Eleven excellent GoodGymmers ran 1 km to Change, Grow, Live to help transform their garden.

Meeting at Mirth, Marvel and Maud we were joined by Ercole, who was 'fresh' from a recent 100 mile race in the Lake district (seriously give him a cheer) and Kevin, joining us for his second good deed. Welcome!

We had a short run today, so after a very quick warm up we headed straight off with Ramon back marking. Arriving in no time at all, and after a little confusion finding the right entrance, we found our way into the garden and grabbed some tools. As expected, the garden was extremely dried out and largely dead, but was in serious need of some tlc.

The team got to work raking, chopping and weeding to cut back and clear as much of the dead plants and weeds as possible. The team made rapid progress and quickly filled an enormous sack with green (brown) waste. The garden was already looking tidier, although we realised that we were kicking up a LOT of dust. We piled up more waste next to our full bag, before a passer by offered to donate an unused compost bin from her house. Kevin and Chi dashed off to collect it (it turns out the house was not exactly 'around the corner') and brought it back. We quickly finished off the bits we were working on and filled the compost bin to the top. Time for a quick team photo and then we were off.

As it was such a short run, we decided on a mixed fitness session in nearby Lloyd Park - running drills with a mix of pace, squats, arm drills and calf raises - and Chi's signature 'abs on tour' session to work our cores. It was hot hard work but I think I convinced everyone they will be stronger runners as a result. Right? Good work team.

Fitness session done, we had a nice relaxed run back to base for stretches. Thanks for having me Waltham Forest - hope to see you all again soon.

D