It was GG Swindon's first night out as a group and what a laugh we had! Two rounds of bowling followed by a delicious meal (?!) in the restaurant next door. A big thank you must go to Kirsty who put so much effort into organising everything, which I know is not an easy job. And thank you to Teresa who kindly gave some of us a lift to Tenpin, allowing some of Team GG to have a few drinks...!

I learnt a new language on Saturday - words such as 'strike' 'spare'' and 'gutter ball' were frequently spoken of and unheard of in the past. I managed to achieve a 'gutter ball' on quite a few occasions. I'm not sure if this is some sort of achievement, but it was funny nevertheless! We all agreed we should do it again some time soon...perhaps an Easter gathering giving me time to brush up on my bowling skills?!

Happy Christmas GoodGym Swindon; enjoy the 2-week break and I look forward to our time running and partying together in the New Year...

There is no getting away from the fact we are heading in to Christmas time with a dark and damp outdoor task awaiting this week. A massive well-done to the 13 Swindon GG regulars that turned up to post leaflets for Prospect Hospice around Penhill. I was not surprised to see no newbies this week; this was one for the experienced crew.

All about the prep, we spent a while indoors at the Oasis dividing the map in to four and splitting in to four teams. Each team captained by someone who forgot to bring their glasses and at least one person in each team who could actually map read/had Google Maps. Given it was a 4 mile round trip up and down to Penhill with the distance covered posting the flyers the total distance was at least 9km, one of our longest runs so far.

With the four teams sent out over a large area it was basically impossible to keep track of everyone, other than Graham who's head torch beam can be seen from the ISS. The task was considered a success because nobody got bitten by a dog or run over by a youth on a bicycle and there was some engagement with the community with people questioning what we were doing and generally having a positive response to the Prospect Hospice cause.

We continue the work for Prospect Hospice this Saturday with our second Community Mission, gift wrapping at the Brunel Centre and collecting donations.

The next Group Run, led by The Trainer, will be fun and festive running to Pinetrees Community Centre in Pinehurst to help pack Christmas Giving Boxes for older, isolated people living in the parish. There is a lot to pack so please help out if you can? Interested? Sign up here!

It was touch and go as to whether I was running solo last night. It was not only cold but the weather app on my iPhone revealed that sleet and perhaps snow were forecast that evening? Mix all that together with an outdoor task, would the GG Swindon crew really step away from the Central Heating to do some weeding outside a derelict pub? The answer? Of course! The enthusiasm and commitment continue despite the not-so-great-weather conditions. I’m really looking forward to our first snowy run…yes – we get to run in the snow (I’ve checked it out with GG HQ; as long as it’s not too icy underfoot)…!

The first to arrive was the ever-so-chatty Richard whose priority was to pre-order his post-GG coffee. This what we need to do now to ensure a hot beverage after our run. We have to order and pay for it before 6pm. There’s nothing better than having a chat after the run, even if it’s just for 10 minutes or so? Please do come and join us in future weeks; it’s nice to get to know one another a bit more. For example, I found out last night that Jo is super brainy and, like The Scientist, is a chemist. Richard ‘the vicar’ on the other hand is more into physics, whereas Helen likes to deal with people’s money. The company that Helen works for will be sending her to the Gambia next year? I hope it’s not a one-way ticket? We need Helen at GG Swindon!

Anyway, while Richard was placing his coffee order, about half dozen GG’ers made a prompt appearance as though they had all been waiting in their cars with the heating on until exactly 5:55pm?! I was ‘surprised’ by the choice of clothing for some of our runners considering the near freezing temperature outside? Oh yes – Graham, Owen and Andy were wearing shorts?! Now that’s impressive – I’m not sure I could do that?! Shorts, and of course, their red GG tops, which came in handy a little later when I started taking too many photos outside the Cricketers. We like to have red GG tops in our photos! However, like the rest of the GG Swindon crew – my cherished red top was buried under a multitude of other layers. We were getting ready for that snow of course…!

