Run Club

127 runners

33 volunteers

1 teacher

I remember being asked to solely take over our school’s run club this summer. It felt like a huge honor that I’ve wanted for years. Now it was all mine. Managing the runners, the complaints, the iPads, Run Club shirts, the 3D printed charms, Run Club permission slips, the QR codes badges…all of it was mine. Oh my gosh, it was all mine?! 

It was a little overwhelming and exciting at first. There’s more than meets the eye to our Run Club that I was now in charge of. Thank goodness for our incredible sponsor who laid to rest my concerns. Then I got the great news that I had a budget to work with. That allowed me to work freely and creatively and I've been doing just that. 

In a short period I was able to create this year’s Run Club logo, fill a binder with forms and new ideas, add a medical kit to our supplies, and more. It all came together day by day.

Then day 1 arrived. Music greeted runners and parents as they entered our students’ gates. Volunteers held clipboards with color coded student names to check in nearly 100 runners. Signs posted where each grade would place their bookbags; while chalk showed where each runner would stretch. Then with a blue mic in my hand it was showtime.

I announced as loud as I could it was time to start our 2026-2027 Run Club season to a chorus of cheers. I quickly explained what our run club would be like before our sponsor started presenting. She went on to ask for a show of hands who had never participated in our school’s run club before. This year nearly two-thirds of the group is new. 

Then it was time for our first lap as a team! Everyone was itching to get going; but I had an idea. What if we all lined up as a school and cheered for each other. I lined the fifth graders on the side, then the fourth graders, third graders, and second graders. The first graders, kindergartens, and pre-k runners were first. We all shouted our team cry and they took off running! Let me tell you, little kids running is absolutely adorable; especially with 100 kids cheering them on. Then each grade got their turn, while chanting for them.

At the end, students dropped their colored badge into one of our buckets, an idea I proudly stole from Disney. Then I thanked all our runners and parent volunteers. 

After the runners left as I began our cleanup, our sponsor told me that despite her working with 23 schools, she had never seen a school have students support each as each grade level ran their first together. A few parents thanked me for not putting a limit on entrees this year. 

I’m honored to lead this year’s Run Club, but I’m more grateful for the support from parents and the amount of runners that are showing up. I nearly cried on the first day seeing the amount of people listening to me. My goal this year was to give every kid an opportunity to run and walk with us. Throughout the way, I’m sure some kids won’t return, while we’ll have more that want to join their friends. No matter what, everyone is welcome at our run club!

Old School

“I’ll never forget when I had to go to the chalkboard in 5th grade to solve a division problem I had no idea how to solve, and I just had to stand there clueless.” I said to my students. “Mr. P, are you sure you’re not old?” A student responded back.

It’s 4:59am this morning (a Sunday) and my alarm clock is reminding me to get moving. Yes, you read that correctly. I did indeed wake up at 4:59am on a Sunday. Why? It’s simple, it’s about my mindset. My mindset that feels like it’s rolling back to my school days, my old school days that is. 

“Everyone wakes up at 5:00am, but very few people are waking up at 4:59am.” That's what I tell myself. I know my 3rd grade team would likely add, “Only you wake up at 4:59am.” Whatever the case, I do it not just on weekdays, but also on the weekends. The change is because of my upcoming training schedule and the Dopey Challenge races.

I remember in high school and college I used to get up and run with my teams before the sun rose. It was a great feeling. While most people were sleeping, my team and I were getting in a workout.

Lately, I’ve been running shirtless and enjoying every bit of my running. When I see hills, I get excited to conquer them. I’ve actually been scheduling my runs to include more hills. When I see a hill in the distance I pretend to say, “It’s time to eat!” and I put a spoon into my mouth. It might be weird. It might be silly, but it makes me laugh and helps get me ready mentally. 

After waking up at 4:59am, 33 push ups, standing on my balance board for two minutes, three sets of 20 on my Kettle Bell, two types of stability exercise on my bosu ball, 33 sit ups, 2 minutes of planks, and finishing with three sets 20 of toe lifts per leg. Then I read ten pages and eat a breakfast of cereal or waffles with almonds, sunflower seeds, and strawberries on the side. I finish my breakfast with a half cup of blended smoothie and my multi vitamin. I’m loving this routine.

In some aspects, I’m doing some very old school things; waking up early, running shirtless, running up hills, not worrying about my pace. In other aspects, my 4:59am routine is new school. Focusing solely on strength, core, and stability is new. I’m eager to see what months of consistently doing this routine will do to me. I’m also excited that I’m enjoying running again. It’s going to be a great training season for the Dopey Challenge! 

Weight

“I started running again like we planned. I don't feel any pain while running, but I feel it when I walk. Just like I did months ago.”

