websiteilliteratedon'tknowwhatthisbitis
Running Through China
  • About Me
  • Blog
  • Race Pictures
  • Nutrition For Runners
  • Contact Me

New Shoes and New Jobs

6/24/2014

10 Comments

 
Another week, another random pain, hmm, what’s going on? Today’s random (and I hope one-off) pain was in my lower right calf, and then another niggling (but more subtle) similar pain occurred in the left calf towards the end of my run too. The pain wasn’t too extreme, just annoying, but in the end it caused me to reduce my last tempo interval by a kilometre, as I decided to listen to my body and call it a day earlier than planned. (Today’s run was as follows: 1.6km warm-up, 2x 4.8kms at threshold pace with 3 mins rest in between, then a final 3.8kms threshold pace instead of a third 4.8kms interval, then the 1.6kms cool-down.)

I have an awful feeling that this week’s random pain may be a shoe related issue. I.e. that my shoes are well overdue for a change. I have read that you should change your running shoes every 800kms or so. Now, I was planning on getting a new pair at the expo during the marathon weekend in the Gold Coast, but now I’m not sure if I should wait and run in the shoes that I’ve got and have been training in, or buy a new pair and hope I can break them in in time for next Saturday’s race, or run in my older, even more worn out but trusty pair of shoes. Hmm, what to do? Or, maybe it has nothing to do with the shoes and is all in my head?? I hope so.

Something that helped immensely today, and not just with the run, but with the actually getting up and out there in the, yes you guessed it, continuous pissing down rain, was a mantra courtesy of Kristen at Glitter and Dust (http://glitteranddust.com/), about not trading what you want most for what you want right now. Thanks Kristen! This actually woke me up, as I was midway through a random dream re: eating a chicken burger (even more random as I have recently gone back to being mostly vegetarian, along with Husband who is newly vegetarian) and was wondering in the dream if I was awake or dreaming this, and if I was awake then why was I eating a chicken burger so close to getting up for my morning run? Then it struck me, oh it must be a dream, and the mantra came in, adapted to suit the occasion, and spurred me on to wake up as I told myself: ‘don’t trade sleeping in again for what you want most Lou!’

I wish I’d remembered this phrase yesterday afternoon though, when I absolutely traded in what I want most (to get a new PB at the Gold Coast half marathon, and thus, sticking to my training schedule, rain or no rain) for what I wanted right then: going for beers and snacks of our favourite marinated cucumber dish and edamame beans, followed by dinner with a nice bottle of red. So, no, yesterday’s run was out the window! Oops…

Another awesome mantra that helped a lot this morning was courtesy of Kristina over at Blog About Running (http://blogaboutrunning.com/) where I reminded myself that ‘I’ve done it before, I can do it again’. Thanks Kristina!!

 

I have written on here before about how sad we will be to say goodbye and how much we have loved working here. We also often say how this is the best job we’ve ever had and that it doesn’t feel like a job. There’s been no criticism (‘constructive’ or otherwise), no dramas, and no stress. We have been able to plan our own lessons and teach what we like and use whatever method we choose to, and have always been praised and appreciated. The working hours are great as are the perks of the job, and the other teachers are very friendly and warm and welcoming. If you like the sound of this teaching job, then read on: there are two vacancies here at the school we are leaving soon! It is a great position for a couple, or for two single teachers. If you are hold a TEFL or TESOL or other teaching certificate, and would like to come and teach in China, then please get in touch and send me your details, and I can pass it on to the woman in charge of hiring foreign teachers. Here are some more details about the job:

- Work just over 10 hours a week. (Sometimes less when there are exams, sports days etc.)

- Accommodation provided (fully furnished, utilities paid for, all mod cons, air con, TV, internet etc)

- Bicycles provided too!

- Airfare reimbursed at the end of the contract.

- Extra expenses reimbursed at the of the contract too. (For telephone, medical, and travel.)

- Medical insurance covered by the school.

- After the initial visa to get in the country, the school pays for your health examination, resident permit and all renewals etc.

- Breakfast and lunch provided 5x a week.

- Work only Monday to Friday, and usually between 10am and 4pm.

- Lots of time off and freedom to explore this and other cities.

- Teach 13 to 15 year olds (depending on which grade you teach), and between 22 and 44 students in a class or half class.

- Must be a native English speaker.

 

I’m sure there are lots more details I could tell you about, but if you like the sound of it so far, then please do get in touch! They are looking for someone (or two people ideally) to arrive in late August, for the beginning of term on September 1st.

 

Here are a few photos to give you an idea of where we live and teach:

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
I hope the school finds some new teachers in time for September. Of course, we'll naturally be jealous of whoever takes our place! :)




So, tell me, what do you reckon I should do re: my shoe dilemma?

