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.

Despite a lot of the group either doing Run Norwich or attending a heavy stag-do over the weekend, we had a fantastic turnout for the hottest run of the year so far.

Joel was on his final outing with us before moving to Malaysia for 3 years, I'm sure none of us will be jealous at all ;-)

As one door closes for one it opens for others as Hannah and Alice were on their 1st GoodGym encounter.

Emily was walk leader and Hayley was back runner and photographer.

We had another new task this week as we visited Mousehold Heath, a nice hilly 2.75km each-way jog/walk.

Will, the warden, met us there with an array of pitchforks, rakes and gloves. The task was to clear as much over grown bracken as possible as this prevents wild flowers and wildlife such as slow worms from getting enough light and sun that they require to survive. The prime example of this is when Hayley found a Slow Worm (see the inspiration for the pun now?) Will was very excited as he hadn't seen one there for 2 years as they are on the decline. With GoodGym Norwich clearing a lot or areas, creatures like these will continue to thrive.

With the size of the pile of bracken we collated you'd think all we need was a Guy Fawkes to go on top of it.

Next week we're visiting Waterloo Park.

After the GoodGym BBQ yesterday, a few of us were wanting to get out and burn off a few calories but what a fantastic afternoon it was and thank you to all those that were able to make it.

This evening's run was to visit Catton Grove Community Centre as this time of year their bushes are prone to be overgrown so our task was to keep it all trim and looking nice.

We had two new runners this week in the lovely couple Ryan & Annie.

A few milestones too with Andy & Kate completing their 25th good deeds and Dave Tuthill completing his 25th good deed :-)

Hayley was photographer and what a great one she is.

Elizabeth was backrunner outbound and Bill inbound.

Linda met us on arrival and talked us through the areas that needed trimming back, the main focus being in front on the community mural. We had plenty of tools to use such as hoes, shears, loppers, rakes, spades and forks.

Andy may have found the most bizarre item on a GoodGym run to date... a rabbit (not the animal kind) complete with batteries. Safe to say it wasn't going to be recycled.

In the half an hour we had, loads got done and we even had time for 5 minutes of fun in the park :-)

Next week we're having a games night at The Hamlet Centre.