On a sunny Sunday morning I met up with GoodGym runner James to get a warm drink before the group run. As they made their way to meet GoodGymmer Anne at Woking park they witness the triathlon running stage going through Woking park. Jogging around to meet Anne, we started the run on a bright clear and sunny day. We started the route below Woking park to head to the woods. We got there where the triathlete's route was so we waited for a good sized gap and quickly crossed the bridge. From there we took a wider route so that we can head towards Old Woking without crossing the triathlon course. It wasn't long before the three runners had passed Old Woking Cricket Club grounds, along pad St Peters Recreation Grounds and reaching Send. From there they took a left hand turn onto the River Wye. Heading towards Pryford to make it to the Anchor pub for a well deserved refreshment drink. Within 6k into the run there was a swan and some swanlings that crossed the path we were running. The swan got defensive and the swanlings started hissing at us. James boldly stepped forward pushing the swan back to give enough room for all three of us to pass. Great going James 😄 As we carried on running along the river, Anne unfortunately fell and showed real strength as she slowly got up, checked herself for any injuries. Both James and myself asked if there was anything we could do to help but as we walked, Anne said she could take a moments rest at the Anchor. A few minutes later we made it to the Anchor and got refreshments there. After we discussed about grabbing transport back to Woking Anne had finished her espresso, and said she needed a head start so immediately dashed off. Once James and I had finished our drinks we started the mission to catch up. James set off at a high pace of 4:30 a km to catch up. I struggled to match that! And as quick as we could run, there was no sight of Anne. After a good ten minutes run, there was no sign of Anne so we kept on pushing. Another five minutes of intense running we saw the silhouette of Anne ahead. James pushed on and caught up with her first with me a slow second! After this Anne , James and myself took turns with walking, running and catching up to walking again. But 3k from being back in town we all joined forces to come together. Anne strongly went on to tend to her scrapes and we wished her a speedy recovery.

Bulb Planting Event 🍀

This evening Woking GG headed to Brookwoods Memorial Halls to clear an area behind the hall for a bulb planting event. 🌱

Wayne ran from Knaphill and got to the halls first we he met Steph who is the manger of the halls and who asked for our assistance. Wayne helped Steph unload her car with all the tools that were required for the task. The area was quite a large area and went back deep. Steph's parents also joined us.

With tools in hand work began to remove the brambles shortly after Nadia & Anne joined the group they both also ran from Knaphill but along the canal 🏃‍♀️. They got stuck in straight away by filling up the bags with the brambles that had already been removed. We were soon joined by Alys & Quinn 🐶, followed by Adam who ran from Woking, Julie & Lauren it was great seeing Lauren who is still recovering from an injury.

Whilst working away we got talking to Steph who told us that the bulb planting event was going to happen during Halloween 🎃 with arts & crafts and other activities ( Sounds like a fun event)

The Surrey 1/2 was still on peoples mind, the event, atmosphere, runners was just amazing and all GG Woking runners did amazingly well.

The sun was setting and Steph brought out Tea & Biscuits for everyone. The area we had cleared looked so different, it was now a great space to plant bulbs. 😀

It total we had done 14 bags 👏🏽 We cleared up said our goodbyes and headed off Anne, Adam, Alys & Quinn, Nadia ran back along the canal, Julie headed home, while Julie dropped Wayne off back in Knaphill.

Great job everyone, see you soon 😀

Surrey 1/2 Marathon & 5k

The day had finally arrived. All the training & preparation was going to be put into practice. 🏃🏻‍♂️

Goodgym Woking members were out in full force this morning taking part in this iconic race in our home town. The atmosphere and energy around the event village was amazing. In total there were just over 5,000 runners from all over the country.

