As I received several consecutive whatsapps communicating that some of our stalwarts were unable to join, I thought we'd have a nice intimate group yesterday. Turned out we broke our previous record (nineteen to twenty) by one human l - that's you - yeah you! Needed to all show up to make that happen. I don't think I have OCD, but I was getting a bit obsessed with the number twenty. It is nice and round, I find nineteen a bit jagged, and you know, less.

Uber quick warm up for record breakers, plus our 'weekly random question' "what tune makes you go faster?". Some answers were definitely laced with sarcasm, others I couldn't quite detect - 'Raining Men' really Dan?! Personally love running with some music, from classical to heavy drum'n'bass...and the good stuff in between. It's potentially more rewarding getting out there with your thoughts, and your thoughts alone. In this chaotic urban sprawl it's nice to get some mental clarity on a tranquil run, when possible. Crikey, I sound old.

New task was a template for urban sightseeeing companies to replicate on mass, I mean who doesn't love legging it down the Romford Road for about 3 miles? Not us, we love it. James especially, he pointed out a brothel to me that was operating under the pretence of hotel, did make me question what type of impression I'd given off. We all arrived within a ten minute period, enjoyed a nice briefing on the project from community theatre extraordinairre, PhIllip. Eight alleys in total, reinvigorated through cleaning, art and lighting, thereby changing perceptions. Simple idea, and cheaply achieved, let's hope there is some positive reaction and results. We worked on the area just next to the alley, on the premise that if that area is nicer, the area next to it is nicer, makes sense. You guys wasted no time getting to work. Weeding a small area took you fifteen minutes, that's the return we get for having twenty people, real juicy productivity. BaBoom.

Bit of rain/mist/spray/drizzle/mizzle on the way back, found it quite refreshing actually, as temperatures felt quite high. Special hats off to Mel and Jason, both did their first good deed for us, racking up a massive 6 miles too. Top effort, should feel proud of that guys. It gets much easier, as your body rapidly adapts to new stimulus, worth keeping it up just to see that progress.

As I mentioned yesterday , it's a short and sweet Wednesday next week, with a two mile cumulative run effort to a local community garden - can we hit twenty one? Or maybe i'm setting the bar too low. Sign up here

See you beauts next week - if anyone fancies a Highbury Parkrun this let's discuss on whatsapp. I'm game if you are.

Catch you soon

B