Well that was a tough workout! 4.5 miles of plogging in the sunshine around the beautiful country lanes of Ambaston, Shardlow and Thulston.

In the first mile I'd filled a bin bag full of lager cans (I didn't get invited to that party!) and I rattled along the lane, chatting to walkers and cyclists as I attempted to jog with the ever increasing weight. Relieved when I arrived at the first bin to drop off my bag, I set off again for the last couple of miles ... little did I know this would be where the worst rubbish lay, mostly deep in hedges and just out of reach. I quickly filled another bag and continued on my ungainly can-rattly jog, and came across an area too messy for a lone GoodGymer. I've reported the fly tipping to the Council and hope they have something a little stronger than my litter picker and skinny arms!

One more bag filled but no bins in sight, so for the last 2 miles I ran/walked (ok mostly walked) with a heavy and full binbag in each hand and a littler picker tucked under my arm, drawing lots of attention and waves of thanks from passing cars and lorries. I've never been so happy to see a bin as I arrived back in Thulston to drop of my rubbish!

There's a lot of litter still out there, but I feel like I've made a start, and perhaps made an impression on those who cheered me on ... "well done me duck!"