Well that was by far the wettest GoodGym run we've had to date in Norwich, what a fun evening dodging puddles for 8.5km haha.

No new runners this week, I sure wouldn't have gone to my 1st session in that weather but we still had an epic turn out of 31 GoodSwymers willing to swim/run 8.5km to do an outdoor task of a litter pick at West Earlham Woods... are we mad?! I'd say just legendary and dedicated.

Bill volunteered as back runner and Hayley as photographer with Mel chipping in too. Not a great evening for trying to take photos but they got some gems.

Noel and the Friends of West Earlham Woods greeted us with litter pickers, bin bags and gloves and we grouped into at least 4's with a head torch in each group so we could actually see where we were going.

As usual, there was plenty of litter to collect and considering the conditions we did a fantastic job.

The rain kept getting heavier as the evening went on but a bit of moisture didn't harm anyone and then we set off for the long journey back.

Let's hope for less rain next week when we sort beer donations for Break.

Wow - what a great turn out! Despite rain and thunder showers during the afternoon, which even made our task owner wonder if the task would be possible, our wonderful GoodGym runners were not deterred and turned out to do a good deed for the community and were rewarded by a lovely dry, sunny evening. This week we were welcoming Afiza and Simon on their first Goodgym runs - great to have you join us!

We also took the opportunity to congratulate Pete, Colin and Clare who had all reached their 10th Good Deed - well done you three!

After a catch up on the week's races and socials we went outside for a quick warm up. I love doing the routine where I shout out a number which has a corresponding action attached to it whilst everyone is meant to be running round in a circle. This usually manages to confuse a few people and ended up with the group running in opposite directions at the same time! We then set off on a nice steady pace past the bandstand in Chapelfield gardens for a roughly 3.5km run heading for the bandstand in Eaton Park where we met with the rest of our GoodGym group for the evening and the task owner Stuart. Thank you Lizzie for being back runner.

We are regulars now at Eaton Park so Stuart was ready to meet us with instructions and equipment for the tasks he wanted us to do this evening: weeding the three large rose beds near the Park entrance, weeding and tidying around the lily pond and boating lake and doing a general litter pick of the Park. As usual everyone sorted themselves out into groups for tackling these and got stuck in. Despite the time seeming to fly by loads got done and we had a quick chance for a group photo before heading back to the Forum where I was pleased to share biscuits and beans.

Next week Hitch is back from his hols to lead us (hurrah!) and we will be gardening at the Grapes Hill Community Garden. Yes that does means Hitch + a Hill!

Tonight's task saw us go to Marriott's Way to do a litter pick and there were 32 of us in the process!

Angela, Gemma & Angelika were taking part in their 1st GoodGym encounters so a big welcome to you all :-)

Rich was taking part in his 25th good deed!

Elizabeth & Andy shared back runner duties.

It was a short 1km each-way run tonight and everyone decided to run so no-one walked this week.

Adrian met us at the start of Train Wood and gave us the litter pickers, bin bags and gloves. He then told us the areas that needed covering and we assembled in groups and hit the litter (not literally).

Due to the weather this summer a lot of areas have over grown so were unreachable but this didn't stop the team getting plenty of rubbish including a chair and a wheelbarrow! Credit to Darren for the pun - unless you say it in a Norfolk accent it might not make sense!

The group were delighted to avoid running up Grapes Hill on the way back, once my calf injury is better we'll make up for lost time ;-)

I'm now away for 2 weeks so Katy will be at the helm - please support her on the next 2 group runs, which starts next week when you visit Catton Park to do path repairs.