26th May

Over the last few weeks I have climbed on the Wall in Leeds a couple of times and feel stronger and more competent with every climb. I have visited the local gym at least twice and have been able to run on the treadmill for up to 30 minutes which is longer than I have run for quite a few years. The cycling continues with regular trips to work but I haven't done a long ride for a couple of weeks. Today I attended a Bike Safe day in Harrogate which involved going on an observed motorbike ride with an assessor following me who then gave me his oppinion on how I was riding and to what I needed to attend. The feedback from the assessor was very useful and very welcome because I really didn't know whether or not I was a good or a bad rider. I was pretty sure I had picked up some bad riding habits over the years but you are never sure how serious they are until somebody appraises you. It reminded me of the fact that I taught in comprehensive schools for over 20 years before someone gave me an appraisal and told me I was doing a good job.Up until that point I didn't really know how well I was doing in the teaching proffesion and I was extremely relieved when after 20 years an appraiser told me I had been doing quite well really. I wish someone had told me that a little bit sooner. The motorbike assessment experience has pressed home how important it is to affirm people when they are doing a good job and gently encourage and redirect when they are not.