Athletes in the Classrom

Athletes in the Classr m By: Michael Booth MEABT Wellness Director

Beeep! Beeep! Beeep! the alarm clock sounds off at 4:45 a.m., and they are up and running, cycling, swimming or strength training. In fact, by the time they arrive at the classroom they have probably run a 10K, or swam 3,000 yards, or biked 25 miles, or completed a combination of all three. Who are these people? They are your co-workers you see in the hallways every day. They are teachers, coaches, parents, and caregivers who also happen to be triathletes and multisport enthusiasts who embrace and love an active lifestyle. Katie Dwyer, Darci Holland and Eric Marston have completed at least one full distance triathlon, better known as an Ironman.

(In fact, by the time they arrive at the classroom they have probably run a 10K, or swam 3,000 yards, or biked 25 miles, or completed a combination of all three. )

Eric Marston

The triathlon pushed my mental and physical limits

“I organize my equipment and plan for the following day the night before to be ready to go first thing in the morning. Rarely do the workouts interfere with our busy family schedule,” that’s how Eric keeps on track and committed to his workout.

Eric’s advice for anyone who wants to participate in a long endurance event program, “Almost anyone can do this with the right mindset. When you are out there on the course you see people of all ages, shapes and sizes. I am continually humbled by the people who are out there competing and giving it their all. Everyone is on their own journey with their own story of what got them there. Like anything worth achieving, it has to be a priority and non-negotiable. Limit excuses and go for it!”

Eric believes living and exhibiting a healthy lifestyle provides a good role model for his students and own children as well. “The kids recognize that to meet goals or overcome adversity one must be willing to face the adversity, recognize it, and overcome it,” Eric said.

Katie Dwyer

4th grade teacher at Mildred L. Day School in Arundel “Students think it is very cool that I compete in Ironman and endurance events. The number one question I receive is, what do you eat and how do you go the bathroom?” Katie commented when asked what her students thought about her competing in endurance events. An especially supportive student handmade an Ironman logo out of beads as a good luck gift. Katie was touched by this gesture and carried it in her bike bag the entire 112- mile ride of her last Ironman. When discussing how she finds time to train, she passionately explained, “Exercise has become something I do every day. It is not an option, nonnegotiable. It is as natural and essential as brushing my teeth.” Katie incorporates her active lifestyle into her classroom teachings by implementing motor breaks, stretching, playing music, and brain gym curriculum, all of which helps recharge and refocus her students. Katie also takes advantage of her triathlon knowledge and uses it to engage her students in lessons; for example, how to read a food label and use math skills to understand the calories and ingredients in products.

Darci Holland

Why Not?!

Darci set numerous goals for her Ironman race, including overcoming the swim, completing the race healthy in the allotted time, and becoming an Ironman. Tired and sore, Darci reached all her goals. The effort outside helps Darci in her classroom as well. “I feel energized after exercise,” said Darci who incorporates movement into her teaching. Her kids often use physio balls and, when appropriate, stand and move about the classroom, allowing the kids to be active and better able to focus on the lesson. For those who say they can’t find the time to exercise—Darci replied, “It must be a priority. Schedule an appointment with yourself and make it as important as any other meeting you would schedule. There is time. Find friends and a support system to help you. Hold each other accountable as you all

work towards a goal.”