This evening we ran between 7 and 8km to help an amazing community gardening project

After last weeks cold and soggy run I was a little bit worried that last week’s new runners might not reappear – but they did and still looked keen so welcome back ladies. Altogether 15 runners turned up tonight for a route that was longer than our normal runs but there was no whining and off we headed towards to towers of Ikea along the Purley Way. Every time I’ve visited Ikea it has seemed so far away but I think that’s the traffic and the dread of getting lost in there. We found the most direct route through an industrial area so not very scenic but it was dark anyway so we didn’t miss much. Once we had Ikea in our sights we swung into a local housing estate and up towards an area across from the Peppermint Children’s Centre. Here we met “Unique Roots” Pamela and her family and a local friend who’d turned out to help too.

As a community this area is a bit isolated and Pamela wanted to bring the residents together and encourage them to use the green space available to them and also to learn to grow their own veg and flowers. There were around 6-8 beds which we weeded and dug over and also harvested – a red cabbage, cauliflowers, potatoes and herbs were picked. Then the runners planted some flowers and herbs into the freshly prepared beds. There was even a large green plant (no idea what it was) that Pam had rescued from the dump where it was being thrown out. I’m sure it’ll be very happy here.

With it being a longer run the fitness session was mainly the runners at the front looping back and having the opportunity to stretch their legs while helping keep the group together. Thank you to Andy and Rachel who helped lead tonight.

There were a few new faces today so welcome to Tom, Louise, Siobhan and Holly - you all did fantastically so hope to see you back soon.

Next week we are heading out around Croydon to help Evolve promote their Christmas drive for donations for Christmas gift bags for their residents.