“We’re leaving at half six on the dot. That’s ON THE DOT, OK?”

Rich? Being on time? Really?

Yes. And we had to get back in time because the forecast was saying thunderstorms at eight.

18:29 and a few seconds, and Rich was keen to get us going. Everyone happy? Know where we’re going? Headtorches ready? Strava on?

“Yes, Richard” came a voice from the back. When your wife says your full name, it’s time to be quiet and get going. Rich was run leading but it’s nice to know Jane has him under control when needed.

We set off – exactly on time – for the long uphill stretch to Beaulieu while it was still just about light. Andy was happily backmarking and telling Joe – still sore from a half marathon – about why it’s worth waking up at 4am and going to Romania for a waterpark.

“Turn right here guys!”

“Yes, Richard!”

Richard P was up front setting the pace, and before it got dark we were at the last road crossing before Beaulieu. A quick sprint across when there were no headlights coming, and all we had to do from there was follow our noses to the chippy smell and listen out for the dance music playing upstairs in the community centre.

We got to Beaulieu Community Centre ready for some cleaning. Fay, Leanne and Russell were already there and admiring the GCSE Art exhibition in the entrance. It was all very impressive stuff and gave us all kinds of inspiration for the next time we paint prison benches or pop-up shop walls.

We split into smaller groups, got the buckets and sponges and made very quick work of cleaning some already pretty clean loos and corridors. By the time we were done, there were no paint splashes left anywhere – and if you were cleaning as vigorously as Richard P and the coconut fibre sponge he’d got, not much wall paint either.

A bit more art admiration later and it was time to head back. Andy was telling his waterpark story for about the fourth time – this time to Russell – but they paused for long enough to join a team photo in front of the King. (Ten points if anyone can photoshop a GoodGym logo onto his robes!)

Leanne said she’d start running back with us but ducked out soon after we’d crossed the road. Turns out our route home went right by her front door! She didn’t even get to enjoy the long downhill bit. Richard P also speared off home to try and make it back before things got too wet and stormy…

Jane and Erin were praying hard for a thunderstorm, and they just about got their wish. It had been dry all the way back but the first lightning flashes hit right as we arrived back at the gym. The thunder came a loooooooong time later… Could we make it home and stay dry? Yes, Richard. After all, it never rains at GoodGym.

Spoiler alert – only some of us stayed dry. Others went home via a McRib and/or fish & chips and got caught. Hopefully it’s dry for the Barrow Farm mission this Sunday – see you there!

A fine weathered day led to a great turnout at GG! Leanne saw us all waiting and thought 'nah, those lot look too charming and fun' so went to join the walking crowd taking Laurie and the litter picking equipment with her. Martin arrived with his trombocinos which we all obviously identified on sight, and DJ Andy recreated his favourite 00's popstar moment. I gave the runners the choice of three distances and we settled on the middle one, Rich leading us out with such aplomb that Paul wondered when since his last task that we had started to hit it so hard! We paused our Endeavour at the Endeavour for comedy's sake.

The race was on against the sunset clock and we all worried about Ben when he took a tumble trying to do a heel click! Fortunately he was fine, must be something to do with the socks which Rob would be proud of.

We met up with the others and spied the womblers had already picked six bags! Still we have keen eyesight and a will to do good. As Heidi, Kate and I debated what art was (Banksy doesn't, GoodGym run report photos do) we got to work. As we got closer to the river and the new bridge, which looks lovely, we split into two groups. Drinks on Jess as she found £50 and Sallyann had already had those drinks with a pile of smirnoff bottles. Fay complained about having to take photos of the Hokey Cokey boat, but then leaped at the chance to photo me by a 'Fat earth dave.com' sign....funny that.

As twilight descended, Russell led us back to base for a 7km overall run - 1/3 of a great north run (entries now open!). Next week is painting the town red with our shirts and painting some benches so sign up!