Wham Bam - In And Out Of East Ham

Sublime evening in Newham yesterday, a new task complimented by 4 new runners and a tortuous urban long run to boot.

We welcomed Mariyam, Aaron, Paul and Qasim to the ranks. Not deterred by a breeze and a tad of drizzle we shot off into the night. A 3.5 mile run on paper, but inevitably that became elongated for some, new route, lots of chat...and we've run an extra K. Woops. Paul, Aaron, Rob and Myself, did a bit of speed play en route, going past our old task on Boleyn rd, the gardens look neat. We probably amassed 10 sessions there, has a certain nostalgic soft spot. The final product isn't what Gardener Myra would've wanted, but it's a great space for the community nonetheless. You'll facilitated that.

Anyway, I diverge, back to yesterday's adventure. An energetic Becky from Red Box met us in the lobby of the Town Hall. First time I've laid my eyes on it, a real ornate masterpiece, first opened in 1903 it's a grade II listed Edwardian beast. But we had no time to share architectural appreciation notes, we had Red Box to help. As we entered, a firm dressing down was thrown our way by the janitor/building manager. "what time do you call this?" Best not retort, he probably thought we got the bus. Turns out we had to leave by 8pm - news to us! With Tim, Rob, Aaron, Paul and Dan getting straight to work in the basement. The cavalry were just arriving, a dozen more to be precise, getting that basement nice and steamy. Wasting no time, you guys packed, assorted and systematically made up the boxes. I could barely keep up, it was organised chaos at its finest. Some were writing lovely message on the packs, others were lobbing boxes across the room in a knock on industry train format. 15mins later we were done, but not before a quick photo. Becky was overwhelmed (she used this exact word) by the effort, your contribution to ending period poverty. It all adds up. Honest.

Most of us got the train back, with 7 opting to run it. Standout performance from Mel and Rob. Rob said it was his longest run ever. He's really turning up the miles to good effect. Mel wouldn't have dreamed of doing this a year back, she was clipping along so strongly. Exquisite stuff.

Was a bit of a hectic eve, look forward to properly speaking to Qasim and Mariyam next week, hope it was a good experience for you. Next task is going to be a banger. Short run at 2miles each way, fitness session to finish, then our deferred social to cap it off. What's no to like? Sign up here

There's also a really worthwhile community task this Saturday - got a spare couple of hours? "We've been contacted by Fareshare, an amazing social enterprise who last year provided over 37 million meals to families in need around the UK. This weekend they're organising the UK's largest national food collection and have asked GoodGym to help out. As members of your Taskforce I'd like to invite you to get involved and set up a community mission in your area. Runners will be tasked with engaging customers in Tesco stores, telling them about the campaign and encouraging them to donate food items"

Have a spiffing end to your week and keep up the good fight

B