A warm and sunny evening in Bournemouth brought 17 lovely runners together to go do some painting at St Clements' and St John Infant School. We all gathered on the deck in front of Flirt Cafe, basking in the evening sunshine, catching up with each other and welcoming new faces.

It was great to have Jenni back as well as Mark, we missed you guys and we're really happy you're back! Also great to have John back after having to live the life of a hermit due to exams!

We were delighted we didn't scare off Megan last week, and even happier she brought Oskar along for his first taste of GoodGym group runs.

We also welcomed Zoe, Heather and Emma along for their first time. We really hope you guys had a great time, met some nice new people and come along next week or whenever you have the time! You're always welcome!

We took the quickest route there as everyone was eager to get stuck into some painting. The quickest route there was also the one with the most shade, which was a vital consideration as it was very hot out again...the down side of it is, that it is on a gentle slope up...but everyone coped well and great to see all the new faces quickly getting into the spirit and chatting to everyone and getting along.

Joe was waiting for us at the school gate and as we only had 12 paint brushes, those of us spare started on a bit of a litter pick and then taking turns with those with brushes.

SHARING IS CARING

Andrea managed to protect her spanking new shoes in a very innovative way... Neil ended up with the most paint on himself...good work Caprice! Jenni and Neil were able to get a bit of football practice in in between turns.

With 10 minutes to go it was looking like we wouldn't get the section of the fence finished but a big push at the end saw the gang get the job done! Great effort everyone. That fence was not making it easy, it needed double coating!

We have a first Community Mission coming up on August 11th. It's a Saturday and a longer run than usual, 5.5km each way and about an hour of task work when we get there. Come along, hang out and make up for your Friday night shenanigans! Check it out and sign up here

Great to run with all of you as always! Hope to see you all soon!

Yesterday saw us head back to St Clement's Primary School in Boscombe to help Joe paint the school yard fence, and the gang was really looking forward to it!

We were lucky to welcome and meet Pia, it was her first group run after moving to Bournemouth in March and she fitted right in!! Talking to everyone and more than holding her on with a brush and the longer run! Lovely to meet you, hope you come along next week to Slades Farm, we could use your community gardening skills!!

It was great to also have Tom back and thank you Miffy for getting him to come along!

After another muggy and warm run along the overcliff we got to the school on time and Joe was ready for us. He even had mats out for us to be able to kneel comfortably as well as sit, brushes for everyone and even plastic aprons to help protect our clothing! Very thoughtful and much appreciated! We still got loads of paint on us, but that was our fault! And it's non toxic so not a big deal. Laura managed to somehow keep her brand new New Balance trainers spotless throughout!! Impressive. Remember, you get a 20% discount on New Balance gear with GoodGym. Worth looking into.

As you can see from the photos the gang got right to it and made very quick progress. It's an excellent task as it's very therapeutic, and you can chat to everyone around you too.

We had cuddles with Caprice's little puppy waiting for us at Flirt, so we took the quickest route back, shaving a km off...we did get back 5 minutes late for the second week in a row....sorry Grace hahhahaha

We had a few beers at Flirt and lots of puppy cuddles and all went home feeing better for it! Well done everyone. Slightly longer run next week, but the weather looks amazing. Slades Community garden has suffered some vandalism so they need our help. The more of you signed up the better!

Have a great week!

Today we were finally able to go and paint the fence at St Clement's Primary School, after having the task rained off last week!

We are really happy to welcome Sean to Bournemouth who hasn't been here long but obviously heard we are the cool gang to hang out with! Welcome and well done on becoming a member! Now you'll never get rid of us! BWAHAHAHAHAHA

We also welcomed Grace along to her first group, well done for coming along and holding your own!! Both of you got straight into the spirit of GoodGym chatting to everyone and getting stuck in on the task! Love it!

After a warm up we ran through the gardens, along the beach front and then back up through the gardens in Boscombe...which took us up two hills which the team tackled easily....no heavy breathing involved at all... It was such a muggy evening in Bournemouth...some may say it was even moist.....

After arriving all sweaty and eager, Joe, the caretaker at the school welcomed us and informed us that a a Seagull had just flown off with one of the paintbrushes...what are the odds....probably a Boscombe Seagull I guess!

The team got straight to it, some painting, others wiping the fence in preparation...other splashing Abi with paint...accidentally apparently...Andrea stealing all the tools...people accidentally pulling benches away that others are leaning on...all sorts!

Great fun all of it and such a great task as some were working on one side of the fence and others just on the other side so lots of opportunity to chat and socialise! Only a few of us got paint on us...

Then on the way back we took a different route to change up the scenery and we picked up the pace considerably!!! Very impressed everyone kept up!!

Next week we are painting some church gates...if the weather allows. And next week Thursday 31st may our awesome Task Force of Caprice and Daryll have organised a social for us. A pub quiz! Come along even if you're not very brainy, as there will be lots of laughs and drinks! Bring a friend along too! And so we know about numbers please sign up (here)[https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/bournemouth-social-pub-quiz]

We also want to get a group together and join a race at the end of August in Blandford, called East Farm Races, a team event! Read about it (here)[https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/white-star-running-east-farm-races]

And last but by no means least, good luck to Daryl running a Half Marathon this weekend and Ross and Jenni who are running a MARATHON!!!!!!! You guys are awesome! Show us your bling after please and all the best! Think happy thoughts!!!

See you all next week!!