Calm after the storm

Wow! How lucky were we with the weather tonight?! After a day of heavy rain and occasional thunder we were blessed with a sunny evening and what a great turn out it was.

Tonight’s line up was made up of Barbara, Belinda, John, Steve together with second timer Daisy (yay, you came back) Paul, Ros, Gill and Nick. Paula also joined us at the task as did our very own snowflake who did a quick reroute after heading in the opposite direction (of course he did!)

Just as we stepped out for our warm up run the rain stopped, the sun came out and we enjoyed a steamy run along the seafront to Byron Road homeless hostel where we were tasked with some gardening.

Girls rule -boys chat

After the heavy rain we were expecting it to be a rather muddy experience but in reality it was perfect weed pulling conditions.

Paula joined us with a huge smile followed by cake man Jay who powered into the drive. Up to this point all the team had thrown themselves into the task but with Jay now in attendance some became a little distracted with his chatter. Naturally the girls remained focused and on point. This is definitely a case of a picture speaks a thousand words. Check out tonight’s selection of photos and you will see for yourselves! I hope you enjoy John's editing on a couple of them too:)

With a lot of jolly banter the pretty courtyard style garden was soon restored to best. With very few tools available Gill wasted no time in taking possession of the secateurs ( of course) whilst the rest of the team weeded, cleared and dead headed. 30 short minutes later and we headed off for our post task walk, run and fitness session.

Hap’pier it didn’t rain

We headed along the seafront with some lamppost sprint efforts to the pier where the team completed a couple of circuits of it before settling at the south end nearest the sea for a bit of fitness and stretching.

With slippery wooden planks underfoot the team were spared burpees and similar HIIT moves so we settled for upper body chest and triceps press-ups against the railings interspersed with squat and lunge rotational stretches.

Is anyone reading this thinking that I have forgotten something in this report?!! Just checking that you are actually still reading …….. so we actually also did 6 or was it 7 sprints on the spot concentrating on high knees and my amazing time keeping.

Starlings generate more than a murmur – wow!

During the sprints we were treated to several fly pasts together with a landing of a murmuration of starlings. Every Monday night at GG creates feel good vibes but tonight this was an extra special moment. The definition of such a spectacle of birds is as follows

*The bird meaning signifies illumination and empowerment together with indomitable spirit and ability to rise above adversity *

This beautifully sums up my focus on fitness and also the ethos that I like to encourage in group sessions.

I bruise easily (Natasha Bedingfield 2005!)

With the spectacle and fitness over all 3 groups headed back for the short walk /run back to Splashpoint.

We finished with some stretches that somehow ended up in a whacking great bruise for Belinda on her ankle when her foot slipped on the hamstring stretch. At this point everyone thought I had lost the plot when I burst into the above song- ha ha

The evening finished with an impromptu visit to the pub for some of us. Jay was beyond excited shouting out ‘Yes, yes YES, this is really going to happen’ as we crossed the road. I keep thinking back on this. It makes me smile a lot.

And in other news……

Happy Birthday Duncan – we raised a glass to you. We hope that you are enjoying Edinburgh

Congratulations to Barbara on a fantastic transformation on her running style. You have absolutely nailed it. Check out that amazing photo of her on the pier.

Let all wish Belinda a speedy recovery from her achilles injury ( and bruise)

Wednesday 28th August for our Caribbean meal out. Who’s in?

Next week we are meeting at Worthing Leisure Centre and will head back to May Close to meet our friends at Breathing Spaces.

Have a great week team :)

Julia xxx

Catching the light

On a balmy October evening there was a change to the usual meeting place and we all convened directly at Heene Cemetery for our last visit of the year to assist Peter,Sue and the friends of Heene Cemetery with some much needed leaf and

This walled and fenced graveyard saw its first recorded burial in 1874, and its last in 1977. It was closed to the general public in 1973. In 1992 it was designated a Site of Conservation Importance as old meadow land. From 1995 until 2008 The Sussex Wildlife Trust maintained the cemetery with quarterly cycles of clearance, and in 2015 The Friends of Heene Cemetery was set up to establish a programme of restoration. Fast forward to 2017 to when GoodGym started volunteering which has now rolled into 4 visits in 2018.

