The Week Of Champions!

 First, I want to say that I miss my poor blog.   I know it might sounds odd, but I actually miss writing down my thoughts  and telling my blog about my week.   It's kind of like calling home when I finally got back from deployment.   There was so much to tell the folks about, but I had unfortunately forgotten most of the events.   Regardless, it has been two weeks since my last post ( or longer) and there is much that has happened.   And on the fleeting hours of this Sunday evening, I will try to cram in as much as I can.   

So up first!   Soccer!   Our boys at Shoreland won their division.  Or Conference.   I'm still not familiar with the system of districts here in Wisconsin.   But let me just say it was a heck of a game!   Cold!   But the action was hot!   Our guys beat the other team 8-0!  Taking the championship for themselves and only for them ( no sharing with another team!)  They now head to the playoffs!

The Cross Country team won their division or conference or league.  yesterday.  Tempi beat the school record Again!  ( her previous record)  and set a new PR by about 15 seconds!   The boys won their division against the other teams.  I'm not sure where they go from there, but I'm pretty sure Zach and Tempi are heading for State once again.  

As for me,  I won one of the raffles at the Chili Crockpot Cook-off.   I was supposed to be a judge, but got lost on the way to the event and they started without me.   Still, I got to enjoy all of the dishes and bid on a couple of raffles.   I won the beer one!   A bunch of pretzels and a 6 pack of Lakefront Beer!  Some coasters,  a couple of beer glasses,  and a couple tickets for tours and appetizers.   Quite the prize!

It is late, and I just spent all day scoring papers for my classes.   Tomorrow I will have to quickly look over my lesson plans and prep for the day since I have no time tonight.   Funny how the weekend passes us by so quickly.   On the bright side,  I will have an extended weekend  this coming weekend.    We have a teachers conference,  ( Followed by parent teacher meeting) and Friday we have off!   Which is good!  Because I need the extra day to catch things up around here.  

For now,   I will continue to thank God everyday for this opportunity.   And pray everyday for his help as I navigate these uncharted waters.  It's still a little new and scary for me,  but things are getting better and more familiar.   And I have a great family guiding me along the way.   With God at my side, I can do anything.   

Time for sleep!   So this post will be "shorter" than the last one.    Because every second counts!

The Lakefront Marathon ( Half) Finished!

 With a new PR for me in the half-marathon category!   I am kind of proud of that.   However,   I did not break the 2 hour mark.    So I remain a slow old man.   ( 21 in my age group out of 5000 runners!)  Maybe I'm getting faster or the old guys in my age group are dying off.  Either way,  if I continue just hanging on in the "Sport"...  I may eventually get 3rd place or higher simply because everyone else is missing or dead!

All jokes aside, it was a beautiful day for a race.   Light breeze, cool temps,  sunny skies.   I was never really overheated during the entire race.   And the spectators, water stops, and mapping was all top notch; just like last year. I'm so happy the weather cooperated with the race this year.( As opposed to last year.)

That all being said,  I signed up for the half this time (Full marathons are for crazy people....)  Ok,  I might have been a little crazy last year, but I assure you,  running 26.2 miles will sober you up quickly!  If nothing else, it makes you realize that you don't want to do that again if you have an ounce of common sense!  

Still,   A half marathon is still a challenge and not nearly as painful.   True!  I'm kind of hurting a bit at the moment,  as I write this....   But it's a "good" kind of hurt.  One you get when you feel like you have accomplished something. 

The morning was a little hectic this year.   I figured I would get there about an hour and  45 minutes early,   but my AI navigator had different plans.   After several  U Turns,  I found myself with one hour and 15 minutes to park the car, go to the bathroom, and get in line for the race.   Oh!   Throw in the baggage claim in there as well.  I had to keep telling myself that as long as I get to the start line on time, it will all be good.   

And it was!  Although there were several moments I had my doubts.    And I HATE being rushed!  

