Another great turnout for Goodgym Ipswich on lovely warm evening.

We really had two tasks tonight........ one was to paint the exterior hoardings of Gusford School swimming pool and the other was the run to get to the school and back - just under 3 miles each way with some challenging hills thrown in.

Well, the group splashed it. .... making the outward run look easy !

The last 200m was a deep end descent down a steep hill to the school, where we met Rebecca and her team, who showed us through to the pool area.

It looked like a very big task but everyone dived in enthusiastically grabbing sand paper, brushes and rollers.

Everything was going swimmingly and the tatty old boards were quickly turning white.

Water difference a coat of paint makes

The team managed to get virtually all of the exterior painted which will be the base for our task next week when we return to paint a second coat in blue. It's amazing how much can be achieved when everyone one pools together!

Then it was time to wave goodbye and the return leg of the run ....... starting with the climb up deep end hill. Liz tried to rally our spirits with a marine style sing song as we headed to the summit....... the chant quickly faded as we ran out of breath as incline increased! But everyone one dug in and floated to the top

Afintastic evening with a great task and tough but enjoyable run out and back.

Goodgym Ipswich - Water Magnificent Group !!

Our number was smaller than usual tonight, but those that did come along were ready and raring to go.

Tonight would be one of our longest group runs, returning to Gusford primary school. We'd visited a few weeks ago and begun the job of clearing a massively overgrown garden area, that teachers wanted to bring back into use for the children as a science and learning garden.

The route was also one of the hilliest we have run on our Group Runs - everyone was really pleased about that, particularly on a very warm and humid evening!

On arrival at the school gates Rebecca met us and explained the teachers had made good progress since our last visit but needed a helping hand to clear weeds from the paving and path through the garden and to cut back and sweep around the paths. Rebecca also announced there was possibly a bees nest in the garden - and although they thought the bees may have gone we should avoid that area. We didn't need to be told twice!

Everyone dived in - firstly removing 3-4 large boxes of debris to a skip at the front of the school and then quickly clearing the paving and paths. Within minutes there was a huge difference - I shouldn't be surprised by this as most weeks we make a massive impact very quickly through sheer numbers of willing hands!

Wheelbarrow loads of cut back weeds and brambles where whisked away and as the paths became wider, they were swept clear and the area opened up looking brighter and cleaner.

With the job done the obligatory group photo was done using the childrens play equipment on the school field, before we headed off to run back. However with the school being located at bottom a Suffolk mountain, the initial progress was tough, but Tom led the way charging ahead and dragging everyone in his wake. The rest of the run home was a hot and sweaty challenge - the cloud cover having little effect in reducing the temperature that had reach around 29-30 degrees earlier in the day.

A long run completed, along with a really satisfying task - another fab Goodgym night in Ipswich.

Next week is a much shorter run to Brickmakers Wood. Ideal for any new runners - see more details HERE

We welcomed 4 first timers tonight on one of our longest and most challenging runs. Chelsea, Adam, Carey and Adrian joined us for their inaugural runs taking us through the Belstead Hills to Gusford School for tonight's task.

Before we left we acknowledged the efforts of all those who had participated in the Twilight 5k races which took place along the Waterfront throughout Saturday with a number of PBs being achieved.

The run out to the school was 2.5 miles and included a few inclines but they were happily embraced by everyone as we all know hills are good for us!

On arrival at Gusford school we were greeted by Rebecca and Pip, teachers at the school, and Rebecca explained the task was to clear a massively overgrown garden so the school could reclaim the area for learning and give the pupils an area to enjoy and chill.

Several of the school staff had also volunteered to help with the project so we had many hands to get stuck into what appeared to be a huge task..... but in true Goodgym style we achieved a huge amount, taking down massively overgrown bushes, weeds, grass and clearing old plant pots and accumulated litter. The only downside of the evening was discovering a deceased hedgehog among the debris, which Paul later reported to the Suffolk Wildlife Trust.

With a great deal done and the gratitude of Rebecca and Pip sending us off on the return leg of the run , we remembered the school was at the bottom of a viciously steep hill we had to climb immediately....what fun!

At least the main part of the return run was now downhill and we kept a steadily comfortable pace all the way back to base to complete a round trip of 5 miles.

Next week's run is much shorter as we return to Brickmakers Wood - find out more and sign up HERE