Fourteen keen runners returned to Kingston Mencap. Mencap is a local charity which supports adults with a learning disability and their families and carers. It is active in its support for initiatives to improve services for people with learning disabilities.

Before heading out to the task we were treated to another of Mark’s great warm-ups by the coronation stone in front of the Guildhall. Coordination was briefly tested and cores engaged with various exercises. We had such a great time with it all we ended up rolling around in the grass (because that is basically what was demonstrated for us to do right?). Oblique muscles were strengthened by pushing arms against a partner and then partners hopped in squatted box steps to get ourselves all set for the run. Once warmed up and muscles ready, we ran off towards Kingsmeadow weaving and dribbling through the crowds of football supporters heading to watch a game.

The sweeper was behind the leaves! #footballpun #kingston #goodgym #runninggroup pic.twitter.com/6ptOOIeYwt

— GoodGym Kingston-upon-Thames (@GoodGymKingston) August 21, 2018

We were cheered on as we entered the car park and the crowds of supporters in the stands beside the Searchlight Centre applauded us as we set to work. At least that’s what we chose to be-leaf even if they were all wearing football tops! We came to kick some grass and ran away feeling like winners! We had a ball without needing to go near one! Our first task was to clear the car park of all the leaves that had taken over and become a nuisance. We were given a couple of brooms, a rake and some bin bags. Sweepers got behind the leaves and got them all piled up. With our whole group taking handfuls, we managed to fill the bags and clear the lot very quickly. There was more than just standing broom only by the time we’d finished with the lot. We were practica-leaf-inished when we’d run out of time. We hope we were able to leaf an impression!

We had BAGS of fun tonight! #goodgym #volunteering #running #mencap #searchlight #autumniscoming pic.twitter.com/R4nPE3JILc

— GoodGym Kingston-upon-Thames (@GoodGymKingston) August 21, 2018

Some of us then went around to the front garden while others continued with gathering leaves. The front garden needed some mowing, pulling up weeds and digging, cutting back leaves and general tidying up. With renewed mow-tivation, Goodgymers set to work. Fionn and Toby had no mowns about cutting the grass! But unfortunately we had run out of time before we had run out of tasks! We fought the lawn and the lawn won so we’ve vowed to return again in the autumn for some more leaves. Everyone made it back safely for some nice cool down stretches as the sun set. Thank you Toby for the great back marking.

@goodgym brings "shear" joy! pic.twitter.com/yyzx2w35EC

— GoodGym Kingston-upon-Thames (@GoodGymKingston) August 21, 2018

"We fought the lawn and the lawn won!"

Well done to everyone who came out to join us for another Kingston good deed done in the community. Special welcome to new runners – Jennie, Holly and Michelle from Mencap who joined us on our run!

Mark reminded us about the taskforce set up that is getting set up for us in Kingston. Once you’ve completed ten runs you’re welcome to join the taskforce to help organise things that are happening with our group runs in Kingston. Some tasks include welcoming new members, back marking on a group run, promoting on social media, writing the run reports and marketing.

In other news, there is a Park Run take over being set up in Richmond Park this Saturday and if you’d like to volunteer please contact Jane. Following that there is a community mission listed under Hounslow at 11:00 this Saturday to do some gardening to support the NHS services centre in Isleworth. You can sign up on the website or please speak to Samia if you’d like more details.