Thrive in Unfavorable Conditions - July 9, 2025

Thrive in Unfavorable Conditions

In my last blog, Peaks and Valleys, I mentioned how Chicagoland has been experiencing a heat wave these past weeks of summer. This has made for some very unfavorable temps for runners training for the Chicago Marathon on October 12, 2025. As I look at my lawn, and basically everyone’s in the neighborhood, it’s brown and hasn’t really moved any closer to the sun in about two weeks. When I place my foot on it, there is a brittleness I can feel through my eardrums and I immediately think how this is not the yard I would have gotten grass stains from as a kid. The only things that seem to be growing are the unattractive weeds and crabgrass that thrive in these unfavorably parched conditions. 

As I finished my four-miler I walked to the side of my house and saw something that clutched my eye. Five vibrant pink roses, close together, high above any of the weeds making their statement, declared their dominance. It was an amazing sight, not something I was expecting, but needed. 

These five roses don’t care that the current spiced temperatures are not what they typically thrive in. It doesn’t matter to them that they are lacking the proper amount of hydration to prosper. These five roses agreed to use teamwork and said, “Screw it, we’re not going dormant, let’s show everyone and everything how beautiful and strong we are together.” 

Throughout life, we all will find ourselves in a drought, gasping for water to quench our thirst and find shelter from the temperatures that are draining the moisture out of our bodies. We will find ourselves slowing, crawling, and dragging our bodies against the sharp, crisp blades of grass. Our mind will begin to tell us that it’s no use, just give up, stop clawing at the Earth, trying to move forward. It’s during these times we must think of the five pink roses. We must find and rely on our team, knowing they bring strength when we may not feel it inside. Together, we will rise up and stand strong and thrive despite the unfavorable circumstances we may find ourselves in. We must remember that it’s not the environment surrounding us that determines our growth, but ourselves. 

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Pick up my book, The Educulture Cookbook: Recipes & Dishes to Positively Transform Classroom & School Culture with EduMatch Publishing.

Peaks & Valleys - July 1, 2025

 Peaks & Valleys

A few weeks ago I kicked off my official training for the Chicago Marathon which will take place on Sunday, October 12, 2025. This will be my 8th running of Chicago, and one thing that I have learned is that no two runs are ever the same. 

Chicagoland, much like the rest of the country, has been experiencing a heat wave these last few weeks. Even with lacing up and getting out the door by 6:00 am, the humidity is disgusting, leaving you feeling like you’re running endraped in a wet blanket. This heat and humidity will naturally force a runner to take a slower pace most times. Every once in a while I’ll finish a run through Hell’s Furnace, glance down at my watch to have my sweat filled eyeballs jump out of my skull while my jaw dives like it’s wearing concrete filled boots towards the ground to see a pace I was not expecting. Then the next day, pretty much the same temps and humidity, a pace slower than a turtle crossing a four-lane road. 

Many of my runs have been of the latter mentioned. What I’ve noticed while I’m grinding through them, whether it’s a three-miler or a nine, there is always a pattern. I feel great and am grateful to get to run every day. Then my legs will feel heavy, my lungs searching for a good, deep breath, sweat engulfing my body, my mind asking me if this is even worth it and reminding me that I didn’t hydrate properly, I ate too much junk, I’m getting too old for this running thing. Then, I’ll be back to enjoying the time on my feet in the neighborhood, again sharing gratitude that I am able to and get to run. 

These phases of my runs, they always differ. Sometimes I’ll be in the euphoric, blessed state for 90% of the run, while other times I’m in the pain cave for a majority of the time my feet are pitter-pattering against the warm concrete. These different phases, I call them my peaks and valleys. The highs are when I’m at the peak, soaring above everything else, overlooking the beauty of this world. The lows, those are when I’m in the valley, fighting through the trenches when all I can see is dirt and shadows, fighting the inner dialogue in my head. 

As I was running 6 this morning, I was out of the valley pretty quick, only lasting a minute or two in there. As I was summiting the peak, inching towards the end of my run, I asked myself why I thought every run always ends at a peak and not a valley? Looking back throughout my life, I could not remember one single run that ended in a valley. As I was finishing, about to stand on that peak today, hands in the air and a smile covering my face, I realized why. The valleys that are traveled through during a run, they’re just a path to get to the peak. We need the valleys, they are a necessity to travel from peak to peak. By finishing a run, by completing the mileage that was stated to run for that day, we fight through those valleys. By not staying in the valley shows our character, our determination, our drive to keep fighting, knowing that the valley we’re currently in is only a path, a route, and not our destination. 

