This run was a special collaboration with the Muslim Runners.

We all met up at Stamford Hill Station and got acquainted with some nice chit chat before heading to a side street to warm up. After that, we made our way to Nightingale Estate. I appreciated that Mo helped with pacing and checking the back to make sure no one was falling behind. It made it a lot easier for me to just focus on directions.

Once we arrived at Nightingale, we were split into two groups. Nighat, Fahad, Fatima and Mai were watering the flower beds, getting rid of weeds and cutting unwanted brunches that were growing. They got stuck in and completely transformed the flower beds.

Mo, Uzma, Bunmi and I went to a separate allotment they had that was 5 mins away. We were responsible for digging out all grass and unwanted weeds from the ground to make room for more plants to grow. It was a messy and tough job but we got it done and had a great time doing it.

Once time was up, some of us parted ways from there whilst the rest of us ran back to the start point. It was a very successful day out, and Nightingale were great hosts, as always. What a productive weekend.

This day started out with me meeting the Hackney Quest team at there office. Once everyone was ready, we took a long walk through the streets and parks of Hackney towards Nightingale Estate. During that walk, I gave a little introduction into what GoodGym is along with some insight into our Movement for Change initiative. During that time, Bella filled me in a bit more about Hackney Quest and Hackney in general.

Once we arrived at Nightingale Estate, we had a nice talk with the organisers before splitting up into groups of three to handle different tasks. Ayesha and Cyanna tended to the flower beds whilst me and Bella got rid troublesome weeds. Once we all completed our respective tasks, we finished by watering all the flower beds and pots.

As we walked back to Hackney Quest, it was great to hear Ayesha's passion for volunteering in Hackney. The cherry on top was Cyanna saying she had friends that would love to get involved in the work GoodGym does. Despite the small numbers, this session felt very impactful.

Great to be back at Nightingale Estate for this special session for the launch of our Workout for the Future Campaign. We were joined by Deputy Mayor Mete Coban, who visited to see the impact of GoodGym's work in the local community. And welcome to new runners Gemma and Suzi

It started with Denzel , Dan, Louise, Katie, Robert and Ivo running 2k from Usual Objections, a running shop that provides top quality running clothes. Definitely check them out if you are in the area, you can even see the clothes being made in front of you.

After a catch up and a warm up we ran to Nightingale Estate. Cheered on by the local school kids and a nice sunny run through the Hackney streets and Hackney Downs Park.

We arrived to join our fellow GoodGymers and got introduced to the Nightingale Parklet which is an important green space for local residents on the estate. After a briefing by task owners Nicky and Alice we set off to clear weeds, tidy up the green space and some of us helped a resident clear their front garden of weeds and a metal wired fence which is a bit of an eye sore.

Deputy Mayor Mete Coban joined the team to help with trimming foliage and lifting garden waste. Good job everyone!

We ended the session hearing from residents about why these green spaces matter so much to the estate. It was a great way to kick off our new campaign.

Great job all, see you next time.

Matt and Anne were on hand to help tidy up the front garden, which had be one overgrown with grass, brambles and an assortment of other vegetation which was to be removed.

Task Owner, Alice, had already made a start in the week and was glad of the extra help to get the job finished.

As ever, the biggest challenge was what lay beneath the surface, to ensure roots were lifted along with the rest of the plant. And then after extracting the whole plant, shaking the soil off the roots so there was still something to plant fresh flowers and shrubs in. A few interesting 'historical finds' were also made, prompting the questions, how long does it take for a crisp packet to rot?, and when was scaffolding invented? Neither of which anyone could answer, although probably in the case of both, the answer is 'longer than you might think'.

The trio were given encouragement and thanks from the neighbours, as well as the offer of fresh espresso, which although declined, prompted a further question - how much quicker would the task get done if we were fueled by caffeine?

A scientific experiment for another day, perhaps.

We spent the morning removing soil and the gravel beneath it away from some planters on Nightingale Road, in preparation for the council to come and install a sunken rain garden on the street.

Before too long, we have completely emptied one planter and were then able to lift the wooden base down the road where it can be used again! A great morning's work.

Great to be back helping the residents of Nightingale Estate and well done everyone for braving the cold to join us!

We split in two groups this morning, one group helping to dig up, clear and cut back a communal garden patch which had been neglected. In no time the area was clear and ready for planting 🙌

The second group headed to the Estate's parklet to clear leaves and seperate it from the litter. When I caught up with them they were dragging an industrial size bag full leaves! Smashing it 🔥

Welcome Jess who was on her second good deed of her first goodgym day 👏

And great to meet Goodgymers from different boroughs joining us for this Funday Sunday Task.