15 GoodGymers were not deterred by the earlier rain and came out to dig for The Ealing Youth Engagement Programme at their allotments in West Ealing!

Two new runners were in the midst as Michael and Jennifer joined us for their first GoodGym run, big welcome! We also had Jay here for his first group run after taking part in GoodGym Ealing's Super Saturday with us at the weekend!

🎉 But the big news tonight is that it was Lauriane's 50th good deed! 🎉

^{Lauriane first joined GoodGym in April 2018 when she was looking for volunteering opportunites as a way to get to know new people and get involved with the community, she wasn't that interested in running but that all changed when she joined GoodGym. She's since gone on to run 5kms, 10kms, half marathons and triathlons! Well done Lauriane, we feel very lucky to have you!}

So about that task!

After a little warm up we all raring to go and grateful that the earlier biblical rain had passed! Given that our task tonight was digging I actually think we were all a little thankful of the earlier downpours as it certainly helped our cause! After a mile and a half we found ourselves at the allotment where Karen was ready to show us the ropes (and the spades!).

Our job was to turn over a big plot that the programme will be using to make a growing space that's more accessible for wheelchair users and people with mobility issues. The allotment works to bring different generations and those with mixed abilities together, tackling isolation through volunteering.

With the dark night now fully upon us we headtorched up and worked in a line moving backwards over the plot to cover all the ground efficiently. There were definitely patches that were tougher than others but I think we all got a pretty good upper body workout! Kudos to Shan who definitely got the raw end of the deal on his patch, he had to work twice as hard on his section as the ground was a little firmer there!

It didn't take us long to get the whole job done so then it was just a case of scrapped the mud off our shoes, packing away the tools and running back off into the night.

We finished up back at base with a quick 5 minute glute burner before some stretches and cookies to celebrate Lauriane's 50th good deed!

Don't forget this Sunday is Ealing Half Marathon, it's too late to sign up to run or volunteer but do come down and give the runners a cheer if you're around! Good luck to everyone who is running!