Monday 26th November 2018
Report written by Char Binns
16 strong runners lifted their way to success following a short run to the Bombed Out Church.
After a last minute change of plan, we were excited to be invited back to Liverpool's iconic Bombed Out Church for another challenging but worthwhile task. Even by winding through all of the back-streets of the city's Georgian Quarter, the run to the task is hardly a workout. But the task facing the runners on site, more than made up for the short run, provider a tough fitness session.
After a tour of the space and a look around the Liver Bird room where the list of 3,000 Liverpudlians killed in the Blitz is poignantly displayed, Director Ambrose put us to work. The church is set to be transformed into a winter wonderland over the coming weeks, but in order to complete the job, five extraordinarily heavy church pews needed moving out of the building and carrying around the side. The runners soon jumped to action, with some first class team work involved in carrying and manoeuvring these enormous benches.
It is difficult to chose who to give a shout out to this week as everyone did an amazing job, but I have to give a mention to GoodGym super tourist Debbie - thanks for visiting us and I hope we set a new benchmark (geddit!) in welcoming you to our team. It was also fab to have returner runner Richard back to lend some muscle.
As well as shifting the pews, the team also moved a pile of very heavy stones AND even had time to put up a gazebo and do some sweeping. Are this lot heroes of what?!
Although they'd certainly done plenty of upper body strength work in the task, I was keen to get their heart rates up before the end of the session. So we headed to the Catholic Cathedral and ran drills up the steps, with bonus squats and star jumps. Phew!
Next week is a festive special when we're heading to the Liverpool Irish Centre to hang decorations. As well as your #RedThunder t-shirts, you're strongly encouraged to bring a little Christmas cheer to your running kit - I'll leave that to your imaginations... Sign-up here.
Until then, keeeeeep running <3
Since 2007 the church has been operating as a managed ruin and multidisciplinary arts venue with a programme of curated events, community engagement and creative learning projects. A gateway building within the city, crucial to both its past and present, the Bombed Out Church is a place for everyone.
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Keeping the route clear of litter as they march