The baggage claim was leaving soon and I had to check that first or be doomed to carry all of my stuff with me.  ( Oh!   Orange tag was secretly the "yellow" group...  Just an FYI for next year.) Then it was bathroom time.   Good thing I did not have to do much more than pee!   The line was wrapped around the port-a-jons like a ride at Cedar Point! And with daylight approaching,   I could not simply go out in the streets like veteran runners are so fond of doing.   So I waited in line.   

Luckily,  the crowd evaporated after the sound of the gun.   Me and another couple that were waiting, ran over to an abandoned line and were able to go while the line  was  evaporating.    We then rushed over the the start line.  

I was 4:50 minutes late from the gun!  But the entire starting line had not even crossed the starting mats so I was still in the green zone.  I made a mental note that my chip time would be off from the gun time by nearly 5 minutes... And that made me feel a little bit better.  

One of the nice things (or bad things)   about being in the back with all of the walkers is that you get to pass them!   I spent my first half of the race slowly working my way up to each pace group that I was supposed to be ahead of in the starting corral.  I eventually made it up to the 2:10 pace group and was feeling pretty good about that!   Running all that way to pass them gave my ego a bit of a boost. (Never did catch the 2 hour pacers though...)

But then we hit the bridge.   A 3% grade over 3 miles!   It does not seem like much, but over that distance, it sneaks up on you.    For the first time in the race,  people began to pass me!    At the  7 mile mark, I noted that I was on course for under 2 hours and that helped drive me into the "Pain Zone" where you  push yourself  just past your comfort zone to see if you can shave off a few extra seconds.   Unfortunately  the second half of the race had different ideas. 

I made a serious push at the end, but felt like I crawled across the finish.   The timer said 2:07, but I knew that even with 4 minutes to take off, I was not going to beat 2 hours.   But 2:03 was still a PR for me!   So... I choose to be happy. 

At the very least, my body is telling me that I definitely pushed myself.   My hips and buttocks are aching and my knees are sore.   And My feet!   Goodness!  My Feet! I was sure I had a blister on the ball of my foot, but it just seems like a cramp that will not go away at the moment. 

So 13.1 miles.. Completed!    And I now have a jacket, sticker,  shirt, and a couple of beer glasses to help me remember why I do these things.  Who knew that doing something painful could be kind of fun?   (Not me!  I hate suffering!)   Our Motto in the Army was that we would "Practice being miserable" so that when we had to do something like... I don't know.  "WAR!"   We would be used to it.   Perhaps that is one of those life secrets they never tell you in school.   Or they DO... In the form of sports or competition.  
But, as a young person, you don't ....Or can't make the connection.   You just think that school sucks and you can't wait to graduate.  Well,  Life is a rather unforgiving teacher. And those lessons are usually a pass/ fail.

Ok.  No more tangents.   Time to wrap this up and raise my feet!  I wanted to take a picture of my legs after the race, but the picture does not seem to capture the "Grizzled and Chiseled" look that they have after running that distance.  Kind of like a cool scar you want to show off with an interesting story. Something you have to see live,  because a picture can not capture the true feeling.   Ah well.   That is why I blog, I guess. 

Time for recovery!   Because tomorrow is school.   And every second counts!

The Eve Before The Lakefront Marathon...

 And I'm feeling OK.  For the moment.   Mostly because I'm only running the half tomorrow.   And after running 12 miles just last weekend, I'm fairly confident I will be able to finish.   My only real thought is to work on the time.   Wouldn't it be great if I could beat 2 hours....

Well,  I must admit I am probably not as trained as I should be at the moment.   I certainly have had a lot on my plate these last several weeks.  ( Or even MONTHS!)  The school thing has certainly consumed most of my time since July.  And the "race" ( Or "Struggle!") under that topic continues!   But my perception has been that I am finding my pace... slowly.   And now my daily routine has settled down to a dull,  slightly comfortable pain that I can tolerate on a day to day basis.   If you are a runner.... You will probably understand that analogy. 

In other words...  I'm beginning to warm up to teaching.  ( Or it is warming up to me... I'm not sure if we are friends quite yet.)  

