Lots of lovely news to start our run this Wednesday, so here goes:

Next week's is our excellent Tatty's last week. So in true GoodGym Hounslow fashion, it's pubtime after the run to wave her off. Sniff.

Well done to Jen who smashed her very first 10k race - nice running!

We have our monthly GoodGym social next Thursday in Islington - come along for fun, frolics, puns and GoodGym Hounslow potentially being the last ones standing. We have a reputation to uphold, after all.

Next Monday we're having a cakey run at GoodGym Wandsworth to raise money for a cancer support centre. Come along with your pennies to eat nice things and do good.

We were down to earth

It was our second week back to Cultivate London, an organisation based across multiple derelict sites in West London that train unemployed young people in landscape gardening and horticulture, and work to engage the community in food growing. They aim to have a long term impact on the lives of young people and change the way Londoners think about their fresh produce and where it comes from.

But first a warm up, featuring the confusing 'switch' jumping move, and a discussion on the best things about Autumn. We like crunchy leaves, warm pubs, beautiful sunsets, stunning colours, and it not being so darn hot.

After a nice run half way we were stopped in our do-gooding tracks by that blimmin' train, but we filled the time by discussing running technique, doing a squat challenge and being stared at by people on the waiting bus.

Eventually we made it, finished the run with a sprint, and got stuck in to the list of jobs waiting for us. They included filling more sacks with compost, loading up the van, and shifting bags of pots. 40 minutes of hard work later, we were done and had a thank you from Rosie who pointed out that it would have taken her a whole day to do it. We'll be back to smash up some pallets and other fun jobs soon!

After a nice steady run back, unhampered by trains, we set about doing our tough fitness session. We divided up into pairs and smashed out a nice circuit of the park running at either steady pace or 80%, high fiving our partner and switching pace. We then did a series of strength exercises, before doing a minute's plank, and taking on the pace challenge again. Really great effort from everybody tonight, give yourself a pat on the back.

Next week we are going back Ealing Rd church, a community hub we haven't been since the spring, to help out with some jobs at at this foodbank and homeless shelter run by the pastor Roger. Sign up here for all the details!