With the arctic winds freezing our bodies, it was warming to find comfort inside Old Spike Roastery.

8 out of the 11 GoodGymers that came tonight met at Old Spike Roastery for the start of the group run and as 18:45 arrived, Sam delivered his typical, but "shortened" GG speech including his ice-breaker question which was a simple snap poll to determine whether people liked pineapple on their pizza or not and they also had to answer:

Since it's cold and flu-ish season, what is your go-to remedy when you are ill?

Surprisingly, hot toddy got a special mention several times as well as strong meds like Lemsip and Otrivin nose spray. We also had traditional medicines like lemon, ginger and honey.

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Thorlands Transformation

After a quick warm up outside in the alleyway, Sam led the group meeting Daryl along the way whilst Katy backmarked (both ways). We ran through the quiet backstreets of Peckham and up Grove Vale, where the incline started. After reaching the top, it was downhill to Thorlands via Denmark Hill station and King's College Hospital. We met Lindy (who brought loads of cardboard) and Clare at the task as they walked/ran from their home.

Just as we arrived, Simon came out of the darkness with his trolley and keys. We got the tools we needed from the Walled Garden before proceeding to the Forest Garden. The last two Saturdays we have been preparing for this group run - moving mulch and sawing logs - as our task for tonight was to complete the edging of garden beds in this area. Having 11 GoodGymers, we split the group with Lindy leading the pack to collect more mulch with Andrada, Isaac and Nathan going along with her. The rest of the team took on the main task of digging up a trench to put down the logs (2/3 dug in and 1/3 showing) and also continuing the woodchip path by putting down the cardboard that Lindy and Sam had brought over. This acts as an extra layer to ensure weeds do not grow through the layer of mulch, which was put down on top of the cardboard.

The result?

In 30 minutes, we transformed a part of the Forest garden to have three new growing beds and a new part of the woodchip path extended out. Thanks to Clare, Daryl, Gemma, Katy, Maria and Nelly for taking on this task and completing it on time. Of course, the mulch movers helped in creating the new woodchip path too!

Simon was super impressed and had to get in a group photo of us! He thanked us and we said our goodbyes before dashing back to Old Spike to get out of the cold. We had people tail off on the run back and ended with Daryl, Gemma, Katy, Maria and Nathan for a lovely cool down stretch!

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Thank You to all the GG-ers

A personal thanks from me to all those who came out last night! It was another cold one, but the run (and cool down) kept us warm. Simon is grateful for our time and effort to complete the task within 30 minutes. Thank you to Katy for backmarking and thank you to all for consistently coming to these group runs - it means a lot for me. Next week: Galleywall Nature Reserve.