It was great seeing so many familiar faces current and from the past. The weather was just right the storms that appeared overnight had moved away ⛈️

Wayne cycled to the race and got there early to take photos. He was soon joined by Anne & Rebecca. Wayne said a hello to his old mate Tony (Mr Carlos Ice Cream) who is at the park most days. We then saw Phil Katie husband he was telling us that Katie was getting her race number. Adam joined us looking fit & ready to go. We saw many familiar faces from other local running clubs that we all know Woking AC, Run Company, No Sweat Running. 🏃🏾‍♂️

Wayne headed off for one final visit to the Loo and on the way back bumped into Abi it was great seeing Abi taking part as last year while running the race she got an injury but this time she was eager to finish. Maya & her husband Andy joined us for a few pictures then we all headed off to the start line. Runners were going off at different times this was based on projected finish times. The 1/2 runners started first followed by the 5k runners. Nadia & Katie had signed up to the 5k this was Nadia first 5k race with her super fast new trainers 😀

Going through the start line the amount of people that were lined up along the road heading out was amazing the cheers and support was unbelievable 👏🏽 going out of the leisure center and through Westfield the crowds were incredible Flags, signs, a brass band was something else. It was great seeing family and friends along the route cheering. Just past the 10k mark Maya had caught up with Maya they had a breath chat before Maya put her foot down 🏃‍♀️💨

There were a few water stations along the route & WC's which were very handy as Wayne had drunk way to much liquid earlier 😀

The toughest section was the out and back seeing runners run the opposite way was tough, but seeing friends along that section cheering was just the boost we needed. As we approached the last 3k the end was insight. That final push with the crowd roaring and pushing you through was crazy crossing that finish line felt amazing.

We had all come in at different times. Nadia & Katie both did amazingly well with fantastic times in the 5k race. James & Adam smashed it. Wayne was very pleased with his time for his 1st 1/2 marathon. Maya set a new PB at 1/2 marathon 🎉 Abi finished with an amazing time while Rebecca had a great run. And our queen Anne followed up from her San Francisco marathon with an incredible run.

What a day what an race, you should all be proud of what you achieved, you are all amazing and make Woking GG what it is a fantastic kind hearted people.

Rest up enjoy the rest of the weekend and see some of you next week 😀

Carrying Out Gardening Duties

This evening Wayne, Anne, Adam, & James met at WWF.

They ran along the canal to a property in Horsell to carry out some gardening tasks for a local resident. The Local Charity Woking Besom got in touch to ask if we could help an elderly lady who has struggled to keep on top of her garden.

The charity had dropped off all the tools and equipment at the property. Alex the lady who we were helping was very welcoming she explained to us what needed to be done. We started to tackle the ivy that was growing over the fence, after we moved over the bedding to tidy it up. Adam was very handy with the spade. Anne went along behind us bagging up the brambles. 🦚. By the time we had finished we had 5 bags full and Alex was very grateful 😀

Attention now turns to this Sundays Surrey 1\2 where there will be a good number of GG Members either doing the Half or 5K, See you all there.... 🏃‍♂️

Woking Junior Park Run

On this beautiful morning Wayne, Adam, & Sharon carried out various roles at the junior park run.

Wayne completed week 11/12 of his running plan for the Surrey 1/2 by completing a morning 10k 😀

In total 154 runners attended this morning with the fastest time 07:56 fantastic running by everyone. 🏃🏾‍♂️

All Saints Church

A Big Welcome To Liv & Olesia And Their Colleagues From The Hilton Hotel Who Joined Us This Evening

This evening Nadia, Katie, & Julie met at WWF to run the 2k along the canal to the Church. While waiting a group of 10 Hilton staff appeared. Liv & Olesia & their fellow Hilton colleagues introduced themselves. The Hilton Hotel will be opening its doors on the 31st October and this lovely group joined us for tonights task 😀

The group ran along the canal to the church where they met Adrian who was delighted in seeing so many people and quickly got the group going with washing down walls and painting the ceiling on the upper level 🎨

Wayne arrived a little late from work and was shocked to see so many people. Wayne went over to the new members and introduced himself. Liv mentioned that they will be coming to regular tasks and love the idea of helping out in the community, Liv is also training for the Cardiff Marathon 🏃🏻‍♂️

Next week we are we are meeting at WWF and will be running to a property in Horsell to carry out a gardening task.

This Sunday if anyone is available to volunteer at Junior Park Run Please sign up. 😊