A much drier evening than last week lead 9 lovely runners to run 4km, attempt a fire, clear Ivy and bramble as well as complete the Southwark time trial.

what an evening

Storm Angus had cleared and we gathered at Old Spike Roastery catching up on the latest I'm a Celeb news as well as how everyone is coping with winter running. The answer was that it's not so easy but that's why we run together. Also, massive welcome to Tina.

A quick warm up next to a load of blue lights [lots of warm thoughts and love to everyone involved] and we were off. As promised, mince pies were present. Jo was not so sure of the structural integrity of a mince pie and so we took it in turns to carry them attempting to prevent any crumbs.

Surely this would distract us from the never ending hill of Chadwick Road? Sort of. But it's still beastly.

We arrived at Grove Park Allotments to be greeted by Lizzie who had us moving compost bags, leaf/Ivy/bramble clearing and trying to make a bonfire. After a lot of rain on Monday, Matt and James managed to get it going.

Alas, it was not meant to be ...

We were soon met with a smoking bin but it didn't stop us clearing loads of brambles, filling the compost bin and hearing about the French bee man who has set up residence in the community allotment. [Queue internal monologue about how GG Southwark can get involved vs. Health & safety alarm bells.]

Everyone worked happily and we left Lizzie with two mince pies - they've survived this far... Matt decide to eat his at this point and we set off warming up downhill in time for the final bit of the run.

A quick explanation of the time trial and the option to cheerlead, and the stopwatch was started.

Massive effort from everyone involved - as much as 10 seconds knocked off from some runners so this year has been a worthy running year.

We jogged and stretched our way back to the Roastery.

Are the mincepies ok?

Helena was right, mince pies deserve structural respect - almost no new crumbs. In case you were wondering

Mince pies immediately before a time trial are not a great idea...

Until next week...