9 running demons ran 5.8km to InterAct to build a bonfire

We met at the usual ARU where I had brought some trick or treats. We scoffed some chocolates while I described tonight's task and complimented Joseph on his new trim. I even added in some bonus puns while the crowds groaned and said 'eerie goes again'. We were heading to our old fiends at InterAct to build their bonfire ahead of the big fireworks party they are having this weekend. Should be an absolutely spook-tacular event. It is a shame they've sold out of tickets!

We posed for some pictures, Laurie with her flashing pumpkins, Catherine in an amazing feline outfit , Joel doing his best impression of an Easter Island head but sadly lacking my devilishly handsome face. We hit the road, deciding that using our broomsticks would constitute cheating and ran down the high street, hi-fiving Ghostbusters as we ran. Down the dark, dark street, there was a dark, dark house. In the dark, dark house we met Fay and Andy and he outlined what we needed to do. James Ghoul-ifant, who sadly couldn't be there tonight, had donated lots of pallets to use to construct our soon-to-be flaming inferno. Using these, and a cauldron of other wood (such as table tennis tables...) we created a masterpiece worthy of Doctor Frankenstein himself - as you can see from the before and after pictures. We took some more magical pictures and headed inside.

After goblin down some biscuits, we decided we cad-av-er go at running a slightly longer way back (a grave mistake) and said goodbye to Fay on route as she disappeared like a ghost into the night. Once we returned, we stretched while we chatted about weekend plans, Adam's family has plans for him as it is his birthday and we hope he has a fang-tastic time. We then parted ways and faded into the night.

Happy Halloween everyone and see you next week!

6 runners set out to Kids Inspire and 7 returned!

We met at our usual place, initially thinking that there wouldn't be many of us as three who had signed up were unable to make it! However, Joseph and Jordis showed up ready to run and we were meeting Adam up there, just arrived back from his private yacht in Monaco.

Posing with our favourite vending machine (any sponsors out there want to give us free stuff we are happy to take it!) for a quick photo we set off with the speed of those who had just downed Carabao energy drink. We ran off at the Pepsi Max speed we could, approximately 2km to Kids Inspire. We had to finish the work we had started a fortnight ago; emptying the planters of all their soil so that they can be moved home when the time comes, tidying the flowerbeds and this time, cleaning up some of the patches of dirt so that Louise doesn't get told off again!

Wat-er good job we did. We all got stuck in, with Joseph having his first ever taste of using a wheelbarrow, we developed a shrewd system to help lemon-aid each other. There was more compost and soil in the planters than we had anticipated so hopefully the groundsman has extra space for it! We thanked Louise for having us and wished her well with Kids Inspire's search for new premises. They are keen to have us back to help with any future tasks at a new site, but more importantly, they do absolutely fantastic work with disadvantaged young people in the local area which must continue.

Now it was nice and dark, we ran back while chatting about potential Halloween puns. Suffice to say, that'll be a doozy. Laurie led us all on some avenue sprints, I say all, I sadly had to take some terrible photos so unfortunately (not) couldn't run them. Rachel showcased her downhill speed with Joel miraculously leading the way on the way uphill! Thanks for coming guys and I hope we can work with Kids Inspire in the future.

Next week we are heading to MenCap Chelmsford, just off Moulsham Street. I hope to see you there!

P.S. I tried to think of a pun around San Pellegrino, I couldn't do it! Answers on a postcard please.

After we were advertised at ARU Freshers today we had two new arrivals this evening, Jordis and Joseph. Congratulating James on his Kipchoge-esque time for the Pleshey half marathon and Laurie and Joel for their Essex Waterways 10k, we hit the road. With storm Ally on its way we were running directly into the wind for some bonus resistance training. We made it to InterAct in good time to meet Andrew who explained the great work they do there, as well as outlining the task for tonight. And more importantly, letting us know there were biscuits should we complete our mission!

Brilliantly, InterAct have received funding to create a sensory room upstairs. We were tasked with clearing the room out completely so that the work can begin. Vic, Fay and Jenny heaved the filing cabinet down the stairs for the skip while Adam got to work dismantling the ping-pong table. We cleared the room of all the other items in record time, with Catherine making a new furry friend along the way. After our usual biscuit extravaganza, we took a vote on either fitness on the way back, or just heading back. It was closer than a referendum, with Jordis making the final decision to head back. We added on an extra loop around the park just to ensure we hit a full 5k run. Joel gazed wistfully at Wetherspoons, we posed on some bales of hay and Henry and Joseph sat in a giant deck chair. Just the normal run back then.

Thanks to everyone who came, and thanks to InterAct for helping us out. Next week should be the 8km run (in total) to Broomfield hospital, led by the wonderful Laurie, providing the plants have arrived. After that we have the social at The Works on Friday 5th October for ice cream and waffles! It will be up on the Facebook page.

Additionally, Broomfield Hospital would like to thank us for all the hard work we’ve put in over the past ten months and invite us all to the Celebration of Volunteers event this year. It’s on Friday 5th October at Chelmsford City Racecourse, and it will be a somewhat smart occasion with afternoon tea. We know the majority of you guys work on weekdays, but if anyone is available that would be fantastic. The event celebrates hospital volunteers from various projects and roles around the hospital, alongside future opportunities. It’s a feel good afternoon to share experiences, with MEHT’s Chair Nick Alston giving an insightful talk into all aspects of volunteering. If you'd like to come along, please email *davidc@goodgym.org by September 25th * and I can send you the form.

Happy running!