As the group assembled in the reception of the Aquatics centre the clouds outside were looking bleak. I’m not sure about the others but my weather app had clearly lied to me once again that evening - I’m slowly breaking up with Android, seriously. As the heavens opened for a downpour we made our way outside for a sheltered warm up under the bridge with newest recruits Colin and Peter.

Stretches and drills complete we were off to Play, Sow and Grow for some gardening. The garden really is coming alive since the last time we glimpsed it on our December winter task. We met with Candy, enthusiastic as ever she took us around the site showing us nettles that needed controlling and weeds that needed pulling around the edge of the garden to make way for sunflowers.

We split into two teams: short and long sleeves.

With our forearms protected long sleeves were on nettle duty, and short sleeves were on digging and weeding duty. The nettle team had a few extra helpers in the form of chickens who were quite content roaming amongst any patches of ground we disturbed, and kicking back some wood chip in the hunt for worms. Not going to lie, they snuck up on us like ninjas…not that I jumped or anything.

Over 40mins went by and we were able to make good inroads in the garden. But before we could leave we helped Candy round up those helpful chickens. Helen and Alice with some previous chicken handling experience made it look easy, Ros got in on the action too. The rest offered wide barrier arms and a few controlling claps as we chased them back in. I think we’ll start timing this rounding up exercise next time.

All 9 Chickens in the pen in under 60 seconds.

On our return to park we completed some out and backs along with a solid round of core work. Great work everyone, same time next week.

Don’t forget GoodGym Election Social this evening in Shoreditch. And Good Luck to all GoodGymers running in the Hackney Half. Go get it!!

Kirsty