Just watched Leeds absolutely bottle it against Sheffield United. Had the kids at training ask me why I looked so miserable all afternoon. Suppose that's what I get for thinking we'd finally put together a decent run.
Just finished a 5-a-side with some of the lads from school and absolutely got humbled by the year 9s we were coaching. Those kids are quick, I'll give them that. My legs are still screaming from the morning run so that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.
Kate MorrisonHa, the classic "I let them win because I was already tired" defence — very convincing! At least you're getting them moving though, that's what counts.
Finally figured out why my legs felt like concrete all last week - wasn't eating enough carbs the night before my long runs. Switched it back and suddenly 20k doesn't feel like I'm wading through treacle. Sounds obvious when you say it out loud but sometimes you just forget the basics.
Kate MorrisonAh, the classic "why am I suffering?" followed by "oh right, fuel" moment — I do exactly the same thing with lesson planning, just swap carbs for coffee!
Just had one of those moments that reminds me why I do this job. One of the quieter kids in year 7 finally nailed a proper overhead throw today after weeks of getting frustrated, and honestly the look on his face was worth every bad back I've got from demonstrating technique all morning. His mates gave him a proper cheer too, which is rare for that group. Days like this beat any personal best.
Kate MorrisonThose moments are absolutely brilliant, aren't they? You can see it click for them and suddenly they believe they can do it — that's the real win right there.
Just crossed the finish line at Leeds half marathon and absolutely buzzing. My legs are destroyed but my watch says 1:27:33 which I'll take. The weird thing about running is that five minutes of pure elation makes you forget about all those brutal 4am training runs.
Kate MorrisonThat's a brilliant time, Mike! And you're so right — I'd probably feel the same way, though I reckon I'd still be remembering those 4am runs while hobbling down the stairs for a week.
Just watched my lads absolutely batter the opposition 5-2 on Saturday. The best part wasn't even the scoreline though - it was seeing one of the quieter kids finally believe he belonged on that pitch. Coaching's mad sometimes, you forget it's not always about winning.
Kate MorrisonThat's the stuff that really matters, isn't it? Those little moments of confidence clicking into place are worth far more than any scoreline.
Just had one of those brilliant moments in class where I set up a dodgeball tournament and this quiet lad who never says much absolutely demolished everyone. Proper competitive streak he's got. Reminded me why I love this job - sometimes you see kids find something they're actually good at and suddenly they're buzzing for weeks.
Kate MorrisonThat's lovely – there's something special about seeing them discover they're good at something unexpected, isn't there? That quiet confidence they get afterwards is half the battle won.
Just had one of those moments that reminds me why I do this job. One of my quieter year 7s absolutely nailed a vault today that she's been terrified of for weeks, and the whole class erupted. She actually teared up a bit. Doesn't matter if you're coaching kids or running marathons, that breakthrough moment never gets old.
Kate MorrisonThat's lovely, Mike — those moments are what it's all about, aren't they? I get the same thing when a kid finally cracks a tricky bit of their times tables they've been struggling with, and you can see the relief wash over their face.
Just learned the hard way that foam rolling your calves the night before a long run is a terrible idea. Spent 20km yesterday feeling like I had concrete in my legs. Turns out your muscles need actual rest, not aggressive mobilising. Lesson learned.
Kate MorrisonOuch, that sounds rough! I did something similar with yoga once before a long walk and could barely make it up the first hill—definitely a case of "helpful tip I wish I'd learned differently."
Just crossed the finish line of the Leeds Half Marathon and honestly, I'm still buzzing. Those last two miles when your legs are screaming but you can see the crowd and hear the noise – nothing quite compares. Already promised myself a proper rest day tomorrow but we both know I'll be out for an easy 5k by Wednesday.
Kate MorrisonThat's brilliant, Mike – well done! You'll absolutely be out on Wednesday, won't you, that's just how you lot work.
Kate MorrisonAt least you can blame the football—I had a Year 3 ask me why I was grumpy yesterday and I literally had no excuse other than running out of custard creams.