A few words of thanks is all that is needed. You give your time to help out. You are ace.

Have a great festive few weeks!

We met at the Mercury and after a quick briefing from Helen, headed across town to Level Best to take part in an epic Christmas Wrap Battle. Tav was away this evening, picking up an award for GoodGym's work in strengthening communities in Essex. Thank you Tav! Congratulations to everyone involved. On arrival at the café, Emma gave us a warm welcome and explained the task. She'd laid out several gift wrapping stations, each beautifully appointed with paper, scissors and tape, a big pile of named presents, and hot and cold drinks. As winter goodgym tasks go, this was pretty much heaven!! At the top of the tree in the wrapping stakes was Crazee Fraze, motoring through his present pile with glee - Sleigh Bob and Tinsel Stu were right behind. DJ Dizzee-Ness made steady progress with the sellotape, and Team Santa, consisting of Ace Alex, Mighty Molly and Lil Charlie completely smashed their goal by running out of gifts to wrap. Last but by no means least was Phil, who managed to wrap several items despite an injured thumb. After jogging back to the theatre, we did a few more laps round the block as it was so cold, then headed home.

What happened yesterday morning? Parkrun usually sets Ella and I up for a good Saturday. A nice little buzz, a mildly competitive run and a coffee & cake.

But yesterday shone in a way only Goodgym can! I have been to Sofia, Bucharest, Wandsworth, Ironbridge Coalbrookdale and errmm Chelmsford...and yesterday was equally lovely.

Andy lost his Parkrun virginity with a sub-30 (29.35) effort, Vanessa got a smashing PB of 26.59 showing her running talent at many distances, Frazer and Louise did their first MarksHall Estate Parkrun, Ella got a course PB of 21.23, Stu and Helen concentrated hard in their vital volunteer roles, oh and I ran the wrong way! (lol)

I do not get nervous about running or many things but here is a secret...I was nervous whether people would like the cake I baked. But the chatter, laughter and messing around with a football helped! MarksHall emptied after parkrun and we enjoyed a peaceful picnic with a Woodpecker and House Martins in the sky.

Super morning and a a Great Get Together tribute to Jo Cox for sure.

PS. The report title refers to us, to running the wrong and an awfully ugly pug on the course.