(Shocked and discouraged) “You already know what you should do...”

-Part of a conversation with my podiatrist

        I got the news I long expected from my podiatrist yesterday. The news should’ve been weight off my shoulders, but instead only added weight to my upcoming January races. 

When my podiatrist and I agreed to the plan ahead, the reality didn’t set in until I sat in my Mustang a few minutes later. My races in January are going to be my last for quite some time (more than likely). Luckily the good news is that I get one more training cycle to give my body it has. To be honest, the details won’t be finalized for a few more months, so I can’t share much. 

What I do know is that no amount of time off has healed the pain. That means it’s time to do what we’ve all tried to avoid for me. What I also know is that the body is an incredible thing. Last night I went for a 4 mile run and for fun ran sub six minute miles and one time I hit a 4:52 mile temporarily. 

I’ve gotten asked if I regret racing competitively 52 months in a row. I don’t at all. I wouldn’t change anything. I secretly was dreaming of making it 60 months. What started as a 12 month goal became 24 months, then 36, and 48. It went by so quickly. I exceeded my expectations and have done races I never thought of. I hit my fastest paces in the middle and late of the streak. It was fun! Each medal and bib I wrote special memories from the races that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.

When I started running and playing recreationally earlier this month, my physical therapist became concerned when I told her the pain had returned. Her concern was valid as I was too. But… life isn’t meant to be lived on a couch. I’m a teacher, runner, coach, biker, hiker, mini bowler (long story), and more. By running, coaching, and playing recreationally it gave me hindsight that no amount of time has healed the pain that lies deep in my ankle. (The same thing happened in 2020 on the same foot.)

For years I’ve carried around the weight of this ankle pain. At times it causes me to grimace in pain. At worse times, it causes me to limp. No amount of rest, medication, and ice has healed the deep pain I feel. Having the pain has added weight on me physically and emotionally. 

 I’m going to run freely and have fun building my running base. Then train while managing my ankle pain. Then come January 2027… I’m going to give the Dopey Challenge my best!

Stepping Back

“I want you to step back, take a deep breath, and then step forward with confidence.” I wasn’t sure I could do it, but I did as I was told. “Good job, Jordan! Now do that 19 more times.” my physical therapist said. 

Here’s what I’ve been up to in June:

• Started physical therapy on my ankle…long way to go

• Ended my long Duolingo streak

• Eat a small portion of fruit daily (it’s a start lol)

• Deleted over 12,000 photos from the last decade

• Deep cleaned my home… it’s the best it’s ever looked

• Watched the WCWS, CWS, Stanley Cup, NBA Finals, FIFA World Cup; it’s been a great month for sports

• Removed Instagram, Facebook, & Amazon Prime from my phone

• Started using gift cards I’ve had accumulated

• Consolidated lots of my teaching tubs, now I have 9 less tubs

• Debating getting rid of my Disney pass

• Did 60 hours of teaching courses to help renew my teaching license

• Read 50-100 pages from a book daily (that’ll decrease in August)

• Did a deep dive into my monthly, yearly budget

• Created a monthly spreadsheet of my teaching ideas that’ll get printed before each month

• Obsessively watching the updates of the Lego controversy between Reckless Ben and Bricks & Minifigs

• Mentally have been working on myself grace and forgiveness for the people to have hurt unintentionally over the years

• Watch a movie most days (101 Dalmations, the 1996 version is one of the best movies of all times & Toy Story 5 is a pinch overrated, good message though!)

This June has been very interesting. It’s been very challenging on me mentally and physically.

Despite three months of resting and physical therapy my ankle still hurts and that has been frustrating for me. I don’t blame anyone. I’m very appreciative of the therapists and doctors who are trying to help me. I just thought with three months of rest the pain would be eliminated by now, but it’s far from it. The good news therapists quickly realized I was long overdue for treatment and have happily given me “homework” (mini stretches/motions), that I gladly do. I’ve also been reading a ton and was reminded that eating the right foods might help me physically and mentally. 

Mentally June has been hard. The summer months are always hard because most days I don’t see people, but this June has been one of the hardest ones of my life. As you saw, I did a deep-dive into my home and tech. I got rid of a lot. It was long overdue. I am happier walking into a space that is much cleaner, but frustrated with myself in how much money I’ve wasted during the first 10 years of my teaching career and in my personal life. I’ve pushed my focus to the next 10 years and what I want it to look like.

