these pictures of Newport.

Pre-race sunrise

A whole glorious row of empty porta-potties

Start

This is the guy I ran with for the first half(ish).  I was doing great until mile 11, then I jumped out to talk to Holly and never got back into my groove

I'm still not sure how I feel about this medal.

BIG NEWS!!!!

No joke, it's for real the most exciting news you'll read if you've been following this blog for the past two years.  April 18, 2016, Hopkinton to Boston, and I am IN.  YES, you read that right people, I am FINALLY in the Boston Marathon!!!!  If you aren't aware, I've been trying to get in this for the past two years, but my marathon pace isn't qualifying time and the charities are always full.  But this year I found out that the respite center that Morty used to go to has a charity team.  Of course I immediately sent them my information because if ever there was a charity I wanted to run for, it would be this one. Lucky for me, they read my story, we discussed Morty, and everyone agreed it would be a great fit.  I'm so excited to be running for Morty and the Respite Center.  You know how some charities are huge and take donations but then spend most of the money on advertising?  Definitely not the case with the Respite center.  This is just a local home that provides families the opportunity for some much needed rest and a day off. Most of their programs are free of charge to the families who need them, so all the donations that come in go directly to supplies and services at the center.  Just keep that in mind if you decide to donate.  Your money is going directly to those who need it, not some giant CFO somewhere.
If you are interested in Morty and the Respite Center, you can follow this link and check out my page.  
Morty's Story

I mean, really, look at that face!

Piggybacking on this post now, I am still running Newport this weekend. I couldn't really get myself amped for this marathon, not the way I was for Louisiana, so I decided to give myself a reason to run.  Since this is number four, I'm dedicating this one to all the people who helped me out with training.  Really number four has nothing to do with it. But number one, MCM, was to do something new.  Philly was because we were still riding the runner's high and wanted to be maniacs.  Louisiana was for fun and to do one on my own.  So Boston is for Morty, of course.  So, Newport is for everyone else.  The people, if you will.  Everyone who ran with me, talked to me, listened to me whine about how much I didn't want to do it. The list, while seemingly endless, actually isn't that long.  But instead of writing a dedication list here, I'm doing it the creative way.  On the bottom of my shoes.  Yup.  One name for every mile.  Of course Ryan leads the list, because he's my number one fan, even when he's not.  But the other 25 miles are for everyone else.  And just to have a little fun, I switched up my shirt again.  Newport, I am ready for you!

Ok, you can't read that,here's the list:

Right Shoe: Ryan, Cynthia, Murdock, Madilyn, Holly, Tracy, Jenna, Danielle, Nala, Stella, Kenny, Mom, Gibbs Family

Left shoe: Title Boxing (the club, the members, and the trainers!), Kerri, Dana, Erin, Matt D (for offering his treadmill after the kids went to sleep), the Revolutionary War Soldiers (for getting me through a training run on the Battle Road Trail one day), the Mystics from the relay team, Lynn Woods Running, Lynn Classical Girls Spring Track Team, Donna, Cortney, Brian, and finally, Alex F.

