Well…the challenge was set…the inaugural staff / student breakfast club run was on!

A 7.30am start was advertised in morning briefing by Mr White… met with a suitable number of suggested ‘amendments’ from various staff such as “can I use my bike / motorised skateboard etc”.

Sadly, none of these staff turned up…instead it was left to some of the old die-hards (such as Mr Koedyk), some of our insanely fit staff (Mr McPhail, and Mr Cassidy), and a selection of “try-hards” (no names mentioned!).

Our running leader for the day, Jonty, duly informed us that we were going to do the Caversham circuit which was meaningless at the time to the rest of us, but as the students blazed off into the haze of the misty sunrise, leaving most of the staff battling the gale force head-wind, reflecting that they should have listened to their initial instincts of staying in bed a few moments longer, we were off! Thankfully, the group ahead waited for us to catch up. However, after an all-too-short rest they were off again...this time, in pursuit of finding some of the steepest hills in the Caversham area…I look at my watch and find we have only been running for 18 minutes and clearly, there were still some more hills to come…awesome!

As the lactate levels started to reach screaming point, the views overlooking the school and the beach, normally quite a spectacle, but for now, nothing more than a blur….just a focus on staying in touch with the group ahead.

At the top of the hill the boys start up their banter again…the easy-going camaraderie between all year levels very evident. I take heart that the worst is over…just a downhill scamper, trying not to trip over and somersault down the Devil’s Staircase. A quick canter across Tonga Park and I am back at school…the students already heading in for breakfast …the laughter and easy-going banter echoing off the awakening school walls.

For me, a quick shower and, after reflecting on some good chat with some amazing students, start thinking…not a bad way to start the day!