Joe Wilkinson once went viral for a hilarious poem about visiting a train station toilet. So here’s one about what happens when you discover someone couldn’t reach it quickly enough. Maybe this will get us more members?

There once was a bottle of “juice” With a lid that looked pretty loose The contents? Suspicious… And far from delicious So into the bin it went to minimise ooze.

A short lesson there on why it pays to be careful what – and where – you litter pick. Bad weather and busy members meant there were only two of us signed up at the start of the week, but a dry(ish) day and the chance to be a third wheel for Rich and Andy’s post-run burger date meant there were six of us turned out ready for litter picking.

Robert was back after finishing the Vitality 10k in London last weekend and using this as an extended cooldown. Joe was thinking the other way and had prepped for the evening by giving blood. “Time off work, a lie down and free crisps and squash – it’s a miracle more people don’t do it!”

Once we’d waved Leanne off on her walk to the task, the rest of us followed Rich, who was run leading. And immediately ran off away from where we were headed. It seemed weird at first, but a longer first run means a casual jog home, which Jess and Joe later agreed is the best approach.

It was a hit and miss night for Wombling in the viaduct car parks – some areas were pretty spotless, others filled with cigarette butts, broken glass and a bottle of something that might have come out of a human but definitely wasn’t Pennine Valley clear spring water.

The theatre’s been revamped recently but it was all just fields around there when Andy was growing up, so we listened to his memories of Geoff Hurst in Chelmsford and loved him recreating the famous pose. We loved it even more when he found out the statue we were under was actually of Marconi. Sometimes Andy, the truth Hursts.

A short run back (see, it pays to run long and early!) and we were back at base. Headtorches and hi-viz from next week on – or see you on Saturday morning if you’re coming to parkrun. 😊

Joe

A fine weathered day led to a great turnout at GG! Leanne saw us all waiting and thought 'nah, those lot look too charming and fun' so went to join the walking crowd taking Laurie and the litter picking equipment with her. Martin arrived with his trombocinos which we all obviously identified on sight, and DJ Andy recreated his favourite 00's popstar moment. I gave the runners the choice of three distances and we settled on the middle one, Rich leading us out with such aplomb that Paul wondered when since his last task that we had started to hit it so hard! We paused our Endeavour at the Endeavour for comedy's sake.

The race was on against the sunset clock and we all worried about Ben when he took a tumble trying to do a heel click! Fortunately he was fine, must be something to do with the socks which Rob would be proud of.

We met up with the others and spied the womblers had already picked six bags! Still we have keen eyesight and a will to do good. As Heidi, Kate and I debated what art was (Banksy doesn't, GoodGym run report photos do) we got to work. As we got closer to the river and the new bridge, which looks lovely, we split into two groups. Drinks on Jess as she found £50 and Sallyann had already had those drinks with a pile of smirnoff bottles. Fay complained about having to take photos of the Hokey Cokey boat, but then leaped at the chance to photo me by a 'Fat earth dave.com' sign....funny that.

As twilight descended, Russell led us back to base for a 7km overall run - 1/3 of a great north run (entries now open!). Next week is painting the town red with our shirts and painting some benches so sign up!