We met just inside the doors of the gym and it would appear i forgot how to use them. After blindly slapping at the exit door I eventually made it in to get the pickers and bags.

Three of us set off for a run, and two for a walk. It was very chilly and windy but we were warmed by talk of Ben bringing brownies to a run in the future - his baking showstopper. He's also looking forward to Nigella on bakeoff, as am I, purely for baking reasons of course. Hearing about Martin's 5 marathons in 5 days this easter(!!), we hit a deep deep unpassable patch of water which held us up.

We met up with the two litter picker carriers and headed further down the bunny walks in search of litter. Andy was complaining he is still snowed under opening all his Valentine's gifts and cards, while Sallyann was more upset she hadn't realised today was Global Drink Wine Day!

We picked two bags of litter and two of us (me and Ben) lost fingers to frostbite. We posed for a quick photo as it seems I wanted to show off my thumb...

Anyway, good work for the four of you to brave the weather and hopefully one day people stop littering.

Congrats to all who came out, and a special cheer to Ben on coming to his very first Goodgym group run on what could only be described as a night "wetter than an otters pocket." Well done Ben, hopefully the first of many.

With Fay and Sallyann walking with bags, Richard, Andy, Ben and I had a short run around the back of the uni and along the bunnywalks (which isn't flooded now) and met up en route to continue with the picking. With the driving rain it was difficult to see, especially if you wear glasses, so another big congrats to all as it was difficult to spy those small pieces of rubbish hiding in the grass and hedges.

Once we were soaked through and hands started to shiver we called it a day and made our way back to base and posed for some photos (sorry for them being blurry), said our goodbyes and went home to warm up and have a well deserved dinner.

Thanks for coming all, and thanks for making Chelmsford that little bit nicer.

and remember

Run Happy

Rich

A pun only those of Andy's age may get.

There was initial consternation from the GoodGym Chelmsford leadership that not enough people were signed up for the huge number of leaflets, but it should not have been a concern as Richard 'the postman' (he always delivers) was there.

Fay like baa baa black sheep, had three bags full and they all got delivered. Hit the leafletting so hard that there is only one photo!

Only the strongest ran all the way there and back, Jen and Laurie.

Great work, for a huge number of local charities.