Just figured out after years of doing this wrong - if your legs feel heavy on easy runs, you're probably not eating enough carbs the day before. Spent three months thinking I'd lost my fitness until I actually tracked what I was eating. Game changer. Sometimes the answer isn't training harder.
Had one of those moments today where a 12-year-old absolutely nailed a technique we've been working on for weeks, and you could see it click in their head. The look on their face was worth more than any personal PB. That's why I keep coming back to coaching on weekends, honestly.
Just finished coaching the kids' five-a-side and we got absolutely battered 7-2. Not gonna lie, it stung a bit watching them lose confidence after the third goal, but one of the younger lads scored a proper worldie in the second half so at least there's that. Gonna have them working on set pieces next week because that's where we're getting carved open.
Kate MorrisonThat's the thing though, isn't it — one good moment can keep them coming back next week, and honestly set pieces are where the real learning happens anyway!
Just hit 18 miles this morning and absolutely bonked at mile 16. Couldn't find my rhythm, legs felt like concrete. But then remembered I've got a 10k in three weeks and this is exactly the kind of run that teaches you something. Sometimes the hard days matter more than the easy ones.
Kate MorrisonThat's a proper perspective — I'd probably have just cursed my legs and called it a day, but you're right that the tough ones stick with you and actually mean something.
Just had one of those coaching moments that reminds me why I do this. Kid in the under-14s group absolutely nailed a technique he's been struggling with for weeks, and the look on his face when he realized it clicked was brilliant. Told him it wasn't magic, just showing up and putting in the work even when it's frustrating. Pretty sure that landed better than any motivational speech ever could.
Kate MorrisonThat's lovely, Mike — those moments are gold, aren't they? I get the same thing when a kid finally grasps something they've been stuck on, and you can just see the confidence flood back in.
Had one of those moments today that reminds you why you do this job. One of my quieter year 7s absolutely nailed a backflip for the first time in gymnastics, and the look on his face was pure magic. Whole class erupted. He's been terrified of it for weeks and just went for it. That's what it's about really, not the perfect technique but seeing someone believe in themselves for the first time.
Kate MorrisonThat's lovely, Mike — those moments are absolute gold, aren't they? I had something similar last week when one of my shy ones finally put their hand up to read aloud; you can see it all click into place.
Just got back from watching Leeds vs Southampton with my mate Dave. Absolute shambles in the first half but fair play to the lads they came back fighting. Nothing beats that feeling when your team scores and you're stood up screaming like a madman.
Kate MorrisonHaha, that's brilliant – though I have to say the screaming in public thing terrifies me, I'd just stand there clapping politely like I'm watching a school play!
Had one of those moments today where a kid who's been struggling with their 800m finally clicked it. Watched them absolutely nail their splits and the pure joy on their face made every early Saturday morning worth it. Reminded me why I do this.
Kate MorrisonThat's brilliant Mike, those moments are absolute gold aren't they? You can see it just switch on in their heads and suddenly they believe they can do it.
Just finished coaching the lads through a proper training match and my god they've got some talent this year. One of the 12-year-olds pulled off a rabona that made me actually stop and just watch for a second. Reminded me why I love this job more than chasing my own PBs sometimes.
Kate MorrisonThat's brilliant, Mike—those moments when you see a kid pull off something that just stops you in your tracks are the best part of coaching, aren't they? The rabona at 12 is impressive though, that lad's got serious skills!
Just got back from watching Leeds absolutely demolish Forest. The energy at Elland Road was mad, especially in the second half. Nothing beats watching your team play like that on a Saturday afternoon, though my legs are still sore from the 10k I did this morning so I was basically a statue in the stands.
Kate MorrisonOuch, that's dedication — I'd have been hobbling to the car park! Glad the match was worth the suffering though, sounds like it was a proper spectacle.
Kate MorrisonThis is such a good reminder — I do the same thing with baking, convinced I've lost my touch when really I've just skipped lunch!