The Marathon antics of the weekend were a bit much for the Brent group and with trainer Ellie recovering from her amazing run, guest trainer Kirsty was accompanied by just one enthusiastic runner.

Introductions and briefing complete, myself and Tess set off from Willesden Leisure Centre on a 2k route. I couldn't help but notice the contrast of running in west as opposed to east London. Wide streets, less people traffic and a general sense of calm. I could get used to this!! Newham, of course I still love you and your constant buzz.

8mins in and my sat nav buzzed in my hand to signal our arrival; upon looking up I realised it stopped a little short. Fear not! Tess had the perfect sense of direction and took us all the way to meet with Bob in Harlesden Town Gardens. Once in, Bob ushered us over to a spot of unruly ivy that needed pruning and clearing to make way for some more painting at a later date.

We tooled up, propped up our ladders and got to work cutting and hacking away and the invasive greenery. Chatting away and commenting on how therapeutic it felt Bob told us how it recently was a very different scene in the garden with an air ambulance abruptly landing just a few yards from where we were working. I pictured action movie scenes, but Bob assured us it looked like a dessert, gravel and dirt spattered all over.

Time flew and we made our way back to the centre for a cool down but not before completing a thigh and core burning partnered circuit.

Brent...it was a pleasure, keep up the good work.

Kirsty