Second session of the day with our friends at St Botolph’s & we picked up where the first session left off. But not before Duncan arrived with a beer or two to celebrate John’s 100th GoodGym task! Well done John but after a brief sip & celebration it was time to crack on with 101! John cracked on with further overflowing the wheelie bin filled from the first session at one end of the churchyard. Gill & Graham cleared another tree of years worth of ivy. Meanwhile Paul, Barbara, Ricky & Belinda cleared a fence & tree creating a pile of ivy that was bigger than them all! Oh & Jay helped out for a bit before heading to the pub! Everyone got so stuck in so much that when time was called some (Paul & Ricky particularly) had to be remotely dragged away from the task! We’ll be back ivy’ll have you know!

Super hero update

Finally it felt as if Spring had arrived today. After weeks of wet and windy weather it felt like the calm after the storm.

After a last minute change of task it was a huge relief that somehow everyone managed to arrive at the new meeting point. We were very pleased to welcome newbie Rob who is a colleague of our very own Tamsin and with whom she was keen to share her love of GoodGym with. We hope that you enjoyed yourself and you will be back for plenty more Mondays.Next time we will definitely go to the pub!

Tonight was also Sue 50th task with us. Doing good since August 2017, Sue has been a familiar face at our tasks and socials ever since. This is despite a horrific riding accident just after she joined us !

Talking of socials we will be celebrating Sue's special moment on Monday 30th March after GoodGym at our usual place of celebration at Chipwick. With GoodGym's 3rd Birthday on March 16th,my 150th milestone last week and Paul and Duncan's fast approaching 100th this could well be our biggest celebration yet. Book your seat now!

Although not with us this evening I would also like to share with you all Duncan and Lucy's achievements this weekend. Duncan completed his 100th parkrun in 100 different areas. Many congratulations Duncan. This is a truly epic moment!

Also massive kudos toLucy who at the same parkrun in Leas was 1st lady finishing .This in the week that she is celebrating her BIG Birthday. What a way to start the celebrations and a new decade!

This evening we also had a great turn out from my regular core team Daisy,Paul, Natacha, Steve, Belinda, Old John, Clare, Ricky,Gill, Graham, Anne and Katie and our very own snowflake Jay.

Garden Spring clean

This evening, with our planned task at The Rowans having to be rescheduled at the last minute, Gill came up with the great idea of a garden tidy up at the Recovery Project in Selden Road. This centre is one of Turning Tides homeless project. The Recovery Project is a 25 bed residential drug and alcohol service supporting single homeless adults with drug and/or alcohol addictions.

We headed off in the direction of the project via our warm up route around the pier. With everyone running this evening we separated into 3 groups so that everyone could run at their own pace but ensuring no one was running on their own. What an amazing view it was from the pier. Simply stunning:) Check out the photos.

Arriving at the task everyone helped themselves to lights, gloves,bags and tools. After weeks and weeks of inside winter tasks it felt good to be out in the fresh air again. 30 short minutes later weeds and similar debris were bagged before we headed off for the usual run and fitness session.

More than a March but less than a springt ( spring sprint)

Splitting into our groups again we headed off for a 15 minute run before convening at a handy low wall along the prom. It was even handier that the wall was higher one end than the other so that everyone could choose which height that they wanted to work at.

We did rounds of 1 minute step ups interspersed with jumping jacks, press ups, burpees and lunges. This was repeated over a period of 12 minutes under the watchful eye of not only me but the boys in blue who were patrolling the beach with flashlights at the time!

For the second week running Katie thought she was coming for a fun and social night out and yet again she was put though her paces with our Worthing flavoured fitness session:) We do love going to the pub but we also love our fitness sessions too. Right team ?!

The suggestion of a crocodile drill from Paul was unanimously squashed so we took a steady run back to base followed by stretches.

Next week Mark will be covering the session whilst Nick and head off in search of some warmth in Morrocco.

See you all on 16th when we will officially be 3 years old !

Have fun and keep washing your hands!!

Julia xx P.S Congratulations on your new job Jay. First you found love in Brighton and now a job too. What will be next........

Weathering the storm

After the weather had been so extreme it was an anxious day monitoring the roar of storm Ciara and wondering if there was going to be a sting in the tail or whether it would go out like a lamb and enable our session to go ahead as planned.