It was 6pm and we gathered outside in our usual position for a headcount in the cold. I knew I would have to wrap it up quickly today; the shivering had started already! GG’ers had to tell the group what their worst EVER Christmas present was. Kirsty’s response of ‘after shave’ and Charles’s dislike of ‘novelty socks’ made everyone laugh; however Graham’s response of a ‘green golf ball’ confused me. What is wrong with a green golf ball?! Jason then reminded me what the colour of grass is…and how on earth are you supposed to find a green golf ball in the grass?! Thanks Jason…! Anyway, we then thanked the wonderful Kirsty for organising our Christmas get together. We are going bowling and we would love for you to join us check it out here or speak to Kirsty the next time you’re at a Group Run.

Our watches were ready to go and we took off into the night; past the BMX track behind the Oasis; along the old canal path, and under the railway line to Swindon’s Historic Railway Village. It was a short flat run tonight, but we still had an opportunity to chat on the way…and I learnt that Kirsty works on the railways and was starting work in Newbury shortly after our run. Now that’s commitment for you – GG and then a night shift; a big thumbs up to you Kirsty!

We soon arrived at the Cricketers Arms. Now what a place that is! Next to the old (now boarded up) Mechanics Institute and opposite the well-lit Central Community Central (which used to be a hospital), Daniel Rose, Executive Director at the Mechanics Institution Trust, met us to tell us more about the area and what the plans were for the Cricketers Arms. All being well, the downstairs will become an information centre and the upstairs will become a B&B, but at the moment it is derelict with a jungle of weeds outside. Weeds so tall, they were taller than me! GG’ers LOVE weeds and were keen to get going (we only had 45 minutes!) so Daniel showed us where the bin bags and tools were and left us to crack on with pulling, digging and scraping out those weeds. Sharon was first in the jungle pulling out the biggest weed I’ve ever seen and within minutes the jungle was rapidly disappearing thanks to some great team work. The finds along the way were interesting and varied; at least 5 empty bottles of vodka; empty cans of lager; a security tag, biscuit and sweet wrappers…and a buddleia (which, according to Richard, can often be found alongside railway lines?). Similar to last week, Sam was not keen to lose sight of her fingers so she avoided the dark corner where the buddleia was and instead stuck to places that were well lit thanks to Graham’s impressive head torch…!

Within half an hour, the job was done and it was now time to tidy up, have a group photo and head back to the Oasis before the rain arrived. During the tidy-up process, Andy helped me to tie knots in all of the bin bags so that the weeds didn’t make the Great Escape during the night. He also told me some AMAZING news. What is this news you may ask? All I can say is…over to you Andy?!

Everyone agreed that we did a fab job that evening; how much we got done in such a short amount of time; it almost looked like a different place outside! We set our watches and made our way back to base, stopping briefly to do some shuttle runs between lamp posts along the old canal path (with the promise of trick or treat sweets to the winning team). Of course, there were no winners, so everyone received some sweeties during the ‘cool down’ back at the Oasis. What a fun time had by all? I do hope you can join us again next week? Crazy Legs will be leading the group to Playsteps Day Nursery (not far from the Cricketers Arms), to do some painting indoors in the warm! It’s another short run; perfect for beginners so please check it out here and sign up today. It’s not to be missed!

It was our coldest run of the year, but that didn't stop 18 Swindon GoodGym'ers rocking up at the Oasis in their finest clothing ready to run to Christ Church halloween-style. Yes - we had some strange looks as we gathered outside the Oasis, with Fran dressed as a cheeky red devil complete with tinsel (classy); Paul as a (gender neutral) witch (the hat was £1 from Wilko apparently - go and grab a bargain before they sell out?!); Kirsty dressed as a cat with full on face paint; Owen sporting some boggly eyes on the top of his head (amazingly they did not fall off during the run - were they stuck on somehow? Will he be wearing them to work today?!); and, the lovely Tracey looking skeletal (sporting the finest white t-shirt complete with Rib Cage)! Thanks to Helen for bringing the glow sticks. I was rather pleased with my purple bat bracelet; I just can't quite work out why it isn't working today?!

