Six excited Goodgymers got to complete one of the first group missions after lockdown with a litter pick at Catton Park.

After arriving and a much needed chat with some familiar faces (all socially distanced of course!) we were given our task to roam the park and clear as much litter as we could find in an hour. Splitting into pairs, off we went and enjoyed the beautiful sunshine as we hunted for rubbish. Paul in particular was on a mission!

It was a great feeling to get back into the swing of things and hopefully we left the park in a better state at the end. If this is the beginning of the new normal it feels much better being able to get out and about with Goodgym and do some good for the community!

After witnessing one of the most meaningful weddings yesterday, it was fantastic to see so many GoodGymers go and run/walk 5km for Rute and Andy. What a fantastic thought as 32 of our members embracing the GoodGym colours around 9am, adapting a way we can still do Parkrun!

It wasn't about the results today although I have included a photo of results.

Thank you to everyone who went out today, this one's for Rute and Andy.

This morning was our annual January Saturday Group Run. It felt strange doing a Group Run this time of year in daylight.

A few people had come straight from Parkrun, that is good dedication!

Congratulations Jasmine who was completing her 50th good deed!

Once we arrived at EACH Charity Shop, they were very organised in giving us specific roles, this helped so it didn't end up just being a free for all in a tight for space shop.

There were lots of tasks to do: culling old stock, sorting hangers, re-organising the book shelf, steaming clothes (Elizabeth), sorting new donations and more!

Time flew by and before we knew it we'd been there for 45 minutes so it was time to head off... not before Katy proved that the January Challenge was successful in losing weight as you can see by her jeans in the photo haha.

On Monday we are visiting Ellacombe Care Home.

Summer is definitely here as we all grouped together outside instead of inside The Forum.

We had 4 new amazing GoodGymers so a big welcome to John, Danie, Dave and Jake.

Cheska kindly volunteered to be back runner.

Congratulations to Emily for completing her 25th good deed this evening.

Sarah completed her 1st ever Half Marathon yesterday in very hot conditions... and still came out to run tonight, great effort!

Our member Hayley had arranged tonight's task where she works, The Clare School, which is for children with complex needs. It was nice 2.5km each way trip.

On arrival we received cheers and then donuts were provided to restore our energy levels :-)

The jobs were to tidy up the garden areas with the main focus on the sensory garden used by the students.

35 minutes later it looked like a transformed place, so many weeds (and probably the odd flower haha) pulled up in 35 minutes. I'm not even sure we've ever had such a gardening success.

Hayley took some awesome photos too, which meant I could chip in with the task more this week.

It was a task we sure left our mark on, I'm very proud of you all.

Before we headed back a few of us had a go on the slide, which the speed caught me by surprise as I went crashing on the floor at the end of it!

Robert then topped of the night with a supply of Lemon Drizzle cake ahead of his birthday.

Next week is our 100th Group Run! Let's break our record turnout so invite a friend or family member along as we visit Oxfam Charity Shop.