36 runners split into two teams. Both ran 6k, one shifted 7 tons of woodchip, the other split logged, wheelbarrowed compost and aerated an entire field.

Rosalind Jeffcoat writes:

I think my rather over-exuberant Facebook post last night says it all, really:

“Best gym session EVER - tonight I split logs with an axe, moved a log pile, cuddled a baby goat and kitten, helped a city farm and bumped into a lost-lost uni friend. Oh, and ran 6km. Love GoodGym.”

I have only recently started running with GoodGym - attracted by the idea of being able to help out in my local community and meet some new, like-minded people whilst also getting slightly fitter in the process. Last night’s tasks had all that in spades. (Forgive the pun.)

"I needn't have worried"

It’s probably fair to say that I was a little nervous before taking the plunge on my first group run; apprehensive that I might not be able to keep up and that I would slow people down. But I needn’t have worried. On all the runs that I’ve been on so far, including last night’s, the runners tend to split naturally amongst themselves between one fast, one medium, and one more leisurely pace - so there’s something for everyone.

In fact, last night there were two tasks for our group run – broadly split between those that fancied more of a challenge from their evening run and those that were up for taking it slightly easier. The first involved running a short distance to move woodchip piles for Hollybush Estate just round the corner, followed by a 7km run to really stretch the legs afterwards. The second involved a 6km total run (3km there and 3km back) to Stepney City Farm – a straightforward route down Cambridge Heath Road, along Mile End Road, and down Stepney Green to the farm.

"Very Rocky IV"

As a relatively new runner in the group, I chose the second option as I’m still a little unsure of my fitness level and liked the idea of being able to split the distance. That said, as soon as Mark told us that we might be able to meet the farm’s new-born baby goats while we were there, we definitely all ran slightly faster to get there!

While at the farm, we got straight to work shifting logs, spreading compost and aerating the soil for the farm. Some of us even got the chance to gain some serious ‘man points’ by trying our hand at splitting logs with axes and mallets. It was all very Rocky IV.

And our efforts didn’t go unrewarded: at the end of it all, we were delighted to be able to get the chance to meet and cuddle the farm’s new baby goats. It more than put a spring in our step for the run home!