18 runners turned up to GoodGym this evening ready to get fit and do good by helping out two amazing charities!

Keen beans turned up at 6pm and the majority of people arrived at 6.15pm. We all then headed outside for our head count and to warm up! Lewis brought a friend along to GoodGym tonight which meant his dreams came true and he earned himself 1 red lace - Welcome John to the best place to be on a Tuesday evening!!

Because it's two task Tuesday we split into two groups. Mikey led one group to the Samye Foundation and Ben led the other group to Llanover Arts Centre.

Group 1 - Running to Llanover Arts Centre

Ben led the first group off to Llanover Arts Centre. The route took runners on a wonderful adventure around the streets of Pontcanna and Canton. There was a squat jump race outside Cardiff Castle that was won by Andrew - Well done dude!! After many turns and a quick check of Google maps we had arrived at the Centre.

"Welcome GoodGym to Llanover Arts Centre" John said, welcoming all the runners with a warm smile. John then told us about the wonderful centre; "Since the opening of the new building in 2000 the centre has run exciting courses in pottery, art, crafts, printmaking, textiles, computer arts and photography, dance, drama and music. Young people and adults have been able to start and develop their creativity. Under new management, the centre has been improved, new classes are being developed and work with schools and other creative partners is bringing new learners into the centre. We hope the centre will provide the public – young and old -with the access and encouragement that they need to take advantage of the opportunities the Centre provides. We will continue to provide ‘An Open Door to Arts for All’."

Inspired by all the good that goes on at the centre we couldn't wait to get stuck in. Our two tasks this week were to (1) Paint the large hall at the Arts Centre (2) Gardening tasks in the car park. The painters included: Lucy, Darren, Lowri and David. The gardeners were Lydia, Marion and Andrew.

The painters covered up all the white marks on the wall to freshen up the hall and make it look aesthetically pleasing... Matt painted his face too... unintentionally.

Lydia was in her element gardening. She was sweeping up all the Autumn leaves that had fallen from trees. Andrew and Marion cut back a tree that had become overgrown - A task made more challenging by the 2018 BMW parked next to it.

After helping out for 40 minutes we had completed the tasks. John thanked us for our efforts and we then ran back to Big Moose. On the way back we bumped into our the group that had ran to Samye. Their cheesy grins gave away the fact that they had just consumed cheesy toasties!

Group 2 - Runner to Samye Foundation Wales

Tonight 9 intrepid runners made their way to our friends at Samye, through the darkened nights and the city streets our crew ran confident and strong, As Amy commented at a point somewhat reminiscent of Madeline, as we ran in perfect pair formation. Tonight was a very social run with lots of chatting as we caught up and met new people. With traffic lights in our favour we arrived at our destination in great time, after a quick water break the clock began and it was time to put ourselves to work.

Lorraine spoke about the wonderful work they have going on at the centre, we have seen a lot of change at the Samye foundation since we began running there and tonight was time to protect the planters that we helped to place and plant. With winter looming and the weather changing it was time to ensure their longevity so that the tranquil seating areas can be enjoyed for many years to come.

Groups were sorted with Eleanor, Keira, Aimee, John and Su on planters, cutting back overgrown sweet peas to make room for other plants to grow for a last bit of colour in the garden and painting / protecting the wood planters and Owen, Lewis and Adam were to move bricks and rubble from the back garden to the front.

After 40 minutes of work we had as usual packed Lorraine’s car with plenty of things for the tip before heading in for a few treats of spinach and cheese toasties, crisps , flapjacks and some more water. Then it was time to run, but all runners had been warned – I will not be accepting moaning about running on a full stomach!

We had another quick chat about the task that we will be returning to for our ‘Spooky’ Halloween run, with some discussions about what we should dress up as. Then we set off, and as if perfectly planned, we met up with Ben’s group and had a run back as one collective.

Don't forget folks:

• Get signed up to next week's run by clicking here
• Get signed up to this Thursday's community mission by clicking here
• Get signed up to the group run in Penarth next Saturday! Click here to get signed up