Was it coincidental or was it heaven sent that our GG celebrity Alex had appealed to the twitter gods earlier in the day ? Such is his power, that his wish was granted making it our pleasure to welcome Alex,Head of Business Development, to the friendliest and cheekiest GG on the south coast.

Despite a number of last minute cancellations it was heart warming to have 14 runners and walkers turn out on a damp,windy,chilly evening that was very far removed from our usual sunny balmy micro climate. Although slightly modified we still managed to get the essence of a regular session.

Special mention to regular Ros who we were delighted to see back after her holidays and work commitments together with new memberClare joining us for the third time.

We listened to the regular GG round up of news which included the theme for February which is 'give it heart'. This is not necessarily about romantic heart (although I'm sure all of GG would love to hear the tale from our very own Jay and Katherine) Instead it will focus on personal achievement and doing things with passion. If you have an idea or a story you'd like to tell please contact rebecca@goodgym.org (and copy me in too!)

We also enjoyed some insights from Alex about his focus on developing missions and the support of the elderly and isolated in Worthing together with potential new sponsorship agreements.

Following this we fell into 1 walking and 2 running groups, appointed front and back markers, then off we set out in the (not so wild) streets of Worthing.

This evening we were heading to St Clare's which is part of Turning Tides homeless charity. It acts as a community hub during the day and a night shelter after 7.30 pm.

GoodGym cleans up with gusto

15 short minutes later we were warmly welcomed by Amy at St Clare's who outlined the 3 tasks for the evening which were cooking,painting and tidying and cleaning the communal living area.

Anne and Jay headed upstairs to splash a second coat of paint on 2 (very blue) feature walls in Amy's office. Luckily there was nothing slap dash about their painting skills, just pure precision (plus lots of delightful chatter)

Paul,Duncan,Sue,Belinda,Gill and Graham headed in to the kitchen to chop,cook and wash up whilst Ros, Alex, Clare, John and Barbara rolled up their sleeves and put some elbow grease into clearing and cleaning shelves together with scrubbing walls with the magic sponges.Suddenly there were fresh smells and gleaming surfaces shining through. Great work team!

Life is full of pasta - bilities

Back in the kitchen work was well under way with the chefs and sous chefs ably led by Paul preparing 2 large lasagnes which will be cooked and frozen for later in the week when there are no volunteers available to cook for the night shelter. The efficiency, not to mention the smells and the white bechamel sauce that was cooked from scratch really was impressive.

34 short minutes later ( including a 10 second count down in ready steady cook style) it was tools down and everyone piled into the kitchen for a lively group photo.

With a heartfelt round of applause to Amy for staying on to host us tonight together with reciprocated thanks from Amy to us all we set off back out into the cold in 3 (slightly) depleted groups who were all (eagerly) anticipating the fitness session.

In sprint condition

I had chosen the most sheltered most spot I could find which just happened to be outside McDonalds in the covered precinct (aka high street!) Tonight it was all about staying warm and what better way to do this than raising the heart rate with some lively team sprints, hops and jumps. As ever there was not a competitive streak in sight (who's kidding who?!) and I didn't hear a single 'I can't' either (my selective hearing helps)

We finished with some functional moves including squats and lunges focusing on balance and strength all designed to improve technique and form for running.

With a leisurely jog and walk back to base it was a nice surprise to see the front group throwing in some impromptu tricep dips ( showing off to Alex I think! ) Not sure we all believed the 98,99,100 counting but we all loved the fun and energy.

Stretches and farewells wrapped up the evening with a promise from Alex to return (hopefully for a dip in the sea in the summer)

Team Worthing

Sending you all lots of GG love with some healthy and energetic vibes thrown in too.

Julia xx

Every Queen has an Official Birthday

So tonight was an epic night with a wonderful turn out to celebrate old John's official celebration for his 50th good deed.The actual date for this was back in January but due to the dry nature of the month together with my lack of organisation the date was set for tonight and what a very happy evening of GG cheer it turned out to be. Since 13th January, John has now completed 55 good deeds,261 runs and been cheered 995 times. Huge kudos for his year with us and for all the inspiration that he brings to the rest of the group.

This evening we were back at our regular meeting point at Splashpoint Leisure Centre as we were just around the corner at Lyndhurst Road homeless hostel to give them a helping hand with their cleaning and tidying up in the kitchen, living rooms and storage areas.

