1779 and a Message from the Maze

Mrs Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C O’Brien was one of my favorite books growing up. I was talking with a good friend last night about how great literacy teaching (when you are young) really sticks with you.

One of my favorite quotes from the book is when the rats are trapped in a lab. The chapter containing this quote is titled, “The Maze.”

A test group of rats had been given injections in order to increase their intelligence. Eventually, Justin, figured out how to get out of his cage. The researches had expected the rats to try to find their freedom, but they entirely underestimated how effective the injections had been. They had assumed Justin was now smart enough to understand that he was trapped in that room, trapped in their system, and would eventually accept his fate as their subject.

“Should I get the net and put him back?” George asked. “I doubt that you’ll need it,” Dr. Schultz said, “now that he’s learned he can’t get out.” But they were underestimating Justin. He had learned no such thing.

During competition, I think that our greatest weapon is when our opponents underestimate our strength and our preparation. The researches underestimated Justin, and it would lead to their undoing.

There may be no better feeling than watching a runner who has trained for a couple of years…step to the start line against a more talented runner and know that the more prepared runner is about to win that race.

I am a huge fan of distance running. I have always said that the only way I ever get back into the classroom would be working with cross country runners. Distance running at the 1600m-10k levels are very strategic. You test our opponents. Sometimes, you sit and kick. Sometimes, you start fast. Sometimes, if your opponent is particularly fast and talented, you drive the pace in the middle of the race in order to take their legs from them at the end. And sometimes, if you are prepared, you listen to their breathing in order to gauge fatigue. When their breathing gets heavy, you take off. One of my favorite tactics is teaching runners to use blind spots on the course. When your opponent can’t see you, you increase speed and try to create or decrease a gap depending on your placement. Sometimes runners will simply “heat check” their opponents. A good runner will learn the tactics of their opponents over time while at the same accentuating their own strengths. When they get to the post season and when the races which matter, they have used the entire season to prepare and learn. While every race is important, the goal is never to win every race. The goal is to pick 1-2 races that are the most important…and win those.

Mrs Frisby and the Rats of NIMH continues….

Yet he(Justin) had learned some things. He had, as Julie noticed, examined the air ducts—the openings along the wall through which warm air flowed in winter, cool air in summer—and he had studied the windows. Mainly he had learned that he could, occasionally at least, jump from his cage and wander around without incurring any anger or injury. All of this, eventually, was important. For it was Justin, along with Jenner, who finally figured out how to find their way to freedom.

Man, I am so proud of Sara Cassidy(and her family) in the Kingsport BOE primary race! She refused to remain silent in the face of wrong doing. She garnered 1,779 votes last night. That is a BIG number given that she jumped into the campaign at the last moment. She didn’t have a bunch of signs. But she showed up and spoke at events and built support for her cause. She ran a true, grassroots campaign which was built on messaging. In fact, on election day(in a three way race) she collected 25% of the vote. She had gained the momentum late in the campaign. She is likely a natural at this. And instead of just a handful of people who want RNR protected, now there are almost 1,800 on the record. Boom.

If she runs in 2028(and I hope she does!), I predict that she takes a seat. Her story, her testimony, and her courage are inspiring to this community. She ran this race with integrity, poise, and professionalism. And rumor is that she was even told by a prominent community member that she can never win! And that brings me back to my favorite book………..

I think they are underestimating her and the movement she represents. Did she learn that she can’t win?

I think Sara and her voters learned no such thing.

Buckle up. More to come……..

ProTip: My family has her campaign sign up in our front yard. I may just leave it there for a bit in order to remind me to be bold and courageous.

When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened. ~ Billy Graham