Can you think of a better way of attacking that mid-week hump than putting on your running shoes, meeting up with a great group of people, and doing some good for your community? It’s a trick question – there is no better way. That’s why six GoodGymers gathered last night at Chiswick’s lovely Town Hall to do just that.

As well as ace regulars Andy and Lily, we met fabulous new runners Alex, Toni and Karolina – give them a cheer!

After a few warm ups we set off for Ealing Road Baptist Church, just under two miles away. We took it nice and steady, despite, as Toni put it, some GoodGym groupies offering us ‘encouragement’ along the way. After a few minutes running, which we all agreed felt much shorter than it actually was, we arrived at the church. This is an organisation that GoodGym helps out with regularly. There are plenty of jobs to be done because every week the minister, Roger, opens up the building to a group of homeless people. He feeds them some lovely food, having formerly worked as a chef, and gives them a warm place to wash and sleep.

Our first job was bringing down the mattresses to the main hall, along with bedding. We got a nice rhythm going, with Alex heaving out the mattresses from the attic room while Andy hefted them into the hall ready for the guests. Meanwhile Karolina, Toni and Lily were doing a fine job painstakingly sticking floor-protecting stickers to the bottom of all the chairs’ legs. Did anybody keep count of how many stickers were stuck?

It was on to a spring clean of the kitchen and a collection of all the expired food that had been donated previously to the food bank. If anybody knows of any needy recipients of the food the Church has to offer then please get in touch!

Just as the rain started we set off for our run back, but as we all agreed (persuaded ourselves) it really is quite nice running in a little drizzle – and we’re made of sterner stuff anyway. With Andy and Alex leading the way, we were soon back at Turnham Green, ready for a little fitness session to round of the night. After all, no Wednesday evening is complete without a few circuits. So, gradually getting muddier and wetter, we smashed out a round of sprints, burpees, planks, power lunges, and squat holds. All that was left to do was stretch it out and head for the warmth of the town hall. Well done team, you were brilliant. Not only did you nail a good run plus tough fitness session, but you made a real difference to a community organisation last night. Same again next week? You can sign up here! https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/doing-good-for-chiswick