Special mention to Claire who returned for her second task with us. It was really lovely that you also managed to stay for the social too.You know you are very welcome back any Monday :)

Also it was great to see Katharine who made the epic journey from Brighton to join us this evening for her first task (but second social) with us . Final mention goes to young John who came back for his third task in a row with us and his first social. This makes us happy!

Tonight there were 3 groups who headed out on our warm up run comprising of 1 walking group of 6 and 2 running groups. Luckily the earlier heavy rain had stopped just in time to make it a mild and still evening in our favourite home town. We all arrived at Lyndhurst Road within minutes of each other all eagerly ready for the tasks that awaited us.

If you cant stand the heat get out of the kitchen

The team got stuck in to an extensive clean of the kitchen, dusting, vaccum and window cleaning, sorting dry food into date order and folding clothing into tidy piles. There was also some (under the wire) impromptu fitness happeningwith Sue and Lucy with a set of weights and a punch bag and who were snitched on (as usual) by Duncan!

Watch out, watch out, there's a crocodile about

30 short minutes later everyone piled into a very small space for a cosy yet fairly lively final photo. We dragged a reluctant Gill out of the kitchen ,wrapped up the task and I gave out instructions for the walk and run.

The running group was split into 2 groups who headed out east with a steady run out and crocodile drill on the way back. The walkers set off on a loop in a westerly,southerly kind of direction then double backed east to welcome both snappy crews back. 2 crocodiles become one with one final push to the finish.

We finished the evening with some functional drills with upper body press ups and tricep dips together with lower body squat pulses, one leg balance drills and finishing with one more round of upper body exercises. I understand from another reliable snitch that Katharine particularly enjoyed the fitness this evening as it was easier than Brighton (or was it the other version of the story! )

Party time !

So this was the real reason for such a great turn out this evening! 20 yes 20 of us sat down and ate and drank together in celebration of an amazing year that old John has had with us. He was rewarded with not only our company but with 2 delicious cakes ( vegan and gluten free ) made lovingly by his very own Mrs R together with an exclusive hand made GG memory frame also made with loving care by me ( ha ha) together with a personally engraved glass tankard.

We were sad that Daisy and Emily couldn't make it but don't worry John plans to do another celebration in the Cow and Oak pub next week when he will be matching his number of good deeds with his age ( 56 )

Until then have a good week and good luck to all those running the Worthing Half Marathon - I'm very jealous that my broken ribs wont allow me to run but I will be with you in spirit and support. May the sun shine and wind be always behind you :)

Sending lots of GG love

Juliaxx

Rein-deers's don't stop the GG's

T'was a wet December night 9 days before Christmas when 16 of Worthing GoodGym's finest singers convened to bring some Christmas cheer to the residents of Haviland House, a specialist dementia care nursing home in Worthing.

With some last minute changes on the meeting point due to the awful weather the whole team (somehow) managed to end up in the right place at the right time ( well..almost! )

Massive thanks to John for putting the song sheets together for us all. With just 5 tasks away from his 50th we need to get another celebratory plan in place for the end of January for this incredibly inspirational runner.

Back to this evening ...... where we all convened in the Angmering room with a handful of residents all ready to sing...

Feeling extra Santa -mental

It wasn't long before word spread in the house and gradually more and more residents joined us. It was truly heart warming to see the evolving experience. For some it wasn't an obvious reaction but for others it really was. My team totally excelled themselves sharing song sheets and encouraging residents to join in. The team of carers were also inspirational in their support encouraging the ladies and gentleman to get up and dance, which many of them did.

But wait there's myrhh

Firstly there was Nick and Daisy dancing which inspired the residents to get up and mingle. Great job you two :)

Huge thank you to leas chorister Paul .Thank goodness you could make it tonight!

Then, 30 mins later there was a surprise in store for our final two songs.

John together with Duncan and lucy had got together over a beer yesterday to write 2 bespoke GG Worthing Christmas songs. Normally this could have been a dangerous combination but not tonight ! Honestly massive kudos to them all ! These songs are absolutely brilliant:)

GoodGym Christmas Songs ( Extra) Words by Duncan and Lucy to the tune of Good King Wenceslas

• Good Gym Worthing last went out
• On a Monday evening,
• When the snow lay round about
• Deep and crisp and even.
• Brightly shone the moon that night
• Though the frost was cruel,
• A Worthing resident came in sight

• Gathering winter fuel.

