9 runners ran 9k and scrubbed 2 stone sculptures for a community centre
Patrick Sinclair was awarded his Black GoodGym t-shirt

Not many people can say that they ran in the rain with the sole purpose of scrubbing a stone lion the size of a sofa, but that's exactly what the Good Gym run entailed last night! I had never been on a GG run before but I was so keen to set off I only realised half way round my jogging pants were on inside out. Glad it was dark.

Neon Pink Nail Brushes

Nine of us set off from Bethnal Green on an 3.8k run to the rather splendid Bromley by Bow centre. Our mission? To scrub two of their much loved stone sculptures with the aid of a neon pink nail brushes and buckets of hot soapy water. We split in to two groups, I was part of group 'Simba' larger than life stone lion with a lovely happy, if not dirty face.

Twenty minutes later and our hard work was beginning to pay off. Simba was looking brighter and his smile wider. Then no sooner had we drank a cup of orange squash and handed in our nail brushes, we were back on the return leg of our journey to Bethnal Green.

Medical Assistance

I was slightly concerned that I'd need medical assistance after Mark suggested a quick game of caterpillars on the way back - line up and run as fast as you can from the back to the front. A new one on me but to my surprise I really enjoyed pushing myself - more than what I would do running alone!

Magical

The best bit of the run for me was along Regents Canal, even though it rained - the entire time - there was something quite magical about the quiet tow paths reflective with puddles and the warm glow of light coming from the windows of the moored up narrow boats. A part of London I never expected to see!

On reflection, a really fun and supportive group of people to run with. People found their own pace and nobody was left behind. I think I just may have found my motivation to keep on running!

Happy Christmas, see you in 2014!

Annie Weston