This evening, 26 GoodGym runners ran to help the Salvation Army in Camberwell.

We welcomed newcomers, including Lauren, Ian, and Emily; it was lovely meeting you, hope to see you again soon! We were also celebrating quite an exciting double centenary, with Girija and Katie both hitting 100 good deeds this evening!

Before long, we headed off for a warmup and headcount (where we each voiced our preferred pizza toppings - only a few controversial choices!) before running over to the task.

When we got to the Salvation Army hall, we met Janet, who briefed us on our task. As the hall is used regularly for a toddler group, they often end up with their lovely selection of toys and play equipment covered in toddler goo; to help keep the setting and the toddlers clean and healthy, we were cleaning the toys off with antibacterial cleanser, getting them dried up, and stored back ready for the kids' next visit.

It had to be some of the most efficient work I've ever seen at GoodGym Southwark; within 20 minutes, the toys, play house, mats, the balls, and even the furniture were all sparkling and clean. With some time to spare, and Janet kindly keeping the hall open for us to do so, we cracked on with a quick fitness session, tackling a couple of flavours of squat jump, some plank taps, and my new favourite - the inchworm! Since the group were having such a good time, we even threw in some social plank taps with high fives in.

With some amazing work done for some of our friends in the community, and a nice workout, we headed back to Old Spike where we stretched off and (before some headed next door for a recovery beverage), mentioned some exciting upcoming dates:

10th October: October social in Islington - a lovely opportunity to have a drink and talk to some other GoodGym runners

16th October: GoodGym Southwark group run: Salvation Army clear up

And if you're curious about running in races with GoodGym, there's more here.

That's it for this week, it was great getting to cover for such a big, lovely group - keep up the good work!

Wall of Honour

• Thanks to Helena for back marking and keeping the group together!
• Big Shout to Mike, Will and Andrzej for completing their first run with us!
• Pat on the back to Ineke for completing her longest run in 5 years this week!
  

Lets have a Recap

Last night 18 runners ran 10km in total to Surrey Docks Farm in Rotherhithe. As it was a longer route than usual, we had a quick warm up and head count and set off swiftly towards the farm. With a nice view of Canary Wharf on route we followed the cycle path and along the water to Surrey Docks Marina, making our way through a slight maze in a housing estate!

When we arrived we were greeted with a refreshing drink of water by Gemma the farm Manager, and joined by Ben and Caroline who had made their own way there. With only 20 minutes available we were set to task with brooms, shovels and gloves to sweep down the sheep pen and cattle area. Following Gemma's instructions we split into 3 teams and swiftly cleared the entire area loading up a wheelbarrow of muck, which will be greatly appreciated by the lone volunteers returning to the farm today!

After our successful work we were treated to a tour of the farm, and given the opportunity to make acquaintance with the resident animals. The sheep were particularly interested in what we were doing in their pen.

Highlight of the night the 7 day old spotted piglets asleep like dalmatian puppies!

Sadly we had to say goodbye until next time! After washing our hands and arranging our return routes we ran to Surrey Quays station where a few people departed, and made our way back to Peckham completing our 10km effort for the evening, with encouraging shouts of 'Knees Up' along the way!

FACT OF THE DAY A pigs gestation period lasts for 3 months, 3 weeks and 3 days! - Thanks Gemma

Next week we will venturing 7km in total over to Edible Rotherhithe to see their community garden run by Surrey Square Primary School helping complete their summer long polytunnel project! Sign up here

See you next week Team. Chin up!