The Cutting Crew

Belinda and Michelle wasted no time in raking and loading wheelbarrows of leaves whilst Nick set about the cutting and trimming of the tree branches that had been cut down during the day.

Big shout out and a very welcome back to Roisin. Reaaly great to see tht smiling face and energy again. You get the head line pun today which I'm sure no one will understand at GG HQ :)

Gill with tired legs arrived on her bike to do her usual fine pruning !

It was also great to see Paul and Duncan arrive and pile in to the leaf clearing , barrowing, log carrying and cutting.

Don't follow me I'm lost too !

So Barbara got lost in Worthing this evening. She parked the car on the seafront and then proceeded to do a scenic tour of West Worthing and Goring streets . From her description it sound like she way well be in secret training for the Worthing half marathon in February ?! Luckily after a few phone calls she managed to find her car and got to us with enough time to spare to make up for lost time with great energy and humour despite her weary legs!

Sorry I'm a little latte

It was a complete delight to welcome Jemmie who brought Tamsin too :) Jemmie who was super keen jumped out for some quick tool and broom action whilst we were winding up the task.

Sweep success

As ever the team work worked flat out until it got dark . Thank goodness for the earlier start this evening.

Quote of the night has to go to Belinda who, whilst tidying up and looking at the huge pile of leaves , quite innocently and totally unaware of her pun, said ' Have we buried anyone under the leaves?' Ha ha. Nice one B !

We had a couple of group photos and a vote of thanks from Sue and Peter for all the help we have given this year. With a promise to return in March 2018 and a wave good bye to Gill too who cycled off into the sunset, the group headed off for the run and fitness session on the seafront ( deja vu for Barbara!! )

Gait balls of fire

With the 30 day November Burpee challenge approaching fast,pre event training started tonight.

The team started with 4 squats , 4 burpees and 2 lampost sprints and gradually increased the number of squats and burpees between the sprints until they all looked pretty exhausted. We called it a day and everyone disappeared off in different directions ( as quick as they could before the burpees recommenced! )

Top marks for effort to Jemmie who appeared to be the most enthusiastic of the whole group with some fantastic running . Trainers next please Mummy !

Roisin and I ran on a bit with Belinda towards the pier before a cheery farewell to B and we headed back through the town and back to our start point at the cemetery.

Next week we are working with Lisa and Claire from Breathing spaces. I will be in contact with the meeting point as I know they are hoping for a wood chip delivery from te rangers at May Close so that we can finish what we started there

Next social

Next Monday is Belinda's birthday so we are planning to raise a glass at 7:45pm at the Cow and Oak on Brighton Road. If you cant make the task but can make the drink you are very welcome but hope to see as many of you as possible.

Have a great week everyone :)

Julia

Surprise Surprise!

On another freezing cold evening we changed our meeting point to Worthing Leisure Centre so that we were closer to the task after yesterdays epic Worthing Half Marathon meaning a shorter run this evening for our athletes.

It was a great turn out tonight with Paul , Duncan and Michelle looking remarkably fresh after their race, Belinda ( lead cyclist) Tamsin and Gill who had run down and not forgetting a welcome (requested) appearance from Nick.

There was lots of post race chat ,congratulations and thanks after the fine performance of all the GoodGym runners including Anne and Nigel who couldn't make it tonight.

With 2 minutes before we were due to leave it was a wonderful surprise of the week to see Beth come through the doors. In the best kept secret, she had manged to negotiate an extra day in Worthing after the race yesterday to help with our first task with Breathing Spaces in her home (and dare I say) favourite GG town.

True Grit and determination

The team set off on a gentle 2 k run to the New Tyne Resource Centre in Durrington. This a care home that supports the elderly and those with dementia .

We were met by Claire and Lisa from Breathing Spaces who in turn support the residents of the home and local community by providing revitilisation for the community through garden therapy and design.

