It might have been wet and grey but our bright red shirts and headtorches brought light to the night.

Our warm up was fun and of course a little confusing for a Monday night but it woke us up and got us moving, making our muscles warm and ready for our 7km run. (slightly more for some)

We set out towards Mortlake, down the long stretch of Sheen Road until we reached the railway. With the front runners up ahead and out of sight, us back runners (accidently) ran a little further than planned - just getting in those extra kms! It was a quick look at the map and we were off back down Mortlake High Street and heading for 2nd Mortlake Scout Hut.

We were there to help the Brownies and Girl Guides who have been using the hut for over 100 years! We were met by lovely Task Owner Lynn, who kindly left out satsumas, water and biscuits for us. We were so looked after on this task!!

We had a number of jobs to get to, so we got to it, first stop was a large store cupboard at the side of the hall. When I say cupboard, I mean …. Well, you could fit a few vans in it! Great job though as it was filled with all sorts of weird and wonderful things - camping equipment, clothes dryers, wool, a toadstool, tools not used since biblical times I think, and some strange (and quite spooky) clown cut out stand things you would find at a carnival (when you see the photo you'll know what I mean).

To me , to you! #goodgym #task #physical #lifting #fitness #volunteering #browniehut #mortlake #scouthut #richmond pic.twitter.com/stgM0307gg

— GoodGym Richmond (@GGRichmon) 19 February 2019

Once we had moved all the treasures from the store we tackled the outside and swept the leaves ensuring it all looked in tip top shape. We also even had time to find and move a battle rope, a 9kg weight and an office chair – We did a farmers walk and more workout anyone??

#GoodGym's version of a farmers walk #fitness #sandbags #weights #strength #volunteering #brownies #girlguides #richmond #mortlake pic.twitter.com/CjAZoA9VZx

— GoodGym Richmond (@GGRichmon) 19 February 2019

So that's pretty much it for the report this time, although some felt that the run report may have been more interesting to come from the perspective of one of our newest recruits if even....a mouse that we disturbed as worked. Perhaps if it has a GG shirt on next time we visit we can get the account from our furry friend …. Imagining it went something like …."My slumber was disturbed by some large beings in red, they moved quickly as though they'd been in training. They started collecting and moving my hiding places. I was left with no choice but to let my agility and speed work kick in and race to safety. I don’t know who those clowns were, but I hope to never see them again...unless they have cheese".

We bid a farewell to Lynne and Mickey Mouse to head back to wholefoods, splitting into 2 groups for the return journey. One, a leisurely jog back down Sheen Road, the other, a steady but cruel incline on Queens Road on the route back. We came together once more to have a well-deserved stretch at the end.

Welcome to Katrina and Tonje for joining us on your first run – great to meet you!

Don’t forget to look up the news from Dora in your emails with ref to shin dig and missions that were mentioned

See you next week for the hedge and weed!

And because "It's a Punderful Life" here's another...

We leafed it here for 2018 and started to paint a new picture

This report was put together by all of the GG Richmond runners tonight, here's what we got up to...

We started with another of Mark's wacky warm ups; planking with quiz questions and stuck in the mud in the dark. Full of the festive spirit, we serenaded the locals around old deer park and were on our way!

Our new mantra over Christmas #goodgym #volunteering #running #richmond pic.twitter.com/0MpRgIVrqB

— GoodGym Richmond (@GGRichmon) December 18, 2018

A fast pace saw us arrive at ETNA warmed up and ready to get to work. A group of us got busy with rakes clearing away leaves from the grassy areas and borders around the car park, revealing some shoots that may turn out to be daffodils planted on a previous task!

Meanwhile, away in a manger not far away, a second team began spreading good cheer, in the form of grey/blue paint over their new buggy shelter. With everyone hard at work Mark gave his 10 minute warning so we hurried to complete the first coat...no one likes leaving a task incomplete, even if it means being the last to choose their surprise present from the tree. That's right! The lovely Sian and Vanessa had wrapped individual presents for us all and hung them on their beautiful tree outside ready to reward us for our final task of the year. A huge THANK YOU! We have loved helping you this year.

After a quick chorus of "Merry Christmas", whilst posing for the obligatory group picture, it was time to start the run back. We followed the star back the "holyfoods". The pace got a bit faster on the way back, methinks everyone had one thing on their mind..Ho.ho.ho..."Happy Christmas drinks in Shaftsbury pub".. Drinking Guinness,Peroni and wine. All occupied by an amazing GoodGym quiz from Jenny (quiz master extraordinaire!)

A fantastic night to end the year of wonderful good deeds in Richmond, well done everyone, it has been a pleasure running with you all

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from everyone at @goodgym Richmond pic.twitter.com/vpYlZx64UV

— GoodGym Richmond (@GGRichmon) December 18, 2018

After last week's sudden downpour on the way back from the task, we were pleased not to see any rain forecast for this evening. BUT despite it being dry, it was rather chilly, so an energetic warm up was needed. Today's warm up involved some disguised burpees (nice try, Mark, we see what you did there), which was not easy but definitely got us ready for the run and outdoor task ahead of us. The way out involved a nice 3km through St Margaret's and Twickenham before reaching Heatham House Youth Centre by Twickenham station.

On arrival we got straight to work clearing the fallen leaves from the car park area. The Manager of Heatham House Dempsie was great with the set up of flood lights, a wheel barrow and just every bin he had. He even got stuck in too and between brushing and raking he told us about some of the great work they do for young people at the House.

You think you've picked them all up but then there's another pile! 🍂#Richmond #leaves #autumnleaves #wintertime #twickenham #running #volunteering #heathamhouse pic.twitter.com/CFLWlJlQHI

— GoodGym Richmond (@GGRichmon) November 26, 2018

He was sceptical about us being able to finish the job though, so when he saw it done he couldn't beLEAF it and was BLOWN AWAY. We cleared the whole car park of leaves, and even had time for a cool pose in front of the graffiti.

On the way back we took a risky shortcut across Moor Mead Park through to St Margarets which paid off, before joining the familiar route straight back to Wholefoods over Richmond Bridge. Some even sprinted the finish while others just had to leaf that bit out!

We just kept filling one bag after another #Richmond #goodgym #volunteering #running #leaves pic.twitter.com/SLcYYIwAOk

— GoodGym Richmond (@GGRichmon) November 26, 2018

A very satisfying task for us all though, we filled 3 huge bins, 1 wheelie bin and a massive bag with leaves. A big hooray is in order for those that ran the Kingston 10km yesterday and well done to everyone involved in the many community missions springing up at the moment.

Well done to Sam and Amy on their second Richmond run and James a BIG Welcome on your first with us. Super to see Dave visit us from Lambeth too!

Next week should be getting us in the festive swing so see you then!!