Laura Smith Writer

Author: mslauraasmith

  • Feeling Small

    I recently traveled to California (see previous post) for a family wedding. My husband and I, after the festivities were over, did some exploring along the coast before heading back home to the Berkshires, with its rolling hills and varied landscapes. We found a state park home to redwood trees and marveled at how small…

  • Transitions (again)

    My husband and I just returned from a few weeks away from home. We flew out to California for a family wedding, tacking on days before and after the big event to explore the “Golden State.” It was my first “real” trip (I had flown in and out of Oakland for 3 nights o f…

  • First long run for NY!

    Today was my first “long” run for the NYC Marathon. I usually plan on a 20 week training block for the race which includes down weeks when we are away. It felt doable, and after dealing with injuries for years no, I will take it! As I am a teacher, summer training is the easy…

  • The Road to New York (Again!!)

    It is about that time of year again; the time to begin training in earnest for fall marathons. For me, this is the easy part. I am a teacher and have more time in the summer for added mileage, strength training, mobility, and recovery. It is in these first few months that training feels “easy.”…

  • Pride, Letting Go, and Courage

    It is June, and that means that the bigots will start to cry about the absence of straight pride. If this is you, please scroll on by. As an ally, how can I best support my loved ones who identify as part of the queer community? How can I use my voice to further the…

  • “Wordle” Poem Challenge (Spoiler alert)

    I had a better name for this challenge, but I thought it up while driving to the post office and it has since vacated the confines of my menopausal mind. So here goes: The challenge, if you choose to accept it is to create a poem utilizing one Wordle word you guessed per line. If…

  • Transitions

    The school year is winding down and I am almost at the end of my tenth year of teaching. Just some exams, some grading and meetings to go before what always feels likes the endless days of summer begin. The other day on my run I was thinking about transitions, planning out a yoga class…

  • “Worn Story”

    October 10, 2009 A perky volunteer smiled at me, “Congratulations” she sang as I inched my way towards her. She slipped the medal around my neck, its weight becoming immediately apparent. I did not take a look at it closely until I was home on the couch that evening, completely exhausted yet proud. “ING Hartford…