It was all Gogh Gogh Gogh at H&F tonight...11 runners painted for a local school while 8 runners flyered for a local charity!

After last's week '2 become 1' task situation I was cautious optimistic that lightening wouldn't strike twice this evening. The thunder and lightening had passed, and the pouring rain that had fallen all day had finally stopped and given way to lovely clear blue skies. The pouring rain hadn't deterred my lovely group and I was greeted at the BetterGym reception by 14 other GoodGym'ers, and an extra 4 at the task as work and transport got in the way!

What are two like?!

Tonight we were going to be helping paint the 2nd coat of paint in the room at Flora Gardens and flyering around the streets of Shepherd's Bush for the wonderful charity Turning Paint.

We started off the evening by congratulating Catriona on her 100th good deed and ensured she was dressed appropriately for the run...with her wings of course! Well done Catriona! 💯🙌🥳 ...AND a big well done to Matt on his 50th good deed! 5️⃣0️⃣🙌🥳

Two milestones, two tasks - the 2nd coat of paint - it was all about the 'not so terrible' twos tonight!

P'aint no stopping them!

After a quick run down of the news and pulse raising warm-up we headed off down towards Flora Gardens. It wasn't long before we arrived and were warmly welcomed in by Business Manager, Jeanette. At this point the group split into two with just over a half staying with Jeanette to paint the second of paint and the rest continuing on up to Shepherd's Bush now we had 'dropped the kids off at school!'.

After a couple of kilometers up and around the backstreets of Hammersmith we arrived on Uxbridge Road at the Shepherd's Bush branch of Turning Point.

Come on flyer with me, we'll flyer, we'll flyer away!

We were met by one of the co-ordinators, Hardik who invited us into one of their many branches and explained the extensive offer of drug, alcohol and mental health services they provide for local communities - these included advice, clinics, and health and wellbeing support.

He then presented us with a number of leaflets that promoted and explained their services - this stack of leaflets was HUGE and contained 6 different flyers. Our task tonight was to deliver as many of the leaflets as possible in 20 minutes to the surrounding streets. Alice came up with the perfect plan to ensure maximum efficiency and coverage.

With the team split into two we worked together in a nice chain formation, ensuring each house had a range of the leaflets.

There was a lot of this...

What the shell?!

The rain had led to MANY MANY snails being out in force on the pavements and in driveways which led to a rather cautious approach from our 'gram extraordinaire', Lucy.

As well as lot of flyering there was also a lot of sneaking/checking before entering....

And of course the odd 'gram story to document the evening!

On the Monet....we totally snailed it!

The other team painted away in their black L'oreal tees to ensure their lovely red GG tees were not covered in paint, though somehow a few managed to come away with some artistic dots on their tees!

After 45 minutes of painting work, Jeanette was very happy with what the team had managed to achieve, 2nd coat complete! All that was left was the tidy-up before being 'picked up from school' by the flyering group who had delivered all but a few of their huge stack of leaflets!

With everyone re-grouped together, we headed off on our short run back to base for a stretch off and the best bit of the evening...the cake celebrations! 🧁🍰

As always, the bakers had excelled in providing us all with an absolutely delicious range of cakes, and there was also some bonus sweets! Energy and sugar levels replenished we decided to call it a night. Another wonderful evening of running, doing good and celebrating achievements aced!

Great work tonight team & BIG well done to Catriona and Matt!

This week's news 📣...

1. FREE Local Run Group - Meet at the Stable Yard in Holland Park at 5.45pm for a 6pm start 🕕 this Thursday! The run will be approx. 5-10kms. No sign-up is required, there is also bag storage ✅ & toilets ✅.
2. Chiswick 10k TT - This Sunday is the monthly up & running 10k time trial starting. Meet at Chiswick Bridge for a 9am start.
3. Ealing Half Marathon - Good luck to anyone running, and thank you to all those volunteering.

Next week, the wonderful 'new centurion' Catriona is leading you up to Askham Court to help out with some gardening for the residents. Please sign up here. As the nights are getting darker, please bring a headtorch if you have one! 🔦 Have a great couple of weeks, see you when I'm back!