That being said....   The running has been on the back burner... simmering all this time.   And I think it is time to pull it to the front.   If nothing else,   just to try and see where I am in the overall running world.  

I guess the reason for the running references is that I went to a Shoreland Cross country meet last Thursday and was able to witness history!   In one meet, Shoreland broke the School Record for fastest female.   Fastest male, And Fastest Combined team times!  All on a single race!

Tempi ( I hope that is how you spell her name)   Beat the previous school record by 3 seconds.   That is the fastest female in the history of the school!  

Shortly after that  Zach beat the previous school record for fastest male  by 9 seconds!   And the varsity boys turned in the fastest time ever!   

Unfortunately,  the boys placed third overall and the girls placed fifth.  Neither one brought home a trophy.  ( Meaning, the competition was fierce! ) There was an all conference girl running  the race with Tempi. 

All that to say that I was able to see it and cheer them on.   AND that helped inspire me while I made my way to Milwaukee this morning to pick up my packet.   The expo was rather small and there was no one along to keep me there or buy anything.   I did manage to pick up an extra shirt and a couple of beer glasses as my souvenirs.   I figured since I did not purchase much last year, I might as well get them this year while they were on sale.  And who doesn't need another beer glass?  

I have already graded all my papers and just have to look over next week's lesson plans to get ready for school.   I doubt I will be in the best condition or mood to do all of that stuff  tomorrow evening after the race.  

Tonight....  Sleep!   Rest.  Recovery!   And we shall get up bright and early tomorrow so I can get the best parking and be ready for the 13.1 mile tour of the city and shoreline.  Wouldn't it be nice if I could beat 2 hours?   I know that most of that will depend on where I am mentally.   And physically!  ( But mostly mentally)   The weather is said to be nice and cool in  the morning....so at the start line,   I will have to make every second count!

Mushroom Hunting With The Natural Science Club!

 Today was out first outing as a school club.   With all of the "newness" going on..   AND homecoming....  I have not had any opportunities to actually schedule an outing for the natural Science club at all until this week.   Friday we met and I pitched the idea of going mushroom hunting in the Petrified Springs recreation area.  I was going to probably go anyway, so why not add a few extra people? 

I knew that there was going to be a few folks who would not be able to make it.   The people in Cross Country had an grade school invitational that they had to cater, so I know at least one person would not be able to get away.   That being said... I was impressed that a number of folks showed up for the meeting.   (I think 12! in all!)  

But then the actual day of the outing came. ( Today!)   And only three students were able to attend.  

 I was actually thrilled! First:  that ANY students showed up!   And second,  I tend to work better with smaller groups anyway, so it was probably a little easier to keep track of three as opposed to 6 or 9....   

We found a LOT of Bonnet Mushrooms.   Most of the mushrooms we found were on logs or stumps.   I had hoped that the rain we had at the beginning of the week would trigger a few ground mushrooms.   But is appeared all we were going to find were the saprophytic mushrooms.  

I was ecstatic when we found some fresh Lions Mane.  A small clump, but it was still the first edible mushroom we found.  We also found some aborted entoloma.  Not much,  but it was encouraging after two hours of disappointment.  ( Mostly for me,  not the kids.   They seemed to be having fun finding and ID ing the mushrooms.) 

eventually, on our way back,   we bumped into a couple who actually knew mushrooms.    They told us of a Hen of the Woods they saw  just down the trail, but warned us that it looked too old to be of any use.   I still wanted to find it, se we set out to the general location.   Elias was standing on a huge stump when he looked down to find  two huge specimens!   

They did look a little old.   One of them looked like it could still be edible,  but all of the bugs that settled in pretty much clued us in that we were not going to enjoy it.   But the Kids got to see it and I took the remains and scattered them through out the forest.  Hopefully seeding the possibilities for next year. 

