After the hard work down by the river it was time for a meal, a drink and a natter. Actually this social was a chance to really reflect on what Goodgym means to us whether you have done 10, 50 or 100 good deeds. The conversation and laughs were as delightful as the food and it made me think...

What is it that attracts you to Goodgym? What do you want Goodgym to stand for in your local community? And how can we keep growing in both number and influence in Colchester (and beyond)?

Perhaps you could answer in the comments and think about the environment and climate action, reducing social isolation and anything else where Goodgym may be able to be involved?

But I will leave you with three inspirational people who achieved their milestones: Frazer, who has slotted in with Goodgym and put his all into tasks and I am sure will continue to shine, Stu, whose friendly, genuine and thoughtful nature are matched by his helpfulness in all 50 good deeds and last but not least, Helen, who is a vital Taskforce member and Run Leader who is passionate about Goodgym and a real friend to all.

*Here at Goodgym Colchester we are super proud of all of our members and participants whether they have done 1 or 500 good deeds. *

Goodgym is unique. We all have our reasons and we all have our motivations and we all share in our success.Between Frazer, Helen and Stuart the community has benefited 160 times. At Goodgym we like to help our members keep fit and healthy and whilst we love a PB or admire those who run a marathon, half marathon, 10k, Parkrun as well as a nice walk and a chat it is the good deeds that give so much depth and put an amazing perspective to our hard work. Well that is what I think anyway! :)

So what did Helen, Stuart and Frazer do to on this momentous night? They weeded and grouted a popular and picturesque urban riverside area. The drains and bridge footpath and the riverbank all look clearer and one corner is ready to spring into bloom. The team filled at least 5 bags with brambles, weeds and moss, swept up and went for a run up the hill!

We had a nice run and warm up in the Dutch Quarter and were all ready for some food and frolics after the task!

Part 2 of the evening was a social meal at noodle bar.

Let me just explain the title! Parkrun always have a 'tail' runner or walker with the important job of encouraging and supporting the people who complete 5km as best they can. Tonight the task did not see us battling leaves on paths and entrances but instead take on the details - litter picking (and bricks) and sweeping walkways and driveways.

It was little reminiscent last night as we tested our memories on the last time we had been to Fairfield Gardens...it was a decent night for running with a few hills and new route for the newer runners. The fitness session was a 6 minute sprint and recover stint and by golly everyone looked strong and fast. Even a local 'Gary-boy' who joined in could not keep up with us and thanked us for providing a bit of fun!

The homeward run was made fresher by a light but 'in your face' rain and it got me thinking.

The recent Goodgym meeting that Ivo hosted was all about Goodgym's green mission and climate action. I hope we inspire people who do not know about Goodgym to join us.

Well done everyone for setting a great example.

Louise made it into the 100 good deeds club tonight on a night of great effort on the hill and at the allotment. If you are reading this and do not know the significance of completing 100 good deeds then this my take (feel free to comment what goodgym means to you all in the comments). When you think to yourself "I'd like to do something on a weekday evening" and then hear about this thing called Goodgym you may not have been able to imagine the friends you make, the fitness you gain and the warm fuzzy feeling you get. But you soon realise how worthwhile it is and you go back time after time...100 good deeds may be roughly 100 hours of volunteering and a lot of kilometers in the tank. That is what I call a huge impact. Add in all the other Goodgymers and each week we do tasks that make our partners so happy and save them so much time.

Tonight was one of those nights as we went to the allotment, gave some trees a haircut, potted many geraniums and cleared a large flowerbed.

Pam was very pleased and everyone got stuck and green fingered.

The fitness was a minimum of 6km and a swift hill sprint and helping Jade get ski season fit!

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Goodgym Colchester (aka the full-moon wolf-pack) have transitioned into 2022 with the same enthusiasm for helping others in Colchester - perhaps even more! Tonight we ran up Mersea Road to Labrook Drive and helped Colchester Borough Homes to sweep leaves and pick litter on there car park and accessible entrances. Thanks to Steph for fetching more bags so that we could clear the leaves. Especially satisfying was the haul of plastic bottles and litter found in the dense hedge. I wonder how long they have been there and how long they would have stayed there if we had no found them? As the evening temperature dropped we thanked Steph and headed off for some sprint relays to get that cold air bursting in our lungs.

Well done everyone and welcome back Bob!