11 runners, 3km, some killer weeding and huge tree planting.

We welcomed Matt for his first time ever at a GoodGym tonight and Jess and Chris from GoodGym Camden were on a tour to see what we get up to south of the river.

After a quick intro, warm up and a short but sweaty run, we arrived at Cossall Park Community Garden. We were a bit early so used the time wisely...

Stuck in the mud

Who knew how much effort a bit of short sprinting would take?! It kept us warm and ready for some proper gardening action. We split off into 3 groups.

Group one were in a resident's garden clearing it of weeds and turning the soil ready for lots of new planting. We could have stayed all night so watch this space for a mission heading that way.

Group two were working on the main flower and vegetable beds, clearing out weeds and brambles and generally making sure the lettuce, courgettes and cauliflower have enough room to flourish. Last time we were here we cleared the bed completely so it was brilliant to see how many veggies have grown and that are on offer for the residents.

Group three helped a slightly weightier project. An elm and a horse chestnut tree were delivered and carried into the adjacent Kirkwood Nature Reserve to be planted. But first, more clearing of nettles and stones before the final resting place was set. I hear you ask

'How many GoodGymmers does it take to plant a tree?'

The answer is not so clear. But I'd argue at least 2 to dig and plant and another 3 to advise and monitor.

Once we'd all rounded up and had our squash and malted milks, there was time for 1 sports day race.... the timeless wheelbarrow race

We were heckled by the local kids playing footy who couldn't quite believe that adults do this sort of thing and set off. Competitive natures and epic core and shoulder strength came out in full force. Big congrats to our gold medal winners, Michael and Becky.

Warm, tired and a little bit stung, we set off back to Old Spike Roastery with a pink sky for company.

A lovely evening and a(many) job(s) well done.

29 GoodGymers ran 5km, learnt some running fundamentals and helped garden at Cecil Sharp House

In the news this week we talked about how we are taking part in Regents Park 10km on Sunday 7th August, I've heard Jess is thinking of a post-race picnic!

Our key 'Running Fundamental' of the night to focus on was posture, this is incredibly important when you are running on flat roads, uphill, on woodland trails and really everywhere in life! Having a straight back helps you run more efficiently and engage your core more, this is especially important when you are tired.

The task this week was at Cecil Sharp House, the home of English folk music, to help keep the garden areas clear and tidy.

Task Report written by Steve Lee:

Once everybody arrived at Cecil Sharp House, the tasks were announced and distributed with the faint sounds of violin and singing practice flowing from the building. Lovely!

While half the group headed for some running technique drills up and down Primrose Hill for half the session with Paul, the rest got to task, switching when the Primrose Hillers returned primrosy-cheeked and, er, hillier.

Primrosy-cheeked

The lawn needed raking and clearing, and the neat flowerbeds needed to have leaves plucked out of them, while another task group got to wield brooms and some quite exciting wiry-brushy-grouty-stick-things to clear the paths with.

wiry-brushy-grouty-stick-things

The gardens were left looking immaculate, which makes all the difference as it's wedding season; when this lovely institution can rely on some extra income by hosting nuptials to keep it ticking over.

Hill Training Fundamental Details:

Last night we learnt how to run up and down hill, most of us know how to swim, read, write, walk and a host of other functions because we were taught BUT most of us were never taught how to run properly and efficiently.

Running Up Hill - straight back (posture), lifting your legs higher (knees) and socket to pocket (arms)

Running Down Hill - leaning forward (posture), landing on the front of your feet (feet landing) and having your arms out to the side to balance.

Everyone did fantastic learning each of these fundamentals and combining them all to race up Primrose Hill!

Well done everyone, what a lovely evening with you all.

Next week we'll be heading to Terrence Higgins Trust to pack 2000 condoms for their summer outreach events, sign up here.

PB out.

Saturday morning and 5 GoodGymers went on a rescue mission to help some of the oldest trees in the country. The ground beneath them had become severely compacted and so required a bit of loosening up. 3 hours of forking and shifting mulch on top and the job was complete.

As if this wasn't enough GoodGym legend Patrick Luong followed it up with a 16km run home. Go on, give him a cheer.