Teaching and Covid 2021

Many students, families, and teachers have been looking forward to in-person learning this fall, but now find themselves on a pandemic roller coaster as the school year opens with a surge of COVID-19 cases. 

Our program opted to begin the year with mask-optional for staff and students. A rare few chose to wear masks. The population of students that we serve are not eligible for vaccination and thus are at higher risk. In addition, staff are not required to be vaccinated or to share their status with coworkers and families. 

Just ONE week into teaching, I tested positive. 

My symptoms began with sinus pressure and itchy eyes, I thought it was seasonal allergies. After a couple of days, my congestion relieved, resulting in some drainage and an occasional cough to clear my throat. I continued to think it was allergies. 

On the third day, I scheduled a test. More as a precaution and to make sure that I was not risking those close to me. Test availability in our area is difficult. Luckily, I was able to test and receive my results within 24 hours. 

Let the quarantine begin! I'm now 7 days since the onset of my symptoms. I have not suffered additional symptoms and look forward to getting back to work. 

 

Just one week into teaching, I tested positive for Covid. My symptoms were mild, I thought I was suffering from seasonal allergies. I'm thankful that I was fully vaccinated 

Ironman Tulsa 2021 Race Report

 

        Ironman Tulsa race report    

Total: 14:30    Swim: 1:20    Bike 6:38    Run: 6:17

Lucky number 8 on the road to legacy status (12) and a Kona slot. My training leading up to the race wasn’t perfect but it was consistent. I ebbed with motivation when Ironman Texas (April) was rescheduled and flowed when family priorities came before training. I missed some long bike sessions but felt prepared for Tulsa. Race logistics provided a new level of stress but I planned to race the course that was provided and focused on the positivity of health and ability. During my race, I repeated the mantra of challenging those ahead of me while inspiring those behind.

My swim was uneventful. I wore a sleeveless wetsuit and had some hand/finger numbness but otherwise an expected swim. I complained that there were too many red turn buoys, I was ready to be done with the swim. It started raining before the swim started and continued throughout the bike and even a little into the run.

While driving the course, we noted that the crew must’ve run out of caution paint because so many areas were highlighted! During the race, rather than use paint in some areas, IM chose to place signs that indicated “rough road ahead” as if the entire course wasn’t rough! The course was faster than expected and I never lost any equipment or suffered a flat.

This run course has the potential to be as good as Ironman Texas, especially considering the rain. Crowds were loud, dressed in costumes, and super supportive. I usually don’t mind about finish times but have noticed that I no longer wish to remain on the course once the broth is brought out, that smell turns my tummy! Even though spectators were smaller near the red carpet, leading up to the finish the energy was contagious!

This event was well executed with usual challenges of a first race. I enjoyed our stay in downtown and would do this race again!

Thanks to Tridot for preparing me through consistent training!