Running into a strong and fresh easterly on the way to Stratford, the change in seasons became much more obvious to me. Summer is gone, so let's embrace the cold air, the head-torches, the gloves, the base-layers, the woolly hats, the pub fires and the will to keep doing good.

Double digits again this week, off the back of record attendance in the last two months, makes for a happy, healthy area and a chuffed trainer. Great consistency and energy guys - you're the jewels in the community crown.

After a quick briefing at base we sped along 3.5k to Boleyn rd. Joined fresh from Cardiff Half Marathon PB exploits was the talented Mr Lulham. Donning a black GG shirt with 112 runs, he just nabbed a sub 90min in Cardiff after some hardcore training. Inspirational stuff. As regulars Justin , Alex and Violeta prep for their upcoming 13mile expeditions. We wish you luck this weekend Al and J, just focus through the rough patches and enjoy the experience. Violeta - good luck on your long run this weekend, make it happen!

Once at the task, we got gloves and tools and proceeded to tear the life out of some invasive and wild weeds. Looks like you machines have got 50% of that garden sorted in 2 visits. Now, I'm no mathematician, (unless an A-level counts?!) but that means in two more high-octane trips, we'll have weeded that place down to its bare brambly bones. I Believe the word you are looking for is - wicked. Your hard graft is going to turn this place into a thing of beauty - can't wait to see it in Spring!

Some cold GoodGymers said goodbye and made their way back to HQ. I ensure I followed Google Maps on my phone, after misdirecting people to pizza last week. I saw Rodrigo's look of despair, I could sense that he likened my navigational sense to that of a tipsy 6 year old. I couldn't disappoint, again.

All turned out well in the end, a few short 20 second efforts, to reawaken your dirty speed. An unfortunate slip at the end for week in week out hero Alice - hope it heals up soon. She dealt with it in true British stiff upper lip style - respecto.

Below are the dates for next year's GG races. PIck which one you want to do, then we'll do it together and represent Newham. Check my last email for further details.

White Star Running Larmer Tree Races – 11th/12th March Riga Marathon/Half/10k/6k – 13th/14th May Bath Two Tunnels – 5k/10k/Half – 10th July A trip to Wales TBC in August New Forest Marathon/Half/10k/5k – 10th September Oxford Half – October

Sign up for next week's run here.

See you all soon

ps. my title inspiration - great song!