Penny Thoughtful: All Things Books and Running

  • Monuments, their Historiographical Role

    Monuments, their Historiographical Role

    Once again, monuments, specifically Civil War related monuments, have come under fire with many of these monuments torn down, defaced, or scheduled for removal. Opponents to the removals cry out that taking down these monuments erases history. Ask any historian and they will wholeheartedly dispute that charge. To fully understand the place of monuments in…

  • GVART1000k Week 7 – Embrace the Streak

    GVART1000k Week 7 – Embrace the Streak

    Monday, 73 minutes, 8.21 miles (2.13 miles walking)What an AMAZING run.I have no idea what one thing made the difference, the temperature, staying hydrated, or my amazing new shirt but I felt so strong.My heart rate never got up too high. The hills felt challenging but not killer. Then at the end of the run…

  • Throwback Travelogues – London Day 4: The main attraction in the city

    Throwback Travelogues – London Day 4: The main attraction in the city

    I crammed as many sights into my full day of sightseeing in London so that I could clear my schedule for the British Museum. I expected to spend hours there owing to the fact that enough history resides within those walls to intoxicate any history lover. Before I arrived I stopped at Picadilly Circus, described…

  • Education and Race

    Education and Race

    It should come as no surprise to anyone that education holds a special place in my heart. From my youngest years, I knew I wanted to become a teacher. That journey took quite a few twists and turns before I got to the point where I have arrived now. part of that journey, my three…

  • GVART1000k Week 6 – All the Miles

    GVART1000k Week 6 – All the Miles

    Monday, 73 minutes, 7.70 miles (1.61 miles walking)I felt excited to get back at the longer, regular run after a slight cut back last week. Of course, I sweat a tremendous amount, the usual for this time of year for me. We also had someone shout at us as they turned left onto the street…

  • Throwback Travelogues: Day 3, City of London, a history lover’s paradise

    Throwback Travelogues: Day 3, City of London, a history lover’s paradise

    2020 Jen – This day marked when I first fell in love with London with a little adventure the night before. The night after Windemere was its own adventure. It all started with a lackluster interaction with the hotel receptionist. This gentleman barely spoke to me. He took my credit card and gave me vague…

  • Racism

    Racism

    Friday May 29, 2020 lifted the lid and showed the roiling, ugly underbelly of American culture and the still endemic system of racism woven deeply into the bones of this country. In a text to a fellow social studies teacher, I stated that we had reached a low water mark. I could not believe what…

  • GVART1000k Week 5 – Stepping Back

    GVART1000k Week 5 – Stepping Back

    I did not intend to step back. I wondered if it might happen since Monday through Thursday I worked from 8-4 at school helping with supply drop off, end of the year stuff. That physical drain from staying outside all day in the heat combined with the emotional and mental drain from current events meant…

  • Silent Reflection

    Silent Reflection

    Although I have posts already written, this week I am taking a break from new content. These past few days have weighed heavy on my heart, convicting me and motivating me. Over the next week I want to take time to soak in what I have learned, reflect on my own shortcomings and discern where…

  • GVART1000k Week 4 – Settling In and Getting Stronger

    GVART1000k Week 4 – Settling In and Getting Stronger

    Monday, 72 minutes, 7.76 miles (1.26 miles walking)While my legs felt a bit tired yesterday, they did not feel that way today. They did not exactly feel like they had a “pep” in the step but rather I felt strong on the hills. The hills did not feel easy at all but I felt so…

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