It's so good to be back! This was AA's first run back after the festive break and it was a really fun one. A repeat of last week's Xmas Tree collection task and drop off on Clapham Common for mulching.

First up we welcomed two new runners to the group for their first Tuesday session, Ellie and Sam it was great to have you with us (technically Sam had been on a Mission 8 years ago but we think that break qualifies you as a newbie!)

A bumper group of 14 runners turned out despite the best efforts of the weather and you could feel the GoodGym 'presents' in the room at Papa's, the session was going to be lit!

We set off with last week's run leader Sarah showing the way to where plenty of stray trees would be waiting for us. To change things up this week we divided into 4 teams and had a bit of a competition to see which team could collect the most trees and as yule see it went down to the wire...

Teams headed out and some chose the baby carry technique - cute but inefficient - others the mother in law drag and still others the double sibling headlock pull to pick up their trees and get them to the Common. AA asked Joao if he was ok as he tried to drag 6/7 trees plus all the litter on the streets with him but he said he was pine...

It was important for those not familiar with the area to Neeeeeever fir-get where you're coming from and remember how to get to the tree collection point but in the end everyone made it safe and sound.

And so by 8:05 it was results time as well as time to celebrate Katy who was on her 100th Good Deed - well done Katy!!

Sarah's team managed 21 trees, Nathan's 17, Katy's 16 and Charlotte's 17 (71 in total - as I said Treemendous) but before announcing Sarah and her team the winner it turned out that Sam on her first session back had managed to rescue (Good)Jim from the streets where he had apparently fallen during all the running around, criminal from the AA I know. This gave Nathan's team 1000 bonus points making them tonight's winners!

It remained only to sing and wish Super Sam a very Happy Birthday for Monday evening - many happy returns my friend - and then we set off back to base with runners departing along the way to head home, satisfied after a great night's efforts.

Great group, great chemis-tree, great fun - see you all next week!!

13 of us went out last night to clear the streets of Clapham of those pesky Christmas trees

It was great to be back for the first group run of 2023 where we had a good turnout and welcomed Jon to his first Goodgym activity 

We started by sharing our favourite Christmas present that we gave or received, a highlight being Maya's seed calendar that can be planted. 🌱

Following a little warm up we headed towards Clapham Common to collect trees from the streets and carry them to the Windmill Drive recycling point. We divided into groups, took on different streets and collected about 25 trees in 30 minutes. After a group photo we headed back to base, turning strava back on to collect our kms for the January Challenge 🥇

Big shoutout this week goes to Kaz for getting his 50th good deed!

All this week we are carrying out the Clapham Calling series of tasks and we kicked off this evening with a bumper group of 16 smiling GoodGymers!

First things first - why are we doing things a bit differently on a Tuesday Group Run (ie no running) - it's because we have a family that is being rehoused in safety and need max numbers of hands and max time for the task. No more needs to be said, it's exactly what GG is about.

Second thing a big thank you to the members of Wandsworth and Southwark GG (and their AA's Ana and Sam) who answered the call and came out to support us - again that IS GoodGym. Katie & Catherine you are stars!

Third thing welcome back after a bit of time away to Alice, always great to have a returning Prodigal GoodGymer!

That's enough of the things, we met at the task and were let in by mum and adorable children (shy at first but delighted to walk around watching us at work / making sure we did our job properly) and although there was plenty of paint, brushes and rollers it was super helpful of runners to bring their own equipment like Effie with the extending roller pole, Nathan his own tray (and a snazzy painting shirt to protect his GG t-shirt) and Gayle the cleaning supplies which were a lifesaver.

We had 4 rooms to get started and the team managed not only to get a first coat on all of them but also a second in two of the rooms - if I had known about GG painters Inc. when I was doing up my house I would have hired them in a heartbeat. At this stage we need to shout out Kaz who has many qualities, among them being the only tall person we had and was indispensable and in great demand for all the ceiling corners and borders. The budding artists in the group did a great great job keeping us on brand (see photos Maya, Super Sam) and the real artists Shauna & Tim may well be in demand for decorating the children's rooms!

So now we look ahead to getting the job finished - on Thursday evening at 6:30pm we are back and the Mission will be led by TF superstar Effie details and to sign up click here.

Then on Saturday morning it's our last chance to do any snagging (yes we know the trade terms here at GG) and tidy up so the family can move into their new home on Sunday. We need as many hands for both as possible so please, sign up and do good.

#positivevibes ;0)