November 17, 2017 - Friday

We've finally arrived . . . National Take a Hike Day!  No lie.  It IS National Take a Hike Day.  It was a little chilly this morning as three Freshman PE classes completed their "Couch to 5K" program with a 5K run on campus.  Another class will be running this afternoon.  I took advantage of the opportunity to assist the PE staff, Mr. Nolan and Ms. Medeiros, with the three early runs.  Each teacher did a great job in training the students and organizing four separate "meets."  I had fun watching the students, and as you might guess, evaluating their performances.  There are some very talented athletes among the Freshmen.  I was stunned when I learned many do not participate in a fall sport.  I was a tad envious when I learned many of those who ran well, are involved in other sports.  I was happy when I learned at least one of those who ran very well and played another sport this fall will be joining us next year. Top 7 material?  I think so!  But I was not surprised by the fact the Freshman with the best time of the 3 "meets" in which I helped out was Liam "Trevor" Cafferty, who ran an 18:50 in the cold and wind while having to run around many of his classmates during the Track portion of the run (8 laps with walkers in various lanes.) My only disappointment was that some of the students Trevor had to go around were able bodied athletes who chose to walk rather than make the effort to run.

I am grateful that in addition to assisting today I had the privilege of speaking with each of the PE classes this week as they prepared for the culmination of their work this semester.  One of the things I shared with the classes was that I had only one season of XC experience as a high school student.  As a Sophomore it was apparent I would not be a starter on the football team.  I had started as a Freshman (no great feat) but would sit the bench as a Sophomore.  I chose instead to run XC.  My first race was a JV race at Middleboro and because I had had no previous plans to run XC, I wasn't prepared.  But I thought the work that I had done to get ready for football meant I was fit enough to run with the other guys. On the opening gun I took off pretty fast and found myself actually leading the race for a time. . . about 400 meters.  I finished last!  That day I learned in about 90 seconds that I could not do what those "other guys" could do!  Today I learned that not much has changed in 50 years.

Some kids, in spite of holding the belief they can do what you do, simply can't!  By walking today some proved it.  And if they insist they can but just chose not to, well let them know today is their day and they can "take a hike."