Lock Down Catch Up

[DebJogsOn]

Haven't posted on here for ages - but just wanted to say hello to 'familiar faces' and hope you're all weathering these challenging times.

As a primary school headteacher the last 2 months or so have been incredibly challenging professionally, while privately I've been supporting a partner who manages a supermarket and two daughters back home from a gap year and uni.

Running has undoubtedly saved my sanity (though I did nearly crack when a calf strain looked set to get in the way 🙄) and will continue to do so with the opening up of schools next week.

Not only has it prevented me from doubling in size (all that chocolate and wine for comfort 😳), it's allowed me to rest my anxious brain for at least half an hour most days, it's got me out of bed on the days that I otherwise wouldn't have found a reason to, my goal of running 1000k this year has given me a simple focus to distract me from work and it's reminded me of the simple wonders of nature - the turning of spring to early summer, bird song, bright early morning sun, long evening shadows and the joy of path cutting through a field of wheat.

I hope you're all surviving to too.

Happy running xx 😊

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

Good post from you DebJogsOn, with the schools back next week social distancing could be, well interesting.

Social distancing certainly does not work regarding children with grandparents, they are supposed to keep 2 metres away, but today I saw several children running up to their grandparents for a cuddle, so good luck for your social distancing back at school on Monday.

I wish you well for your running goal on completing a 1000 Kilometers this year.

[over61andstilltrying Graduate10]

Good to see your post and read that you have been a daily runner. All the very, very best with your return to school. The mind boggles as to what this will be like. What a challenge. I expect there has been much thinking and planning. Happy running to you. 😊🏃‍♀️

[DebJogsOn in reply to over61andstilltrying]

LOTS OF PLANNING. My job has become something completely different since the outbreak of this academic. So many anxieties but the running really helps. Was never so depressed in the last two months as when I thought I might not be able to run for ages after a calf strain! Could not survive without it.

Hope you are keep well xx

[Slinkymalinki Graduate10]

Hi! Good to hear from you Deb - I've been wondering how you've been managing through these difficult times. Glad you've been getting out for runs, they are a real tonic for the mind & body aren't they?

It's taken me a while to get into Language teaching remotely but I'm hoping I've got the balance right now. I don't have to go back next week as the children have to stay with one teacher. The plans and procedures for reopening our school seem very complicated. Hope all goes well for you and your staff and the children next week. Keep running and stay well and sane! X

[DebJogsOn in reply to Slinkymalinki]

Remote Learning 😳. It's all been mad hasn't it? I'll almost be glad to open next week as the anticipation is the worst thing (assuming we all stay well of course). Once the children are in, there will at least be something familiar.

We've been pretty lucky around here as there haven't been too many cases - I worry for colleagues where things are a lot worse...

Hope all is well with you xx

[Richard7 Graduate10]

Hi Deb - glad the running is giving you some headspace from everything else. Life is dealing many of us with challenges more than usual at this time and it is probably more important than ever to take time out to clear the grey matter. Keep on running 👍.

[DebJogsOn in reply to Richard7]

Thanks Richard. Challenging times indeed. Hope you are keeping well. Xx

[JonathanP Graduate10]

Must be incredibly difficult trying to make decisions which minimise risk for both children and teachers, given the lack of clear scientific advice. All the best for next week and I hope running continues to help.👍