15 Camden GoodGym runners ran just over 2.5k up (literally) to Waterlow Park in Highgate to help rake, weed and trim at the Waterlow Community Kitchen Garden.

On our last run from the Kentish Town Community we made the relatively short trek up up to Highgate...I say relatively short but it was a toughie as most of the journey was spent running uphill. We all stuck together- powering up Dartmouth Park Hill (special mention to Freya and her boundless energy) and into the park. Catharine the project co-ordinator was there to meet us with a glass of water and a stack of shears.

Beautiful growing space for schools and community groups

Waterlow Kitchen Garden is an amazing place where a number of schools and community groups are able to plant and grow produce. The Schools are about to return in September so it was great that we could come and help get the area ready for their arrival. We were tasked with chopping back the hedgerow, weeding around the beds and raking the pathways.

Digestive Biscuits and Dark Choc Kit-Kats

Fuelled with Digestives and Dark Choc Kit Kats we set about our jobs. Alex, Lauren, Jaydene, Kate and Rebecca were let loose on the hedgerows, while everyone else grabbed a tool and got to work on the weeding. Mairi, Heather and Louise plumped for the 'close to the ground, face in the foliage' job while the 'brawn' Chris, Elena, Anthansious, and Jo forked, trowelled and pulled until we cleared the weeds around the beds.

Disgusting Hill Sprints

At 8pm the park warden rang his bell to close the park sparking a mad dash for the exit (after we had put away the tools of course). We took a de-tour through the park, racing the warden to the gate to avoid being locked in for the night. We found ourselves at Swains Lane- one of the most iconic/ disgustingly steep hills in North London. It would have been rude for the team not to run a few hill sprints....so we did. We focused on our hill running technique- driving our knees and pumping our arms to dictate the speed of our legs. It was a brilliant effort- particularly from Heather, who had never properly run before. 6k and a Swains Lane hill climb is pretty impressive work- nice one! We then drifted back to the centre at our own pace arriving back at 8.30pm on the dot. Great work everyone.