11 runners met on a lovely spring evening. The mild weather and spring sunshine had also encouraged the whole of Headingley to join us outside - although on this particular occasion I think they were more tempted by the pints , than joining us for a run!

THE RUN

After a quick warmup and finding out that pizza is collectively our favourite food (next social anyone?), we set off on our run. As Hyde Park allotments is very close to our start point, we purposefully set out in the opposite direction. We found Cumberland Road - our first strava segment - and proceeded to run up the hill as fast as we could. At a gradient of 6.4% this was no easy task, but it was tackled brilliantly by our runners! We were rewarded with a downhill section of running, before heading up an even steeper hill, with the appropriate Strava name "Banging sprint yea!!! BOOOOM!!!"We were eventually relieved to find the top of the hill and from there to Hyde Park it was a gentle downhill, which everyone was pleased about. My legs - and I imagine everyone else's legs - are certainly feeling tired this morning. Take it easy if you are running today.

Onto to the TASK Hyde Park Source is an environmental organisation that works with people to transform unused areas of the city, into productive spaces for community use. Their work is based on the principles of "connect, be active, take notice, keep learning and give" (that sounds familiar!)

This particular project at Hyde Park allotments is maintained by those recovering from mental health issues - providing a space to connect with each other, whilst learning new skills and building self-confidence.

We met the lovely Al, who explained the tasks and split us into 2 groups - one group was tasked with weeding and composting, the other was sent off on an 'unexpected journey'.

Jenny, Rachael, Tom and Carol donned hi-vis vests and went on a mission to find and retrieve pallets. It turned out to be quite a trek and another workout. These pallets were going to filled with manure, but thankfully that task will be saved for a later date.

Emma, Rob, Katie, Katie, Helen and Mary split across 3 separate plots, weeding, composting and watering so that they are ready for growing some veg. We were intrigued to find that the compost was made from wool, which is better for the environment and is completely peat-free! Egg multi-tasked brilliantly between the task and taking photos of us all.

Well done everyone - you tackled the hills brilliantly and made a great difference at the allotments. See you all next week.