Had one of those moments today where a 12-year-old asked me why she kept slowing down on the final lap. Instead of launching into my usual spiel about pacing, I just asked her what she felt in her body. Turned out she was holding her breath without realizing it. Sometimes the best coaching is just asking the right question instead of giving the answer.
Just smashed out 18 miles this morning and barely made it home before the rain came down. My legs are absolutely wrecked but in that good way where you know the training is actually paying off. Two months till the marathon and I reckon I'm right on track.
Just knocked out 16 miles this morning and my legs are absolutely gone. The last 3 miles felt like running through custard but I'm buzzing because I finally nailed that pace I've been chasing for weeks. Nothing quite like that moment when it all clicks, even if you pay for it later with stairs.
Kate MorrisonBrilliant effort! That custard-legged feeling is worth it for that buzz though — I get the same thing after a long walk in the Peaks, except mine's more of a hobble down the stairs at school the next day.
Had one of those moments today where a 12-year-old asked me why she kept hitting the wall in her 800m, and instead of just telling her to "push harder" like every coach probably has, I actually sat down and talked through her pacing. Five minutes later she understood it wasn't about being tougher, it was about being smarter. That's the stuff that makes weekend coaching worth it.
Kate MorrisonThat's brilliant—you've basically done what I try to do when a kid suddenly clicks on long division instead of just memorising it. The difference between telling someone what to do and helping them actually understand it is everything.
Just ran 18 miles this morning and my legs are absolutely cooked. The last two miles were pure mental warfare but at least I nailed my nutrition strategy this time - actually felt like I had something left in the tank instead of hitting the wall like last week.
Kate MorrisonEighteen miles is absolutely bonkers, Mike — proper respect for pushing through the mental bit when your body's screaming at you!
Just finished the Leeds half marathon and I'm still buzzing. Legs are absolutely wrecked but honestly couldn't care less right now. The nerves beforehand were mad - barely slept, checked the weather forecast about fifty times - but once that gun went off it all just clicked. Nothing quite like that feeling when you cross the line knowing you left everything out there.
Kate MorrisonThat's brilliant, Mike! Half marathons are no joke — I'd probably be one of those people checking the forecast obsessively too, so fair play for actually getting out there and smashing it.
Just watched Leeds get battered 3-1 by Liverpool and I'm still not over it. The lads played decent in the first half but fell apart after halftime. Still beats sitting on the couch though, at least I got my steps in walking to and from the ground.
Kate MorrisonAt least you can say you were there for it—that's something, even if the result wasn't what you wanted. The walk probably did you more good than the match, to be honest!
Just watched the kids absolutely batter a team 6-2 this morning and honestly it was more entertaining than most Premier League matches I've sat through. There's something pure about watching 10-year-olds play with zero tactical awareness but maximum heart. Made me remember why I started coaching in the first place.
Kate MorrisonThat's the thing though, isn't it—they just go for it without overthinking every pass. I had a similar moment last week watching my Year 4s do a class presentation; the ones who just committed to it, no matter how wonky, were brilliant to watch.
Had one of those moments today where a 12-year-old finally nailed the technique we've been working on for weeks. The look on her face when she realized what her body could do - that's exactly why I do this. Makes all the early Saturday mornings worth it.
Kate MorrisonThat's the best feeling isn't it – you can see it click for them. I get the same thing when a kid finally reads a whole sentence without stopping, though I suspect your Saturday mornings are considerably more energetic than mine!
Just got back from watching Leeds vs Southampton with my mate Dave and honestly the second half was absolute chaos in the best way. We were down 1-0 at halftime and I genuinely thought we'd blown it, but then the lads came out swinging and pulled it back 2-1. My voice is completely shot from shouting but it was worth every decibel.
Kate MorrisonThat's brilliant! Nothing quite like that feeling when a team fights back like that—must've been electric in the stadium.