Miles Ahead, Worries Behind

 

I was in the copy room at school, printing one of those rising senior meeting forms I have been completing every day for the past 3 months.  I love my families (I really do- my students are awesome), but after repeating myself 120 times, my peaceful moments in the copy room are treasured. Then I hear my name.

 

“Mandi, would you be interested in helping me coach cross country next year?”

My head whipped around in astonishment. “Me? I am NOT fast.” My face was twisted in a record-breaking state of confusion.

“I see you run around campus every day after school. I need a coach who will run with the kids, not just sit there.” She went on to say that she needs someone for middle schoolers, so I should be able to keep up with them. I was still shocked, too surprised to give an answer. I told her I would think about it.

This invitation came from a woman who ran a race called the Mountain Masochist and many other ultra-marathons. You can check out her blog HERE. Rebekah Trittipoe is a biology teacher, cross country coach, wife, mom, and so much more. I can’t count how many compliments I have heard about her from students and parents in my office. How could I pass up the opportunity?

I was too intrigued to resist. So I told her I was interested. And then she says:

“I have an Assistant Coach Position open too. Would Tyler be interested?”

Well if you know my husband’s love for running, you know how excited he was when I told him.

 

 

And that was that! Beginning in August, Tyler and I will be helping coach XC at LCA. I am excited and terrified all at the same time. Our team is on a summer training plan, so Tyler and I have been working hard to keep up with our students. In order to qualify for the team in August, my middle schoolers have to run 2 miles at an 8:30 pace. I am determined to make sure I can do that with them. So each day, 5-6 days a week, we are running, swimming, or biking. AND doing an ab workout. You can check that out here:

Hello Training Plan! I missed you since the half-marathon.

Miles Ahead, Worries Behind.

Mandi <3