All I want for Christmas is…...

The Three R's:  REFLECT, REASSESS, REMAIN

One of the qualities of a good teacher is the ability to reflect.  Learning from our lessons and improving is important for all of us as we continue to empower.  During this holiday season, I encourage each of us to look back on the first semester of school and think about how we made an impact.  What goals did you have at the start of the school year?  Where are you in the process of accomplishing those goals?  When we meet again on January 2nd we will begin the second semester and a new calendar year.  January is always a good time for goal setting but it's important to reflect before we tackle our resolutions.  Learn from mistakes and make a plan to succeed.  Take some time during this break to reflect on where you are, reassess your plan, and remain focused on your goals.  

HBOE will host the trophy this week.  Remember to count points during the break.  

KEEP MOVING!

BACK TO BACK WINS FOR HMS

Congrats to HMS for another weekly win.  The trophy will remain in the front office at HMS.  This team is another one of those "worst to first" scenarios.  Truly a testimony to a team pulling together and deciding to encourage, motivate and hold each other accountable.  GREAT JOB HMS!

Numbers are up in our Spin class.  HKES continues to be the most consistent-once again accountability is the key.  

#RWRunStreak Update:  As the weather gets colder and the rain continues it will be a challenge to keep the streak.  22 people took on the challenge, we have lost a few along the way but several are still competing to run or walk at least one mile every day from Thanksgiving Day to Christmas Day.  Monday is day 12!  Keep the Streak Alive!

TRIBE TRAINING from IronTribe Fitness Spots Available=  If you are interested in Tribe Training we have  a couple of spots opening up for the second semester.  Email me asap if you want to be part of our strongest team.  

Week 12, New WINNER

HMS Fest=THE BEST

Usually when one of our workplace teams hosts an event that requires our employees to spend time together outside of the classroom it results in a team WIN!  Congrats to HMS on a successful "FEST" and on winning week 12 of the PPC.  

Thanksgiving Day started the #RWRunStreak.  If you are streaking, please remember to answer YES on the PPC tally card.  Streakers must run or walk at least one mile daily from Thanksgiving Day to Christmas Day.  At the end of the Streak (Dec. 25) you will have earned an event leading to winning The Movement Medal (4 events + Spirit Scamper qualifies you for the bling).

Spin Class= MONDAY at 4:15-5:00pm.  Get there!

Mercedes Marathon Relay:  If you are interested in participating in the 2014 Mercedes Marathon as part of a relay team involving our students and The Bell Center, please email me asap.  We need a few employees to join forces with student teams.  Distances are 5K (3.1 miles), 10K(6.2 miles) and 12K(8 miles)

WEEK 11 of PPC

PPC Trophy will make another move this week.  HBOE came in first place with HKES finishing in second place.  We are experience our most competitive year of the Patriot Point Challenge.  It's anybody's trophy to win.

GOTR brrrrrrrrr!

Congrats to all of the Girls On The Run participants this past weekend! Teachers modeling wellness for our students is one of the most important aspects of The Movement.  Don't forget about Mercedes Marathon-another opportunity to join students and raise money for a great cause, The Bell Center.  Teams are forming NOW!

Four Weeks and Four Different Winners

HBOE, SCES, HKES, HMS and now back to SCES.  The Patriot Point Trophy is moving around town.  HHS and Edgewood have some work to do.  For those of you who have forgotten how this thing works, here is a quick summary.  Each week your team is graded in four categories based on exercise.  30 minutes equals 1 Patriot Point.
1.  Average Patriot Points
2.  Percent Increase of Patriot Points
3.  Participation
4.  Percent Increase of Participation

Every post of Patriot Points is important to your team's success.  

Don't wait on a New Year's Resolution. Begin your journey toward wellness NOW.  Set a goal for this week for the number of Patriot Points you will achieve and get moving! 

Updates:

Mercedes Marathon Info-  We are joining forces with The Bell Center, Bell Runners this year.  Next week's Blog will include details about this unique opportunity.

