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So much lovely news this week. We kicked off by saying a huge well done to Emily and Tom who both smashed their first trail runs this weekend at the Maverick races. Great running! Well done to all that took on the challenge this weekend, and everybody that did a parkrun too.

A huge welcome to Vicky

Only two days to go to hit our January challenge target and we're only 15 good deeds short! So if you can make it out to another group run, mission or community mission before Thursday, we have got a chance of making it!

There is a great community mission going on this Sunday in Battersea Park, and you don't need to be DBS checked for it. Sign up here to help out with the mini marathon and spot the stars of the future!

Want to spend Early May Bank Holiday weekend doing something to challenge yourself? Chi is organising a weekend away at the Spartan Race where if you volunteer for one shift in exchange you will receive a FREE race pass - check it out here . He will also be putting on a series of fitness session to get you ready for it in advance - all welcome!

No cold shoulders here

It was super nippy last night, but with two tasks and two options of distance to choose from, we got stuck straight into our warm up (discussing nice things that happened to us at the weekend, highlights including discovering brussel sprout gratin, coffee in bed, spending time with family, eating and drinking all the beer) before dividing up into two teams.

Team Little Village opted for the longer run (6.5km in total) to Balham. After a nice run down there we spent the evening sorting donations for this amazing charity which provides clothes, toys, supplies and other useful things to families who need them. Little Village is like a foodbank, but for equipment for babies and children up to the age of 5, it's a movement committed to alleviating material poverty in London - find out more about this wonderful initiative here.

Meanwhile Team Two, led by Chi, ran down to Battersea to help out Anthony with his allotment. Anthony grows food for the residents in his sheltered housing, but struggles to look after the whole garden by himself. So after a good stint helping him out with digging, clearing and weeding Chi took the group into the warm residents' dining room to do what sounds like an intense workout featuring mountain climbers, side planks, tricep dips and planks! He's a tough taskmaster, but he gets results! Thanks Chi :)

Next week we have an exciting new task for an amazing charity, the Rainbow Trust, which supports very ill children. You have two options - runt he first half down to Putney and take public transport back (so bring your oyster cards with you!) or to complete the whole 10k (5k each way) but be prepared to be back a little later than normal. We'll make sure everybody sticks together on the run after this fun new (indoor!) task. Please do turn up on time for this run if you can because we'll be leaving at 7pm sharp so we can get there in good time. Sign up here for the details.