A touch of glass

On a beautiful evening in Lewisham, 25 eager athletes covered around 6/7km of running and cleaned about a kilometre of glass at Seniors.

After a wet and wild weekend, it was a treat to have a calm evening with a stunning sunset to run towards. Did you see that weather yesterday?! Amazingly, while many of us took cover under the duvet, a few of our regular runners decided it was a great day to be out there, tackling a challenging event. Nykolette was celebrating her birthday, not with a lie-in and a big mug of coffee, but with the Beckenham Half-Marathon! Joining her was Jacqueline who, possibly in an attempt to get home quicker, ran a personal best time! Now that's some impressive Sunday morning action! Meanwhile, on the south coast, Eleanor was also running a half-marathon, but with a little swim and ride beforehand. It was lovely to see Eleanor in the foyer this evening, with her Weymouth Half-Iron(wo)man medal, thanks for coming in to show us and very, very well done, that must have been so tough.

We had one absolute first-timer this evening, welcome Harley and also a tourist, who has visited a few different areas now, welcome Joanna, Lewisham Love to you both!

This week's task took us all the way up Blythe Hill, to Seniors. Thank you to Bradley for being tonight's back-marker (after running a very long way yesterday, I wonder what he's training for...), making sure nobody was left behind. Usually when we visit Seniors, we come back via Blythe Hill Fields, but I could see that it would be too dark this time, so we ran here on the way and were treated to the most gorgeous sunset. As we ran away, we noticed the moon in the other direction, full and glowing, simply stunning!

At Seniors, we were met by Cathy and Emma, who had joined us unexpectedly (woo-hoo!). Cathy talked everyone through this evening's task, cleaning as many windows as we could manage (and reach). We were using the traditional method of newspaper and vinegar. It took everyone a while to get used to the overpowering acidic tang and there was a lot of talk of fish and chips! As we worked, Cathy was telling us about all the upcoming events taking place here, with music and song, talks and gatherings, she also prompted us to tell anyone we know, who may benefit from visiting the space, all about the activities and social opportunities that happen here each week.

As we said goodbye, we promised to come back soon and definitely before our now annual Christmas decorating visit (a popular group run!). Running up and down hills, chatting all the way, we returned to Glass Mill, with a sprint finish and a stretch. Feeling inspired by bread week in the Great British Bake Off, I had had a go at making Chelsea Buns, perfect for that post-run hunger pang.

As we ran tonight, I realised how invisible we are as it gets dark, it's a good idea to get yourself a head-torch for running in the autumn and winter, if only to let other people know you're coming! Good luck this weekend to Jenny, who is running a half-marathon in Glasgow, don't forget to bring your medal next time! Next week we will return to Beecroft Garden School, for some more work in their garden space, sign up here and join in the fun.