Sand and deliver

Our task for this evening was to shift 5 tons of sand in wheelbarrows from the car park all the way around the outside of the centre into the beautiful back garden where the circular path needed a large infill of the said sand. This was followed by raking it as level as possible and finishing with a roller to keep the sand flat and in place.

The team wasted no time in dividing the tasks and so the shovelling began

Raking , Rocking and Rolling

The team loved this task tonight. It was challenging but fun with great variety and good vibes. Everyone took turns with each job which meant that heart rates and muscles got a great work out. One of the funniest moments was seeing Nick doing 'roller run' circuits around the path .

Although we would have loved to have stayed longer time ticked by and the air temperature seemed to be getting colder. The team were reluctant to leave and even managed a bonus task of filling a large bag with the sand for Lisa and Claire to use for a future job.

Ice Ice Baby

On the 2 k run back and just after I had announced it was a treat night the heavens opened and we were hit by an icy torrential hail shower ! This tested the good nature of the team and we were incredibly relieved to make it back to the centre all safe and sound.

Sadly we waved goodbye to Beth (after a few humurous photos related to her height ) and Michelle who couldn't join us for the social and headed to the cars (including Belinda's bike in my car ) to continue our feel good Monday at Chipwick.

** Battered but not beaten**

After weeks of planning and anticipation we sat down to enjoy a feast of food and for some, a sneaky alcoholic beverage, Lots of chat and clean plates made a great finish to a memorable evening.

I'm looking forward to next Monday already!

All the best and lots of GG love

Julia

** Doesn't matter what week or what month it is GG will always be there on a Monday night**

This week we were very lucky to have a still and mild evening for our weekly run. Tonight we headed out to Brooklands Pleasure Park to do some winter path clearing.

I was the early bird this week meeting Annika for a document check to enable her to start her coach run journey. It was lovely to meet you and I do hope that you will manage to join us on a Monday group run if your ballet class time changes!

Shortly afterwards Paul followed by Michelle Duncan Belinda Gill Tamsinand Anne rocked up full of enthusiasm and smiley faces.

As usual there was some pre run banter . This week it was mostly about recent training runs in preparation for the Worthing half marathon which is just 3 weeks away .

It was also lovely to hear about Duncan and Belinda's recent holidays to Iceland and Gloucestershire (not together!)

If you go down to the woods today

We headed off for a 3 k warm up to our task which was situated in a wooded area just near Brooklands lake .We were met by park ranger Anthony who distributed tools and instructions for our task. It was probably the darkest task we have done but strangely fun with head torches and truck lights guiding the team in their work.

Making a clean sweep

The team shovelled and swept paths and wooden steps together with some clipping and pruning of overhanging branches for 30 minutes before downing tools and admiring yet another ground breaking piece of work.

We then stopped for a few group photos and, in an attempt to try and win the much sought after GG photo of the week, the team jumped. Unfortunately the camera was too slow to capture the perfection of the jump (although Tamsin came out perfectly! )

Racing around the Brooklands circuit

After a pre fitness session briefing we headed out of Brooklands heading north on the pavements scooting round on our 6 mile circuit.

This week it was another tough session with a few shorter sprints but mainly working on extended tempo run and strength moves.

We did another pyramid based workout with elevating efforts from 30 seconds to 2.5 minutes . At the end of each block we added some strength work including squat jumps, lunges , mountain climbers , static sprints and of course ,the dreaded burpees. We even made use of pub facilities to add some variety to the workout but sadly a dry visit tonight!

On the path to PB's

Everyone worked worked really hard again as a team tonight The structure of the session meant that the front runners got extra mileage by running backwards to pick up the rest of the runners ensuring no one got left behind.

With continued commitment and a regular attendance, I'm hoping the benefits will start to become apparent in the spring. Remember beach bodies are made in the winter!

We finished with a steady 3 k run back to base, tally of mileage and some stretches.

