Last week we were strength in numbers as we launched with dozens of runners attending, completing a range of tasks, with a buzz and hype!

For week 2, we settled down and had a more quiet affair as many local runners headed off on a Castleman trail run, we could really get to chat and relax! Well that is after a few laps of the cricket pitch to work on different paced running as a bit of a warm up!

We headed over to meet Toni from BCP who guided us to the task in hand - weeding a newly planted area around the lake and 'mulching!'

Kirsty H was keen to learn what 'mulching' was and can now officially add to her CV she can 'mulch'!

Darryl joined us on his first run and the only male of the evening he soon found running friends in common with others.

Best thing I heard tonight, without a doubt was that Shelley has doubled her lung capacity over the past year since taking up running - what an advert to keep running! Blooming amazing that is - but then Shelley just is!

Ann and Kirsty W, also returning from last week were quick to sort the weeds from the flowers, Ann saving me from pulling a weed that had been fondly named Netty and apparently was to remain!

We finished with a big pile of weeds at the side and an area mulched - all part of the work to improve the park under the lottery grant. A park that is enjoyed by hundreds of people every day - Even as we were there, there was a cricket match in place and a running group doing speed work as well as frequent walkers and runners past us.

Nice work team!

It all started when buches of runners (33 in total!) starting gathering in the lovely warm courtyard of Daveena's cafe.

We were then joined by some official looking types with a little less lycra from the council including the Council Chairman, David Flagg! One of the councillors Mark Howell was however willing to join us for a run and his first for goodgym along with 22 other first time Goodgym runners! 9 runners who had previously completed a Goodgym task joined us from as far as Bristol and Swanage so showing fantastic committment to Goodgym!

After the pics and speeches, we headed over to the park for a quick warm up where most of us runners demonstrated our lack of balance with the flamingo stand and hopskotch as well as usual warm up drills!

Kirty Weston from Upton parkrun core team led the way through the park and whitecliff to cover 2.1 miles including the gradual incline up Evening Hill. We were met at Lewis-Manning by Sandra and Mark who had even had cold drinks and biscuits ready for us as a welcome treat!

We soon cracked on in 4 groups and everyone was super organised in their groups to get the tasks done. Painting crew included first timers Shelley and Kirsty (whose ankle is fine by the way after a huge branch came at her on the way back!) painted on with Ann, Aaron and Catherine amongst others to complete a rail within 15 minutes! Hedge cutters included Karina, Kristy and Mark who made some clearance for cars to park against the bushes Around the back, the team with a view had rakes and gloves to clear some woodland, leaving James to keep his mileage up by running back and forth with the bin. Gemma, Lisa and Rob amongst others cleared leaves and all sorts! Finally we had a bunch of sweepers who worked to the end getting moss off the car park area.

Amazing what was achieved in 25 mins and we hope to go back for a second coat of paint and a bit more garden clearance.

We took the opportunity to take a photo at the top of Evening Hill, after moving along Oakdale runners who photo bombed!

Finally we ran back down to the park and 3 runners took up the offer to finish up around the park with a short interval circuit as clearly they had not worked hard enough already!

It was hot, sweaty work in the muggy air but the chat was continuous and great to hear the chatter amongst many previous strangers.

We had also been joined by Ed and Nikki from the central Goodgym team who quickly scooted off for their train after, albeit a bit smelly!

Super atmosphere on the runs and all during the task so we can honestly say Goodgym Poole you rocked it tonight!

Next week we are over in Poole park but don't worry - we will still get a good run in before we crack on with the task in hand - It was truly a pleasure to be part of Goodgym Poole launch - I know we are going to be fantastic!