The Starting Line: School Edition

Getting ready for a new school year feels a lot like getting ready for a run. There’s the gear, the planning, the fuel, and the mindset.

Gear check: I’ve got my notebooks, pens, and iPad charged and ready to go, just like my running shoes lined up at the door. Still saving up for that laptop, but just like in running, sometimes you make do with what you’ve got until you can upgrade.

Mapping the route: Before a run, I like to look at the route, figure out where the tough hills are, and know what I’m in for. Back-to-school version? Doing some reading ahead of time, checking out syllabi, and scoping out what’s coming my way.

Fueling up: Runners don’t skip carbs, and students don’t skip snacks. I’ve been stocking up on things that keep me moving (sugar free red bull counts as fuel, right?). Just like before a run, it’s about making sure I have the energy to actually get through it.

Nothing feels better than starting fresh; whether it’s stepping onto the treadmill with tied laces or walking into class with everything organized. A little reset makes all the difference.

So, as the first day of classes gets closer, I’m treating it like the starting line of a race. The goal isn’t just to finish. It’s to feel strong, steady, and proud along the way.