Wednesday 11th April 2018
Report written by Anastasia Hancock (she/her)
What a great GG crew we had last night - as well as our superstar regulars it was fabulous to see some lovely familiar faces from Ealing and Wandsworth too! Good job there were so many eager beavers because we had a huge task at a scout hut and a big run ahead of us.
We had lots to of bits and bobs to get through before heading off, including discussing the long training run happening this Saturday morning. There will be two groups going from Cheshunt at 10:25 at two different speeds. The plan is to run 9-10 miles and then go for pizza to refuel, so if you're in the market for a stretching those legs at the beginning of the weekend then get yourself down there.
The London marathon is coming up quick, so if you're planning on tackling those 26.1 miles through the streets of London then don't forget to put your name down on the spreadsheet so we know to cheer for you. If you're up for giving team GoodGym and all the other amazing runners your much valued support on the day, details of our cheering stations are here - sign up so we know you're coming, put on your best GoodGym red, and warm up those clapping hands.
We didn't talk about it last night, but if you're up for volunteering at the upcoming Hackney Half, then you will be richly rewarded with a free place at some of their future races - places can be pricey so it's definitely worth giving up a morning to help out. You can sign up on the virgin sport volunteer portal, then let Alyx know on alyx@goodgym.org so she can add you to the GG water station.
We had a special cheer to give this week for Paul, who got a fantastic PB at the Manchester marathon on the weekend, but one is not enough for this marathon man as he takes on Brighton this weekend. Go Paul! A big well done also to Michael who hit the 50 milestone on Tuesday - brilliant stuff.
After a quick poll on whether it was better to give or receive - unsurprisingly given it was you lovely GGers the result came down firmly on the side of giving - we set off on the 3.7 km run to Brentford Scout hut, where we were finishing off the painting job we had started the week before.
Before long we were going great guns giving the white wall its second coat, so we even decided to go one step further and paint both the ladies loo and the foyer as well, whilst also giving the place a massive deep clean. There were some amazing contortions being made in the tiny loo to get every corner beautifully painted, while over in the main hall Natasha, Jo and Paul discovered the toy cupboard and between hoovering managed some pretty impressive hulahooping.
It was a fun task, but that doesn't mean it wasn't an important one - the scout hut is run entirely by hard working volunteers, and the organisation gives young people amazing opportunities, to meet other young people from different backgrounds, and to contribute to their community.
With the jobs done we set off on the run back in two groups, and pushed ourselves harder on this second leg. Really great running last night team, we were definitely faster than the week before, which is fantastic. Next week we have a shorter run down to a church which also doubles as a shelter and a food bank, so we will be getting a fitness session in too. Looking forward to seeing you lovely lot then!
Hounslow
Get out in your local community to litter pick/ plog and help to keep the streets and green spaces tidy and free of litter.