Worthing GoodGymmers are a hardy lot. Despite yet more rain wind hitting the south coast, (hopefully not an Oncoming Storm) , ten people ran to Turning Tides a short distance away - some even going the long way round.

From ready, steady , go at Splashpoint, it became "Ready, Steady, Cook" on arrival as the team were greeted by an array of vegetables, spices and tinned produce. From then on the GoodGym Team became the equivalent of the A-Team as a plan (or recipe) was concocted out of the food utensils and equipment to hand. Who ever knew Worthing was such a hot bed of cooking talent? Steve proved himself to be The Master of the stove, whilst everyone busied themselves preparing ingredients. All we needed was some pasta and it would have been molto benne but regardless it was still fantastic.

Belinda bossed the washing up, ensuring everyone had the implements they needed and slowly, the T.A.R.D.I.S. was coming together (Thyme And Random Decisions Into Saucepan). Space was at a premium (this kitchen wasn't bigger on the inside) but everyone worked well together. Good things come to those who wait, and when we looked at the time, lord knows we'd done well. In doing such a lovely deed (and the aroma was a treat), there was much joviality but as a great Doctor once said, "there's no point being grown up if you can't be childish".

The clock was ticking so a little bit of allons-y was needed to finally have the dish prepared. The microwave was whirring, the hobs were glowing and whilst the kitchen was tidied and cleaned, the wonderful smells told us that, Geronimo! Dinner was served.

Sadly, that meant it was time for our exit, back out into the wind and rain for the short trot home. However one day, I shall come back, yes, I shall come back. And I hope that the creative talent seen tonight is as fantastic then.

(Bonus points for spotting all 13 "Doctor Who" references).

Every Queen has an Official Birthday

So tonight was an epic night with a wonderful turn out to celebrate old John's official celebration for his 50th good deed.The actual date for this was back in January but due to the dry nature of the month together with my lack of organisation the date was set for tonight and what a very happy evening of GG cheer it turned out to be. Since 13th January, John has now completed 55 good deeds,261 runs and been cheered 995 times. Huge kudos for his year with us and for all the inspiration that he brings to the rest of the group.

This evening we were back at our regular meeting point at Splashpoint Leisure Centre as we were just around the corner at Lyndhurst Road homeless hostel to give them a helping hand with their cleaning and tidying up in the kitchen, living rooms and storage areas.

Special mention to Claire who returned for her second task with us. It was really lovely that you also managed to stay for the social too.You know you are very welcome back any Monday :)

Also it was great to see Katharine who made the epic journey from Brighton to join us this evening for her first task (but second social) with us . Final mention goes to young John who came back for his third task in a row with us and his first social. This makes us happy!

Tonight there were 3 groups who headed out on our warm up run comprising of 1 walking group of 6 and 2 running groups. Luckily the earlier heavy rain had stopped just in time to make it a mild and still evening in our favourite home town. We all arrived at Lyndhurst Road within minutes of each other all eagerly ready for the tasks that awaited us.

If you cant stand the heat get out of the kitchen

The team got stuck in to an extensive clean of the kitchen, dusting, vaccum and window cleaning, sorting dry food into date order and folding clothing into tidy piles. There was also some (under the wire) impromptu fitness happeningwith Sue and Lucy with a set of weights and a punch bag and who were snitched on (as usual) by Duncan!

Watch out, watch out, there's a crocodile about

30 short minutes later everyone piled into a very small space for a cosy yet fairly lively final photo. We dragged a reluctant Gill out of the kitchen ,wrapped up the task and I gave out instructions for the walk and run.

The running group was split into 2 groups who headed out east with a steady run out and crocodile drill on the way back. The walkers set off on a loop in a westerly,southerly kind of direction then double backed east to welcome both snappy crews back. 2 crocodiles become one with one final push to the finish.

We finished the evening with some functional drills with upper body press ups and tricep dips together with lower body squat pulses, one leg balance drills and finishing with one more round of upper body exercises. I understand from another reliable snitch that Katharine particularly enjoyed the fitness this evening as it was easier than Brighton (or was it the other version of the story! )

Party time !

So this was the real reason for such a great turn out this evening! 20 yes 20 of us sat down and ate and drank together in celebration of an amazing year that old John has had with us. He was rewarded with not only our company but with 2 delicious cakes ( vegan and gluten free ) made lovingly by his very own Mrs R together with an exclusive hand made GG memory frame also made with loving care by me ( ha ha) together with a personally engraved glass tankard.

We were sad that Daisy and Emily couldn't make it but don't worry John plans to do another celebration in the Cow and Oak pub next week when he will be matching his number of good deeds with his age ( 56 )

Until then have a good week and good luck to all those running the Worthing Half Marathon - I'm very jealous that my broken ribs wont allow me to run but I will be with you in spirit and support. May the sun shine and wind be always behind you :)

Sending lots of GG love

Juliaxx

RED January - The final group run

Last year we had an individual goal of 60 good deeds and 670km to complete in January. We achieved exactly 60 good deeds and 677km so smashed the target that had been set for us.

