Poole Hospital Charity run this Elf Dash annually to raise much needed funds for equipment.

Our job was pretty simple, we are there to direct the runners and keep them safe as marshals.

We all met at 10.30 at Speedway and a walk around the course to know our positions. Turns out to be much nippier than expected so we jumped into the North Pole bus for a mince pie and warm up till it was duty time.

It was a short course of approx 2km and questions to answer along the way. Parents joined in so it was a very relaxed affair. Some amazing outfits along the way, kids and all times of elfs!

The warm up was headed up by Goodgym too, so I got to use my daughter's examples of being beans to be the Mexican, French, runner, string and broad bean to get everyone going!

Definitely time for a cuppa after!

Tonight was a sensitive task as we visited the baby gardens at the local cemetery.

This all started following the appeal of a small local charity, Tyler's Friends, for volunteers to help their garden clean up. It coincided with our run night and although we had another task booked, it was moved around so we could support this event and join the team of volunteers.

There was 2 options on the table tonight on the run there - both involved running up! The first option was a gentle incline up and the second a longer route way round to add in extra half mile or so whilst going up. This option also gave the runners who wanted it, an option to do some additional hill work as they looped back round. Pleased to say the majority opted for the longer run! We even found a shorter section for a quick sprint 100m or so where Rob as ever showed off his sprinting ability and shot past the rest of us!

On arrival at the task, we met another half dozen or so volunteers, many of whom had personal links with the gardens. Kirsten from Tyler's Friends was there and pleased to see us and gave us some task direction. It is a small baby garden with a round 30+ graves from young children to premature babies. We spent time just clearing leaves away, pulling weeds, raking areas and making it look a lot tidier! After 30 mins the difference was really clear and Kristen was so pleased that 15 of us being there for 30 minutes could really make an improvement and save many hours by just 1 or 2 people alone.

Thanks to Richard for back running tonight as a new runner too! Welcome to new runners Julie, Ruth, Lauren, Karen and Sarah x2! You all got stuck in with the task and chatting to each other in super quick time!

Kristen was happy for us to take a final pic although we didn't take pictures during the task tonight out of respect

What a difference a week makes!

Last week 2 of us set off in blazing hot sunshine and this week 20 of us turned up in the pouring rain!

Fantastic to welcome 13 new Goodgym runners to the session (don't forget to order a free T-shirt!). We were represented by runners from the Hot Steppers massive (Vicki, Jo, Vanessa, Fiona to name a few!), Poole Runners and Poole AC Couch programme (well done Helga and Julia!)!

It started with a change of plan as The Spire unfortunately could not accomodate us to give us a brief due to staff sickness. So it was onto the Poole Park to support Poole Park Volunteers by litter picking!

We started at the Pavillion and split into equal teams and a bag each and set off in different directions. One team found a boot on this stage and some packaging giving a lighter but bulkier bag to start with against the other teams heavier offering. Next it was time for the GoodGym Olympics session with a 1km run around the lake! Options was a fast one, a selfie shot along the way or the final more complex option of Strava art (sadly no one took this up!). So if you are on Strava upload this run with the tag #GGOlympic2019 to be with a chance of getting a medal for your photo or speed! More details and instructions head to this page

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/goodgym-oiympics-the-nationwide-race?fbclid=IwAR2Ud8QjhzBST90eLC9HWZJwbzdzo5YhD71RcuR5S0BqtQwmIJcGieOWquE

Judging by the puffed faces - many of you went for the fast option whilst Shelley, Helga and Julia decided it was all about the selfies!

Next onto the skate park where highlights included finding a pram and a hunt in the bushes revealed a kettle (good work Sian!) and bags will soon filled and left for council to collect!

Final bit tonight was a run around the field maintaining pace before finishing up with Flying 15's with a few to considering our form! (Amanda keep those eyes up and Anne stand taller!)

Jason and Rob as ever were outnumbered by women and not phased by all our chatter!

Lovely to meet new runners and faces I had coached before (Liz!) so hope to see you again Rosie and Sarah Welcome to the Goodgym Poole!

Great fun along the way and you did your Park a great job!