9 runners ran 10k to help recruit new GoodGymers

So with all the best planning, unfortunately Netil House didn't get the soil delivered on time today to fill their new planters.

One of the toughest sessions to date

I decided to keep the run element of the evening, but substituted lifting soil into planters with flyering and engaging people to help recruit new GoodGymers.

It worked well, and we had one of the toughest sessions to date - 6 x 1 mile intervals at Gear 3 with 2 minute recovery in-between each mile.

The objective was to run each mile lap in roughly the same time, in total, beating your 10k personal best (PB). On each lap, runners also had to hand out a number of GoodGym flyers to passers by.

The challenge was set

I introduced the session, and 8 sets of eyes set on me in disbelief. The challenge was set.

The dynamic warm up took us round the first 1 mile lap. We paused half way, on the extended pavement outside Space Studio, for rounds of fast steps, high knees, Mexican wave burpees, walking lunges and bottom kicks to make sure we were well limbered up for the task a head. The mile culminated along the straight cycle path through London Fields, heading right at the fountain and past the railway station back to our base - Coffee Is My Cup of Tea.

Runner stepped to the line

With flyers in their hands, the eager runners stepped to the line and sped off in 3 staggered groups. On the 2nd lap, Chris and Thomas 'trotted' back in 8.28 and others came in under 9 minutes. OK for a first lap, and people started to make more natural pairings.

Then came the 3rd, 4th and 5th. Each lap got faster and sweatier. The last mile lap lasted between 6.28 and 8.12, and we engaged at least 50 people with flyers and very swift lines about what we do.

So in order of sign in, the fasted laps were Shaun (8.05), Jenny (7.21), Chris (8.12), Cat (7.46), Lauren (7.21), Thomas (6.28), Sophie (8.21) and Bailey (9.0). Cracking work (I'll get back to you all soon about who ran the most consistent intervals).

a little moment

I was left having a little moment outside the cafe when people left. Everyone had worked really hard and some had surprised themselves at what they achieved within a supportive group environment.

Planters and soil for sure next week, and maybe we'll have some newcomers too - inspired to join in.

Ade Aboaba - GoodGym Hackney Trainer