29 GoodGymers ran 5km, learnt some running fundamentals and helped garden at Cecil Sharp House

In the news this week we talked about how we are taking part in Regents Park 10km on Sunday 7th August, I've heard Jess is thinking of a post-race picnic!

Our key 'Running Fundamental' of the night to focus on was posture, this is incredibly important when you are running on flat roads, uphill, on woodland trails and really everywhere in life! Having a straight back helps you run more efficiently and engage your core more, this is especially important when you are tired.

The task this week was at Cecil Sharp House, the home of English folk music, to help keep the garden areas clear and tidy.

Task Report written by Steve Lee:

Once everybody arrived at Cecil Sharp House, the tasks were announced and distributed with the faint sounds of violin and singing practice flowing from the building. Lovely!

While half the group headed for some running technique drills up and down Primrose Hill for half the session with Paul, the rest got to task, switching when the Primrose Hillers returned primrosy-cheeked and, er, hillier.

Primrosy-cheeked

The lawn needed raking and clearing, and the neat flowerbeds needed to have leaves plucked out of them, while another task group got to wield brooms and some quite exciting wiry-brushy-grouty-stick-things to clear the paths with.

wiry-brushy-grouty-stick-things

The gardens were left looking immaculate, which makes all the difference as it's wedding season; when this lovely institution can rely on some extra income by hosting nuptials to keep it ticking over.

Hill Training Fundamental Details:

Last night we learnt how to run up and down hill, most of us know how to swim, read, write, walk and a host of other functions because we were taught BUT most of us were never taught how to run properly and efficiently.

Running Up Hill - straight back (posture), lifting your legs higher (knees) and socket to pocket (arms)

Running Down Hill - leaning forward (posture), landing on the front of your feet (feet landing) and having your arms out to the side to balance.

Everyone did fantastic learning each of these fundamentals and combining them all to race up Primrose Hill!

Well done everyone, what a lovely evening with you all.

Next week we'll be heading to Terrence Higgins Trust to pack 2000 condoms for their summer outreach events, sign up here.

PB out.