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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.