With Paul still away, Frances took charge of GoodGym Camden this week, taking half the group to our regular task at Cecil Sharp House, where we helped Susannah keep the garden clean and tidy, sweeping up all the leaves that had been deposited by our recent erratic weather. Not a big deal for us, but a big help for Susannah and this Camden cultural landmark!

Mission accomplished, we departed to Primrose Hill, where we did a fun/awful interval session depending on your point of view. We split into pairs and ran laps of the park – starting off jogging, but turning up the speed once we met our partner. Next time we met them we slowed down to a jog again, repeating this and alternating speeds until everyone was nicely exhausted, ready for a gentle jog back. With an odd number, Steve Moody volunteered to run up Primrose Hill instead, before he and the other Steve kindly took on backmarking duties.

Meanwhile, GoodGym veteran Sophie led a group to St Mary’s flats, another of our great regular haunts, where we helped out with various gardening tasks for the residents. They were met by Jon, who gave them the lowdown. The flats provide social housing and some interesting architecture, including a circle of bird statues in the court yard. But the front garden was looking a little bare, so John set six artistic GoodGymmers the task of doing some creative planting to make it look a bit prettier. The other four went round the back to do some weeding, under the watchful eyes of some residents concerned for the safety of their marrows. Gardening finished, the group headed to Granary Square , where they pushed the pace with a progression run over three laps. Job done!

We clearly timed it well, as both groups arrived back at almost the same time, ready for a stretch, and a quick drink at the Somers Town for those that fancied it.