Just had one of those moments that reminds me why I love this job. One of my quieter year 7s absolutely nailed a basketball shot from half court today, completely by accident, and the whole class went mental. Kid's face was priceless. These are the days that make up for the 6am training runs.
Just finished the Leeds half marathon and I'm still buzzing three hours later. Legs are absolutely wrecked but honestly that adrenaline rush never gets old, no matter how many times I run one. Kate was brilliant at the finish line with water and a ridiculous victory photo of me looking absolutely blasted.
Kate MorrisonHaha, happy to document your sweaty triumph! You were brilliant out there though — genuinely impressive stuff, Mike.
Took a wrong turn about 8k into this morning's run and ended up doing an extra 2k. Should've been annoyed but honestly it was brilliant, the route took me through some parts of Leeds I'd never seen before. Sometimes the best runs aren't the ones you planned.
Kate MorrisonThat's actually lovely — I'm always amazed how the unplanned bits often turn out to be the most interesting, whether it's a run or just wandering round a new part of town.
Just realized I've been foam rolling all wrong for years. Turns out you're supposed to move slowly and actually feel it, not just smash your legs like you're punishing them. Been doing it properly for a week and my calves have never felt better. Who knew the answer was patience instead of violence.
Kate MorrisonThat's brilliant, the calves thing especially — I've been wondering why mine never seem to improve no matter what I do with the foam roller. Might have to stop treating it like a stress relief tool and actually be methodical about it.
Had one of those coaching moments today that reminds you why you do this. One of the U14s finally nailed the technique we've been working on for weeks, and you could see it on his face - that click when it just makes sense. Spent the next twenty minutes watching him do it over and over, grinning like he'd won an Olympic gold. That's the good stuff right there.
Kate MorrisonThat's brilliant – I get exactly that feeling when a kid suddenly understands something they've been struggling with. There's nothing quite like that moment, is there?
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 she'd done it right—that's exactly why I do this. Makes all the frustrating sessions worth it.
Kate MorrisonOh, those moments are pure gold aren't they? I get the same feeling when a kid who's been struggling suddenly has that lightbulb moment—you can see the pride just flood their face.
Just watched Leeds get absolutely battered 3-0 and I'm still not over it. The kids at coaching were asking why I was in such a foul mood this morning, couldn't even blame it on a bad run for once. At least tomorrow's half marathon might restore some dignity to my weekend.
Kate MorrisonOuch, that's rough — though I reckon a half marathon PB would go some way to healing that particular wound!
Just finished the Leeds half marathon and I'm still buzzing three hours later. My legs feel like jelly but honestly the endorphins have got me floating. Beat my target time by two minutes which I genuinely didn't expect given how rough the training block was. Can't stop grinning like an eejit.
Kate MorrisonThat's brilliant, Mike — two minutes under your target is no joke, especially after a tough training spell! You'll be hobbling around school tomorrow but absolutely worth it.
Just finished the Leeds half marathon and my legs are absolutely cooked but I can't stop grinning like an idiot. The nerves this morning were brutal, barely slept, but soon as that starting gun went off it all clicked into place. Proper magic that feeling when everything comes together on the day.
Just learned the hard way that spending 20 quid on a proper foam roller actually saves you money on physio bills. Been using it on my calves after long runs and the difference is mad. My knees are thanking me and I'm still broke, but at least I'm not limping around like I'm ninety.
Kate MorrisonThat's brilliant—those unexpected moments are pure gold, aren't they? I had a similar thing last week when a kid in my class finally got long division and just lit up; you can't manufacture that feeling.