So, we stood about for a while, chatted, welcomed our newbies, Sharon (who I met at parkrun the other day) and Chris (who I've known for years, who once said to me that running was a 'no go', has since lost 2 stone and completed a marathon) and went round the circle for a head count (while those running late joined the circle out of breath, sweating and unable to speak - Graham, for example, had been on the squash court just minutes before. Squash, running and volunteering Graham - I am officially impressed!). The headcount theme was 'scariest movie ever watched'; the responses were interesting and varied, particularly Richard's response of Little Shop of Horrors - a classic film from the 1980's, only the 40+ years would remember. Quite a few of you had never heard of it?! I am starting to feel old...! The good thing about GoodGym? Age is no barrier! LOL!

It was getting cold and we needed to get going, but I had Strava to sort out as well as a bat bracelet to put on! What a nightmare (on Elm Street - Chris?!) Sorry for the delay everyone! Oh dear - I really must start looking more professional at this...?! So, we left the Oasis, passed Swindon College, went under the bridge that numerous lorries have got stuck under, ran past the motorbike dealer that now seems to have three shops (when did that happen?!), and made our way past the Wyvern Theatre. It then dawned upon the GG crew the route we were taking, and it was at this point the comments about THAT HILL started. Some of them positive; many of them negative. Hill climbing is good for the soul (it is Halloween after all), so it was onwards and upwards with Jason at the rear shouting words of encouragement and praise. Good job Jason! Everyone got to the top with a smile (or perhaps a grimace) on their faces?!

We turned the corner and there she was - the Old Lady on the Hill (our last visit was in August to do some weeding in the Rose Garden). Today the task was something more suitable for this time of year - painting (in the warm) inside the Community Centre next to the church. Chris, marathon runner AND Centre Manager, led us to the front door, keen for us to crack on with the painting. There was a lot to do - we had a hallway (with a very high ceiling) to paint! Yikes! Thank goodness we have GG'ers like Owen and Dan who are so tall, they can reach places that the rest of us can't. And Ellie, who was a dab hand with the long roller that I kept breaking, seemed to reach the ceiling with it?! The dust sheets were down, the paint was out and everyone grabbed a roller (except Jo who was excellent with a paintbrush) keen to get on with it after spotting some donuts on display - a post GG treat for those that finished first! So the race began; who was going to be the first to grab a donut? Being a dab hand at taking photos (!), I have photographic evidence that it was Dan - the Tall Man. I must say - it was good to see GG grafter Steve enjoying the post GG delights; he had burned quite a few calories that evening going up and down that ladder!

We said our goodbyes to Chris, prepared ourselves for the Big Freeze outside, and re-set our watches. We stepped outside, started running but before we knew it, we were doing some shuttle runs, kindly set by Drill Master Emily Crazy Legs earlier on that day via a WhatsApp conversation. She wasn't there in body, but she was in spirit (how spooky!). In two teams, GG'ers did their shuttle runs; some like Sam sprinting so fast, I didn't think she was going to stop. What energy! Yes - trick or treat sweets were promised to the winning team. I will bring them the next time I'm at GoodGym, for everyone to have of course!

We had a nice downward run back to the Oasis, with Andrew and I at the front discussing suitable puns for the Run Report. Andrew is very good at puns; I am not, hence the reason I always ask for a pun when I'm leading a run! What team work! And what a fabulous evening with the GG Swindon Crew. Why not join us again next week? With Paul leading the run, we will be heading to the Open Door Centre to paint their toilets! More painting?! Fantastic. We're almost semi-professionals at this now. Just click here to sign up to next week's run And if you would like to join our WhatApp group for all of the latest GG Swindon chat and gossip, just click here!

