With spring in the air, this week saw the Hackney GoodGym runners set off to help clear a Rectory Road Community Allotment. The distance for our run was 6km and would take us past some of the scenic area of Hackney (yes they do exist).

We set off from our meeting point 'Coffee Is My Cup if Tea', at a spritely pace. The running conditions were perfect with a high sun and a cool light breeze. The route to Rectory Road was slightly uphill and saw us cutting through Hackney Downs Park, one of the more underrated Hackney parks in my opinion.

"Hackney Downs Park, one of the more underrated Hackney parks in my opinion."

When we arrived at the allotment it was clear there was lots of work to be done. We quickly reminded ourselves that forking our co-runners in the foot would not be a good idea then set to digging. I found digging to be a fantastic full body workout and it was fun. Whilst working hard, we were happily chatting throughout. And when it was time for us to leave, I was amazed with how much we had cleared in such a short time.

"I found digging to be a fantastic full body workout"

Feeling nimble and happy with our gardening achievements we set off home. It felt like we were taking the run back at a decent pace. The sense of having done such a good deed made the run literally fly by. We were back at our meeting point in no time at all.

As we were warming down, with some of Ade's amazing stretches, I couldn't help but daydream about what tasty vegetables the community of Rectory Road will be growing this summer on their newly cleared land.

I am looking forward to the next run already.

• Damien Clarkson