The next time you’re on a run and find yourself in a valley, remember it’s only temporary. Don’t stop, keep moving forward and you will find that peak. And if you’re not a runner, still remember this, because I’m not talking about running here. 

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Pick up my book, The Educulture Cookbook: Recipes & Dishes to Positively Transform Classroom & School Culture with EduMatch Publishing.

Gym Shorts - February 11, 2020

Gym Shorts

By, Michael Earnshaw

February 11, 2020

@mearnshaw158

I took a “Brain Break” today and allowed a few minutes to tick by as I scrolled through Instagram. Yes, I know, we wouldn’t want our students to take a “Brain Break” by checking social media, but I consider it a little mid-day PD. I stumbled across a quote that got the wheels in my mind spinning. It’s actually attached itself to my mind and keeps reappearing, making me think more and more about its message. Here’s the quote:

sometimes it’s better to just let things be, let ppl go, don’t fight for closure, don’t ask for explanations, don’t chase answers, and don’t expect ppl to understand where you’re coming from. you got to keep fighting for you bc no one got you like you got yourself

Deep, right? I know. Now I can write about 17 blogs based off of this quote, and I just may. Like I said, it keeps nagging me like that mosquito bite in the summer that you thought was finally done itching, until you subconsciously began scratching again like a rare non-de-clawed house cat.

Tonight I’d like to share with you about a pair of running shorts of mine. They’re black and gray, Under Armour. I’ve had them since 2013, the year of my first marathon. They cost about $50, which was more than I’d ever like to pay for a pair of running shorts, but because I was planning on running for 26.2 miles for the first time I wanted to have a quality pair of shorts on my wheels.

The marathon training plan I followed was 18 weeks long. These shorts were purchased about 4 weeks into my training. I wore them for at least one mid-week run, every long run of the training plan, and finally the marathon. They held up and were definitely one of the nicest, most comfortable pairs of running shorts I ever donned on my legs.

Since that marathon in October of 2013 I have run four more full marathons and numerous half-marathons. Training plans have differed. Nutrition plans have differed. Running routes and playlists have differed. There was always one constant...my black and gray Under Armour shorts.

These shorts have been with me for every long run, every official race, and hundreds of lower mileage runs over the years. Until September of 2019.

“I got you something today when I was shopping,” was what my wife said as I helped to unpack the groceries she had just brought home, praying to find some tasty plant based junk food.

I gazed up at her. I was intrigued. “Oh yeah Babe, what’d you get me?”

“These!” and she pulled a solid black pair of running shorts out of a plastic bag.

My lips refused to part, yet a million letter combinations I can’t share in an educational blog were slam dancing in my mind. After a lifetime of 24 seconds passed, I had an inquiry.

“What are those for?”

My wife gave me the look like I’m an idiot. “Uuummm...to run in. Have you seen the shorts you run in, they look like Shredder from Ninja Turtles did your laundry. I just don’t get why you don’t wear the other pairs you have.”

“Because they aren’t the same. I’ve had mine forever. Fine. Alright. I’ll try them out. I guess I could use a new pair. Thanks, I do appreciate it,” and I gave her a kiss.

I did try these shorts out for a run. In fact, our first run together was 15 miles, so we had a good 150 minutes or so to get to know each other. We didn’t need that much time, after about 10 minutes I knew I had made a new friend for many miles to come.

So how does that quote I read on IG, my old worn out running shorts, and education go together? Simple.

Educators need to throw away what doesn’t work. 

Teachers that have been in the game for years have lessons that they have taught to every class they have ever had. They are comfortable with this lesson, they believe it’s their “Go To”. It was a hit, a success, an Oscar winner years ago and every student should be oh so blessed to get to experience it.

I’m sorry to say, not every movie that has won an Oscar still holds up, or ever did. Times change, audiences change, interests change, and the world changes.

My old running shorts were a security blanket, something that I had emotional ties to. I didn’t want to let them go. I thought they were the only pair of shorts that could get me through a multi-digit mile run or race. They aren’t. They’ve had their fair share of runs and it was time to put them away in my dresser and enjoy the comfort of a run with a new pair.

I’ve accepted that it’s alright to get new running shorts frequently. I don’t have to keep wearing the same pair over and over, mile after sweaty mile. I’ve learned to let go of what I was so comfortable with, figuratively and literally, and upgrade with the times. I didn’t realize how ineffective my original pair was until I tried on a new pair. My lower body is so thankful for the switch.

Educators, try new lessons, take new approaches, create new experiences that are out of your comfort zone for your students. Times have changed, students have changed, and now it’s time your lessons change.

