Test. Swim. Bike. Run.

It's been too long!

This week we are doing our standardized tests at school. I am pacing the room for four hours a day in complete silence. I wore a pedometer from 8:15-10 this morning and had already taken nearly 300 steps. Then if fell off my pants and made a loud, disturbing noise. The room didn't need any more distractions so I put it away. I hate that the kids have to sit in silence for so long. Maybe one day we'll figure out if we really need these kinds of tests (I vote no) and how to make them more appropriate for the students.

That being said, I was tired but decided I needed a really good workout today. So I attempted a mini-triathlon workout. I swam for the first time in months and it felt great! Did a little over half a mile. Swimming still makes me worry about my shoulder popping out of place again (long story-think "P90X and a pull-up bar") but it felt fine today. My only discomfort was on my left, middle toe. The nail was in bad shape after my marathon, but really started going downhill after Big Sur. It is hanging on by a thread (a tiny piece of skin) and I could feel it dragging with every kick I took. I hope my ATL bride doesn't mind a bridesmaid with a missing toenail.  I followed up the swim with a 8 mile bike ride- stationary bike that is. I was hoping for a 3 mile run but was too exhausted and starving. I made it about a mile and a half before I headed home and made a delicious veggie omelet.

Tomorrow is the last day of testing, besides makeups and retests next week. I really, really want to work out in the morning. I read today that as soon as your alarm goes off it's best to turn on a light ASAP. The light tells your body to stop making the sleeping hormone. I will try this!

I leave you with this: You either do or do not. There is no try.

What do you think of standardized tests? What are some good alternatives?