Getting in the Grove at Catton

Well it's hard to imagine doing a Group Run in Norwich without our Run Leader Hitch being at the helm but even he's allowed to take holiday now and then (as long as he doesn't get too carried away) so instead the lovely Goodgymers had to cope with me being Run Leader for the evening! It was the first time I've had to lead a whole session so I found myself feeling a bit nervous beforehand, not wanting to mess up for everyone. I even made myself a crib sheet so I wouldn't forget any bits of the intro!

As there were no new runners this week, we went straight into marking milestones. Well done to Elliot for achieving his 10th Good deed.

We then took a moment to congratulate those taking part in races at the weekend. Several Goodgymers had battled the grotty weather the previous day to run the Norwich Half Marathon and David did a muddy run somewhere I keep forgetting which involved wearing a pink tutu! That man does like to dress up :)

A special shout out also goes to those Goodgymers who did a Community Mission volunteering at the Norwich Half in the pouring rain!

I then made sure I went through Hitch's Risk Assessment for the task - his instruction 'Don't wave your tools around!' brought much amusement, especially as we know that he always likes to keep his well tucked in when out with us!

We then went outside for a quick warm up session before heading off to the task. Bill kindly volunteered to be back runner.

After a 3km run to the Catton Grove Community Centre, we were met at the task by Linda who was well organised with all the equipment we might need to carry out the various tasks required and which involved litter picking, cutting back overgrown greenery, weeding the flower beds as well as the grooves in the brick weave paving. As usual the Goodgymers quickly got stuck into the tasks needed and after 30 minutes there was a massive mound of greenery and several bags of rubbish to show for it.

We then headed back to the Forum, stopping briefly for a photoshoot. No doubt everyone was relieved that there wasn't enough time to do any extra fitness session!

Hopefully normal service will be resumed next week, which will incidentally be Hitch's 100th Good Deed. We're looking forward to the celebrations!