And we're off!! A fantastic team of 24 runners showed up for our first Group Run of 2020 at one of Liverpool's most iconic buildings.

It might only be the 7th of January and yesterday was our first Group Run of the year, but Liverpool's Task Force and friends have been doing a phenomenal job representing GoodGym Liverpool in this year's January Challenge. As I write, we are currently second in the leadership board, with only the reigning champions, the mighty GoodGym York, ahead of us. For a GG our size and age, this is incredible, so hats off to this amazing team!

Our first Group Run of the year was a short hop skip and jump down to the Bombed Out Church, where we were greeted enthusiastically by director Ambrose. After a quick history lesson, Ambrose put us to work clearing the crypt. While making one pile of junk to be skipped, we were also tasked with bringing a huge selection of drums up, ahead of the church's Chinese New Year celebrations.

These items were partially replaced by a stack of deck chairs taken down the old stone stairs and into the crypt. Once all of the lifting and shifting tasks were complete, we turned our attention to Chinese lantern making. In under ten minutes, around a hundred (maybe more?!) lanterns were made, much to Ambrose's delight!

Shout out to Rowan who ran their first Half Marathon on Sunday and still came to our Group Run, proudly wearing their new black GG t-shirt. Also a well done to Ben for attending his first Group Run (he'd already been to a Community Mission and been our photographer before!). And to Roz who had previously only been to 2 Group Runs but has already clocked 5 good deeds this year. And even though she was off sick, a shout out has to go to Jo (Roz and Ben's mum) for recruiting her offspring!

After the task we headed up to the Met Cathedral for some drills alternating between improving cardio fitness and strength and balance. Even if they have had a sedentary Christmas holiday, you'd never have known, as the whole team gave it their all! Fantastic work everyone.

Coming up this week, there are LOADS of Community Missions to get involved in and help us stay at the top of the table in the January Challenge. Next week, we've got another short run and an indoor task, so don't miss it!