GoodGym runners gathered at the Oasis Station ready for the off! It was a beautiful autumnal evening and the sunset was red to match our GoodGym tops.

We set off, Lily kindly offered to back mark ❤️ it was a long run out and unfortunately there was only one beat box on the way! But cards were tapped because every 10 points counts!👊

It was a lovely chug to the Toot-toot Toothill Farmhouse; the sky ablaze with sunset colours and a crisp autumn nip in the air ❤️

On arrival passengers pulled into the Farmhouse and were quickly set to work by Station Manager Mavis! Everything was ready and laid out, it just needed the people and people there were.

The request was the get a first coat on the hallway, bathroom and sand then paint the back door. The GG Team organised themselves into teams; rollers (Helen and Lily), edgers (Tracey, Tracy, Andy, Jason, Mike, Kirsty), there was a splinter Bathroom Boys clan made up of Owen and Charles. The role of ‘Tall Man’ was undertaken by Stuart who spent his time filling in the bits others couldn’t reach and removing spiders😂 The back door crew were Alethia and Richard. Alethia sporting the latest bank robber chic 😂

45 minutes and 13 people gets a lot done! And the tasks were completed ❤️ There is lots more to do there, so we are welcome back to help with other tasks. I am certain people will want to go back, it’s worth it for the retro biscuits alone! Wagon wheel anyone?😂❤️

Fuelled up with sugar and caffeine from the tea the lovely Mavis made us, we headed back. It was a full moon and a dark run through the park! Very early Halloween!!!! We had lots of lights, Tracy was lit up like Dynamo from Running Man 😂 Google it, and if you have not seen the film, watch it - classic 😂❤️

I’m expecting in the new year we’ll all have them, as they will appear on many runners Christmas lists! You’ll be able to see the GoodGym train from space!😂

Next week it will be a shorter halloween-themed run to the Community Centre @ Christchurch to do some more painting. And Chris Smith the Community Centre Manager will be joining us for the whole adventure. So why not join us too (and feel free to dress up as a witch, a ghost or something else appropriate for this time of year) and sign up here!

Another great turnout for this week’s task with a nice mix of regulars and new faces. A very warm welcome to Ros, Annie, Joe and Owen.

Ros just completed her run leading training with England Athletics and will be joining the run leader pool in the near future. Brilliant news since unfortunately Lewis is still out injured, get better soon! It was great to see those who have not been able to come for a while back with their red t-shirts on. The report writer admits a very large smile at the sight of Helen jogging in (late) 😊

For our intro this week we learnt what DIY tasks were on people’s to do list. Turns out we have quite a lot of DIY to do but are too busy doing GG to get round to completing it, especially in the bathroom.

Up we went to Pinehurst, tapping the Beatbox on the way to meet Alex Jackson from the Parish Council and collect the bags. Then started the game of find the rubbish as it turned out that Pinehurst was much cleaner than expected. We started to suspect that another GoodGym group had beaten us to it, surely not Slough, Sheffield or Stockport but maybe one of the local walking groups perhaps?

There was talk of packing up a little early and heading back to the community centre to give blood since there was blood donation going on but we did finally detect the detritus, locate the litter, corral the clutter and recover the rubbish. Must be the comedy animal rubbish bins that encourage tidiness.

We made time for a pyramid fitness session round the trees 1,2,3,2,1, before heading back down to the Oasis. Well done one and all. Remember to look out for those Task Force emails in the next few weeks as people soon reach the 10 milestone and we need votes on social dates which has been posted on Whatsapp by Kirsty. Link to Whatsapp group if you have not yet joined, just click here!

Emily 'Crazy Legs' will be leading the group to the wonderful venue that is Toothill Farmhouse to do some indoor painting in the warm with tea and biscuits! Does this sound like your cup of tea?! If so, please join us and sign up here! No good at painting? Don't worry about it; everyone is welcome. Just don't spill paint on those red GoodGym t-shirts!