I’ve also been very reflective of my past this month. Going through a decade plus of photos has reminded me of my past that I’m proud of and areas I need to improve in. I know I’ve done some great things in my life, but I can’t help but feel like I’ve unintentionally hurt others . At times I feel like I’m a bad person and it weighs on me heavily. For anyone I’ve unintentionally hurt in my entire life that reads this blog, I am sincerely sorry. I mean that. Words just to say or type them mean little. I live my life through action, and I’m trying to be the best version of myself daily. I’m optimistic that drastically decreasing my time on social media, spending more time praying/mediating, seeking out opportunities to be around like minded prayer or running groups, increasing my reading and exercise will improve my mentality… trying new fruits and vegetables couldn’t hurt (turns out I like raspberries now haha).

I know this blog is heavy, but I promise I’m okay. I promise if someone reads this in 2 years, 5 years, 20 years I’m okay. Due to all the reflecting, it's created a lot of emotions. But it's done some good. By sorting through my photos and posts I’ve saved, I’ve got many ideas for each month that I’m itching to do this school year, including some I've used in the past. By using up my gift cards, I've saved a lot of money. Removing social media from my phone is helping me not feel less lonely and not see all the perfectionism that's posted, thus making me happier.

Please remember I type my blogs with honesty to hold myself accountable, but also to possibly help someone…now, 2 years, 5 years, 20 years, etc. Maybe someone reading this blog is now motivated to clean out their garage full of teaching supplies (your car will thank you). Maybe there’s someone out there I accidentally hurt 5 days ago, 15 months ago, or 25 years ago, I'm sorry. Lastly, maybe someone's reading this realizing today is the perfect day to get end their overpaid subscription (Bye Runners World...I forgot to add that to the list). 

This month I’ve taken many steps backward literally and figuratively. I’ve had to look deep down and who/where I am/at and where/who I want to be today, tomorrow, and in the future. I’m proud of the steps I’ve taken this month, but also acknowledge I have a long way to go. 

If you’re someone going through similar things, you are not alone. Sometimes you have to take the painful step back, take a deep breath, and step forward.

More

I began slowly pacing around the classroom, looking at each desk, praying over each desk, and then the tears began fall one by one. It was only 7:30am. I wouldn’t see my students for another two hours, but I was already weeping that we were about to spend our final day together.

 

This school year was special. It was my 10^th year of teaching and I was back in 3^rd grade for the first time since my first year of teaching. To top it off, I was given an especially respectful and polite class. They were a class that every teacher dreams of looping with, something I have yet to do in my career. 

 

Seventeen go-getting students that I was proud everyday they walked into my classroom. It was rare that I’d ever have to remind them twice any expectation on daily basic. It was so rare that they’d have an “off day” that that I can’t remember a single time were I was disappointed in them. 

 

They were a creative class. So I put their artistic side to work in writing and drawing for the school to see monthly. Their artwork hung from our ceiling and walls too. When they decorated my suit, they didn’t just scribble as most kids (and teachers) do, they drew actual illustrations from the memories they made. Yet… I wish I would’ve done more. 

 

They were class that loved to gamify. Although the boys were (loudly) more competitive than the girls, both sides knew when a Gimkit or Blooket came on the screen, it was every boy and girl from themselves. They’d even At one point, they had formed groups to battle against each other and then the cries from the victims, so I explained the beauty in winning by individual effort, and not group. To my surprise, the boys agreed it was time to dismantle alliances and thus the intensity and fun improved; especially when Mr. Potrzeba joined the game. Yet… I wish I would’ve done more.

 

They were a class that read. Every year I show how reading changed my life. I start reading to them from day one and rarely miss a day. Most importantly, I encourage and talk to them about reading. I also make it the expectation that any moment of transition or think time, sneak in reading! Although most transitions and wait times last less than a minute, that’s enough time to read a page or two from a book. This class understood that and took advantage of every second. Yet… I wish I would’ve done more.

 

This class was hardworking. I could give them any task and they’d never complained. Sometimes I felt bad, and yet their reaction was always the same: tell them the expectations, where to turn it in, what the next task was, and if reading a book is one of the options. In April we did endless reviews and Stack Performance Matters tests, and they did them all without a single complaint. Come May, they were ready and scored the highest I’ve seen a class do in my career. 100% of the class was proficient in math and 94% proficient in reading. Yet… I wish I would’ve done more. 

 

This class was special. This year was special. I did somethings I’ve never done with a class. I also did some major throwbacks in honor of some memories throughout my ten years. But there’s also some things I wish I would’ve done. This class didn’t get to experience all the things they deserved. That’s haunting me. I gave them my all and they gave me their all. It was a great year! Yet… I wish I would’ve done. 

Life-Changing Aspirations

Every day on this exact day each year, it’s a day I reflect on where I’m at in my life and where I want to go. This day is a joyous one. It’s full of celebrations, optimism, and aspirations. But it’s also a reset. I consider it day 1 of 365. Do you know what day it is yet? 

