This was going to be a big one - my first encounter with Himalayan Balsam. Legendary within the GoodGym community. The mother of all weeds, only out gunned by the dreaded Japanese Knotweed. And cunningly keeping as its bedfellow that classic British summer pest, The Stinging Nettle. Oh yes, this task was not for the fainthearted.

Six GoodGymers rose to the Bank Holiday challenge with Giulia joining us for the first time (whoop!) and Olivia, the new trainer for Ealing, dropping in too. Our intrepid band of runners set off out of Richmond sporting long leggings (we were ready for those nettles!) and a pair of gardening gloves. Mark introduced us to the concept of a loop-back route (otherwise known as missing the turning or getting a bit lost) and then, having sneaked on this bit of extra distance, sent us up a long, slow, let’s call it punishing hill. Of course, it might not have seemed so punishing if we weren’t wearing winter running attire in the middle of high humidity. Then down the hill, through some mud and past the cows to the banks of the Thames. At the end of this sweat-fest, Mark was diplomatic enough to describe us as having nothing more than a healthy glow (panting, beetroot and sweating like a banshee, except for Olivia who still looked fresh as a daisy).

And there it was – Himalayan Balsam - tall, abundant, and surrounded by stinging nettles.

Bring. It. On.

With the high tide and recent rainfall, Richmond’s riverside was looking a lot like a mangrove swamp. Undeterred, we battled our way through the nettles, squelched through the water laden undergrowth, braved slugs the size of your fist and got stuck in. Oh, how satisfying it was pulling up this gigantic weed. Next time, though, we’re bringing gum boots, mozzie repellent and some industrial overalls. Operation Himalayan – it’s not over…

Great run report, thank you Elaine (note photos are landscape)

A couple of announcements, I have been invited to an afternoon tea party for The Vineyard Community Centre to celebrate their fifth year since opening. It is on Friday 16th June from 3 to 5pm. I am unsure if I can attend but would be more than happy to have one of our regular GG runners enjoy the afternoon instead of me, let me know if you are interested.

Also there is a GoodGym shindig for the 21st -23rd of July. It will be at Ilam Hall at the South of the Peak district. The event will be a mixture of sessions helping to plan and develop the future of GoodGym, sharing plans and learning from each other with some running, eating and celebrating. It will start on the evening of the 21st and run until lunch on Sunday. There is space for 84 people. To make sure that all GoodGym areas are represented there will be 2-3 places per GoodGym area available. GoodGym will cover the cost of accommodation and food and everyone should arrange their own transport. I will be unable to attend so let me know if you would like to go, first come, first serve.