Before I even got home the Facebook pages had gone mad! What a fabulous start

The running scene in Leicester has never been stronger and for every one that attended there was another who couldnt make it but wishing us well.

We assembled at the stunning facility that is the DeMontfort University Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Leisure Centre at just after 6 and the participants came in their droves.

As it was a launch event we were also graced with the company of various supporters from our backers at LCC and DMU and of course, there to see us off was Cllr Rashmikant Joshi, Lord Mayor of Leicester who said a few kind words as we went on our way. Also present Bernadette Fenn and Fr John from St Peters Church our first taskmaster (more of that later).

So, as the task site was only 500 metres from the start point we did a lovely circular 3k along the Leicester Canal stopping en route at Bede Park for some stretches and fast foot step ups.

I ran up front with Charlie Stansfield - his target is a sub 20 park run - wow! He is around 22 at the minute but with youth on his side I reckon he will get there. Faye, my second in command ran centre field and Mel and Stella brought up the rear.

We got to St Peters just about on time, maybe a little early and 5 huge piles of gravel awaited. An array of no less than 27 shovels and rakes were lined up ready for use - How do you confuse a GoodGym Runner? Show him/her 27 rakes and shovels and tell him/her to take his/her pick!!!.. the old ones are the best.

5 tons of gravel was raked and levelled in about 7 minutes flat - have to say, it looked pretty marvellous. And so on to shrub trimming, litter picking, clearing clippings as one of the church staff mowed and clearing a bed in the back garden of litter, weeds and dead wood. One group, trimming a shrub had to be dragged away from the task, they were so keen to leave it just perfect. St Peters spoiled us to be fair, ample tools, protective gloves, great organisation and even refreshments "If Carlsberg did GoodGym tasks...?"

Bernadette has a word before we left. She had prayed for a successful task and we had exceeded all expectation, a very satisfied customer.

Oh nearly forgot to mention, occupying 34 on a task is a big ask so sons James and Tristan filled in with a few form drills experienced by a "lucky few"

A steady jog back to Bede Park for some sprint reps, after a bit of a debate about columns and rows we got ourselves sorted out and started the session. Tristan did a "Bolt" on one of the sprints - rest and ice for him for a few days - oh dear. Then back to base for a stretch down and final announcements. Many thanks to all who came and especially those who helped. Les Brewin who is a local amateur photographer kindly turned up to do some pro snaps - these will appear in a couple of days. Cant remember the last time I felt this fulfilled - great night, well done all.

We'll be back next week running to the Peepul Centre, sign up here