                 

                  I’ve been asked a lot what I’m doing for my birthday and every time I’ve had to awkwardly say…nothing. I’m just going to go home, recharge, rethink, and reflect. I could go to Disney or hang out with my friends or even set up for a glow day like my team and I did last year. This year I’m relaxing by blogging and I like it that way.

 

                  When my health hit a sharp rapid decline unexpectedly, it forced me to sit on the couch and think a lot. After all, it was partly the doctor’s orders. But I’m not a person to sit for long. It’s time to figure out how I can improve my life.  

 

I have some aspirations…

 

                  This year I aspire to improve my health. The results from my numerous visits weren’t bad, but they weren’t great. My running has arguably kept my health in good shape, but now it’s time to improve it with more healthy balanced food options. I’ve already started eating banana day and plan to gain on that momentum. I’ll do this by continuing eat fruits daily, cutting off my soda weekly intake by 85%, and lowering my processed foods (chips, candy, etc.) I’m determined to lower my cholesterol. 

 

                  Another aspiration I have is to go back to walking pain free in my ankles. When my 52-month race streak ended, it opened the door for me to get my ankles reexamined and thus another new medical first happened for me: my first MRI. Learn from me and don’t type every medical result into AI platforms or you might just put yourself in the hospital. Despite AI’s diagnosis, my podiatrist on the other hand wasn’t as concerned and didn’t recommend surgery. My plan right now is to take a few months off from running and biking. In the near future, I’ll be going to physical therapy consistently for a month or two. If those two things don’t improve my ankles, I’ll reseek more medical help from doctors. I’ve had ankle pain for two years and it’s long overdue to be pain-free. I’m determined in 2026 to end this pain once and for all.

 

                  My last aspiration is to save more money than I ever have. At home, I have plenty of appliances, cooking pans, and clothes. In my running career, I have enough shoes, stretch boards, and weights to satisfy a runner. I’m really happy with my home and am so grateful. As for my classroom, I’ll never have enough books and printer paper. There’s always a need for something, especially because it’s for my current students and future. One of the many things I’ve learned in the two years moving to this school, we have great support from parents. With their help, I can fulfill my wishlist and creating more amazing classroom transformations.  Meanwhile at home, I’m being very mindful with my impulsivity buying. By reading books, finally listening to my parents’ advice, and waiting 24 hours before buying things on Amazon or items not on my grocery list, I am determined to continue improve my finances.

                  Those are just three of a dozen aspirations I have. Have no doubt, I’m already changing my life in ways I’ve only dreamed of. Only me is going to hold myself back and that’s not going to happen anymore. It’s time to achieve some life-changing aspirations!

Hail Mary

Today a student said, “Mr. Potrzeba, put your glasses back on.” My response, “Bam! Done! And if you want to see glasses, go see Ryland Grace wear his in Project: Hail Mary!” The class rocked with laughter.

 

 

                  Last week I saw Project Hail Mary and enjoyed it a lot. To say I’ve been obsessed with it since would be a massive understatement to my friends and students. After getting home I immediately looked up the plot trying to connect the missing pieces. Then the next day, I searched for the Lego set and found out it was sold out everywhere. The day after that I started reading the book from cover to cover. I’ve even watched interviews daily. 

 

Come Monday, I was ready to shout about the movie from my stool…and I nearly did. Partly because our newest science unit was about the powerful effect the sun has on the Earth…which was freakishly similar the movie. So, could you blame a teacher for the last week, and half been hyping up the movie every day? My students are convinced Ryan Gosling, and the producers are paying me to promote their movie, but I’m not. I just enjoyed it quite a bit. 

 

To make my obsession even more obsessive, tomorrow NASA is planning on launching the Artemis II rocket with humans around moon, so I came up with some clever ideas to celebrate. First, this blog. I had no intention all day of typing about the movie. Even this Hail Mary blog was supposed to be about my own “Hail Mary” into eating fruits every day and getting my left ankle reexamined in hopes of chasing sub 3 marathon glory. I had two different titles in mind (On Your Left or Uncharted Paths). But plans changed “just like they did in Project: Hail Mary. See it in a theater near you!” That’s a line I’ve said at least three dozen times.

Another idea I had was to order Artemis II donuts from Krispy Kreme celebrate. Thank goodness for apps. I just ordered them as I typed this blog and they’ll be ready tomorrow morning. Donuts and lots of April Fools jokes, I can’t wait! … And finally, after biking 20 miles today I planned on resting tomorrow but what if I dressed up in my astronaut suit and helmet (that are conveniently hanging in my classroom) and better yet, run in them with our Run Club kiddos? Too easy!

 

We’ll I hope my blog was, “AMAZE! AMAZE! AMAZE!” (That’s a line from the movie.) And if you want to see and hear more lines from Ryland Grace and Rocky, go see Project Hail Mary in a theater near you!”