Twenty Two buoyant Hackney GoodGymers ran 5.5k to help remodel 2 gardens run by Eco Active on the Kingsmead Estate.

After a beautiful day we were lucky to have a beautiful evening in near ideal running conditions. Being a slightly longer run than normal we set straight off on mass towards the task. After a 5 minute pulse raiser we stopped either side of the the Hackney cycling not very super highway to get our dynamic stretch on. With our bodies loose and mobilised we kept a smooth rhythm on our way to the Kingsmead estate. Navigating our way through Hommerton there was lots of talk about improved running mojo and great to hear a few runners preparing for a race or two in the coming weeks (If you are still looking for a race or want help with your training give me a shout).

We arrived in good time and met the team who run the gardens who were super passionate about their much loved gardens. We split into two groups and got to work turning over soil, weeding flower beds and raised beds. While in garden two there was almost a nightclub style sounds system pumping out tunes to keep the crew motivated. Flowers were planted, gravel was raked, weeds were removed and a huge bag of soil was shifted and carried to create a lovely flower bed then raked so it was as smooth as a long jump pit.

In 40 minutes of impressive work we go so much done and all the members of the garden were so greatful and really looking forward to having us back again in a couple of weeks. A proper GoodGym task was rounded off with a epic race back to base!! The Sexy group lead the way back at an impressive pace, acting as a target in the distance for the Speedy crew to chase down. The pace ramped up after we all crossed Hommerton High street and The Speedy crew to the lead, pushy the pace even harder!! A final push back to the Bakehouse saw us average under 4:30 per kilometre on way back!! Top running by all.

The evening was rounded off by a series of well needed static stretches and a very well deserved round of applause, before we went our separate ways with a job well done!

Next week we are off to St Luke's to deliver flyers around the local estate to promote their community summer fair!! Be great to have you along to run around the estate grabbing some amazing views while helping out a great community organisation!! Please Sign up here

Smooth sunning and running

Joel

On a warm summer evening 13 GoodGymers ran 10k to help the Sayers Croft Trust clean up an ecological park area

Summer had truly arrived and 13 amazing runners gave up the chance for a cold drink or ice cream in the sun and came and ran with GoodGym Westminster!

Summer

We were expecting to be digging holes but with tools unavailable and the ground not prepared we had a changeup of tasks but were still able to help Sayers Croft Trust. The Sayers Croft Trust is a charity that aims to involve the local community, especially young people, in the enjoyment and care of the environment.

With Cory unavailable, I was back in the game (no fluoro this week) and I’d decided we were gonna go off piste with our run up to Paddington Recreation Ground! With my trusty ‘google maps’ (other map providers are available) of written directions we set off. Howard and Graham ably backmarked the group and we had an enjoyable 5k slug through Regents Park, past Lords cricket ground and through St John’s Wood and Maida Vale to the ecological area at Paddington Rec.

‘google maps’

With keys collected we got our equipment and had a good old litter pick throughout what was really quite an immaculate area of the park. Still we filled two bags with various paraphernalia and even managed to fish a football and some balloons out of a pond! Despite the brevity of the task it was still great to help out and with the 5k return trip to go (uphill this time) we were welcome of the slightly less physical task.

Uphill!

With everyone gathered we headed back for the return leg, all went well apart from a slight mishap that meant I added a little loop (sorry India) just before the big hill and with Katie and Matthias leading the way we all safely returned to base. Some stretches were hastily done before I was politely reminded of the time and we all headed home!

Thanks to everyone and don’t forget to sign up for next week!

Thanks,

Pritesh

p.s. For the followers of 'coke and apples-gate' a pic is included!

Sixteen awesome GoodGym folk ran 7km to help spruce up a 150 year old youth club in Westminster!

On a gloomy Wednesday evening 16 wonderful GoodGym-ers piled into what was definitely the wrong room (no apple and coca cola update - sorry!) at the University of Westminster to be briefed on a great task and decent run for the evening.

More fluoro!

With Cory away, having a well-earned post-London Marathon break, GG Westminster was in my hands and so I tried to channel some of the Cory magic by wearing odd shoes – not sure anyone noticed – more fluoro next time Pritesh!

Tonight we were running to the St Andrews Club in the heart of Westminster which is the longest running youth club in the world at 150 years old! They offer facilities from ages five to adulthood in a safe and welcoming environment.

With a few regulars knowing the route we had Howard leading us down to the club. As ever running in the streets of busy Westminster is always a challenge but Howard was a great help and ably led everyone safely down to the club.

Getting the job done

Adrian, the Deputy Club Manager, met us and led us through to the gym we were working on. With cleaning spray, wipes and cloths ready we go down to the task at hand. We were helping to clean and sanitise the gym at St Andrews to ensure that the members could use the space safely. As ever with GoodGym everyone got stuck in and we were done in no time even requesting extra tools so we could really get the space clean! 'Top' effort from Alex using his height to get to those hard to reach places!

After we had finished the task Adrian took us on a tour of the facilities, it's a really special place and there was a good vibe from everyone there and it was great to see so many people using the facilities. What we hadn't accounted for were the delicious smells coming from the open kitchen as we walked through the club, there's nothing like the smell of home-cooked pizza to get those stomach going when you've just been running and working!

Mmmm, pizza...

With the tour complete, Adrian thanked us profusely and it was time for the run back (well after Bella had picked up her leaflets ;)). Howard did a great job leading again (thank you!) and the whole group did great pounding through the 3.5k with ease. With the biblically dark clouds gathering we were pleased to get back to base, get a good stretch in and be changed and out before the heavens opened!

Make sure to sign up for next week's run here!

Great running and 'tasking' everyone!

Pritesh