I bring so much back into the classroom from my extra-curricular pursuits: endurance sport, foreign language, drama, and music. I am reminded about what it feels like to learn, to set goals, to face difficulty, and the thrill of achievement when it seems particularly unlikely.
Goal, June 2015: Mont Blanc Marathon, France
Running 2700 metres of elevation, I have my work cut out for me. I signed on with Britain's leading sky-runner, Ellie Greenwood to coach me to this beyond reach goal. I can't wait to celebrate my favourite sport, running with my favourite kind of place, the mountains! 2000 people of 200,000 hopeful entrants earn this coveted slot. Strangely, I'm lucky to run this grueling and spectacular race!
Moscow International Choir
This summer's adventure with professional actors inspired me to work at strengthening and developing my voice. Luckily, by living in Moscow I have myriad opportunities to learn from extraordinary musicians. Our choir director has united a collage of crusty voices... and, as a result, I do feel more clarity in my speech. We will sing Haydn's Misa #6 Santo Nicolai.
Graduation: M.A. in English, Middlebury College (2014)
This is a bittersweet accomplishment. I completed all 5 of the required summer courses consecutively, forming friendships with High School English teachers accross the USA and bonds with outstanding professors of whose frienship of Facebook I can't help but brag about (!)
Just before the hooding ceremony, I got a selfie with the inspirational Dr. Micheal Armstrong. Read his work on the imagination, it will inspire your work as educators.
Long Distance Triathlon
Participating in my first Ironman in 2007 was transformative: I learned current practices for athletic development, injury management, and nutrition. I also learned that anything is possible. I placed 9th in my first Ironman, finishing in a beyond belief time of 11hours 24 minutes - I am convinced that my attitude and joy fueled most of that "race." Not only am I drawn to the self-exploration, but I love the taste of a hot meal after a long effort running or swimming, or the Latte I can enjoy with teammates before a morning ride. Below is a video of a more extreme Ironman. I could consider it a more natural and adventurous race:
From effective coaching and a commitment to the training, I earned a place on in the World Long Distance Triathlon Championships. It was an honour to wear the flag:
Have any questions? Care to exchange ideas or begin a project - contact me below. I'd love to get in touch.