This week five GoodGym runners met up and did some night gardening in a roundabout in Wanstead. And ran 4.3km. It was crazy but it was FUN.

You heard it hear first. Night garden is going to be B-I-G in 2017. When it’s an Olympic Sport and Team GB rule the gardens – you can look back and see where it started. Maybe they’ll erect a statue in memory of Redbridge Trainer, James, in the roundabout where it all began. OK. Maybe not.

We did have a great time though. After the usual briefing and a short discussion about Mental Health day we met with the lovely Marion from Wanstead Community Gardeners. The evening’s task was to dig over the soil on the roundabout garden opposite the George pub – a space that has been neglected by the local council and taken over by Wanstead Community Gardeners.

After a short walk to the roundabout and a few minutes collected hand tools and gloves we set to work. With the lack of rain, the ground was super hard but with some sweat (and a few tears) we got to work planting 15 different plants that will grow to provide well need cover for the ugly roundabout. It was hard sweaty work but within 45 minutes all the plants were in the ground and Marion was beaming. We can’t wait to see the fruits of our effort over the coming weeks and months.

With the task done, the group headed out for a 4km run around the streets of Wanstead and Snaresbrook. A great start to the week and a perfect chance to unwind from the stresses of a busy day in the office. It’s good to #RunAndTalk!

Next week we head to the streets to promote the ‘Active Together’ project. You can find more details and sign up here. Hope lots of you can join us.