Fish and chip update

The date for this social has changed to Monday 5th February at Chipwick Brighton road BN11 2EN at 8 pm. We will be celebrating Belinda's and Ed's 100th park run together with Johns 50th . All welcome. Why not bring your partners too to meet the crazy Monday bunch?

All the best for the week. Stay focused on those January challenges! 8 days to go to compete them

Big GG love

Julia :)

13 GG Yorkies (and a GG Bristolian) ran 6 kilometres to help out at Greenfields Garden.

9 of these lovely folk had already been on our Bank Holiday bonus mission for a double good deed but we welcomed the lovely Paul again because he had joined us all the way from GoodGym Bristol, and deserves lots of cheers!

With Mrs Kermeron as our back marker, we set off in the evening sun towards Greenfields Garden, where we were met by Sarah. Sarah's first challenge for us was to unlock the container which housed all the tools for our task. New member Darren, was first on the scene and went with pure strength before realising a whole locked padlock was still in situ.

After the container was unlocked, our challenge was to: * pull up all the grass which had grown over lining sheets around a section of raised beds * cover the cleared area with woodchip * move a pile of compost bags to the opposite corner of the garden * shift the remaining woodchip to a new location

All in 25 minutes!

We had an energetic crew tonight and the bags were hauled across the gardens in double quick time. We had some hardcore double-carries and even some of our more competitive members racing each other in bag carrying battles!

Meanwhile, the grass pulling team were working their way across the area. Some patches of grass came up easier than others..

This grass is like velcro! - Al, GG Yorkie

I granted the team a FIVE MINUTE TIME EXTENSION instead of a set of lunges as the grass pulling was a challenge. As patches of the liner were cleared of grass, the woodchip digging began. It started gently at first but with the time ticking away it gradually became a bit more frantic.

Dig FAST.. but safe.. - Egg, GG York Trainer

Amidst fears of spade-related injury in the melee, we switched to the handful method, which was surprisingly quicker and more effective. Nick was loving it so much that he was enthusiastically chucking handfuls of woodchip all over the place even when there wasn't a wheelbarrow around to fill.

With ten minutes left, we had three 'barrow pushers running back and forth at a startling pace and woodchip flying everywhere. It was in people's shoes, hair and in one case, cleavage!

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief with the job finished, and we just had a little bit of time to spare before the run back to base so we fitted it some wide jumping squats, lunge kicks and the amazing partner wall-sit challenge.

We ran 3km run back along the Orbital route with a teeny balance challenge for the lead pack (where I nearly fell in a bush but Rachel saved me) en route.

I'll leave you with Paul's three-word summary of his time at GoodGym York!

Sunny, smiley and BRILLIANT!

Don't forget it's a short one next week so suitable for ALL levels, sign up HERE

p.s. thanks Leanne for being puntastic!

A huge thank you to all my team who turned out on a gloomy bank holiday evening in not so sunny Worthing today to work some eggtra -ordinary magic at Teville gate.

The task was fairly grim but probably one of the best deeds we have done so far in Worthing. You have all deserved your places in heaven after today.

Teville Gate is a run down part of our town that links the train station with a walk towards the town centre. Today 5 of us met at Splashpoint and ran a 1 mile warm up to the task . We then filled 18 bags of rubbish in 30 mins ! Absolutely outstandingly dirty wonderful work. Great work team !

A huge big GG cheer to Gill who turned out after a 3 hour run today in preparation for her Lunar marathon in July. Your commitment has earned massive respect within our group . Thank you from my heart .

It was also a special night for me as my husband, Nick came along to GGWorthing for his first task. He was so helpful being the BH support vehicle to carry equipment for the task as well as run with us and fill bags of rubbish. Thank you Mr G !

It was also a delight to welcome back Helena this evening with possibly the longest legs I've ever seen and a work rate to match ! Special mention to Belinda who is improving her fitness in leaps and bounds every week.

After our good deed it was a huge delight to head to the local park for our fitness session followed by a finale at the beach with a pink sky sunset.

Another memorable evening . I can hardly remember Mondays before GG !

I hope you are all enjoying my little yolks !!