On a rather cold and windy night (thanks Storm Freya) seven of Goodgym's most hardy runners met to bag top soil and do a 7km Fartlek session on George Green!

We haven't had any brand-spankin-new members join us in a while, so it was great to meet Muhsin who has recently signed up to Goodgym. One of the toughest things is that first GG run, when you dont know fast it will be, whether anyone will like you and will you get left behind. We get it, it's a bit scary. BUT the best part is that everyone is always welcome and once you step through the door, you are part of the family. So, if you are reading this and are a bit worried, don't be. We cater for all abilities and paces and we are undoubtedly one of the friendliest running groups around!

The evening's task was to decant some top soil from a one tonne sack that has been delivered to the Corner House on Wanstead High Street. Our friends at Wanstead Community Gardeners are using the to top up flower beds but its hard to transport and needs our muscles to put it in smaller bags. Armed with shovels and soil bags the team soon set to work and in no time they were done.

With the task done in double quick time, all that was left was a warm up run and a Fartlek session on George Green. In the winter months we don't venture too far from base, instead preferring the field outside our meeting point for tough run-based fitness sessions. Last night's was a particular favourite - High Five Fartlek - a session where we alternate between fast and slow running when you see (and high five) you partner. 20 minutes of work like that is surprisingly tough but can be a great way give your run training a kick in the pants.

Next week, we are building bug hotels in aid of the WWF Earth Hour initiative. Its going to be a super fun task so sign up and get involved. Link is on the right with more details!