How often do you replace your running shoes?

10 Comments
Kim link
6/24/2014 11:27:12 am

How come you can't stay? Do they only allow teachers to stay a year?
I don't rotate my shoes out very often because I have about 6-8 pairs that I rotate around at the same time (I like to coordinate!!!).

Reply
Lou link
6/24/2014 11:40:39 am

Oh Kim, not at all! They wanted us to stay for a third year (this is our 2nd year here), and we are sad to leave, BUT, we want to see a new part of China, so we're moving to a university up in Inner Mongolia! We're excited about that, but will miss this place a lot.

(Some people we've met have stayed in their positions in other parts of China for 8 and 13 years! So, no, no yearly limit.)

Yeah, think I might invest in a few more pairs and rotate them too, sounds a good idea. Thanks Kim!

Reply
Kristina link
6/25/2014 12:45:31 am

Wow, that sounds like a really good teaching program! Do you and the husband teach in the same classroom at the same time?

I'm glad the mantras helped a bit!

I think if you're able to get the same brand/type of shoe now that would be the best route. That way they're still your trusty shoe, but you'll have a little extra time to break them in before the race just in case it is your shoes. I know when my shoes start getting worn down I feel it in my IT band and a new pair puts me right back to normal.

Reply
Lou link
6/25/2014 04:38:41 pm

We have done a couple of classes together, but mostly we'd teach them by ourselves. Last year we taught different grades, so we had no option to teach together, but this year the new principal wanted the kids to have a better chance of speaking more English, so he got us to teach the same grade and split each class in half. So, instead of the usual 50ish kids we've been able to teach half each, and in a separate classroom too. It's been fun teaching with my husband hey! :)
Thanks Kristina. Think I'm gonna have to wait anyway - I'm just not sure about the shoes that are sold here - loads of Nike rip offs and trainers, but not sure about 'proper' running shoes, if you know what I mean. I'm sure I could get them in Shanghai, but not sure where I'd go locally and kinda running out of time. Fingers crossed my shoes hold out just a little bit longer! :)

Reply
The running Schlub link
6/25/2014 01:29:13 am

So sorry about the calf pain, you did the right thing cutting the run short. Really hope it's just some typical tenderness. Ah the shoe dilemma, I ran into this a few months back. I decided on the new shoes and wore them as much as I could to break them in.

Those are some great mantras, our fellow bloggers are so generous and helpful :). So sorry you have to leave the school but it sounds like you are off to even more beautiful areas. So exciting for new adventures.

Reply
Lou link
6/25/2014 04:41:44 pm

Thanks, I hope its just some random tenderness and goes away soon!

Yep, generous and helpful, and so motivating and encouraging too. So, thanks!! You guys are great!

YES! So excited for new adventures and beautiful new China - we will miss this place but won't miss the pollution though, and are hoping for more fresh air up North! Will keep you posted on that one... :)

Reply
Kristen link
6/25/2014 10:18:44 am

Wow, what a beautiful culture you have been immersed in. I love all the pictures of the kiddos smiling and enjoying life in the classroom. You make such a difference in their lives. When I was in Africa I was so tempted to want to move and make a difference. The kids were a treasure.

I’m glad you liked the running mantra. It helps, but sometimes gets trumped by beers, snacks, and wine (I’ve been there, it’s OK). Typically I will buy a new pair of shoes every 500 miles. I have also noticed that it helps to have two pairs and alternate between the two.

Reply
Lou link
6/25/2014 04:43:58 pm

Kristen they are some of the happiest kids hey! Some are crazy and like a bit of a wrestle in the classroom, but they are all good kids and are just letting off steam (they have a crazy busy schedule and pretty much do homework and tests all day, everyday). We'll miss the kids.

Whereabouts in Africa were you? For travels/holiday?

Thanks, the mantra helped a lot! I'll be using it on raceday I'm sure. :)

Reply
Karen link
6/25/2014 12:11:16 pm

The job does sound very dreamy! I wish I could teach...so wonderful and your hubby had a similar vision and passion and you can do your traveling together. Just lovely, i am so envious :) in a totally good way. The children look so happpy!! Love all the pics. I usually need to retire a pair of shoes at 400 miles or so. I have a pair I wore for our canceled Glow Run because I knew it was going to rain,(we still ran almost 4 miles) my legs do ache a bit more when they are worn down so I officially retired them after that night. Cheers to new adventures!

