Shhhhhhh happens

Five fabulous runners covered 5km to help out at Sydenham Community Library.

Did you see that rain earlier (when I say earlier, I mean all day)?! I lost count of the number of pairs of socks I got through. Thankfully our runners are not put off by a bit of wind and rain and five intrepid souls turned out to do some good in our area. Some of our runners were feeling the worse for wear, having taken part in Sunday's Big Half (half-marathon), but two of our racers managed to motivate their tired bodies to come along, so we celebrated Louise and Tim's achievements and enjoyed seeing their lovely medals. Well done both of you!

Some extra chances to get involved:

• On Saturday, our neighbours in Lewisham are joining in a tree planting session at Blythe Hill Fields (which isn't that far), from 10.30am, sign up here.

• On Sunday, we have our own community mission (which I'm very excited about!), volunteering at Crystal Palace junior parkrun, details and sign-up here.

• Ian reminded us that entries are now open for the Beckenham Half-Marathon in September. A nice local, friendly race, with a small field, find out more and sign up here.

This week we were running a bit further than last, over to Sydenham Community Library, so a 5k round-trip. We shook-it-out to warm up and jogged down the High Street and over Penge West Station towards the library. This evening we were met by Trevor, who had stayed behind to open up for us. He told us that the bookshelves needed a good clean (the library is on a busy road, so it can get quite dusty). Everyone found a row of shelves and got stuck in, pulling books off (carefully keeping them alphabetised), wiping down the surfaces and placing everything back in order.

As is usual at this task, conversation turned to what we're reading. This ranged from 'The Taste of Empire: How Britain's Quest for Food Shaped the Modern World', to 'Guest Cat' (and, similarly, 'If Cats Disappeared from the World'), 'Convenience Store Woman', 'Lost Among the Birds' and 'Geek Nation' We're certainly varied in our literary choices!

Dewey need any help?

As we wrapped up our task, having made three or four rows of shelves sparkle, we gathered to tackle a creative photographic challenge for the launch of GoodGym's 50th area next week - watch this space (or rather, keep an eye on social media). Let's just say we had a bit of fun here (and thank you to Trevor for supplying the ladder...!).

Our run back was chatty and, as we stretched and looked ahead to next week's group run, Louise reminded us that she will be taking on her now annual challenge to run very fast up a very tall tower - good luck Louise, we look forward to seeing your medal! After next week's run, we will be staying at our start point for some drinks to wish Louise well on her next big journey, as she moves to a new GoodGym area. Sign up here, for the run and social.