Spin Class-Monday 4:15-5pm Plenty of room for you.  Burn 300-400 calories during the 30 minute ride.  (Class will include a 10 minute core focus for abdominals)

WALKTOBER WINNER 

PHILLIP GARNER WALKED 327 MILES 

GREAT news for Phillip, he will be sporting a new pair of kicks thanks to The Trak Shak!  Phillip was featured earlier this year as he walked on the new track at SCES in the early morning hours.  He continued to make great strides and claimed the Walktober title!  Lauren Luckie, Robbie Gibbons, Lori Renkl and Christa Webb finished out the top 5.  Congrats to all 18 competitors who participated this year covering a total distance of 2,341 miles with an average distance of 167 miles per person.  

HMS WINS!

The PPC Trophy will depart from HKES and arrive at HMS on Tuesday.  Way to go HMS.  

Self-Defense Final Reminder

Thanks to those of you who have emailed your interest to be included in our Self-Defense Class.  Confirm your attendance by emailing me at nspurlock@homewood.k12.al.us

  Class will be at HHS wrestling room on Wednesday, November 13th from 4-5pm. 

CardioCross Class

Starting this Friday 6am, November 15th, The Movement will offer a new class.  The class will feature a 15 minute cardio session with options including rowing, Spinning, running, bleacher climb, jump rope, elliptical, treadmill or stairclimber.  Following the 15 minute cardio session we will complete a strength training session featuring the TribeTraining program principles.  Email me if you are interested!  This is going to be an incredible class encompassing cardio, strength, endurance and flexibility.  

Self-Defense 1 minute Video and NEW PPC CHAMPS HKES!!!

 

 

Be sure your volume is UP and click on the link to see the next opportunity to MOVE from THE MOVEMENT!

 

Self-Defense from HHS Admin. Team

 

 

Two things happen over the next few weeks that give us good reason to think about learning a few self defense techniques. 

1. Scenario A=Afternoon walk/run.  The days get shorter so when you are out on the trail, it is dark.  Attacker awaits.
2. Scenario B=Shopping season begins.  You have bundles of packages in your arms, dark parking lot leading to your car.  Attacker awaits.

 

BUT, if you are prepared with a few simple tips from our certified self defense instructor, you will be ready to defend yourself.  David Sheram has over 40 years experience in Martial Arts.  He is the owner of The Gauntlet in Homewood and a former high school principal.  Because of his interest in helping educators and specifically Homewood City School System, he is offering a FREE self defense class at HHS.  The event will be hosted by HHS.    Please email me at nspurlock@homewood.k12.al.us if you are interested in this amazing opportunity.

 

Patriot Point Challenge Update:

The PPC Trophy will make a trip across town to HKES!  Week 8 of the PPC goes to the "UNDEFEETED" Golden Shoe Champs.  HKES hosts the hardware for their hard work. 

 

Running update:

Good luck to Rebecca Shields (HHS team) and Katie Thomas (Edgewood Team) and Sharon Chappell (wife of Dr. Chappell) all running the NYC Marathon this weekend. 

 

Good luck to all the Vulcan 10K participants.

 

Spin Classes:

Monday 4:15-5pm

Friday 6:00-6:45am

 

 

 

Owlmazing!

PATRIOT POINT CHALLENGE: SCES has done it again.  Week 6 of the PPC goes to the Owls.  The Patriot Point Trophy will be delivered to the Owl's Nest for the upcoming week.

WALKTOBER Challenge: 20 of you are logging in miles and/or steps in this challenge.  Remember that Walktober will be counted as one of the 5 events for the Movement Medal.

SPINSPUR Century:  HKES has been the most consistent in our Spinning program this year.  This week we enjoyed an outdoor Spin.  Congrats to the ladies who will earn their 100 mile shirts- "I Survived Spinspur's Century".


10 MINUTE MIRACLE:

 

LIFE HAPPENS

 I have to admit that for the past month, I have had to adjust my training plan to allow for my new world of living an hour and a half away which equals three hours of driving daily.  BUT, that adjustment hasn't completely ruined my focus on wellness.  I've lost out on my weekly swim with Aquaman aka Patrick Chappell, but I have inserted long walks with my dogs, Yoga twice per week and I continue to get my weekly mileage goals for running.  I've spoken with three employees about wellness goals over the past two weeks.  I have challenged each of them to carve out 10 minutes to focus on wellness in the form of exercise-The 10 Minute Miracle.  If you are struggling to find an hour to devote to wellness, instead focus on a small segment of time!  Form a habit.  Start with 10 minutes to form the habit of exercise and then after you have mastered the commitment, begin to extend your time frame!  Stop making big excuses (see Kermit above) and start making small changes.

