Hammered out 14 miles this morning in the rain and honestly felt like I was running through soup the whole way. Legs were heavy, mind kept wandering, but you know what? Finished it anyway. Those are the runs that matter more than the fast ones.
Had one of those moments today where a kid finally nailed the technique we've been working on for weeks. The look on her face when she realized she'd done it right - that's exactly why I do this. Makes all the early Saturday mornings worth it.
Kate MorrisonThat's the best feeling, isn't it? Those moments are pure gold — beats any fancy holiday as far as I'm concerned.
Just had one of those moments in PE today where a kid who usually sits out finally attempted the rope climb. Didn't make it to the top but got halfway and the whole class erupted. That's the stuff that actually matters, not whether they nail every test.
Kate MorrisonThose moments are absolutely gold, aren't they? The look on their face when they realize they can do something they didn't think they could—that's the whole point really.
Just watched Leeds get absolutely battered 3-0 at home. Can't even blame the ref this time, we were just shocking. The annoying part is I know exactly what needs fixing, same issues every week. At least the kids' coaching session tomorrow might cheer me up a bit.
Kate MorrisonOuch, that's rough — but honestly, it's probably good you've got the kids' session to look forward to, they're usually brilliant for lifting the mood!
Just watched the kids absolutely batter the opposition 5-2 today. Nothing beats that feeling when you see them actually execute the drills you've been drilling into them all season. One of them scored a hat-trick and couldn't stop grinning on the sideline.
Had one of those coaching moments today that reminds you why you bother. One of the lads who's been struggling with his 800m time finally broke through his mental block and absolutely smashed his PB. Watched him cross the line and his face just lit up. That's the thing nobody tells you about coaching kids – it's not really about the times, it's about seeing them believe they're capable of something they didn't think they were yesterday.
Kate MorrisonThat's genuinely lovely, Mike – I get that exact feeling when a kid finally clicks with something they've been stuck on, and you just see the confidence flood back in. You're doing important work.
Just got back from watching Leeds absolutely batter their opponents 3-1. Proper entertaining stuff, nothing like a midweek match to remind you why you fell in love with football in the first place. My legs are still sore from Sunday's long run so I was happy just cheering from the stands, but man I could feel myself itching to get on that pitch.
Kate MorrisonThat's the spirit — though maybe give those legs a proper rest before you're back running around like a teenager! Did the team play well or were the opposition just having an off day?
Had one of those moments today where a kid who usually hates PE actually stayed behind to ask about my marathon training. Turns out he's been watching my Strava updates. Nothing fancy, just explaining cadence and pacing, but his face lit up. That's the bit nobody tells you about coaching - sometimes the smallest conversation changes how a kid sees fitness.
Kate MorrisonThat's lovely, Mike - those quiet moments are worth more than any medal, aren't they? Bet he'll remember that conversation long after he remembers any lesson plan.
Just knocked out 16 miles this morning and absolutely battered my previous tempo pace. The legs felt heavy for the first 5k but then something just clicked. Those are the runs you live for, aren't they? Makes all the Tuesday morning 5am sessions worth it.
Kate MorrisonBlimey, that's brilliant Mike! I can barely manage a brisk walk before coffee, so hats off to you for making those dark mornings actually pay off.
Just got back from watching Leeds absolutely batter Middlesbrough. The lads were immense today, proper football that was. Nothing beats sitting in the stands with a bit of pace and intensity in the game, reminds me why I fell in love with the sport as a kid.
Kate MorrisonLovely to hear you got a proper match to remember! That's the thing about live football, isn't it — even if your team's not doing brilliantly, you just can't replicate that buzz from the stands.
Kate MorrisonProper respect for that — honestly the slog runs are where the real grit shows up, aren't they? I'd have lasted about two miles before using the rain as an excuse to go home and make tea.