Our first week of isolation runs dates back further than a week, as we began sharing our run pictures at the excellent request of Annie, when we got the news that all GoodGym activity was being paused.

I’m sure we all take in lots of views as we rack up miles...

This also came on the week of the first anniversary of our friends at GoodGym Solihull. The suggestion was met with an instantly positive response to the disappointment of not being able to mark this anniversary or get together as a group. As you will be able to see from the photos shared, we have taken in a lot of good views as we have kept fit during isolation and social distancing. There were also plenty of tantalising hints of our group run venues, with our city centre dwellers finding our meeting point of 1000 Trades, as well as the spots where we do hill reps and time trials.

The first set of photos are really touching to look back on, especially as they tended to be shared with a ‘here you go, Annie’ comment. Through this we’ve also learned what a streak is, how good some photography skills are in the group and as time went on the photos became a ‘where am I’ quiz. They have already had a life beyond the group as Morwenna has done a great job of sharing them on the GG Birmingham Twitter page. At this point it was clear that the first photo of the day inspired others to get out and we were really appreciating the nature around us as we ran to stay fit.

Not all heroes wear (Lands)capes

We’ve seen how we have been able to keep each other motivated and encouraged during the hugely changeable early days of this crisis. The photos really do paint a picture of the changing landscape around us as we learn to keep healthy and safe for everyone.

It’s clear we will continue to be there for each other, through more of these sessions (hopefully not for too long) and through our support in the WhatsApp group. If you’re not in the group and want to be added, get in touch with me at johnhayes@goodgym.org and you will find a lot to keep you going.

Tonight we had a fantastic turnout considering the less than favourable weather conditions. It was great to welcome Naneesh for the first time.

With Liam doing the front marker job and George the back, we set on our way in the wind and rain. On arrival we were met by Kandy who works for a company called Renascence. She was here to ask some of the group how the environment effects their opportunities to take part in exercise. John, David and Balal did that while the rest of the group helped sort clothing upstairs and Ryan and John helped out in the kitchen.

As there was a lot of sorting to do tonight, we were at the task a long time, which actually worked well with the weather outside. Therefore there wasn’t time for a fitness session on finishing, so the group headed straight back to 1000 Trades.

Next week we will be out doing good again, it would be great if you could join us sign up here.

Tonight was the last GG Brum of 2019, welcomes Ben for the first time on an extremely cold night.

Tonight’s do good bit was giving out cereal bars, bananas and mince pies to the homeless, hence this weeks pun! We ran around the city centre, splitting into two groups. All our goods were handed out along with some information about SIFA Fireside and how they could help them.

Once our good deed was done we headed back together to 1000 Trades, before heading to the German Market for steiner’s and mulled wine. That’s it for 2019, thank you for all who got involved and I look forward to seeing you all in January :-)

Tonight on a much milder evening then we have been used to recently, we headed to the Girl Guide Association. On arrival we were warmly greeted by Maureen, who handed us brushes, a dustpan and bags. The task was to sweep up all the glass outside the building, which had been left by a broken fridge. That took us back to our very first GoodGym run back in January 2017 when we had to clear some concrete football pitches of glass. After the glass was cleared it was on to clearing all the leaves, as we only had one dustpan, Balal used a bit of initiative picking the leaves up with two brushes! Once done and we had got rid of the other rubbish around the building, after handing our equipment back to Maureen we were good to go!

We headed along the canal towards St Paul's square, adding on a little extra loop. Once reaching the square it was fitness session time! Tonight it was an intense leg workout. Though we started with a bit of core, then it was onto some glute building lunges, Laura showing a great technique, then it was squat jumps, John working hard as ever. Next was some tuck jumps to fire up those hamstrings, Morwenna putting in some great work. Last but by no means least was some leg burning wall squats, two 45 second holds with only 15 seconds rest. Oh and the last one I added an extra five seconds, just for fun ;-) I think Jaime and Tom 'enjoyed' their first GG fitness session, though I'm not sure their legs will agree tomorrow!!

Once done the group thankfully just had a few minutes of running back to 1000 Trades.

Next week we are having a bit of a party! Yep we are going to social darts at the Flight Club after next weeks run!

Next week we will be out doing good again, it would be great if you could join us sign up here.