And getting caught in the rain?

Last night 20 runners ran nearly 4km to clear and weed at the Rose Bowl. After a briefing and a warm up we headed off, taking the scenic route down the New River Path - many oos and aaas and I've-never-been-here-befores - to the Rose Bowl. The Rose Bowl is a youth centre that holds anything from professional advice groups (legal, driving theory practise, career advice) to dance clubs, cooking classes, fitness and nutrition guidance the list goes on!

Clive warmly welcomed us and we split into two main groups - one out back scraping moss, clearing undergrowth and the other at the front of the building clearing overhanging trees and weeding. Five minutes in and we'd already filled the huge refuse sack we'd been provided with! Clive was incredibly impressed at just how much we could get done so quickly "I mean, I'm just like this" turns head to side and widens eyes in amazement. Excellent work team. We really blew them away!

After 30 mins, tools were put aside and we gathered in the hall for a high-plank-off. Everyone put in a sterling effort, with some technical tweaking from myself - when planking you want a nice straight line from your ankles to your head (no saggy backs or high bums) and to engage from your core and glutes. The winners of the evening called it a draw after 4 minutes 30 seconds ad 50 milliseconds. Wow! A huge round of applause for Kelly and Steve!

The thunder began just as we waved goodbye to Clive and set off back to base. A foreboding sign. We took a shorter route home, splashing through unavoidable puddles and getting generally totally soaked. This is when the singing of 'Do you like pina coladas and getting caught in the rain?' began. Unfortunately we couldn't remember any more lines so it was more of a loop than anything else.

We couldn't resist an extra soggy photo when we arrived back at the Arc Centre and then Graham saved the day by cracking out some cookies. Damp but happy, some of us then went to the Island Queen to celebrate/commemorate my last run covering Islington.

A huge welcome and respect for being so happy throughout the crazy weather to our two new runners of the evening - Kelly and Roxanne. Well done everyone on a fantastic, eventful task and run. I'll miss you all and hope to be back soon!

Lucy J