A huge team - the excellent 18 - ran nearly 4km and helped to keep the facilities clean at Central Youth Club.

It was reported earlier this year that Liverpool has the third highest rate of young people who are not in employment or education (NEETS) in the country, with the rate at it's highest since 2012. That's one of the reasons why GoodGym Liverpool is proud to work with so many of our city's much needed youth clubs.

On a dark, chilly night Central Youth Club was buzzing with activity and a fair amount of curiosity about the team of broom-wielding red-shirted do-gooder who invaded their centre. Met by Youth Worker Bianca, we were soon put to work cleaning litter and leaves off the centre's two AstroTurf pitches, as well as clearing bags full of leaves from the front of the building.

It was lovely to have such a big team and special shout outs go to newbies Amy H., Christine L., Rachel M. and Sam B. who all did a fab job. It was brilliant to have you on board and we'd love to have you join us again soon.

It was also a treat to see GoodGym giant Beth once again (who has clocked 647 good deeds, and counting!). We also announced tonight that Beth's "home" branch - GoodGym Lambeth - will be coming up for the Liverpool Half Marathon in March, and we're excited to welcome them. Are you ready to rise to the challenge? Get signing-up for the race and talk to me if you need help with a training plan :)

After tidying up the centre, a balance and agility fitness session didn't quite go to plan, but hey, laughing is good for you, right?! And then it was all downhill back to base. Great work team!

Next week we have an EXTENDED session, allowing us more time to run to Penny Lane Development Trust. Improver runners looking for a challenge, this is a great week for you. Those daunted by the 9-10km roundtrip, if you want to meet us there and run back drop me a line and we'll work something out. Don't forget to let me know you're coming by signing-up here.

Until then, happy running, Char <3

Our terrific 12 completed a small run to a big task at Liverpool's iconic Bombed Out Church.

Returning from my jollies, I resumed my role of GG Lpool Trainer with equal amounts of cheer and jet lag, making my red-clad team a true sight for sore eyes!

Liverpool's Bombed Out Church is an iconic building in the centre of the city, that is managed by a team of just 2 staff. We've helped them out in the past and always enjoyed the experience, so it was great to return. What's more, the run to the task is less than 1km (even when I take the team the long route!) all down hill. What's not to love?!

We were greeted by Ambrose and a room full of brooms, with our task to clean the stairs and external area 360 degrees around the church. The church steps are often used as a meeting place, a spot to eat takeaway food and to smoke a cigarette. As such, there was an awful lot of debris that needed clearing.

The whole team did a brooming good job, but a special shout out to Chanetelle and Sam (aka Team Wheelbarrow) for bravely dealing with some of the more suspect items and areas of mess around the building. #heroes

Also a huge welcome and nice one to newbies Lorna and Mille - you both did great and are super welcome to join us again anytime.

With the area around the church transformed, we ran back up the hill to the base of the Metropolitan Cathedral where the team split into three and ran drills, went up steps and completed conditioning exercises. A huge well done and thank you to everyone - you did grrrrreat!

Next week is another newbie-friendly session (2km each direction) to Central Youth Club where we'll be cleaning their astroturf pitch before another fun fitness session. Don't forget to sign-up and bring a friend!

Until next time, happy running! Char <3