It's Monday again, which can only mean one thing...

RUN CLUB TIME! 👟💨

The first big change this week wasn't the route or the weather, but the staffing lineup. With a late change needed, Mr Hollingworth stepped up to the plate and completed his very first NBC Run Club session. Welcome to the team, Mr H! 👏🏃‍♂️

As for the weather... let's just say it wasn't exactly postcard-worthy. 🌧️

Nevertheless, six determined students and two staff members jumped into the minibus and headed down to the arena we all know and love...

🏟️ Alexandra Park!

After a quick vote, it was decided that we'd tackle the same route as last week. The regular runners are starting to realise that while this loop contains what feels like its own version of Mount Everest ⛰️, the reward comes in the form of some fantastic downhill sections afterwards. 📉😁

Upon arrival, it became apparent that it wasn't just our students who had considered staying indoors. The usually busy car park was noticeably quiet, suggesting many local residents had also decided to give their Monday walks a miss.

Not our six students though! 💪👏

They were ready to brave the elements.

Well... mostly. 😅

The run began with an unexpected obstacle course as we carefully navigated our way through what felt like hundreds of pigeons. 🐦🐦🐦

Thankfully, everyone made it through safely.

✅ No collisions.

✅ No bird attacks.

✅ And most importantly, no unexpected "good luck" gifts from above. 😂

As we continued, the grey skies seemed to bring a slightly grey mood to some of the runners. There were plenty of words of encouragement coming from the staff as we tackled the infamous hill.

The responses from students?

"I'm tired today!" 😩

"Why is this hill so long?" 😫

"Are we nearly at the top?" 😅

To be fair... it was a long climb!

But despite the moans, groans and dramatic declarations, everyone kept moving forward and eventually reached the summit. 🏆

From there it was time for everyone's favourite part...

📉 The long downhill stretch!

Funny how everyone's energy suddenly returns when gravity starts helping! 😂

After completing the route, we stopped for the traditional Week 5 Run Club photo 📸 before a few slightly damp but very proud runners climbed back into the van and headed back to college.

Another fantastic effort from everyone involved. 👏

With just one more run before the half-term break, we'll be looking to finish the first half of the term in style. 💪🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

Well done to all six runners who ignored the weather forecast and got out there anyway.

See you next week for Week 6! 👟🎉

"If life gives you lemons, go running with lemons." 🍋🏃‍♂️😂