K.M.S.Track started. Our season is short and we're halfway done already but today's meet has been cancelled. I ran in Oregon as a ...a Duck but this was even a first for me. The track meet was cancelled because of wetness; massive puddles and mud. It's truly a bummer because I was all set to see my athletes compete. Instead we'll have practice with a twist of 'fun.'
This year I decided to give myself a break and am utilizing a rollator. So you know, a rollator is a walker with four wheels. I know, I had not heard that word before either but when I went searching for a walker, I found this. My new accommodation or mobility device, is simply wonderful.
It all comes down to the seat! I can sit down every time I stop and that is valuable beyond belief. Much of the time, if I am merely touching something I am more stable so with my rollator the 'grab' is always there. The bonus is that it is not your gramma's walker. I added a picture so you can see for yourself it is very mod, almost futuristic and I can actually sit and push myself around using my feet.
The other picture is from the time trial, our first competition and only a few have opted out of my events so I still have a lot of kids hurdling. I love being with my hurdlers at the hurdles, even in the rain and cold. It makes me feel valuable when I see the joy on their faces and hear 'One more time? please!'
This year I decided to give myself a break and am utilizing a rollator. So you know, a rollator is a walker with four wheels. I know, I had not heard that word before either but when I went searching for a walker, I found this. My new accommodation or mobility device, is simply wonderful.
It all comes down to the seat! I can sit down every time I stop and that is valuable beyond belief. Much of the time, if I am merely touching something I am more stable so with my rollator the 'grab' is always there. The bonus is that it is not your gramma's walker. I added a picture so you can see for yourself it is very mod, almost futuristic and I can actually sit and push myself around using my feet.
The other picture is from the time trial, our first competition and only a few have opted out of my events so I still have a lot of kids hurdling. I love being with my hurdlers at the hurdles, even in the rain and cold. It makes me feel valuable when I see the joy on their faces and hear 'One more time? please!'
I'm certain the teacher-coaches try to take a couple minutes between academics and athletics so two non-teachers, myself and Marie, usually arrive first. I use my whistle to scare away the kids that don't belong and keep the kids from wrestling. Kids seem to need to touch one another and it takes many different forms but it all leads to someone getting hurt. I sound like everyone's mother now, I know.
There is more to coaching a bazillion middle school athletes than simply teaching them to hurdle. Sitting in lines on the gym floor certain coaches take attendance, kids are recognized for hard work and announcements regarding everything track are given. Then, the kids run some laps to warm up before drills. We have 150 plus kids and they line up in rows of five or so for form running drills which are done together. Finally, I actually coach kids running over hurdles. I can no longer move hurdles but I have a great student manager who sets my hurdles initially. During practice athletes move them if need be and kids return every hurdle to the shed when practice ends. Good kids.
So no meet today and no hurdles either, I will assist in a sprint station. That is the 'more' in coaching
middle schoolers.
There is more to coaching a bazillion middle school athletes than simply teaching them to hurdle. Sitting in lines on the gym floor certain coaches take attendance, kids are recognized for hard work and announcements regarding everything track are given. Then, the kids run some laps to warm up before drills. We have 150 plus kids and they line up in rows of five or so for form running drills which are done together. Finally, I actually coach kids running over hurdles. I can no longer move hurdles but I have a great student manager who sets my hurdles initially. During practice athletes move them if need be and kids return every hurdle to the shed when practice ends. Good kids.
So no meet today and no hurdles either, I will assist in a sprint station. That is the 'more' in coaching
middle schoolers.
