We said a very warm welcome to Mohammed for his first GoodGym task, looking to get fit and help out, as well as improve his English. Big thanks to Richard for helping Mohammed to register on the website and to request his t-shirt. Also thanks to Russell for reminding me to do a headcount before setting off; I'm a bit rusty on the old run leading protocol. We were pleasantly surprised to see Jane without Rich, apparently he had better things to do?!

Joel and Ben led us out along the bunny walks in the sun (it was still light?!) and up to Tyrells Primary School. Our task was to excavate heaps of soil and gravel and dig out the patchwork of weed suppressing membrane underneath. Fay was already digging when we arrived, and Sallyann was on photo duty.

Everyone grabbed a shovel and started digging. Some of the membrane was easier to get at than other areas; Martin, Joel, Russell, Fay and maybe Andy, worked particularly hard on one area and dragged out a large sheet of membrane as the last triumph of the evening.

There was some question as to how hard Andy was working, judge for yourselves from the photos.

Excellent work everyone. We'll be back in May for some more hard work.

We've got a community mission at Barrow Farm on Sunday morning and the quiz at the Ale House on Sunday evening, and next week we're painting at Beaulieu Community Centre.

See you all soon,

Laurie

After turning up exactly on time with Rich and Jane, Fay had set a plan of attack for the Avenues part of town which Andy back-lead us the long way so we could have a bit of a run.

Robert told us all about his Super Half runs and puts the call out for Milton Keynes half runners (GoodGym race team?). Russell has been working on his excellent pace to run the other MK half (how many halves do they need to make one MK?).

Sallyann was back on the power walking, getting to/from the leaflet drop spot before the rest of the gang. Laurie gave us Dylan and David updates. Erin enjoyed the bike chat, is it time to go wheeling soon?

Leah requested a longer run back to feel extra smug at pizza night, which we were all NOT invited to. So rude. Martin was also looking forward to post-run dinner treats. Benedict somehow didn't feel the cold, which is nuts because it was freezing.

Most of the gang then headed off to Back Inn Time, further proving that goodgymmers can be drawn out of winter hibernation early with the promise of food.

After a warm March day it had started to cool down by the evening. but that didn't stop 3 hardy Goodgymers ( 4 if you include yours truly, D'Artagnan 😜 )

Meeting outside the gym we decided that we were a merry band and that we would go for a run first before getting our swords (litter pickers ) out and tackling the bits of rubbish around.

We also had some new shoes on show 😍 as Robert was preparing for the first if his epic half marathons this weekend in Portugal. Good luck and we want to see lots of photos and the medal. Linn had bought a new pair as her old pair had literally split apart during last weekends Chelmsford half marathon, wow and congratulations . And then to round it off Ben was in jubilant mood as he had changed his working hours on Wednesday so he can come to Goodgym more often, yay.

Setting out into the bunnywalks the chat turned to Roberts crazy european running challenge and all the bonkers logistics its going to take to get to the start lines ( yes, linesssssss) on time. And then food was discussed (standard) and the possibility of going to Back Inn Time after next weeks task.... more of that on the WhatsApp group 😉. Linn took a tumble but got straight back up. grazed palms and a bruised ego, there was no stopping her. even when i mentioned doing Kenyan Hills up and down the Avenues ( although it was decided this was a stupid idea and chatty run was better).

Arriving back at the gym we collected our sword(pickers) and set about the car park and hedgerow and made our HQ that little bit nicer.

Thanks guys for coming and i shall from now on think of you three as the musketeers (you can decide who is which character😂)

until then.....

Run Happy

Rich