Reply
Lou link
6/25/2014 04:46:14 pm

Thanks Karen! Glad you like the photos. Yeah, he'd wanted to do it for a while and I thought it looked like a good idea to be able to keep travelling, but then I surprised myself by how much I really love it too! So, bonus! Yeah, so now we get to travel and teach (occasionally, lol), and I'm so glad we came over to do this.
Yeah, think my shoes may get officially 'retired' too after next week's race. Cheers Karen!!

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    A 30-something's running and travelling experience around the world.

    Archives

    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013

    Categories

    All
    27th
    50km
    Abs
    Acting
    Active Recovery
    Afghan Hound
    Albert Einstein
    Amazeballs
    Angry
    Anhui
    Annie
    Anniversary
    ARD
    Australia
    Auto-pilot
    Autumn
    Awesome
    Bacon
    Badass
    Bali
    Barefoot Running
    Beautiful
    Beijing
    Ben Elton
    Besties
    Biryani
    Bliss
    Blog
    Blogger
    Blue Sky
    Boobs
    Books
    Bread
    Brighton
    Busy
    Calves
    Camelback
    Caravan
    Carbo Loading
    Carboloadingf2e058d5a9
    Cardio
    Caring
    Carpet
    China
    Chinese
    Chinglish
    Chocolate Milk
    Christmas
    Cleaning
    Close
    Coach
    Coffee
    Coincidence
    Cold
    Cooking
    Core
    Covert Mission
    Cross Training
    Cycling
    Dad
    Date
    Deepak Chopra
    Dehydrated
    Dough
    Driving
    Duck
    Excited
    Expectation
    Feeling Tired
    Flowers
    Flying
    Food Addiction
    Fresh Food
    Friday
    Fuel
    Full Moon
    Gangsta
    Garmin
    Genghis Khan
    GM
    Gods
    Gold-coast
    Goldilocks
    Goose
    Grass
    Grasslands
    Great Wall
    Green Tea
    Grief
    Grumpy
    Hair
    Halloween
    Hangover
    Hangry
    Hangzhou
    Hard
    Hasfit
    Hastings
    Hazara
    Health
    Healthy
    Henan
    Herbs
    Hohhot
    Holiday
    Hotel
    Huangshan
    Hui
    Hulunbeier
    Humid
    Hungry
    Hunter-valley
    Husband
    Ill
    Inner Mongolia
    Internet
    Jiangxi
    Jiuhuashan
    Kickboxing
    Knee Pain
    Lembongan Island
    Liebster-award
    Lijiashan
    Longmen Caves
    Long Run
    Lushan
    Mantra
    Marathon
    Mask
    Massage
    May-day
    Medical Exam
    Meh
    Memory
    Monday
    Mongolian
    Monsanto
    Mood
    Moon
    Morning
    Mother
    Motivation
    Motivational
    Mountains
    MTB
    Negative
    Nerves
    Newcastle
    New Job
    New-zealand
    Night
    Oatmeal
    Off The Beaten Track
    Oil
    Over Trainingffa29052b5
    Pain
    Past
    Pb
    Peanut Butter
    Photos
    Ping Pong
    Pingyao
    Playing
    Pollution
    Pool-running
    Porridge
    Positive
    Poyang-lake
    Procrastination
    Program
    Progress
    Pumped
    Pumpkin Pie
    Puppy
    Pussy
    Pyjamas
    Qingming
    Questions
    Quickie
    Rain
    Ready
    Recovery
    Red Belt
    Rest Day
    Riverside
    R-kelly
    Rob-schneider
    Rocky
    Runners-world
    Running Bracelet
    Running-group
    Running Movies
    Santos-bonacci
    Sav Blanc
    Scam
    Sex
    Shaanxi
    Shanghai
    Shanxi
    Shaolin Temple
    Shoes
    Sickness
    Singing
    Skittles
    Sleep
    Slow
    Smog
    Snickers
    Snow
    Solo
    Sore
    Speech
    Speed
    Speedwork
    Sports Bra
    Stationery
    Steps
    Stiff
    Strength
    Students
    Teaching English
    Temple
    Tempo
    Terracotta Warriors
    Text Message
    The Bund
    The Wall
    Threshold
    Time
    Tired
    Tofu
    Tongliao
    Track Workout
    Trailer
    Trail-race
    Training
    Triathlon
    Turkey
    Turmeric
    Twice
    Two
    Universe
    University
    Unsatisfied
    Vo2max
    Voice-over
    Water
    Weather
    Wedding
    Weekend
    West Lake
    White-horse-temple
    Whitney Houston
    Wine
    Worried
    WTF
    Xiamen Marathon
    Xian
    Xilinhot
    Yiwu
    Yoga
    Yungang Caves
    Zongzi

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.