All of my new(ish) shorts were dirty the other night I went for a 5 mile run. I grabbed that original pair out of my dresser, excited to relive some memories. Only the memories quickly faded as I realized these shorts were not the same after so many miles. They’ve run their race, past their expiration date. After I got home and ripped them off I vowed that was our last run together. I’m at peace with that. I’m letting go and not questioning why.

Educators, is there a lesson that it’s time to say goodbye to? 

RPM & Watts

RPM & Watts

November 27, 2018 

By, Michael Earnshaw

@mearnshaw158

Comfort zones are a tricky thing. I’m sure you’re aware of what your comfort zone is. If not, it’s that thing inside that keeps you from taking a risk, trying something new, making yourself look like a fool. We’ve all got one. Some of ours cover a bigger proximity than others, but we all have one. The funny joke that comfort zones like to play with us is that they continually grow and expand. The more we push ourselves out of ours, the more ground it covers. I’ve been stressing to our staff this year that each day they should do one thing that takes them out of their zone, whether it be professional or personal, doesn’t matter. Last night I began reflecting on my comfort zones when a light bulb ignited and I realized I haven’t been practicing what I preach.  

This past school year started off on fire! I was motivating, encouraging, leading our great school like I never have before. Mobile desk, visibility in the halls, all day every day, skateboarding everywhere. Then this continued. Quarter 1 flew by with me doing this every day. Halfway through Quarter 2 and I am still doing the same thing. It’s somewhat losing its effect. My mobile desk, skateboarding, and visibility has become the norm. What started as challenging the status quo has now become the status quo for me and our building. This doesn’t digest well with me. How’d I flick this light switch to realize it? By getting out of my comfort zone on a personal level.  

Fitness has always fascinated me. The dedication, the physical and mental challenges and changes they bring forth are all so inspiring. I’ve been an avid runner since grade school. After college I got into weight lifting. I’ve always shown some gains and progress, but I have never had the strict dedication to make a difference. This is especially true with my inconsistent diet. But that’s a topic for another post. My running and lifting regimen have stayed stagnant for awhile. I’m not seeming to gain any traction or ground towards the goals I want for myself. I’m not getting out of that comfort zone I’ve established years ago when I began working out. Until last night.  

My wife has been taking spin classes for a little over a year now. She’s been a runner, practiced yoga, and has now found a love for pedaling a stationary bike in a dark room with colorful lights and music pumping like the club while an instructor in yoga pants, tank top, and bandana yell instructions like, “Get up! Hover! You can push harder!” I think you get the drill. My wife’s been telling me to take a class for some time now. My response, “Nope. I’m good with running. I’ll go lift some heavy things.” Last night it was too snowy and icy to run outside, I didn’t feel like driving to the gym and follow my usual routine, and I was in no mood to pull out the treadmill. “Why don’t you try spin tonight? There’s a class at 7,” my wife responded. After a lot of contemplation and scouring my brain for excuses I caved. I threw on some workout gear, got a bottle of water ready, and drove over to my first, FREE, spin class.  

It was just like in the movies! A dark room lit with colorful strobe lights and mirrors opposite the bikes with motivational quotes written on them in fancy paints. Dance music playing. Excited pedal pushers ready to get their sweat on. Then little old scared me, not knowing what I got myself into. I felt like that freshman entering high school for the first day, surrounded by upperclassmen that knew what was going on. It was a small class, only 6 of us, which I thought would make it less intimidating until I realized the less people the bigger your output info was on the display monitors. Class begins, Rhianna is blaring (which was ok, I secretly dig Rhianna), and 7 minutes in I'm out of breath. Then we cool down, next circuit begins, and I'm second guessing this decision. I start thinking of all the other things I could have been doing tonight and after the math, I came to the conclusion this would be my first, and last spin class.  

I’m glad I did it, I did feel accomplished and proud of myself for completing it. It’s then I began reflecting on how I have not been getting out of my comfort zone in any aspect of my life, even though I encourage those around me to do this daily. I began writing a recipe on how I can spice up my professional practices, getting out of the comfort zone that I stretched a little after the beginning of this school year. I came to school today, sprinkled a few of those new ingredients and have felt amazing! The oven is back on and ready to go! I’ve even gotten comments from a few staff, noticing the change.  

It’s important to know your comfort zones, but it’s even more important to self-reflect on them and keep stepping out of them no matter how large they grow. As they grow, and you push them, YOU will grow. That is a secret to happiness and success. Today I challenge you to acknowledge your comfort zone, both personally and professionally, and devise a plan to step out of it...daily.  

By the way, my spin experience was not a one and done. I purchased a 10 class package!  It’s time for me to get back to changing the game, breaking the mold, and challenging the status quo everyday!