A huge team - the excellent 18 - ran nearly 4km and helped to keep the facilities clean at Central Youth Club.

It was reported earlier this year that Liverpool has the third highest rate of young people who are not in employment or education (NEETS) in the country, with the rate at it's highest since 2012. That's one of the reasons why GoodGym Liverpool is proud to work with so many of our city's much needed youth clubs.

On a dark, chilly night Central Youth Club was buzzing with activity and a fair amount of curiosity about the team of broom-wielding red-shirted do-gooder who invaded their centre. Met by Youth Worker Bianca, we were soon put to work cleaning litter and leaves off the centre's two AstroTurf pitches, as well as clearing bags full of leaves from the front of the building.

It was lovely to have such a big team and special shout outs go to newbies Amy H., Christine L., Rachel M. and Sam B. who all did a fab job. It was brilliant to have you on board and we'd love to have you join us again soon.

It was also a treat to see GoodGym giant Beth once again (who has clocked 647 good deeds, and counting!). We also announced tonight that Beth's "home" branch - GoodGym Lambeth - will be coming up for the Liverpool Half Marathon in March, and we're excited to welcome them. Are you ready to rise to the challenge? Get signing-up for the race and talk to me if you need help with a training plan :)

After tidying up the centre, a balance and agility fitness session didn't quite go to plan, but hey, laughing is good for you, right?! And then it was all downhill back to base. Great work team!

Next week we have an EXTENDED session, allowing us more time to run to Penny Lane Development Trust. Improver runners looking for a challenge, this is a great week for you. Those daunted by the 9-10km roundtrip, if you want to meet us there and run back drop me a line and we'll work something out. Don't forget to let me know you're coming by signing-up here.

Until then, happy running, Char <3

Our fantastic 13 completed a litter pick before running drills on a drizzly evening.

Liverpool's Baltic Triangle was recently described by a national newspaper as one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the UK. And while they might have slightly over-egged it, it is a part of our city that is packed with creativity and fun. Thousands of visitors now come to this once industrial area and we're proud of it. But it is so full of litter!

After a short run from our Hope Street base the team set to work, collecting rubbish at a fast pace as we moved through the neighbourhood. They worked so fast that I had to pop to the corner shop to buy more bin bags. Meanwhile, George reckoned he'd recruited a new runner who, upon seeing our red clothed good-deeding, had pulled over his car to find out what we were up to. In half an hour's work, that's 13 rubbish sacks filled and 1 new recruit. What a hardworking bunch.

A big shout out goes to newbie Kay who came for the first time fresh from running in yesterday's Wirral 10km race. What a fantastic effort!

After the task, as the drizzle began to fall from the gray sky, I treated the team to some drills, which included hill sprints and steps. In spite of themselves, they actually enjoyed the session and realised that with the right training, just 10 minutes can make a big difference to fitness and running form.

I was super impressed by the whole team tonight so a very big well done.

Next time, we're heading back down Penny Lane in an extended session, so if you're an improver runner ready for a challengesign up here. For less confident runners, make sure you sign-up for the following week when we'll have a more modest run of 2km each direction. But be sure to get a training run in without us, and sign-up to the GG Lpool Strava group so I can still cheer you on.

See you next time, Char <3