A night to remember

It was the perfect night for a perfect night. The weather was warm – but not too warm. There was a breeze but it wasn’t windy. There were two tasks AND 26 RUNNERS. And that’s when it all got really good.

Two teams, two terrific tasks

Our new task, St Matthias School, were lucky enough to have task force member and highly experienced gardener, Sarah, leading a group of 11 to a big clearing project.

Meanwhile Catherine and Roz, top London powerhouses, of the picturesque Parkview Estate had a visit from 15 runners, led by me.

We headed out pronto this evening, all arriving at our tasks shortly after 7.

The school clearing team wasted no time in sorting overgrown vines, chopping back triffid-esque weeds and tackling overhanging branches, the likes of which we rarely see. Task owner Ray was on hand with guidance, gloves and a lot of appreciation. 45 minutes later and we were looking at a garden makeover like no other. Way to go team.

Meanwhile, back at the Parkview Estate runners were dispatched onto three sites: the speed-weeders, tackled beautifully by first time runner David (sorry you ended up on such a solitary task on your first run, but kudos for those borders), pot-planters, and then the small crew of first time runners, Isabelle and Amparo no less, tasked with the overhaul of elderly resident Beryl’s garden!

It was a busy time of watering, digging, planting, weeding - and fence-jumping (Leo and David: if you fancy a career in hurdling, I hear they’re still recruiting for Tokyo 2020).

Plies, planks and playlists

And so the time passed as quickly as usual and before we knew it, it was cheerio pics, and we were speeding back down Old Ford Rd to meet the school crew in Bethnal Green Gardens.

We then blitzed tonight’s workout – a top-to-toe session including the Thai Plank, plie pulse and tripod push up. Thanks not only for motoring through tough moves with determination and top form, but also for putting up with tonight’s ropey playlist (Van Halen’s Jump – not as motivational as it sounds in 2019. Who knew).

And then we headed back to the hotel and onto the pub where a really good sized team consisting of longer standing runners and some of our newer additions all came together for a mischievous Monday pint. And a gin shot. Hic. (thank you Chi).

And so to the Monday shout out’s.

Welcome to our wonderful first time runners, David, Isabelle, and Amparo. You did SO MUCH. Thanks for your incredible contributions: for the smiles and the enthusiasm, and for being just such an asset this evening. Please do come back and run again with us very soon.

Thanks to Neil for stepping in so readily to head up the running route to our new task. Your expertise and reassurance was invaluable this evening!

Thanks to Chi, for tonight’s wonderful, wonderful pics. And for pub fun, and ‘motivational intervention’ in the park.

And a massive thanks to Sarah, without whom the St Matthias task would have been, shall we say, trickier. Who planned this week way in advance with me, and Ray our task owner. And also for some great pics.

And while we’re talking Task Force, I’d like to give a huge thanks and appreciative shout-out this week, from us all, to our wonderful task force. To Sarah for the above; to Bryon for taking the social reins and planning tonight’s pub outing, and to Kat, who we’re lucky enough to have representing us at this year’s Shindig *, and who’s currently working on an exciting addition to our summer social calendar… Watch. This. Space.

And onto next week…

Next week we’re back at wonderful Oxford House with Sarah, who’s going to be revealing the next phase of our decorating challenge with this much loved community arts centre. So don’t delay, get this in your diary quick.

Until then, have a wonderful week everyone.

* Exciting Shindig newsflash: There are now a few last minute 2019 Shindig places that have become available, so if you’re interested, contact Ed at ed@goodgym.org