10 eager beavers ran 6.5km to clear hedges from the windows of an elderly resident

The snow has managed to hold off for now - so we were ready for some running and some good work in the community! We congratulated our resident ghoul, James G, on the Benfleet 15 at the weekend (same again next year!) and warmed up with Paul leading out with a hop, a skip and a high-knees. We jogged up the bunny walks, past my flat, past the prison and to our location. We had last visited the overgrown hedge in December so it wasn't too bad, but we ran out of time then so wanted to make sure we helped Brian out. We grabbed some tools from Gerry, who sadly couldn't join the run as he was wearing dress shoes, and split into two groups.

The first group got to work on the hedge while the second group were the first to try a fun treat. The bleep test! We measured out a rough 20 metres with the cones and the course was set. Taking people back to school, or for Catherine a normal part of working life, they began the run. After a great effort by everyone at their respective tasks, the groups switched. Unfortunately, I had to monitor the beeps so couldn't join in, maybe next time. How far everyone got is below - this isn't a competition (as long as Joel doesn't win) but this is so that you can see and have a target to improve on the next time!

Laurie - 4.6 James G - 5 James C - 5 Joel - 6 Rachel - 5.4 Andy - 5.4 Adam - 7 Paul - 6.1 Catherine - 4.6

We ran back to base and everyone was eager to do the Bleep Test again. Next time we won't do it on grass so fingers crossed we can all improve! Thanks for coming everyone, and we will try and get some dates sorted for the February social. Friday seemed a popular choice as we all love to party all night. Even with the mixed reviews, we surely have to try and new all you can eat! Next week we will have an indoor task - let's hope they've got heating! Rich will be leading and I will try to get him to be kind to us should he want to throw in some fitness!

Happy running!