14 epic individuals last night came together to run six kilometres and help out with some well received housekeeping at St Luke’s Church in Hackney.

Our journey started once again on London Fields with a quick and fierce leg blasting warm up of squats and lunges to an orchestra of groans as winter running gear was gradually shed - indicating that the warm-up was working!

Our host Keli, standing in for Betsy who is sadly couldn’t join us (get well soon Betsy), divided the group into two: one half tackling some outdoor work while the rest concentrated their efforts on moving furniture, hanging some lights and generally preparing the inside of the church for the forthcoming Light Party. 30 minutes of lifting, carrying, sticking and digging later, the tasks were all squared away and off we went for a three mile run south to the corner of Victoria Park and back up along Broadway Market to base.

That would have taken her hours all on her own!

We love to see new faces in Hackney and this week was no exception with no less than five new-comers - mostly brought along by friends (or family). Way to spread the word team! I think our recruits were impressed by what 15 individuals in their PE kit can achieve in a small amount of time, work which would have taken Keil hours on her own.

I’m really pleased also to see several of our new recruits interested in getting DBS checked so that they can go on missions to help out elderly or isolated people in their homes, and perhaps even visiting a Good Gym coach regularly. As the cold weather and long nights draw in for winter a visit from a smiling Good Gymer will make all the more difference to our lovely coaches.

I’ll look forward to seeing you all next week and don’t forget your head torches. x