So that was today.   A fun Saturday with the Science Club.   One of them suggested next time to see if we can either catch frogs in one of the ponds or see if we can catch some insects.    That sounds like a good time to me,  so I will have to see if I can set that one up.  

But next week,   I am going to be a little busy running a half marathon.   The Lakefront Marathon I ran last year will be on Sunday.  I am not running the full marathon this year.  Just the half!  I actually managed to fit in a long run this morning ( 12.25 miles)   I was not happy with the time,
but I did manage to finish.   And I was breaking in some new shoes, so I didn't want to mess up my feet this close to the event.   I think I can at least finish, ( maybe not in the best time frame)  And add to my half marathon collection.   I'll keep you posted. 

And that is about all for now.   School seems to be growing on me and I hope I continue to improve my teaching as the year progresses.  With God helping me,  I feel I can at least manage growing and finishing this year with a modest "Win".   I don't want to brag, or become arrogant...  So I will leave things there.  I continue to be grateful for this opportunity everyday.   And I want to give God all of the credit.   For in the end,  if I can be a part of getting these kids to join us in heaven,   I will be humbled and gracious beyond words.   Because every second counts!

Surviving Homecoming Week...

Last week was homecoming at Shoreland.   It was a crazy week!  And...  Once again,   I managed to survive it.  ( With a lot of help from God)  

It is Thursday,  and I figured I had better write about that week before the weekend.   Otherwise it will be over a week old and will no longer seem relevant.  But there was much that happened during and even after the week was finally over.   

I could mention that something about the teaching schedule and stuff, but honestly, it all seems like a blur at the moment.   So I will follow the photos that I have on my phone.   

I guess I will start with the Girls
Tennis match I watched last Thursday. Who would have thought that such a thing was kind of fun?   I guess what makes it fun is that a couple of my students are on the team, and that gives me someone specific to root for. I also  got to chat with a couple of the other teachers and a couple parents while I was there.  

Later,  Kyle Robinson,  who also joined me at the tennis match,   joined me at the Soccer Match later that evening.  Shoreland Won! (2-0)   But I was not there to see it.   I left just after half time because it was past my bed time.  

Shoreland also won the football game.   I was there for the kickoff, but left straight away soon after because Cheryl was in town.  And although she was here for only Friday night through Sunday morning,  I did not get to see her much.  

Because on Saturday,  I drove to see the Cross Country Team about an hour and a half north of Milwaukee!

There was talk of this terrible hill called "Big Bertha" where they had to run up the hill during the course.   But what fascinated me was the tale that parents and spectators  could run the race ( and the hill) after the match was finished.  

Challenge accepted!

I kind of like hills and do well on them during a typical race.   Not that I'm a speed demon or anything.  But I am usually able to gain ground or catch people on the uphill and the down hill.  Mostly because people are either walking or being cautious while navigating the obstacle. 

Well,  The boys got second place as a team during the match.   And I managed to run a 5K  with a HUGE hill in 29 minutes. ( Under 30 was my goal!) I was happy.  

I finally linked up with Cheryl around 2:30 PM on Saturday.  We enjoyed a pretzel and beer at the Beer Garden in Milwaukee.  And later, went beach combing a bit.   On Sunday, we went for a run. 

The run was fine, right up until it began to rain.   and Rain!   In fact, it did not really stop raining until yesterday!  I guess we needed the rain, after such a dry spell.   And I was hoping it would trigger a few mushrooms to grow.   I did not find much,  except for several clusters of "Big Laughing Gyms"   Or Rustgills.  I did not pick them, because there is a possibility that they might make you sick. ( There is also a chance that they might give you a bit of a "trip.")  I was not willing to risk it.  

But I did manage to find a nice stash of Turkey Tail, and just finished grinding them up for tea for the next several months.  

That is all for now.   School is slipping by each day now and I continue to hang on.   I do not have much time for anything else at the moment,  but will continue to pray and seek guidance from God and the teachers and staff around me.  I sometimes think about how all of these things came to be and realize that time seems to be slipping by more quickly now.    And I have to do my best because every second counts...