Heroes in subzero

The Beast from the East didn't stop a lovely lot of regular GGers and some great new faces meeting last night to do some real good in the community. Well done everybody, and a huge welcome to Stephanie, Lewis, Simon and Emily!

We had a last minute cancellation for our task last night, which wasn't ideal in sub zero conditions, but we found ourselves a good job to do spreading the word about a new residents association being set up in Battersea to give a voice to the local community there.

But before we left we had a warm up and some cheering to do for our weekend racers. Well done to George who smashed a super tough trail run featuring ice slides and barbed wire (wow), and to John who competed in the grueling National Cross Country champs on the weekend, and despite losing a shoe, still soared over the line. If you're thinking about racing but not sure how to find the right one for you then just let me know. In the meantime, there is always parkrun, which is a great way to improve your times.

We got wind chills, they're multiplying

Our warm up this week had to be a good one, because the temperatures last night were dropping quickly. After some fast feet and high knees, we went round the group and sought inspiration for comfort food to keep us warm. Mac and cheese, hot chocolate, mashed potato and, err, ice cream all made the list.

We had a short run down to the Venue community centre, a space which is used to cook food that would otherwise be wasted, for hosting events to bring residents together and for other general community building events. Our job tonight was to deliver information to the local buildings about a new residents association that is being set up.

We set off into the night, encountering a few issues with access, but managing to get rid of a big pile of letters and a bonus work out on the many, many stairs. Before the cold could claim the tips of our fingers, we rushed back to the Venue where Hadas kindly lent us the use of the building for a quick abs blast. Then it was just a short jog over to the park where we took on a partner challenge which, after a mammoth 10 burpees, 20 sweetheart squats, 40 jumping jacks and a sprint, saw the dream team of Stephen and John storm in first. Nice work, everybody.

A nippy run back to the BAC, a proper Wandworth finish, and, as a special treat, a nice indoor stretch finished off the evening. Next week we're off to a community garden to shift a massive load of woodchip - something which would take the volunteer who manages the garden ages, but together we'll get the job done in no time!

ps Puns this week come courtesy of Jordan - snowbody does it better!