I thought this was a first rate workout and task - what do you reckon?

We were supposed to doing the allotment but there was a technical hitch... the Y's health and safety man was a bit bothered about all the trip hazards and just before we got there LCFC on the training ground next door switched off all the floodlights, so... Sean, our quick thinking taskmaster from the Y came up with something else.

The run had started at the usual place, we welcomed new member Santa and after the obligatory announcements warning of not falling in the canal it was off at a steady pace. Lindsay led off at the front with Me and Jim at the back keeping us all together. Darkness fell as we hit the darkest part of the route so it was on with the headtorches. It was quite a sight to be proud of, all lit up with various flashers and hi viz in abundance. I love it by the water, it was almost a sadness to leave the tranquility of the river for the bright lights and traffic of Aylestone Rd but ...routes to be followed/tasks to be done.

We arrived at the Y pretty much on schedule and Mel & Leigh who had opted for the shorter route had already arrived and taken the brief from the aforementioned Sean.

There were, old bikes, scrap metal and other rubbish to be transferred to a collection point. Plastic guttering to be arranged in a tidy pile, several large planters to be freed of their dying greenery, and about 50 metres of freshly trimmed hedge that needed the clippings bagging and tidying.... oh, and if we had time, some leaves to sweep up and a storm drain to clear.

Of course we had time... we filled every bag, cleared all the rubbish and all the planters. I think Sean summed it up pretty well when he said "I cant believe how much you have got done - we have been wanting to shift that rubbish for ages" Another satisfied customer, and as soon as he can sort the security light above the allotment he will have us back to do that.

For the run back Mel, Leigh and Shobha opted for a more gentle effort to the short cut start - the rest did a mile of snake sprints before easing it all down for the home stretch and then a cool down in front of the DMU.

Once again your effort and enthusiasm makes me proud to be your trainer. There were some notable performances tonight. Nicola goes from strength to strength, toyed with idea of taking the short cut option but bit the bullet and worked really hard on the full route. Jodie and Michaela, probably their furthest run for some time, great effort, and Shobha, on the back of a Royal Parks HM at the weekend worked really hard to keep up with the main group on the full route for the out lap.

Shout outs for weekend efforts - well done to Lindsay, Great East Run, Sam, Tissington Trail, Kerrie, Beacon Half - hope I didnt miss anyone

Good luck if you are racing next weekend, dont forget to come and tell us about it, and if you havent already done so, dont forget to sign up to the Facebook page.