The Woolwich Wind Tunnel is a respected tourist attraction. It’s an artificial arrangement of buildings and structures that forms a perfect conduit for EXTREMELY COLD wind, and if you’re caught in its sights, then good luck to you. It’s an invigorating experience. Which 10 GoodGymmers will attest to, and they’ll let you know all about it – if they survive the frostbite.

This bunch of 10 met last night, and we moved quickly out of the Wind Tunnel into the safety of Woolwich’s Crossrail station. And we caught up, because yesterday was our first run of 2023, and it was awesome to hear about everyone’s holidays and festive activities. And then, amidst the commuters, Jen started the session and asked us each a question: Do you have any New Year’s resolutions?

Suffice to say, we’re a forward-looking crew (and thanks also to Alex T for reminding me of these resolutions!). Some were hoping to build on things already achieved, others wanted a more selective approach to how they spent their time, there was a desire to slow down and feel the enjoyment, a resolve to buy a house, to become a better gardener, and I said I’d like to avoid the Woolwich Wind Tunnel wherever possible.

Then came bad news – we needed to trek UPWARDS to our task, somewhere in the region of K2 and Mount Everest. We braced ourselves. Triple checking one another’s gear, ticking off lists on freezeproof paper of crampons, and pickaxes, and a very large supply of Kendal Mint Cake. Once certain of our preparedness, Jen started the warmup – we began with some wrist and ankle and hip movements, supple-ing our bodies, and then we jogged and finished with a sprint. But that was just the beginning. Because even though a gigantic climb awaited us, Jen adheres to the mantra – you’re going to be in pain anyway. So, we squatted, and lunged, and completed step-ups, raising the feeling in our thighs to proper burn!

And we were fired up. We started our ascent, up and up and away to Shrewsbury House, fuelled by Kendal Mint Cake. And really, it was a lovely run to the task, and an awesome way to start the year – exercising with good friends. There, we were led to an outbuilding that’s used as a workout room by martial arts fighting folk, and we cleaned. We wiped the walls and punch bags, we dusted and removed cobwebs, and quickly the room was looking much fresher for 2023.

Satisfied, we took back our cleaning gear, had a quick natter, and then a few of us peeled off (myself included), whilst the others ran back down the hill, hopefully with the Wind Tunnel at their tails.

Thanks all for a lovely first GGG of 2023, and thanks Jen for super run leading! Catch you all soon :)