Hark the Christmas Shark...do do do do...

It was disappointing news that our planned task of going to Pennant House was cancelled earlier in the day. Denise, the manager, informed me that residents were unwell so it would not be beneficial to go that evening. We hope we can visit again in future!

So, I knew that Nigel at Branksome centre had wanted his windows cleaned when we were free so a quick email to him and it was all arranged we can let ourselvs into the centre later on and give a good clean.

It was all under the premise that singing was still allowed as requested by Sian although I am not sure I heard her sing at all that evening!

First up it was great to welcome Sean over from Bournemouth Goodgym who had earnt extra kudos before he even started with cycling in from Southbourne. Although it was almost removed as he informed me he was only running next to me for my light - come on Sean, get your own head torch! 😉

Another new face tonight was Gayle who had heard about Goodgym from her sister who had been to one in London. Having completed a marathon in May, Gayle had not run since (😱) so bravely joined us tonight and clearly had plenty of fitness still there. We hope you will keep joining us as part of your training for London Marathon Gayle!

It was so amazing as we all huddled under the cover at the back of Daveena's to hear a lot of chatter, see hugs (usually courtesy of our lovely smiling Ali) and hear the laughter. So many of our runners only met at Goodgym and have become such good friends, it was buzzing! Even had to ask for a bit of quiet whilst the risks were given - thanks for the reminders about names and numbers as it nearly didn't happen!

Onto the lovely warm up in the glam setting of the Sloop Carpark - although we did not recieve such a great welcome from those passing through so it was onto (and Up!) North Road.

Thanks to Julia and Jayne who took a steadier pace at the back allowing another pace option tonight, only just behind the rest of us!

Along Ashley Road there was all the smells of the take aways (twice we had to endure that!) before we could turn into Library Road (conveniently just after the library!) and head down to Branksome.

At Branksome it was all hands in looking for cleaning equipment, bags, cleaning tasks that needed doing. Sean was a pro with the mop, play area was cleaned up and even the teacher in Hilary coming out as she was spotted displaying all the books beautifully on the shelves. Sarah was on the hoover with the sweepers again (!)Jayne and Julia tackling the sports hall.

As usual, we have our bunch of runners who quietly get on with any task they are given - kudos for you guys for not being distracted by photos and the baby shark christmas song - That will be you Tim and Patricia!

Window cleaning team of Melody and Sally were on it inside and out!

Thanks to all the photos sent in - Elizabeth, Patricia and Richard.

I understand there was a recruitment drive on route to the centre - Melanie we hope to see you at Goodgym Poole soon!

Robert great to see you but take a few days break now from activity!

Good luck to the Christmas Pudding Runners on Sunday - Elizabeth will storm her first 10k I have absolutely no doubt about it!