Start the year as you mean to go on... with lots of running!!! Five super keen GoodGymers shook off the excesses of New Years Eve to indulge in a double Parkrun, starting at Stratford-Upon-Avon at 09:00am followed by Leamington Spa at 10:30am. A further five GoodGymers joined us at Leamington Spa, although one determined eco-warrior decided to cycle to and from both Parkruns.

Allan, Becky, Becka, Debora and Iain (zooming in on his bike at the last minute) turned up to record numbers at Stratford and , after a rather lengthy pre-run brief, the run got underway. Sections of the course were somewhat boggy and the decision to wear road shoes rather than trail shoes seemed a little foolish. Thankfully the going got easier as the crowds spread out and we got onto solid paths. Fortunately today was not about setting PBs as there were queues to cross the finish line.

Once everyone had scanned their barcodes and taken selfies with the Stratford frame, it was time to join the queues again... this time to escape the car park! There followed a fast (but totally legal) drive/cycle over to Leamington, where we arrived just as the pre-run brief had started. Gavin, Philip, Mel, James and Andrew joined us for the second half of the double.

With a record 900+ runners huddled on the start line the run got underway... then stopped at the first bottleneck... then got underway again... then stopped at the next bottleneck... (you get the idea). We stomped and squelched our way round, up and over the famed hill. The marshals did a fantastic job with the five lane finishing funnel, getting everyone across the line and scanned smoothly. Another selfie with the Leamington frame and it was home for a well-earned rest.

A big thanks to all the volunteers who made today's double possible! Welcome to Becka... we hope to see you at a Tuesday or Wednesday session soon!

Happy New Year to you all!