It's the first GoodGym Colchester of the month which means our task tonight was at the Foodbank! 11 of us gathered at Leisure World where Tav told us this week's news, including Etienne's PB at parkrun. Well done Etienne a very impressive time! Tav also read out a testimonial from the Pioneer sailing trust after our Community Mission at the weekend. Despite the horrific weather, we managed to help derail some curtains and shift some mattresses but we are sure to be back to do a proper cleaning of the decks in January. Shari and the other volunteers were very grateful, describing us as 'cheerful, committed humans'. It is nice to be appreciated :)

After a quick but vigorous warm up outside Leisure World, including 'squat thrust triple pulses'(!), we set off along the river path to the Foodbank where the ever-enthusiastic Mike met us. We split into teams of three to (1)load the van with crates of food (2)clean the warehouse and (3) clean the kitchen and toilet. With sheer efficiency we got the task done in good time. Mike told us that leading up to the Christmas period, the foodbank are running a 'reverse advent calendar' which involves putting a food item aside for each day of December, in order to present a gifted donation of 24 items for the month. This definitely sounds like something we could do as a GoodGym group effort. They are particularly looking for items such as long life juice, tinned fruit, deodorant and nappies. Beans are not currently something they are short of.... After the task, we headed off,up East Hill for a rather spontaneous fitness session in Roman Road car park. Much to the amusement of a man who was trying to get his car out of there. We split into pairs for lunging walks, jumping squats, squat holds and split lunge jumps. FInishing it off with a wall squat competition. Well done Vanessa the winner, with a 2 minute 20 second squat hold!! And Bob being a close one second behind her. Legs of steel!

After a few extra ab exercises on the hard ground by the outdoor gym, we stretched off and called it a night. Well done all!