• Hither, page, and stand by me.

• If thou know it telling

• Where’s the GoodGym task tonight

• Is it in this dwelling?

• We must sing these songs tonight,

• In our goodgym t-shirts,

• Underneath the fairy light.

• Sorry if your ears this hurts. 

• Bring me trowel and bring me spade,

• Bring me compost hither.

• We must spread it all around,

• No matter what the weather.

• Runners, walkers out they went,

• Out they went together.

• Through the rude winds wild lament.

• And the bitter weather. 

• As the nights grow darker now,

• And the wind grow stronger.

• Fails my heart, I know not how.

• I can go no longer.

• Mark my footsteps my GoodGymer,

• Tread thou in them boldly

• Thou shalt find the winter's rage

• Freeze thy blood less coldly.

•  Goodgyms on their weekly task,

•  I wonder what they’re doing?

•  Painting, gardening helping out

•  Keeping Worthing going.

•  Worthing folk be sure to ask

•  If you need a favour

•  GoodGym at your beck and call,

•  We come in every flavour.

GOODGYM JINGLE –Words by our very own Father Christmas to the tune of Jingle Bells

• Dashing through the town
• Racing off to a good deed
• Up the prom and down
• Laughing as we speed.
• Painting and gard-en-ing
• Making spirits bright
• What fun it is to run and sing

• A GoodGym song tonight. 

• Jingle bells, jingle bells

• Goodgym’s on it’s way,

• Oh what fun it is to run

• With a group that likes to play

• Jingle bells, jingle bells

• Goodgym’s on it’s way

• Oh what fun it is to do

• 50 burpees every day.

In other news - Its a wrap

In a blinK of an eye another GG year is over and a decade is ending . With massive love and thanks to you for a wonderful 2019. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a very happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.

Here's to an exciting wonderfully evolving 2020

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Just over 2 weeks to go until Christmas and it was a lively bunch who met up tonight. It was great to welcome back Katie for her second task together with ( in no particular order) Paula, John, Sue, Daisy, Paul, Ros,Gill, Graham,Steve, Duncan and Jay.

After we caught up on some local banter and following the usual extensive health and safety briefing we set off on our warm up run around the pier. This evening we arrived at The Recovery Project which is a 25 bed residential drug and alcohol service for single homeless adults with drug and/or alcohol addictions.

Our task for the evening was to bring some Christmas cheer together with a hearty meal to the residents of the project. Armed with my mini bluetooth speaker together with an especially compiled GG Worthing Christmas play list we got the tunes on before looking at the ingredients that had been set out for us to cook a meal for 20. The kitchen is a huge well equipped commercial one with lots of space to move around in and perfect for our group to create a feast in.

It went with a bang!

The team set about chopping a load of onions and peeling potatoes. They also seasoned 3 trays of sausages before whacking them into the huge range cooker. Fish fingers and beans were also prepped and frying pans were fired up to cook onions and some of the sausages too.

John had printed off the song sheets for the play list and the residents seemed to really enjoy the Christmas vibes.

If you cant stand the heat then get out of the kitchen

With two huge pans of water that, as ever, took their time to boil I sent off two thirds of the team on a run with clear instructions of a 'crocodile drill to Brooklands and back'. More about this later!

Paul, Sue, Steve, Paula and myself stayed to continue cooking. Paul put together a wicked onion gravy to compliment the feast whilst the rest of us mashed , pan fried the sausages and washed up.

The running team were surprisingly quick back which made me question the mental arithmetic that I had previously done on timings but still I didn't suspect anything than other than a 'wow guys you ran really well!'

With the meal served up to grateful residents we said our farewell's , Happy Christmas's and thank you for having us.

Outside some of the team peeled off whilst Daisy, Steve, Sue , John and I headed off the second crocodile of the evening. Daisy was the only one who elected to join us for lap 2 and, unluckily for the first team, she inadvertently rumbled the first crocodile route! So it wasn't Brooklands they reached as instructed, and it wasn't even the BP garage! No wonder they were so quick! Ha ha ! Oh well it is nearly Christmas.....

The 5 of us took a steady route back to Splashpoint where we dispersed ( some to the pub! )

In other news

Next week its our Christmas sing song at Haviland House. I will bring song sheets. Please come looking festive with a hat and possibly seasonal attire !