It’s my life

We all know a runner can never have enough kit, just not enough space to store it all. A runners wardrobe, bursting at the seams, can act like a personal museum of their running journey. Memories of the ups, and the downs. Showing the shape we were, the shape we want to be. Helping us to hold on to our aims and aspirations, remembering where we started and hinting at where we’d like to be.

Just lace up and run

Running is popular due to its simplicity, accessibility, health benefits, and the ability to fit into various lifestyles and fitness levels. It has often been said that at its simplest running is the cheapest way to get fit. Just lace up and run. But not everyone is in the position to be able to access even the most basic of kit.

Community Support

Who better to approach to support disadvantaged groups being able to participate in physical activity than those who both value exercise, and support their communities. GoodGymers never disappoint. 190 items (literally enabling kitting out from head to toe) have been donated, all of which have sufficient life and wear in them to support someone starting out on their fitness journey.

And come on, own up, who has already got their eye on replacements to fill those wardrobe gaps!

It was great to welcome back Mel and Paul for their second task with us - Luckily it was dry and marginally less dark than their first task with us last week! Both got stuck into digging a trench for the bulbs to be scattered in. Progress was swift!

Propped on a bench, it was also great to have our dedicated photographer, Belinda who is re cooperating from a foot operation capturing some lovely shots. Thank you for turning out on a November night when you could have snuggled on the sofa with a boxed set and Jellybean the 🙀

Gillybean was in charge tonight and armed with boxes and a large sack of daffodils and other spring flowers she shared out carefully between us all.

Paul and John dug out the border on the other side of the garden before planting the allocated bulbs there too. All work tonight was aided by Uncle Ivo's GG work lights :)

Paula dug out a half moon bed where we had previously planted sunflowers. Whilst the area needs a lot more TLC, this garden should look very pretty in the spring months.We will return to sort the grass and weeds another time!

Whilst the rest of the team went home , Mel and I headed out for a very sociable and enjoyable 2 km run.

Job well done :)

Have a great week and see you next time

Julia xx

**A big GG Worthing welcome 🙏

On a dark drizzly night at the end of October we were really pleased to offer a very warm GoodGym welcome to Mel and Paul who joined us for the first time on our task tonight. It was so good to meet you both and we sincerely hope it will be the first of many tasks together.

Despite the darkness and rainy conditions there was plenty of cheery chat :)

There is an area of Goring Greensward that is not covered by Worthing Borough Council bins and attracts a lot of rubbish. As a dog walker in the area it has been bugging me for a while. Last month myself, together with Mr and Mrs Robinson ( aka John and Belinda) we had made a really great start but tonight, with more people and armed with our trusty GG work lights together with bright head torches, we continued this fantastic work.

In the course of the task I learned that Sarah and Ryan have recently been to Italy - did anyone know this ? If they hadn't before the task they certainly will do by now ! However, on returning from running, both of them completed their virtual Great south Run on Saturday and Sunday in signature style - well done both of you :)

Ricky had also completed his VGSR in true Ricky style and pace - many congratulations :) Ricky was very illuminated tonight ( see the photo) which, given the theme of the evening @thisgirlcan ' lifting the curfew' was perfect timing.

Daisy also happened to mention about her up and coming holiday in the Lake District where the weather looks forecast to be dry ! Regardless of the weather Daisy will love it - tonight she especially loved clearing up all the litter ( quite competitive ! )

As ever, Paula and Barbara dug in tonight with their usual energy and good humour helping to ensure that, despite the weather, the task was a really worthwhile one.

With the dark nights here we will continue to do good in the community throughout the winter months - your continuing participation and support is much appreciated. In addition to the Monday night tasks and community missions, I will be adding in fitness and socials to help us through too :)

Have a great week

Julia xx

Fading light

We arrived at St Botolph's on what had been a very gloomy day, meaning the light was fading fast. It was our last visit of the year to this pretty church garden under the watchful eyes of Rik and Val. However we will be aiming to get some work done at Heene Church rooms over the winter months,

Roxy and Suegot stuck straight into sweeping leaves with Belinda getting her steps in, wheelbarrowing big piles of leaves to and from the compost heap.

Paula and John worked on digging over the doomsday font that we had spectacularly unearthed several years ago before planting up some palms and other shrub that Val had provided. John, Roxy and I also moved a huge stone from the font area around the corner to where the other large stones/ rocks reside - Roxy stepped into help after I got distracted after completing 50% of the task !

Sue from Heene Cemetery did some great sweeping whilst Rik and Val, our leaders, beavered away weeing and clearing moss from gutters.

Happy Birthday to me!

Roxy had very kindly made me a yummy chocolate cake birthday which was still warm so we shared it out and I took home the remainder-such a kind thought. Thank you Roxy!

Next Monday

We are at Heene cemetery for our final visit of the year - Ideally we would like to start at 5:30 pm to catch the light.