The title is just a glimpse of what happens on any ordinary Goodgym group run, let alone what might pop up on the first one in who knows how long! * yes we could calculate the days since the last one, but really, that is just a silly big number! *

After such a long break, there might have been some hesitancy in getting back together for a group run, but within seconds of gathering it almost felt like there hadn't been much of a pause at all. There was such a natural flow of conversations that it almost felt harsh to interrupt to get started and confirm the plans for the evening!

During the lock downs & all the different levels of restrictions, St Peters Church became a regular community mission spot for small groups, so it felt quite nice to go there on the first evening run as well. Step by step we have been helping to tidy up the graveyard and bringing weeds and some larger plants under control. Last night was no exception - a few bushes were getting out of hand, but some energetic pruning & cutting back from the GGR crew brought them back under control!

The run over to the church did work up a level of sweat, as the anonymous 'sweat angel' shows... and the army of bugs defending their natural habitat against invaders meant more than one of the brave warriors suffered not just bites but some drawing blood! Tired (and bitten to bits) but happy with a job well done, we made our way back to base, smiles all around.

Thanks everyone for joining this first group run back and making it feel just as pleasant and natural as pre-covid trouble. Special mention to the very energetic and entertaining Lottie, not in the least for the complete lack of embarrasment of leaving muddy paw prints all over Jays t-shirt.

Fancy joining us next week for another GG Redbridge adventure? We'll be looking to vary the starting location beyond our Wanstead base, so do keep an eye out for the details!