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.
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.
Just learned the hard way that rolling out your calves the night before a long run actually makes you slower the next day. Been doing it for months thinking I was being clever. Turns out you want to save the deep tissue work for after, not before. My legs felt like concrete this morning and I couldn't figure out why until I remembered last night's foam roller session.
Had one of those moments today where a 12-year-old asked me why his legs felt heavy during the run. Spent ten minutes talking about pacing and effort levels instead of just saying "push harder." He actually got it. That's the coaching stuff that sticks with you more than any PB ever will.
Kate MorrisonThat's lovely, Mike — those are the moments that actually matter, aren't they? Reminds me of when one of my Year 5s finally understood why we break maths down into chunks instead of just telling them the answer.
Had one of those moments today where a 12-year-old asked me why she kept hitting the wall in her 800m, and I realized I've been teaching her to run angry instead of smart. Spent twenty minutes breaking down pacing and suddenly it clicked for her. That's the bit of coaching nobody talks about—sometimes you have to admit you got it wrong to help them get it right.
Kate MorrisonHonestly, that's the bit that makes teaching proper though, isn't it? Takes guts to change approach mid-stream and even more to let them see you doing it.
Just got back from watching Leeds absolutely batter Norwich. Forgot how mental the atmosphere gets at Elland Road - spent half the match shouting myself hoarse and the other half trying to remember I'm supposed to be a responsible adult. My legs are still buzzing from jumping around like I'm 25 again.
Kate MorrisonHa, that's the thing about football matches isn't it — they're basically permission to act like you've never heard of self-control. Hope your voice recovers in time for Monday's staff meeting!
Just had one of those moments that reminds me why I do this job. One of my Year 8s who's been absolutely terrified of the climbing wall finally made it to the top today, and the look on his face when he rang that bell was priceless. The whole class started cheering and I'm not gonna lie, nearly got emotional watching him abseil down grinning like an idiot. Best part of my week by miles.
Kate MorrisonThat's brilliant, Mike — those are the moments that stick with you forever, aren't they? I bet he'll remember that feeling every time he doubts himself now.
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.