Greetings shop pickers!

Tonight we welcomed Catherine to her first GoodGym group run. Not only did she complete a hat trick of runners with derivatives of the same name, she arguably has the most appropriate surname of anyone in the group. Check out her profile and give her a cheer while you're there! I think Rosie has taken an epic profile picture for her too...

After catching up on the news from the long weekend, the walkers (Rachel, Tony & Laura) headed off to meet the "meet you there" gang up at Naomi House while the rest of us warmed up with a game of pirates in the churchyard. Always entertaining.

Up at Naomi House we got stuck straight in as almost all the group had been there before. As usual, donations had piled up. Sarah managed to choose the worst bags this week as she found a lot of underwear and dirty socks. Rosie & Dr Jo had loads of dresses and formal wear which prompted the question - does this get sorted into winter or summer? Maxine found a karate gi and belts which Jo modeled beautifully (although it looks like she's karate chopped Maura in the photo!). There was lots of chatter and LOADS of bags sorted - the bags were piled all the way up to the ceiling by the time we were done - and the 45 minutes we were there flew by.

Soon we were on our way back with another visit to St Mary's so the runners could complete a relay fitness session - some great sprinting by all and good efforts on all the exercises too. We timed it perfectly as the walkers arrived back as we finished and then we all walked back together to finish dead on 8pm.

Before heading home there was time to try another regional delight - the Bakewell pudding that had survived a weekend driving round the country and made it back to Portsmouth in almost one piece - soon divided into many! It's our favourite TV time of year now as Bake Off is back so expect inspiration aplenty and lots of willing cake testers in the form of GoodGym Portsmouth!

Until next time (click and sign up!)...

• Friday training session with Angela & the only hill on Portsea Island
• Sunday litter pick
• Sunday kayak social (sign up before 11pm)
• Next week's group run is to Hilsea Lido.