Annual Martian Race 👽

It was that time of the year again for the Woking Martian Race. It was not as hot as it has been previous years but still a very warm day. Today there were plenty of events going on with most GoodGym members either taking part in the race and volunteering as marshals.☀️

James unfortunately could not be at this years events as he was doing the Richmond 1OK and then straight after heading to Kingston for the Southern Athletics League event 🏃🏼‍♂️.

Wayne arrived at the event village early as he pulled out of the race due to not being 💯% so decided to volunteer as a marshal. Wayne had to be at the event for 07:30 for a safety briefing as well as picking up his high viz, instructions on how to get to his marshal spot as well as a goodie bag from the sponsors 😄. Wayne also helped some of the local vendors with setting up their stalls. Wayne was at checkpoint 29 which was quite close the event village and in the shaded woodland 🌳area of the common ☀️. Wayne had enough time to go and find his spot and come back to see his fellow goddgymers.

First to arrive was Annewith her beaming smile she was rearing to go, Annehas been getting her regular runs in the week in preparation for her tackling the 10k route 🏃‍♀️.

Next to arrive where the Jacksons. Katie & Phil had signed up to do the 10k and have been training really hard for it especially Katie. Shortly after Kirsty, Adam, & Alys arrived.

Alys was doing the 5k while Adam who is currently nursing an injury decided to do the 10k along with Kirsty who was running for the first time in Months after her injury they both decided to run together same as last year ❤️

Nadia & Andy arrived they were originally part of the cheering squad but decided to sign up t do the 5k which was great.It was fantastic to see so many local running clubs as well as local organisations that Woking GG have helped over the years. There was plenty of support for everyone from all over the course 😇

First to go were the kids who were doing 2k it was great to see many young faces from the junior park run that Woking GG have an active role.This was followed by the 21k, which was then followed by the 10k and finally the 5k.🏃🏼‍♂️

Wayne had to head off to his post which was checkpoint 27.The first GG Runner that Wayne saw was Nadia & Andy. Shortly after Phil came towards Wayne Phil got extra shouts of support as he is Wayne favourite 🤣. Wayne had to wait a while before he saw the next GG member and it was the lovely Katie always smiling and looking fresh as a daisy 💨.

There was another wait about 15mins before Wayne saw Alys all in Red, with her tutu and GG Cap laughing and smiling away 🏃‍♀️. In the distance Wayne saw a red shirt and it was Anne and went to see her but noticed that Anne had her hand wrapped up due to her falling a few times and cutting her palm as well a bruising her arm, but Anne being tough as old boots continued with her run (Superwomen)

Shortly after in the distance Wayne heard a familiar laugh it was Kirsty & Adamcome through the clearing in the tree’s, both of them doing incredibly well considering their injuries.🌎

It was now coming up to 3 hours and Karl the tail runner appeared with the final runner. We all ran back together and cheered the final runner across the finishing line.

Everyone did so well and once again plenty of money was raised for local charities 🏆

After the event some members headed home while a few headed into town for a well deserved lunch.😄

Fantastic work everyone see you all next year.

Knaphill Community Fridge

This evening 5 Goodgym members met at Knaphill Community Fridge to give the shed a good dust down and a lick of paint 😀

Anne ran 6k along the canal to get to the fridge while Katie also ran 6k but from the opposite direction both ladies getting their runs in before the Martian Race in a few weekends time 👽 Wayne, Kirsty & Julie made there own way there. They were greeted my Jules who had two tasks that needed to be done. Wayne, Katie & Anne started to dust down the outside of the fridge before they applied a stain varnish onto the shed while Kirsty & Julie worked on a bedding in the pre-school removing weeds and planting new plants and flowers 🌼. It was a beautiful evening and plenty of conversations while the tasks were being carried out.

In no time both tasks had been completed and they looked great 😀

Jules was very pleased with the results

Wayne, Kirsty join me (Anne) in one of the gardens of the local school to help clear some weeds. In fact when we arrived, (please admire Kirsty's beautiful GoodGym red jacket on the photo), we were greeted by what looked like a jungle. It was difficult to see beyond the door frame!

It was great to see Kirsty back in action and super-Wayne who had just climbed Ben Nevis with a group of friends. Now they are planning an Everest Expedition...

While catching up on our news, we helped the volunteers from the school to cut back the bushes, gather the branches in a safe place and brush away all the dead wood covering the ground. There is still a lot of work to clear the overgrown site and we might be called back in the near future to help further.

The reward of a soft drink and a muffin were appreciated as I had to run all the way back home along the canal....

On Wednesday we will be back in Knaphill, this time to help at the Community Fridge; and next Sunday, you will be welcome to help at junior parkrun in Woking park.

In the meantime, happy running to you all.

Sean Coxhead Inspiring Individual Award 2024 Trophy Presenation 🏆

This evening Woking GG celebrated all that is good and wonderful about our Anne 😇

Woking GG had reserved a VIP section at the Sovereign's and it was great to see such a good turn out. All our fantastic crew Adam, James, Wayne, Katie, Alys, Agathe, Maya, Rebecca, Kirsty, Lauren, Julie, Nadia, Luan, Caterina, & Sally Anne who was back in town for a few weeks as she was on uni break (Was great to see Sally Anne) and a lovely surprise for Anne 😄 it was also great to see Phil who joined us to celebrate Anne.

Anne has been with Woking GG from the very beginning she was there at the launch night back in 2016. She has seen many faces come and go but Anne has remained that constant face encouraging, supporting showing kindness to all that have joined. Her dedication and commitment has been amazing and it shows with over 300 good deeds and still going strong ❤️

Anne has taken on the roles as task force and now run leader, and continues to help others with organizing hill training sessions as well as tasks within the community.

Woking GG are very lucky to have her, Anne in her speech tonight dedicated her award to all her goodgym crew who she said also deserved the award but in our eyes Anne is a worthy winner of this amazing award as she also has all the attributes that amazing Sean had ❤️