The warm-but-not-too-warm weather in Richmond drew a bumper crowd of 18 GoodGymers to gather outside Wholefoods, including Cathy and Isabelle for their first run (and perhaps already last run in the case of France-based Isabelle!), second-timers Mena and Kate, and Sara back for her first Richmond run in a while, and very welcome too.

First order of business was to congratulate Jenny and hand over the hallowed sash to commemorate her 50 good deeds milestone – well done Jen and here’s to the next 50!

After an update on the GoodGym Olympics being held on Parliament Hill this Saturday and a thorough briefing from Mark on the double task ahead of us – gardening work at St. Christopher’s and some leafleting left over from last week – we convened on the Green for our traditional warm up, this evening’s exercise innovation being imaginary hurdles…

We set off for St. Christopher’s via the A316 and Duck’s Walk and arrived to find a very tidy looking vegetable patch in the corner of the garden (big smiles all round), but large areas of scrub which needed clearing. Many hands make light work as they say, so we gloved up and got going.

We divided into two groups to tackle two sides of the garden – digging, forking, shearing and raking our way through the brambles and weeds to get to the ground beneath. A few others grabbed the brooms and swept up the leaf litter outside the centre to make it look neat and tidy for visitors.

When our allotted time was almost up, and we had at least made a dent on the brambles, 3 groups of runners headed off to the nearby roads to deliver the remaining leaflets for the Richmond Museum while the rest cleared up at St. Christopher’s. Job done and we headed back for our customary photo before setting Stravas and running back to Wholefoods and a cool down.

Big Richmond GG welcomes again go to Cathy and Isabelle and also welcome back to Mena and Kate – we hope to see you all on a regular basis (Isabelle – always welcome if you visit from France!). Don’t forget GG Olympics on Saturday, and next week’s social in the Tap Tavern after the run.... and the submarine!! (check the run listing for that one!)

A dozen do-gooders, dashed miles, shared some smiles. Then trees they did sprinkle, in baubles and tinsel & wrapped up some gifts for some deserving local kids.

Run report to be read, to the tune of "All I Want For Christmas Is You"

We don't want a lot for Christmas There is just one thing we need. To run and wrap up all your presents, for Goodgym we must do a Good Deed

We just want to run from base, all the way to Kilburn, Kingsgate. To make their wish come true.... Goodgym elves with Christmas tasks to do!

We don't want a lot for Christmas. There is just one thing we need. To run and wrap up all the presents. For Goodgym we must do a good deed.

Half the group will get to working, there upon the trees outside. Hanging baubles makes us happy. We will finish in time, come what may!

The other half will get to know, how to make those windows glow. Hang baubles from the roofffffff. Santas going to want to stop by too!!! Oooohhh and Rudolph!

Oh, we won't ask for much this Christmas, we won't even wish for snow. We're just gonna keep on waiting For more chances to help this community grow.

We'll be back in new year, AJ, don't you worry about a thing. To volunteer some more of our time. Running fast & get our pulses racing!

'Cause we don't just want to help tonight. We'll be back, even though, now we take flight. But what more can we do? That's one more Goodgym task done by this crewwwww.

Oh, all the lights are shining so brightly everywhere. As we run back home down Kilburn High Street's glare.

And all the crew are happy, even though its nippy. Lets get moving, as the time is nearly at an end, I don't want to miss 'First Dates' on TV.

Oh, we don't want a lot for Christmas, this is all we ever want. To help the people of dear Willesden, while our legs take us on a little jaunt.

Now it's time to say Goodnight. See you next week? I hope we might. Make our wish come true.... All we want is more good tasks to do!!!! 2018 with this fantastic crew!!! Without them I just don't know what I'd do!!!! ohhhhhhh baby!!!!

TA DAAAAAAAAAAAA.

See you next time familia for the last Goodgym of the year!!!!!

DO GOOD. FEEL GOOD. INSPIRE

Seventeen sensational @GGSHEFF runners ran 7km to help spread woodchip for Heeley City Farm.

We welcomed new runner Rachel Ripley to the GG family tonight, welcome to the team Rachel - Give her a cheer!

After a quick brief and headcount and with Sam as our trusty back marker we headed off to Heeley City Farm for the nights task.

This weeks task involved a hide and seek style start with tools and a treasure map of the task hidden away in a horsebox. We quickly deciphered the map and got to work, splitting into 2 teams to move woodchip to areas of the farm that were in need of a new layer!

Using wheelbarrows, wheelie bins and brut force we quickly covered the areas in need and even had time to fill some bags up for moving in the future.

After downing tools and accidentally disturbing the local scrumpers we headed into the fitness element of the evening which took advantage of the local topography....

This week we:

• Duck Walked

• Lunged

• Box jumped

• Downhill backward walked!

• Hill sprinted

After all this in the heat it was time to head back and finish with a fast becoming customary mini hill sprint at the end before stretching and spreading the word of the latest news including:

• GG Barnsley launch

• Chosen Park Run for this Sat

• Wednesday Runch

• #stickemup - see photos for Sam's excellent demo!

Next week we are off to Reagther so make sure you've signed up.

Happy Running,

Tom