Nine runners met on a mild and damp Monday in December for the final good deed of 2016, a four mile run to Harlesden Methodist Church and back, with a spot of cleaning and fitness thrown into the mix.

It was great to see Mel back from her birthday celebrations, and Laura also back in business after kicking the winter bugs into touch (I was so confused by the new surname, who is this other Laura, I puzzled as I looked at the run register... and what has happened to Lesharples?!?).

Soul Sisters Tabitha and Debbie, and Beattie and Rachel were also there to kick December's dreary butt, Enrique, still keeping it up post half-marathon, yay! And last but not least, the lovely Liz.

Sadly Ellie was under the weather, so Claireybell took the reins as the group set off on a sleigh-ride to Harlesden

dashing through the smog, like a nine horse open sleigh.... avoiding pedestrians and bins, laughing all the waaaay!

We arrived to find... there was nobody there. Like children waking on Christmas morning to an empty stocking, we decided to make the best of the situation by doing a few calf strengthening exercises on the church steps, followed by a brief HIIT burst, some squats, and a bit of plyometrics against the wall so our arms didn't feel too left out of the fun.

Even after all that, there was still no sign of life, but Laura did happen to spot a golden key on the wall - perhaps it was a sign?!... But no, our man turned up in the end and opened the door of the advent calendar to show us what was behind - even more doors, and a corridor with rather grimy walls and skirting boards.

There was no skirting around the issue....

Some top Christmas tunes were played to get everyone fired up and into the cleaning spirit, and in under 30 minutes the gang had transformed the corridor into a sweet smelling sparkling haven, thanks to some miracle white sponges.

A final selfie snap before heading off again into the night - no need to adjust the beauty setting of my phone cos you're all so naturally lovely!

Well done everyone! Hope to see you at the Queensbury on Thursday, but if not, wishing you happy holidays and see you in 2017 for more fun xxxx