We have now sprung into spring- Holla Holla! Temperatures are rising and we can finally ditch the 20 layers and 5 pairs of underwear (or is that just me?). The seasonal runners will soon be out of hibernation and joining in the weekly antics of GoodGym. I will soon be wearing shades, factor 15 suncream and money in my backpack to have a cheeky ice cream whilst out running.

The evening run started with the headcount and shouting out what your favourite thing is about Cardiff, with some runners saying it was Ben (The trainer of GoodGym Cardiff) – these sort of comments, although welcomed, do not get you out of doing sprint drills! Ewan also got a MASSIVE welcome, he was joining us for his first ever run with GoodGym - What an ABSOLUTE legend!. We also highlighted that it was Rachael's final run with GG Cardiff before she moves to London, sad :(, but we wish you good luck!

Choose your pace

We ran to the Global Gardens Project in two groups; Mikey led the SEXY runners and Ben led the speedy runners. On the way there we squatted, planked and used curbs to do step ups. The speedy runners got to hear Ben and Lewis’ duet of Gold by Spandau Ballet. Did you know that they actually both like to sing this song on Karaoke? – That’s something to look forward to at the next Christmas do!

Poppy we are here!!

This evening's task took us to the Global Gardens Project. The Global Gardens project is a fantastic organisation, run by Poppy Nicolls, which aims to create a growing space that supports community-based sharing of food and cultures.

GoodGym, here are your tasks:

Poppy challenged us to move soil into wheelbarrows and then spread it onto 4 separate garden beds. She also challenged us to arrange gardening boots into their pairs and hang them up in their respective numbers(They all had their own number), dig trenches around the new shed, pick up litter and finally clean the gardening tools after with water and oil.

Here are some of the antics:

• Lucy and Fliss were playing Boot Bingo whilst sorting the boots.

• Ewan was emersing himself into the task, arming himself with garden fork to move and turn soil.

• Lowri, Lydia and Rachael were all picking up litter and they managed to full a HUGE bag with litter.

• Mikey, Martin, Darren, Ellen and Aimee were all digging trenches. Ellen even found a lucky horseshoe… If she wins the lottery she will share the winnings with us all! 😊

• Jess, Sue, Emma, Rachael, Welsh Dave and Sue were all digging up soil, putting it into wheelbarrows and moving it to the garden beds. Sue requested a photo of herself doing the task, because the photos are always taken so well...!

SO MUCH GOT DONE

In just 30 minutes runners had managed to make a massive difference to the allotment, and this was in spite of the lack of natural light. Poppy was thrilled and she thanked everyone for their marvelous efforts... if it wasn't for everyone's muddy hands I'm sure she would have given everyone high 5's!

NEW GAME ALERT – Are you a lyrical genius

Ben introduced a new game to runners. He quoted them words from a song and runners had to guess the song and sing it. Give it a go… here are the lyrics…

To get away from your parents, You look so proud, Standing there with a frown and a cigarette, Posting pictures of yourself on the internet

Post your answer in the comments below and then click the lyrics for the answer.

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Time was up – Unfortunately! We absolutely love helping out Poppy at her allotment. She is so passionate about helping the community and we are really pleased to be able to help.

Now time to run back

We ran back via a route which is the final mile of the Cardiff Half Marathon. We also did sprint interval drills on the way back which were FUN FUN FUN! (Subject to opinion... but nobody complained :)... or their shortness of breath meant they weren't able to - I'll take it as a compliment though!)

When we arrived back we warmed down and said our goodbyes to Rachael Kretsis, who will be moving to London for pastures new. She will be sorely missed and I speak on behalf of everyone at GoodGym Cardiff when I say it has been a pleasure running with you.

Well done to The Razzle Dazzle Machine who receives the RunPunStiltSkin award this week!!! (He came up with the title of the run report.)

Do you think your charity/community project could benefit from a group of runners running to help out? Email us: Bena@GoodGym.org or complete the following form: https://goo.gl/forms/cge2OGtgsVJgGjAA2