The tie goes to......

Shades Cahaba will host the trophy for the third week.  The competition was close this week with both the HBOE and SCES scoring 21 on The Big Scoreboard.  EVERY point counts.  You are an important part of your team. 

Just wanted to share a thought from my current favorite book, "The Element" by Ken Robinson. 
"The more alive we feel, the more we can contribute to the lives of others."  So, just wondering... do you feel ALIVE?  If not, work on your wellness.

Opportunities to move next week include:
Monday Spin Class 4:15-4:45pm FREE  Short, intense ride.  We will have our first race of the school year.  Remember you can always make it your own ride.  High intensity or a steady pace it's your choice, it's your race.  Just keep moving that "I will".
Wednesday Yoga Class 4pm FREE at HKES music room

Don't forget to sign up for Komen Race for the Cure.  Join Homewood City Schools The Movement team.  Our goal is 25 participants. Join our team!

Be sure to check The Movement Race calendar for upcoming events such as the H20 Help 2 Others 5K on Oct. 27th-email khale@homewood.k12.al.us for race signup information.

and finally, email me if you are interested in a Boot Camp type workout available for HCS employees at a discounted rate. 

32.18 is MORE than a marathon

Do you know Phillip Gardner the marathon maintenance man?  He is logging an incredible amount of Patriot Points each week.  I did some investigating at 5:30am this morning and caught Phillip and teammate Glenda Monk on the trail cranking out the miles.  Check out this video, turn volume up to follow along.  Owl Investigation Phillip and Glenda have made a commitment to get fit and score big points for their team.  SCES has won week 2 of the PPC '13-'14.  The competition was close this week.  SCES scored 21 points, HBOE and HKES tied with 19 points each.  Take advantage of Movement opportunities.  Next week Spin Class is Monday at 4:15pm at HHS and is FREE, Yoga class is 4pm at HKES and is FREE.  Walking and/or running is the easiest form of exercise to add to your daily schedule.  Join Phillip at SCES or start up a walking crew at your school.  Walktober challenge will start up in October and Komen- Race for the Cure is upcoming on October 12.

GET MOVING!

HooooHOOO Knew?

Shades Cahaba Owls will host the Patriot Point Trophy based on their big win on week one of the Patriot Point Challenge (PPC).  "HoooHooo Knew" the Owls are on a mission to #BeatTheBoard?  Several employees systemwide participated in events including The Color Run, Monkey See Monkey Do, Survive the Mud Race and Ross Bridge 8K.  I would like to recognize one of our teammates at HHS who completed Ironman Wisconson.  Rebecca Phillips swam 2+ miles, biked 112 miles and ran a marathon (26.2 miles) in ONE DAY!!!!  Rebecca is one of the most humble athletes I have ever been around so this post is probably a bit uncomfy for her to read, BUT, I can't help but to recognize such an incredible feat.  Not all of us can commit to the type of training necessary to complete an Ironman.  Life is busy.  Family responsibilities and professional responsibilities take up much of our time BUT  it is important to simply "TRAIN FOR LIFE".  Train for your very own version of an Ironman.  Maybe your goal is to begin a fitness program, or improve your eating habits, or to complete a 5K.  Whatever your goals are, know that The Movement is available to help you be the best and reach "your unique potential"!

Meet our Ironman and get Moving to meet your Ironman Potential!

Be sure to check The Movement Calendar tab above for updates on fitness class schedule. Next week, Spin will be on Monday/Friday and Yoga on Wednesday.  Stay tuned for an upcoming announcement about free self-defense classes and kickboxing!

