A hot-and-happy group headed back to the lovely Glasshouse community centre on the Parkview Estate this evening to complete the painting and decorating of this beautiful communal space.

Setting the tone

Catherine, our meditation teacher and task owner, started the task with five minutes of mindfulness meditation to set the tone for the evening. A subtle shift in the usual frenzied GG pace made for a pleasant change, as the temperature gauge showed no sign of shifting below thirty degrees. No slapping the emulsion on this evening – it was all about focusing on the smaller, harder-to-reach areas with patience and precision, and some lovely teamwork.

Teamwork in tough conditions

Well done to everyone who embraced the task with the usual diligence and care. Teams were confined to small, very hot spaces and worked as industriously as usual – Bryon even managed to take two minutes out to seize the opportunity to touch up the lettering on his very well worn GG t-shirt.

Cultivating kindness

At 7.55pm brushes and rollers were set down and we proceeded to regroup in our circle for this week’s loving kindness meditation: the metta bhavana practice, to give it its proper name. As Catherine guided us through the five stages, the only noise that could be heard was the whir of the much-appreciated ceiling fans. A relaxed group of runners then gathered for our goodbye pics, before heading back to the hotel at various paces.

Thanks – and welcome

Thanks to Becky J for back-marking, Chris for leading the run on the way there, and for leading the speedy pace back. Thank you to Danny for the idea and inspiration for tonight’s pun.

And a big, warm, GG welcome to our new runners this evening: Rosel, Veronika, and Alice – thank you for getting to grips with everything so quickly, all that hard work and for being such great additions to the team. Please do come and run with us again soon!

Next week: Pilates for Runners

Next week, we’re watering and gardening at Meath before our Pilates for Runners class, a session that focuses on key core (often neglected) muscles, that should help improve running and prevent fatigue. Don’t miss out – sign up now.

And Save the Date: September 2nd is GG Tower Hamlets Pub Quiz Night!

...And another date to get in your diary is our next pub quiz night, as requested and planned by your terrific Task Force! We’re heading back to The Coborn on September 2nd for a night of trivia, roast and beers. All are welcome – details and sign up are here.