Well that’s what we thought the loud dog was trying to say to us when it was making all that noise during the warm up outside Wholefoods! After a quick briefing from Mark we got on with our stretching and lunging paying particular attention to our leg muscles today. Tibialis muscles and gastrocnemius to be specific as well as those that lead down into the foot. This is our second week into exploring some strength exercises specific for running.....guess we just need to start incorporating them into our routines. Definitely by February anyway once the Jan Challenge is complete!

Jason and David started us off at a brisk pace straight away and we all somehow managed to keep up as we raced through the streets of Richmond and East Sheen. We were greeted at the door of Thomson House School by the very lovely Jeremy, who wasn’t expecting so many of us to turn up ready for some physical education! After a brief moment of disbelief he swiftly put the kettle on before handing out cloths, mops and all purpose cleaner. There was heaps to do in this 200 year old (approx) converted Church which now houses some of the older years in this growing Mortlake school. Before long the muddy shoe rack had gone from NO to GLOW, the windows from SMEAR to CLEAR and the floor from NEIN to SHINE. We mopped, we hoovered and we polished, stopping only for a cup of tea and a chocolate digestive. Except for Vicky, who didn’t even stop, but continued with a tea in one hand and Henry hoover in the other. Time was up, and if Mark hadn’t told us that, the confused zumba class that walked in definitely meant that we were on our last number. Turning our backs on the empty mugs and dancers, off we headed back along Upper Richmond Road and back to Wholefoods in another fast-paced jog. Seems the biscuits were fuel injected judging some of the speeds we were seeing.

Welcome to Aran on his first run and what a pace too! Also Sundara and Jules joining us again on the second run out to do good with Richmond ....great stuff!

News and updates ... Last call for anyone interested in a London Marathon Slot running for the Poppy Factory! Let me know if interested

Next week is leaflets with a difference..it's a race 3 teams - 3 locations and we race the clock and each other. Speed training for all levels!! (ooohh so exciting!) Please bring a head torch and a small back pack will be most useful for you - or a coat with big pockets - Your call!!

As it stands we sit at 51 deeds out of a 120 target....this will be at 65 by end of today. I thought we were slightly further along so all hinges on next week...bring a friend eh! Also we are at 556km's and target was estimated at 840. We still have 10 days so log every step you take Richmond ; )

Have a great week Richmond and happy running!