Another unusually warm winter's day was concluded with a visit to Cody Dock. A mixed ensemble of us, with Jess coming back for her second Newham session, Brad emphatically ending his hiatus with his third on the bounce, beautiful stuff. Our RWQ "which TV series or book do you want to re-read or re-watch?" Paul Cornick straight off the blocks without hesitation, It's Only Sunny In Philadelphia. Brad, after my own heart, went for Curb Your Enthusiasm. Jess choosing the outrageously funny and lurid Fleabag, I have seen that twice. His Dark Materials, Philip Pullman's trilogy of novels and series was Hils' pick. Kev, similarly picking a three book bonanza turned into film, with Lord of The Rings. I finished off the answers with The Sopranos, a sprawling eighty six episodes, quite an investment of time, might rethink that actually.

Two kilometres and a bit of flat running later we had arrived at Cody Dock. Basia gave us the trays, paint and other miscellaneous tools to get painting. Starting with a light sanding, then rolling the jet black paint onto the railings. As Hils noted, definitely went on easier as a second coat. I also learned in no precise order: that making a Disney film takes about three years, Encanta's message is open to interpretation, it's the year of the Tiger in China, Basia is a swimming teacher, a swimming teacher that intended to complete the transaction of a compost toilet yesterday evening.

We left at a few minutes past eight. Then completed four exercises to add that sprinkle of intensity into our evening, everyone looking technically good, making my job easier, thanks for that.

Next week it's a brand new task, and one I really dig, no pun intended. Hoping for healthy numbers on our inaugural visit as we help Greening Stratford Village, sign up here.

Till then,

B

Newham's second Group Run of the year yesterday, welcoming some great new personalities, enjoying a boost in numbers - and our ability to do more as a result. Jensen made his debut, in spite of a groin injury, lovely to have you along mate, hope that leg clears up asap. Becky and Jess, who usually frequent TH, but made their way over the border, fab to meet you both. Ceiling, who's been before, but not for a while, blessed us with her presence. Finally, new Newham resident, George, and GG long-timer - welcome to the east-side pal. Hoping to see you all comeback every single week forever, and ever. No but seriously, catch you next week.

Squat warm up and high-knees got the HR up and the chat flowing. Then our RWQ, perhaps not the most inventive, but it's always good to hear the answers regardless - "what was the highlight of your weekend?" Running a 10k in Vicky Park, seeing your aunt and uncle after too long, eyeing up the controversial Marble Arch Mound, striding out a muddy 5k then getting a roast in, completing a hardcore GG mission in the hammering cold rain, a spot of meditative gardening, post-baptism party, doing absolutely nothing and lastly getting a rainy run in. A solid range of activity, culture and relaxation.

Circa three kilometres later and we had arrived at the Crisis warehouse. Few jobs on the cards, we got masked-up and threw on some high-vises. Then broke into three groups. Group one went about loading a large transit van with bags of clothes donations. Group two sorted and counted a selection of computer accessories. Group three went about rearranging the upstairs room. I can confidently say they all got the job done, superb to see how much more we can do with a few extra sets of hands, van filled to the brim, computer accessories all sorted and upstairs room completely reassembled. Bra-blimmin'-Vo.

Managed to sneak in a touch of strength exercise on the way back, enough to consider form on highly useful moves to better running, probably not enough to give a sizeable training effect - but we'll keep working on these key movements, we'll have more time in coming weeks to do some extra. Hopefully you can gain confidence and do them solo, that's the end goal.

Next week is round #2 at Crisis. Our last one for the foreseeable future, so sign up here - and let's get stuck in again.

Have hootin' good weekend, because we might ask about it at the next session...

Till then

B