Mr R informed today, after we'd had another discussion about the marathon, that in his school days he was three time sprint champion for his school over 75 yards (apparently they didn't have enough space to do the full 100...). I was suitably impressed, but couldn't help wondering as I wandered towards Tesco when the last time it was that Mr R would've shared such information with anyone - such are the unexpected joys of doing older people missions!

Last night three GGers gathered to tackle a big task at St Andrew's Youth Club. This place is so much more than a youth club; it’s a safe haven where young people can connect, learn, and grow. It empowers youth from diverse backgrounds to learn life skills, build friendships and so much more.

Our mission was to empty and restock a sizeable cupboard that will soon transform into a changing area for the upcoming BBC's Children in Need. The centre will feature, with several celebs coming to film its various activities.

We sorted through an array of resources, including hulhoops, boxing gear and the iconic Operation game, lifted heavy tables, and got rid of unwanted items. Together, we transformed chaos into order, creating a beautifully organized space. Hopefully our work will help raise significant funds to continue the vital work they do. And we might even see our hard work on TV!

Next week, we’re off to a new community garden within a central London estate. We'll be planting up a green space that will blossom into something beautiful for the community. Sign up here to add purpose to your workout!

The usual routine this morning with Mrs S, although she was keen to hear how the running adventure had been on Sunday. She set me a challenge of trying to find a Kohlrabi, and if anywhere was going to stock it, the world's politest supermarket had to be a safe bet...but no, out of season apparently.

Just as I was heading out of the Brunswick Centre my phone rang - Mrs S had forgotten to include a big box of Yorkshire teabags on her list, so I did a speedy U-turn (non Japanese style...) to pick one up, and before long I was back in her kitchen unpacking her treasure for another week.

A return visit to Miss N, who wanted me to go to a Turkish foodstore on the Edgware Road to get a few "Mediterranean items", before heading on to Lidl - including "Pearl Rice", which (in hindsight foolishly...) I thought would be easy to find.

Upon arriving at the shop, and navigating the narrowest of narrow aisles, I found myself in the dried goods section confronted with the biggest selection of Rice I've ever seen...but not one bag was actually called Pearl, so I had to ring Miss N to check exactly what she wanted.

After a quick conversation with one of the shop assistants, we settled on Declan's Italian midfield cousin - fortunately when I got back to Miss N and produced the rice she was delighted with the selection.

Last night’s GoodGym Westminster session kicked off with Khai and I meeting at Hyde Park before setting off on a steady run over to the Abbey Centre in Victoria, where Mourad was waiting for us.

The Abbey Centre is a fantastic local hub supporting older residents and the wider community. It offers everything from social activities and hot meals to wellbeing support, helping tackle isolation and keeping people connected. It’s a vital space, and we were there to lend a hand in keeping it welcoming and functional.

We had two main jobs for the evening:

Out in the therapy garden, Khai got stuck in clearing up after a busy planting session with the centre’s elderly volunteers. There was soil, tools, and a fair bit of mud to tackle, but before long the space was looking tidy and ready for its next use.

Meanwhile, inside, Mourad grabbed a shammy cloth and took on the back staircase from top to bottom—giving the handrails a much-needed clean. It was a proper workout in itself!

Before long, we all regrouped and joined forces on the staircase. With everyone pitching in, many hands really did make light work on the final stretch.

There was just time for one last push as we made our way back up the stairs, and then right back down again searching for an exit that wasn't locked. At least it added to our daily step count!

Great work everybody.

Next week we’re heading to St Andrew’s, the oldest youth club in the world. Hope you can join!

I was curious to see how I'd manage getting down Mr R's (steepish) steps for this mission today (after yesterday's little running adventure around the streets of London) - surprisingly ok was the verdict. He too was keen to find out how it went. Fortunately the shopping proved significantly less arduous, although he was keen to ensure I got two loaves of the particular Rye bread, and of course, only the English Asparagus!