This year we didn't have an individual goal but as a whole, GoodGym has a target of 8,000 good deeds and 100,000kms. Worthing have, so far, contributed 99 good deeds and 979kms and as I type we are laying 6th on the silver leader board with 4 more days of good deeds before the deal is sealed and we will know the final results. There are at least 3 areas who will most likely push us down to at least 9th but hopefully no lower. Watch out for the final scores on the doors which I will publish in the fitness email early on Saturday.

Our very own Johnalso known more recently ( like yesterday) as 'Old John' has created a spreadsheet which shows our position overall on a pro rata basis which is based on the size of our group. As of last night we were 9th overall out of 57 areas which I'm super proud of and I'm sure you are too.

If you do have any ideas for some last minute tasks that we can add to help us secure our place in history then the time is this week... today ... now!

Back to tonight

This evening we welcomed back (young) John for his second task with us and although carrying a knee injury this week he still turned out to do good. We are really looking forward to John being a regular member of the team. Next week is his first social experience with us - we cant wait!

Another special mention tonight goes to Steve and Anne who are both also struggling with pesky injures but who came along to support the RED challenge.

It was another great attendance from the rest of the core team. It would be great to hold these numbers up all year and I'm quietly confident that we will. After a catch on all things GG and other local news, the team eagerly awaited instructions.

We headed out to the track for some warm up laps where we worked at a gradually escalating pace. This was a great start to the mileage target for the evening with around 1.9 km per person clocked up on Strava.

Putting a gloss on it

We headed into the leisure centre where we were giving a helping hand with painting in one of their meeting rooms just off the bar area.

Whilst we waited for final instructions from the duty manager on site I got the group going with their fitness session a little earlier than scheduled . With squats, squats jumps, wall sits, burpees and core planks it was a great use of time and team work where they could easily have chosen having a chat instead . However I'm quite sure I understood their preference perfectly :) :)

Considering our big turn out it was really appreciated that the centre had provided all the equipment that we needed to do a great job . With jobs chosen and allocated the team set about the task in hand with their usual energy and banter.

Oooh errr matron

Tonight there was some added humour with some unintentional and totally innocent painting innuendos thrown in for good measure :) :) Who doesn't love a good carry on film!

Health and safety strikes again!

Tools down,no rain and it was time to get out running and walking. At this point quite a lot of chaos ensued with a number of the group on different agendas for the final part of the evening. Please forgive me for my out of character temporary loss of control and good humour but I had to try and get a grip on proceedings. 'No different to every week' I hear you say!

With our GG family expanding at a rapid rate it is my responsibility that everyone stays safe and happy at the same time as supporting the GG ethos of no one getting left behind ( or lost!)

All's well that ends well

4.9km later and everyone arrived back safe and sound and almost all together !

Next week its all about celebrating John's 50th good task with fish and chips and beer. All smiles, loads of teasing and I hope to be out with the walking group. Lets make it a date :)

See you at Splashpoint Leisure Centre at 6 pm.

Have a good week

Julia xx

Sunset state of mind - Pink sky in the evening....

After another gorgeous day in sunny worthing we were treated to an amazing pre GoodGym stunning sunset. It won't be long before we will be meeting in the light evenings again. Saying that the turn out so far this year has been really fantastic with record attendance figures.

Back to this evening it was great to meet and introduce our new recruit John, to the group .John's son goes to GoodGym in Bristol and had been encouraging his father to get involved for sometime so tonight was the night! We do hope that you enjoyed yourself and that it will the first of many Monday night visits to us:)

The rest of the team tonight comprised of Barbara, Sue, Daisy, Katie, Nick. John, Belinda, Anne, Paul, Tamsin, Emily and Jay. After the sign in ,health and safety briefing and a chat about RED January 3 walkers set off as the advance party with 3 groups of runners not far behind.

The directions were crystal clear this evening and they paid off as no one got lost and the group all stayed in their sub groups ensuring there was no lone running.

Spring is in the air

This evening we gave a helping hand to our friends at The Rowans, a specialist day and rehabilitation centre for brain injured patients. Debbie, the assistant manager is always the member of staff who stays to facilitate our visits and tonight was no exception. Tonight Debbie asked us to anti bac and clean all the gym equipment in 5 rooms. The team were so super speedy at this that we even had some time to play with the battle ropes!

Battle of the ropes

Amongst heckling and lost of cheery support everyone had 30 seconds on the ropes with a mixture of smiles, laughs and grimaces! In a squat position arms were pumped on the ropes and heart rates nicely elevated. I think everyone agreed that, surprisingly, 30 seconds was enough to get a great workout.

Back to the track

The groups all set off back the way they came ( to avoid any confusion! ) and arrived at the track , still in their groups within minutes of each other.

Tonight was all about the crocodile drill and the team certainly snapped it up with their usual enthusiasm, energy and complete eagerness to push their bodies outside their comfort zones. Thats all true - right?! John ( the one that likes beer and has now done 52 GG good deeds) even admitted that he enjoyed the session tonight - my job is done:)

After some extended stretches in pairs we wrapped another Monday night.

Don't forget every deed and every kilometer counts this January and we only have 11 days left to claim our worthy place at the top of the silver leader board. we might be small but we are mighty. Lets prove it!

Have a great week :)

Julia xx