Patriot Point Challenge (PPC)

Welcome to the Fifth Season of the PPC.  The reigning champion is team HBOE.  This year the school teams will focus on #BeatTheBoard!  This upcoming week (August, 26-September 1)  is the final week of preseason training.  Begin counting your points on Monday, September 2nd.  You well receive the first email hyperlink for the PPC tally card on September 9th.  Remember, 30 minutes of exercise=1 Point.  Let's start this season with a video that I have used in the past to explain the benefits of exercise.   WATCH THIS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUaInS6HIGo&feature=share&list=FL6MeQM-5jGd-9VeLhgOkGBg

Now, Get Moving.

nivada

Summer Fun and Fitness

Congratulations to HBOE on their back-to-back wins for The Patriot Point Challenge 2013.  This year we experienced a record-breaking year at the Spirit Scamper, with Hall-Kent winning The Golden Shoe for student participation.  Edgewood was the second place Golden Shoe winner for student participation.  The end of the year marks the beginning of summer and our continued efforts toward wellness.  Take this time to focus on your physical dimension with healthy eating as well as enjoying outside activities for fitness.  Wellness also includes the emotional dimension and summer provides the perfect opportunity to relax and get ready for the upcoming school year and a fresh start!

Don't forget about The Movement medal!  Anyone who has completed five fitness events qualifies for the big award.  (any race can be counted, but the Spirit Scamper MUST be one of the five.)  The Movement Medal winners will be recognized at the beginning of our school year.  Please email me if you qualify for this award.

Wednesday, June 26th- HHS will host a special event in our Spin room.  Robert Montgomery, a local guy with  big heart is currently on his bike pedaling across the nation to raise money for http://www.neverthirstwater.org  Robert was the gym manager at ITF- Homewood before taking on this mission to raise money for Neverthirst.    The Movement will host a Spin honoring Robert and help out his efforts.  We need 20 bikers, willing to attend Spin Class.  We will "pass the plate" aka the bucket at the end of class asking for any donation toward Neverthirst (nothing to small or to big-any amount is appreciated).  Please email me and let me know if you would be willing to pedal on Wednesday, June 26th.  The time frame will be 6pm-7pm.  During the ride, we will watch video and see pictures of Robert's cross-country journey.  He will be somewhere near Jackson Hole, Wyoming on Wednesday of next week and quite possibly will join us via Skype!  Don't miss this fun event.  We need you!!!  20 bikers, Neverthirst and  a lot of fun.

Speaking of the Spin room.  If you have any bibs from races or Tshirts from races that you would be willing to donate, please bring them to HHS.  I am working on a project to create a "Wall of Fame" in our cardio room.  Autograph your bib before you donate.  The goal is to provide a space to recognize your efforts toward wellness and to allow our student population to be reminded of employees modeling healthy behaviors.

See you next Wednesday!

#hwdmoves

SpinSpur

Edgewood Finishing Strong!

EES is finishing strong in the third season of the Patriot Point Trophy competition.  This year we will include the http://www.spiritscamper.com/ 5K as our final entry for points.  The Patriot Point trophy along with the MVP from each worksite team will be awarded the final week of this school year.  Each individual employee is also eligible for the Movement Medal to be awarded at the beginning of the 2013 school year.  The Movement Medal is the big bling won by any employee of HCS who completes 4 events ( examples include 5K's, 10K's, Mercedes Relay, Marathons, Biking events, triathlons) and the Spirit Scamper.  Be sure to register for the Spirit Scamper asap.  The deadline has been extended to April 30 to allow the Tshirt design to include a tribute to the Boston Marathon.  A portion of each registration will be donated to the families of the Boston tragedy.

Fun Stuff -  Birmingham Barons Mascot-Babe Ruff and several other characters for kids to enjoy! Face painting, Sidewalk chalk, Spirit Sprinklers/bubble area, Catch a Patriot for Cash, music, on course entertainment, awards, finish line food provided by Piggly Wiggly, ice cream and other snacks for sale, walker friendly course, flat/fast for PR seekers!

FINAL WEEK for SS'13 Tshirt

Spirit Scamper:  You must register by Friday of this week to be guaranteed the official Spirit Scamper Tshirt with your registration!  Don't miss out on this!  Register at www.spiritscamper.com Click on the Registration Tab.

Update on the Patriot Point Challenge.  The weekly battle for the trophy has been more heated this year than ever before.  Last week we had a three-way tie.  HBOE won on the tie breaker which was a battle to see how many teammates would register by Friday for the Spirit Scamper'13.  A little peer pressure from one of the teammates created a firestorm of registration.  16 of the administrative team from HBOE registered by the Friday tiebreaker finish.  AMAZING RESPONSE!

