Not even the threat of torrential rain (and the reality of it later on in the evening!) could put off a compact team of GoodGymers eager to put their energy to good use last night.

A special welcome to Johnnie who braved the weather for his very first session, and earned himself some impressively muddy hands as a badge of honour. Great to have you join us Johnnie (and not only because of your gardening expertise!)

We had brought our usual monthly trip to Doddington forward by a couple of weeks because our task owner Malissa is going to be away, but also because our 9th birthday celebration falls on our regular day. Make sure you join us for plenty of fun, doing good, and birthday themed fitness.

So with the clouds rumbling overhead we ran down to the garden and got straight to work. Jobs included thinning out the borders, digging holes and planting donated shrubs, and waging an ongoing war on a tough root ball (which we eventually won). Thank goodness we managed to get out off making those jammy snail traps!

Towards the end of the task we were forced under cover as the heavens opened, but it just gave us a chance to admire the beautiful plants and produce all around us grown by local people. From fat figs, to climbing squash, stunning lilies to fruiting apple trees, the place was thriving.

The rain was showing little sign of stopping, so we decided to bite the bullet and finish the task. Great job everybody!

Instead of fitness in the square, we broke up the run back with different stations, all focused on the glutes. The targeted workouts aimed at giving us buns of steel, and also earned us a few bemused looks from the passing drivers! We finished off with a hill sprint and stretches before heading back to dry off. Nice work on a very soggy evening! Next week we'll be back in the sunshine at beautiful St Mary's - hope to see you there!