Tonight we ran between between 4 and 5km to help at the Saffron Centre in Queen’s Gardens

Autumn has definitely arrived and it was almost dark when we left Solutions to head towards our task. Between us though we had a fine array of head torches and reflective clothing. Rachel found a bargain head torch at Poundland so I’m guessing there will be a few of us heading down there over the weekend.

It wasn’t far to the Saffron Centre to meet up with Ally and his little helper. He told us a little about the venture itself and then we got down to work. If you want to find out more then visit their Facebook page. One of our tasks was to empty trays and trays of pots and sieve the earth to retrieve the corms (crocus bulbs) so they could be planted in the next week or so. Some of the group also helped move pots of herbs around the site where they would be planted properly later. All round the site were murals painted by visitors and also a board to record the names of people who’d come to the Saffron Centre. A few of us were stumped when we went to sign the board and were also asked to write which ward we lived in – there was a lot of head scratching! Maybe that can be this week’s homework! Before we left Ally told us about another gardening day this Saturday where everybody is welcome to help plant as many corms as possible. So even if you’ve only got a couple of hours you’d be made very welcome.

As it wasn’t a long run to the task we took a long detour back – longer than expected for some as they were accidently sent down a cul-de-sac – sorry guys! At the end of the run we focused on improving our accelerating to help us overtake in runs and go for that sprint finish in races. We concentrated on staying tall, driving the elbows back and picking up knees more. Some impressive turns of speed out there.

Don’t forget our social on Friday 7th of October at SmoothBean – an evening of jazz, cheese and wine – there’ll be more in an email being sent out soon.

There’s also the Croydon 10k on Sunday 9th of October. I think a few may have signed up and I’ll be marshalling so let me know and I can give you a big GoodGym cheer.

Next week’s original task has had to be postponed to the spring due to a lack of electricity and light at the venue but there will be an alternative task so please sign up as usual.