Spring into Action:  The weather is great.  Get outside and enjoy some MOVEMENT!  If you have been waiting on warmer temps to get up and at 'em, the time is now.  Azaleas are blooming, birds are singing and you need to get MOVING!

SEE YOU AT THE SPIRIT SCAMPER 5K:  Our end of the year race will cap off another year of Movement.  The packet pickup/expo (May 3 at HHS 4-7pm) will feature over 20 local vendors in the fitness industry.  Our Spirit Scamper will be May 4th at HHS, 7:30am start time.  The course is family friendly, dog friendly and flat/fast.  Feel free to walk the course and enjoy all of the entertainment.  HHS marching band and drumline, Edgewood Drummers, Men Striving for Success, Spirit Sprinklers, Bubble Brigade, Catch a Patriot for a Prize, Cheerleaders, Color Guard, Star Spangle Girls and much more!

Join The Movement for a training run/walk and FLASHMOB JAM:  This Wednesday, April 17th at 5pm at Trak Shak.  HHS drumline will perform "Jam".  We need you there to enjoy the show and then join the Trak Shak runners and walkers for walk or run.  You choose your distance and pace.  

First Episode of The Movement via Podcast

The M Class

Listen up!  Quick podcast to let you know about an upcoming meeting.

Talkin' about a Revolution

Revolution not a Resolution:

I bought some chips at Publix.  Yep, keep reading, it's me-The Wellness Coordinator and yes, I bought chips.  Since last May I've been gradually changing my diet to the Paleo lifestyle, eating fresh vegetables and meat with an occasional fruit.  This past weekend, I made the trip down the aisle of preservatives, salt and carbs aka the chips area at Publix.  The final few chips are now sitting in my pantry, I'm blogging on Wednesday, so I've done a pretty good job of portion control.  So what does my chip purchase signify?  A REVOLUTION! "I'm talkin' about a revolution." (meant to be read in a song-like fashion for those of you who remember the 1960's")  A Revolution not a Resolution.  Saying “yes” to wellness as a lifestyle of moderation, portion control and physical activity.  Not a quick fix hoping for quick results.  As part of The Movement we are gradually, carefully and methodically making individual lifestyle changes to create a culture shift toward wellness.  So here's the deal.... How many of you make New Year's Resolutions?  For example, I will not eat _____________________.  (insert your bad habit).  I will not sit on the couch. I will not spend $___________ (insert your spending) on new clothes/shoes/etc.  All of those "I will not..." statements are taking away from life instead of adding to your life.  Those resolutions are hard to keep.  So, this year, why not start a REVOLUTION?   I'm talkin' about a lifestyle change that will impact your well-being on a daily basis.  HCS employees are part of The Movement.  When you walk in the school door you are leaders in this endeavor.  Your students watch your every move.  One of the responses from the data gathering email-(How has The Movement changed school climate and your approach to wellness?) included a teacher who started the English lesson in her classroom with this statement-

" I also feel like a positive role model for my students when I say something like "At 5:30 this morning on the elliptical machine, I was wondering what you all would think about today's lesson..."

 

How simple is that?  Talking about a revolution! Two big moments of revolution.

1.  The teacher is preventing chronic disease and adding BDNF (Google it!).

2.  The students recognize the commitment to wellness and know the teacher is part of The Movement.

 

So as you are trying to survive your New Year's Resolution, why not start "talkin' about a revolution." 

#hwdmoves

 

Announcements:

Kickboxing with Nigel : Monday, Jan. 28th ,Edgewood Elementary(must email me and get your name on the list.  $20 for four weeks)

Jan. 26:  Relay for Life 5K:  at HHS!  Check it out and Register Here:  http://community.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_id=54468&pg=entry

Mercedes Meeting:  Please stay tuned to the announcement email about our Mercedes Meeting.  This meeting will be short but very important for team logistics.

Myfitnesspal.com  = Please email me if you are currently using this app. 

Please remember to email your response to  me before 3pm Thursday, 1/16/13 to this question:  How has The Movement made an impact with school climate and your approach to wellness?