An unexpectedly giant group turned up to do good!

September is here, the nights are drawing in and it's definitely getting darker, but that didn't stop an amazing 43 runners (including 4 brand new ones and Grace from Barnsley) from turning up to help out at Low Moor Allotments. Luckily there happened to be allot to do, and we were met by no less than 6 members of the Low Moor Allotment Association who were all ready to guide us around the site and show us what needed doing.

The general timing rule was that everyone was to meet back at the shed at 19:05, but that message definitely wasn't conveyed to every single group (my fault!).

Individual group reports are still coming in.. but prepare for some emotional experiences from tonight's run!

Becky's group

We did not know about the timing and lost everybody. We did lots of balsam bashing and we discovered that the seeds explode in your face. Debs found a lettuce which was initially not that exciting but after the group were abandoned, she felt that the lettuce might be her only remaining friend.

Leanne's group

Mostly brambles and nettles and Leanne got a slug on her leg. There was some dispute about whether Aidan was touchy feely with the brambles or whether the brambles were touchy feely with him but it transpired that the brambles initiated and Aidan did not consent.

Lizzie's group

Our group was tasked with what seemed like a jungle. We hacked, sawed bits down, raked it etc. We found potatoes, raspberries, blackberries, apples and a newt (which nobody ate). It was a total treasure trove! By the end we had two huge piles of cuttings and we could see the apple tree all the way at the back of the allotment.

Mitch's group

We proceeded to work our way through our alloted allotments (which were mostly brambles and nettles) although three shears between four people did prove to be a challenge at first. Through the work there were many interesting discussions including how effective arson would be and whether a certain plant was rhubarb or cow parsley (...it was cow parsley). Our dedication did mean we were late for the workout and made up our own rules.

Tim's group

We wrestled with nettles, definitely did not use a strimmer, made a big pile of stuff to set fire to, found a bathtub and Lucy beat me in a lopping race!

...

At 19:10, most groups were back and we took a group picture anyway, before heading back across the allotments to our fitness session. I sent Stef on a recon mission to locate Becky, Debs and John but he came back with several others instead. In fact he came back with everyone else except Debs, Becky and John.

We commenced with a team fitness challenge involving lots of planking, squats, lunges and hill reps, which everyone was definitely very excited about. Katie broke the mould with her 'arms in the air' downhill running technique (see photo) and we all made a mega ar-m-chway to cheer Lucy in at the end.

Tim hung back to bring in our lost heroes, which was even harder because we had deviated from the planned route, navigation madness. Anyway, everyone made it back in one piece - phew!

Please say a big thank you to the runners for all their work this evening. All of us were very impressed with what was achieved! - Angela, Low Moor Allotment Association

27 very soggy GG Yorkies made it through flash floods to do good at Millthorpe School.

A massive thunderstorm had been going for about an hour leaving parts of the city (and some GG Yorkie's houses) waterlogged. Drenched runners arrived victoriously, particularly Mel who was really rocking the 'triathlon in my clothes' look. Big shout out to Alison who came for her first GoodGym all the way from Malton in horrendous weather!

Luckily the rain stopped before we were due to head out to do good. It was only half a mile to get to our task and our walking crew of Katie and Sean led the way whilst the runners did a little warm up. At the task we were met by Emma who told us a little bit about Forest School and how it's so important to get the kids outside to experience the Great British weather. We agree, maybe they'll end up being GoodGymers.

Our tasks were to dig over two big areas of weedy, mossy stuff so that grass seed could be planted, and to rip up an old, rotten boardwalk around the two ponds. Those who were most into carnage and destruction headed for the boardwalk. The only tools were spades and forks, really for all the digging.

How are we supposed to do this? Using our bare hands? - Christine

Yep. With gloved hands, everyone got stuck in ripping up the chicken wire and yanking bits of wood up.

I don't know if now is the time to say that I have actually fallen in a pond before.

Despite her previous form, Helen still headed for the pond but stuck to the safety of digging in the very soggy grass. The soggy grass gang were very much enjoying the squelching sounds of digging and were determined to call people over individually so they could listen.

It's like the first spoon of trifle! - Alison

Over on the other side, a huge patch of digging had been completed. Adam had arrived slightly late and immediately found a huge root to attempt to dig up.

I found that root earlier and instead of tackling it, I went over there - Bad Nick

The whole boardwalk had been removed except for a few very long posts (a job for another day) and a massive area of grass had been dug over. It was time to celebrate with a bit of fitness and tonight we introduced a brand new game.

The Egg of Power

The Egg of Power gave some lucky individuals the chance to decide what exercise everybody had to do. Some people - like Huw - made bad choices and had everyone doing burpees. Timer Sean was merciful though and didn't make us do them for too long. Obviously there was dancing because everyone knows we love a little dance at GoodGym (excellent suggestion by Lizzie) but it was new-ish GG Yorkie, Emily, who 100% took the win for best exercise.

Monsters Inc Bunk Bed!

If you're unfamiliar with the exercise, see here. Emily demonstrated with quite outstanding enthusiasm and sound effects and deserves a big cheer.

Don't forget we have an extra session on Thursday this week starting at 18:30 - this is a Starter Session so we meet at the task. Invite your friends!