Birds of a feather, GoodGym together

Run report by the one and only Clairey Bell

So the Brent Brigade survived the Horrifying Harlesden Halloween full moon bulb planting extravaganza and were back for another week of nocturnal autumnal activities...

Eight runners were not daunted by the cold, dark November night and found their way through the mist & fog with head torches blazing to Willesden Sports Centre where Ellie awaited them.

The group was happy to welcome newcomer Laura, who had spotted Ellie out at Gladstone Parkrun and thought it was time to give Goodgym a go, and we marvelled at Chris smashing out another marathon - amazing!

We set off into the night in the direction of Willesden High Street where Ellie led us away from the streetlights and into... Pigeon Passage, home to about 20 residents of the flying rat variety.

Without getting our feathers ruffled we set to work - the birds eyed us suspiciously before Rasi chucked a pail of water or two up high to send them flying into the night, then we set to work with hot water, bleach, scrapers and brooms to attack the encrusted bird poo and chewing gum and bring that dark and dingy alley back to its sparkling and sweet smelling former glory.

Passers-by 'coo-ed' when they saw the work we had done.

We ran a circuit back to the sports centre doing some tempo runs, being careful not to come a cropper on the wet leaves and tree roots, then to cool off after all those inclines... some plyometric work - jumping squats, *squatting jumps, *sideways squatting, *hop-jumps, *hopping jump squats, *and other combinations of exercise involving core strength and determination (not to fall over!)**.

Back to the sports centre in time for some stretches, then it was time to sing an early Happy Birthday to our very own 5th of November Sparkler, Ellie, horray! Enjoy that long awaited green curry Ellie - you've earned it!!!

Until next week ....