We are living in strange times, so it’s good to know that our GoodGym Family are always on hand, or to be more accurate, on WhatsApp when we need them. Group runs may be on hold for now, but that doesn’t stop us being physically distanced and socially close. After an impromptu non-group group run last week, when we pulled on our red tops almost on autopilot and headed out, on our own but sharing our runs on WhatsApp, we planned ahead this week. And just as well – with only one outdoor exercise session a day allowed at the moment, we wanted to make the most it and the beautiful spring sunshine.

So our virtual, non-group group gathering took shape…running, jogging or walking and particularly for those of us (all of us?) who need to take extra care of our health at the moment, some self-care too. With a constant stream of news, it’s good to take extra care of our mental health too – especially when we are missing out on meeting up and all the kindness and hugs that we normally share. Best hugger in the world Jo is going to be in high demand once we can all be together again!

You can’t have a group run without an icebreaker, and soon we were sharing our dream jobs…ranging from space cowboy to dustman to chocolate taster. Far more exciting though was news from Hannah and David…just what we needed to give us hope for the future! Congratulations!

And with that, we headed out on our solo runs, finding new routes, enjoying the evening sun and noticing that the pace of life has slowed and calmed with fewer cars and people out there. You may be running solo, but you’ll never run alone with GoodGym Swindon as pictures of runs came flooding in, quickly followed by news and pictures of wine, cake, illicit wine gums, and bargain pulled pork sausage rolls as we moved swiftly on to self-care.

There was even mention of pasta from Ann Summers but no photographic evidence was provided…you’ve got to get your carbs where you can these days!

By this point, we were in danger of RSI in our thumbs and breaking WhatsApp. An evening of very social social distancing had whizzed by. The Task Force is busy planning more shared activities, so don’t stray too far from your phone for news of these. Until then, stay home, keep safe, keep your distance, keep washing your hands, and if you can, do the new Coronavirus Safety Training here to support those who need support during the outbreak.