Of course it was a beautiful evening to run and do good deeds, it never rains on Good Gym! And so began my introduction to the wonderful work of Good Gym and the great people that make it happen – 20 great people in fact, who all went out of their way to welcome me into the fold.

After introductions and a short warm up, Pru led us off on the relatively short run to Bedminster to help the Patchwork Project maintain green spaces in residential areas. Welcomed by Laura who helps with the project, we were issued gloves, trowels and scary looking shears before being set free to eagerly tackle the weeding of several small, slightly overgrown flower and shrub beds. It’s amazing how much a team of motivated Good Gym-ers can get done in only 30 minutes and there’s no doubt that we left this little patch of Bedminster a little less horticulturally challenged. One newbie observation however, based on several overheard conversations, is that we may need to issue members with a ‘Flower vs Weed’ identification book if the number of gardening-related tasks continues!

Corralled once again by Pru (I think she’s the bossy one) we took a group photo, said our goodbyes and ran the short distance back to Queen’s Square for some extra training. Making up for the limited mileage en-route to our task we conducted sprint–run–walk intervals 3 times around the square (equals one mile apparently) before taking part in some traditional and not so traditional exercises on the grass. I must apologise to any witnesses traumatised by the sight of 20+ grown men and women lunging along the length of the square before running around the grass trying to slap each others’ thighs…..no really, we were! (Note from Pru: This was exercise related, honest, guv!)

The final event of the evening was a meeting at Vivo for Chris B to explain how we could become more involved in the running of Good Gym. There were volunteers for all areas needing extra help, from getting the word out on social media to the training of new run leaders, although prize for the keenest volunteer has to go to Gary as Entertainments Rep – I look forward to his parties!

So, a pretty busy night for my first Good Gym experience; thanks everyone for making me feel so welcome and it can’t have been that bad – I’ve signed up as a full member and I will be back for more gardening next week.

Nic Rennet

(Note from Pru: Massive Thanks to Nic for her first run report - it's a corker! Love the pun too!)