9 do gooders hit the streets, took on a task and thrashed out a circuit

So our last GGH run of the year had arrived. The past 22 weeks have absolutely flown by, it seems like only a short time ago that we set off on or first run in Haringey. We've made a great start with lots of hard work and belly laughs along the way.

This week we had the pleasure of having two new comers join us (shouts out to Emanuele and Tamara) along with a Hackney & Tower Hamlets regular Andreana, who had attended a mission with us in the past, however this was her first Wednesday evening task. Welcome guys lovely to have you on board. Top marks for effort during the task and fitness session btw. With some introductions, warm up and briefing done we hit the street in search of this weeks light at the KORI community centre.

We were heading back to tackle the mammoth task of scrapping the centres railings, surrounding the children's playground, in preparation for painting. We've made a number of visits to KORI this year and we'll be sure to revisit again in the new year as there's still many a railing to scrape.

Our run to the task was pretty steady in regards to pace. We split into 3 groups, stopping where needed to regroup, to be sure of accommodating all abilities. I lead the group while Sarah took the back and Dashing Dave took the middle. Thanks guys - great job as always. On arrival to the children's playground, tucked away in the Milton Road estate, we grabbed the tools and dust sheets then got straight to it.

We split into small groups and spread out to pick up where we had left off previously. Everybody was in good sprit while conversation flowed nicely - grafting commenced. It is surprising what you can do in a relatively short space of time as a team; especially when you have people like myself who tend to babble on a bit. Still, babbling is good and it breaks the ice nicely - power to my fellow babblers. Out to Chris who we actually managed to capture your silly face this week. I can see you've been practising all this time. Oh and you got one from me too. Dave and Sarah took joint first though love the antlers.. Winning! Tamara it's a good job we have mild weather at the moment as if you'd have got a little closer to the railing we'd of had to use a chisel to set you free. OUCH! Andreana - that's more a super cool than silly face. Good sport guys!!

What with all the babbling, scrapping and scratching time was running out so I informed all that we had just under ten minutes left, rallying them to give it a big push; and so they did. We had managed to clear another portion of the railings. Still a way to go but it's looking very good guys. Time was a ticking so we decided to clear up, pack away and haul out, but not before a round of high fives and some chin ups using the frame of the playgrounds swings.

En route back we stopped off at the little square outside Park View School to do a circuit. While waiting to regroup we hustled (ran fast on the spot) until the others joined us. A good hustle always manages to bring smiles. Out to Paul and his Scouse technique, alright calm down calm down. Once regrouped we smashed out some reverse dips, walk out planks, Russian twists, bicycles and wheelbarrow squats. This workout focused on core muscles which are pretty important when it comes to running and technique. Everybody took things at their own pace. Nice to see people making improvements as weeks go on.

Off we set again along the last stretch of Phillip Lane toward our HQ at the Tottenham Green Leisure Centre. As we reached the home straight we upped the pace for the usual sprint finish. Again it was nice to see people's improvements and smiles as they sped past me. A few stretches and plans for January and we were all set to finish up for the evening.

Until January 6th folks - stay good, keep fit and look out for the bright star light.

Happy Holidays!!

First Session back: https://www.goodgym.org/group_runs/on-your-marks-get-set-2016

Pun and picture contributions from Dashing Dave