"Bit blustery this evening and looks like it might rain. Wonder if numbers will be down?" NO! 35 of us rocked up at the pool ready for some good-deed-doing. Woah!

Mr Paul Bown led the briefing this evening and told us all about how to get involved with GoodGym and the latest news and gossip and welcomed our first times Matt, Jo, Jill and Immy. WELCOME!

The plan for the evening was to wander due south to Tompion Community Centre by Old Street and help them with their re-decorating efforts. We split into two groups for the journey. Paul and Steve took a group on a 4k route and Simon and Caroline led those opting for the 3k version. We'd never really headed south before so it was exciting seeing a sea of red heading down Upper Street dodging the crowds.

At the centre we were greeted by Dennis and pals who were rather happy to see so many of us and were great hosts. We split into two groups each of whom spent 15 minutes working while the others went an did some core and circuit exercises round the corner.

The job for the working groups was to sand down doors, doorframes and skirting boards in preparation for painting. Sounded like a bunch of crickets sanding all over the place and dust in the air signified a good job being done.

The core/circuit group did a spot of coordinated core and the progressive burpee challenge. First GoodGymmers to complete the challenege were Matt and Lucy. Well done, both. You have the respect of all GoodGymmers plus that little girl who was looking out the window at us.

The reward for completing the burpee challenge was biscuit of the evening, the new "Golden Oreo", which most agreed was just a repackaged Custard Cream.

For the run back Patrick was added to the mix and we split into three groups: fast, medium and philosophers. There were diversions, intervals and secret surges and we all managed to get back to the pool by 20.30 for a nice stretch and a hastily arranged vote on the debate (proposed by Richard): when sanding should you go up and down or in a circular motion? Up and down just won the vote, but we all know that the circular motion teaches you karate at the same time, so let's call it a draw. Sanding expert Steve gave us the official answer: "it all depends". Cheers, Steve.

We're back at Tompion next week and Paul will be leading proceedings. Get down! It's Caroline's birthday so there was talk of pub afterwards. Oooh.

See you soon,

Simon

P.S. Remember Hackney Marshes parkrun on Saturday and Canal Run on Sunday