The reason we need Common Core Math as told by someone who lives it

As an elementary math teacher, I have finally hit my limit of Facebook posts against Common Core Math.  I just can't read one more complaint and let it slide. Look, in a way, I understand the frustration level some parents face with this seemingly new math system.  But there is so much more to the Common Core that most of these people are overlooking.  It just seems to be that Common Core math has become a scapegoat.  In fact, I have yet to see one complaint about Common Core ELA, Science, or History.  Did you even realize those existed? See, here's the thing about Common Core.  At it's core (yea, I did), all it is, is a way for every student in the United States to learn the same basic concepts at the same general time.  That means if you up and move from Oklahoma to New York, your student can easily transition into the new classroom without you, the parent, worrying that s/he never covered certain topics or covered those topics in an earlier grade.  Wouldn't you rather have your student be able to understand the curriculum no matter where you move, than to have to play catch up or slow down student learning? If you don't, by all means, continue waging your war against Common Core math.  And ELA, Science, and History too.  But, in the off chance that you're still interested, hear me out on my old friend CC math.
The way I see it, there are two problems here. One, is that the parents don't understand exactly what's happening in their student's math homework, so they fall into defensive mode.  No one wants to look like they know less than their child.  Two, the many varying ways that students are able to learn math now don't make sense to the parent, and so it can't possibly make sense to the student. I can't tell you how many parents I have seen putting their personal bias about math onto the student.  As a teacher, that drives me crazy. If something doesn't make sense to you, fine, but there's no reason you should be putting that on your student.  You're turning them against something that could possibly make sense in their head, and now they are afraid to admit, because you've spent the past few weeks talking about how it couldn't possibly be right, or make sense.
Alright, I know this isn't the most eloquently flowing piece, but I'm a little fired up, so I apologize if it seems a bit disjointed.  For now though, follow me back to my days in elementary school.  I was a student of the 90s.  I started Kindergarten in 1989, so I mean that in the fullest extent, I was a student of the 90s. And do you know what I could tell you about math in elementary school?  Absolutely nothing.  I couldn't tell you what a place value block was, let alone what place value was or meant.  I had no idea why I was borrowing numbers in subtraction, just that I had to do it.  Fractions made no sense to me, decimals weren't even on my radar, and anything that involved shapes was an art project or nothing at all.  In fact, I dare any one of you to be able to say definitively that yes, you not only knew how to do math in elementary school, but you knew WHY the rules of math were the way they were.  Sure, some of you were probably fantastic at math, you could solve a problem in seconds flat, and you were probably top of the class.  In fact, I distinctly remember a boy in my third grade class who was a math whiz.  He was always the first one done with his timed tests and was always ready to do the problems on the board while I was still working on the first step.  That didn't change either.  In fifth grade, I spent most of my mornings writing all the problems I got wrong on my homework, three times each, on the blackboard. And do you know what I learned from that?  Nothing.  Not one thing.  I still had no idea why my math was wrong, and I still couldn't fix it when the same problem came up again.  So it went up through high school, and even college.  Do you know what changed my life?  The ever so hated Common Core Math.
You see, before Common Core was being taught in the classrooms, I didn't know there were other ways to do math.  I didn't realize that math had a reason.  Because I, like many of you, was taught that math is what it is, and there's no reason to question that.  You learn your facts, you do your math, and you move on.  But no one ever told me why.  No one told me that place value had a meaning, or that you could use visual models to understand problems.  I had no idea it was easier to subtract nines if I knew how to subtract 10s.  Or that fractions could go on forever between numbers.  Or that multiplying multi-digit numbers is a lot easier if you can break your numbers into expanded form and multiply by place values.  But now? Now I do know.  I know that there are many different ways to solve problems.  I know that if you understand WHY you're doing something, it makes more sense when you're trying to do it.  I know why you need to regroup a set of tens when you're adding or subtracting. I know how to use base-10 blocks to solve all types of problems.  I can break down numbers into sets that make 10 and then add on, or subtract from, if necessary.  But above all that, I know why your students NEED common core math.
They NEED to know that there is more than one way to solve a problem.  They NEED to know that just because one method doesn't make sense, it doesn't mean that s/he is stupid and will never be good at math.  They NEED to know that asking why helps you to understand how.  They NEED to know that, just because it doesn't make sense to an adult, doesn't mean that it's wrong.
Go ahead. Argue with me, tell me I'm wrong, tell me I don't understand, say maybe if I was that bad at math, I should never have become a math teacher.  I've heard it all. But before you do, think about your student.  For once, instead of projecting your bias onto him/her, ask about his/her thoughts on the method being used to solve the problem.  Ask your student to help you.  Be brave enough to ask the teacher to explain the concept being taught before telling your student it doesn't make sense.  Look up a video that explains how to use the break apart method or the area model for multiplication.  Make an effort to learn the way your student is learning. Because in the end, it's not the Common Core math that's making the work hard for the student, it's the negative way that the student constantly hears it being talked about.  Relearning something is hard, and maybe Common Core will never make sense to you, but I promise that constantly shutting it down as a viable option for problem solving is only going to hurt your child in the long run, especially if the concept does make sense to him/her.

October

Well, in case you were wondering, I've made it through my marathon training again.  Except this time around I split up my 20 miler so that I joined up with friends for 12 in the middle.  It worked out well because it didn't seem like it was 20 miles.  Anyways, I'm ready for Newport next weekend.  I don't remember if I even mentioned that I deferred Chicago due to not wanting to pay for plane tickets to Chicago and to Louisiana in the same month.  And baby Beau's christening took precedence over marathon running, so Newport, here I come.  My only real goal during this marathon is to get over the finish line in under 4 hours.  3:59 is fine with me.  So I guess that means no selfie mile markers this time around, and I'll probably have to really think hard about bathroom breaks and walk-through water stops.  You know what though, I think I can do it.  And if not, I'll try again in my next marathon.  But I think I can do it.  As long as it's not raining, or overly hot, or overly cold.  Ideal conditions only.  It will be nice to run through Newport though.  I hear the scenery is lovely.  I'll try to get some pictures, and apparently the race photos are free too, so I'll have those to share.  Anyways, I swear I'll have a lot more going on here real soon, it won't be months between updates anymore.  For real!