The seemingly non-threatening pretty fluffy clouds are now not grey but black and boy oh boy do they have a lot more to give.

These were our thoughts as we set off on what can only be described as a journey of discovery. A journey that took us through ankle deep puddles, a head wind and pitch-black streets lit up only by the lights from our brows.

Some may have stayed inside for fear of shrinking but off we went. Our task for the evening, run as hard and as fast as our little legs would carry us to a strip of the Regents Canal in Little Venice and give it a little tidy up. Pick up the leaves, bag them and if we ran out of leaves head towards the weeds. The distance? 5k there - 5k back.

We weaved our way through central London’s hustle and bustle, heading towards Hyde Park where we could start to stretch our legs. On entering the park a quick briefing and off we went. 3 simple instructions, flank left, flank right, stay together. Off we went, a flying V at speed hammering it through the park, wind in our faces, rain in our eyes. All I could hear was breathing and footsteps. Half way I hear a voice from the right. “We are going fast”. YES. “And it’s wet” YES. “I moaned about it being a little wet last week but THIS is ridiculous”. My response “but are you having fun”. YES. I smiled and thought that this is exactly why I do this, why it brings me so much joy.

We got to the end of the park, regrouped and headed off through the back streets of Edgware Road, through Paddington, pass the basin and into Little Venice. Head torches on full beam, strobe lights on the perimeter, A VERY IN DEPTH HEALTH AND SAFTEY BRIEFING, gloves on, bags out. DO NOT FALL IN THE CANAL, I repeat DO NOT FALL IN THE CANAL…… GOOOOOO.

With the sky still unleashing its greatness on us we worked quickly to fill bag after bag after with wet leaves, some vines, weeds and lots of rubbish. What did we discover? WE LOVE THIS.

30minutes flew by, there was singing, chanting, dancing and most importantly a lot of good going on. A few pics for the GoodGym Memoirs and off we went. Homeward bound.

Now for a little more fun, DRILLLLLLLLLS…. Intervals, more drills, some technique and my favourite, doing your utmost to run silently like a ninja. Sound easy? Try it. Just watch those calves. Indian file back through Hyde Park, Tempo past Green Park and a sprint back to HQ. Some stretching, high fives and we were out.

A thoroughly enjoyable evening spent with friends and like-minded people.

Thank you to all for your time and positive energy. Till next time, please continue to do small things with GREAT LOVE.

PEACE