A perfect 10 runners and an ace brace of cyclists made up this weeks not-so-dirty dozen to cover 8 km on a return to the Northern Slopes to continue the tidy up by Novers Hill

An almost spring-like morning greeted us as we met up at Roll For The Soul for another GoodGym Saturday run. Having been to Novers Hill just a few weeks before we knew what was in store for us today – lots of litter and a bramble onslaught – so preparation was key!

Warming up with a bit of light jogging on the spot, step climbing, squats and leg swings and a team talk focusing on the dangers of today’s opposition, it was then on with the game faces and down to business.

A steady run out along the Malago Greenway, saw us arrive in good time, with this weeks “Rocky” title going to Paul R as he flew up the steps to Novers Hill, cheered on by an adoring crowd – well, Matt and Paul B, to be precise!

Julia, our brilliant host today and Queen of the Northern Slopes Initiative, greeted us and armed us with our weapons of choice for today’s bout and outlined the challenge that lay ahead. Not only would we be clearing more litter from around the Novers Steps and taming the brutal brambles that had once threatened to overrun the whole of the Northern Slopes kingdom, but we would also need to take care to avoid the landmines that had been planted in our way in the form of piles of dog poo!

Fi and Deb opted for the heavy artillery in the form of Austrian Scythes, the sort of tool that the Grim Reaper would be pretty chuffed to own, and learnt all about the ergonomics and rhythm required to master the art of scything (scythery?).

Meanwhile, Darren and Sarah, clearly wanting to demonstrate their brute strength, selected slashers to lead the assault on the massive bramble forest that lay ahead, and seeking revenge for the injuries caused to Rich B by our foe a few weeks earlier. In fairness, I think that Darren was just trying to prove that he could slash in a relatively straight line!

Next our cunning quintet of Matt, Paul B, Will, Nick and Caroline took on the task of leading an initial foray with loppers deliver a few low blows to the prickly enemy and weaken it’s resistance.

I had the privilege of sweeping up the carnage caused by our whirlwind of winners with a double weapon of rake and pitchfork.

Whilst the main assault was going on, Paul R and Mark led an expedition down the flank, with litter pickers and rubbish bags at the ready, clearing the steps of all manner of evil debris.

An hour later and glory was ours and we celebrated our victory with mugs of mead and fistfuls of hog roast (oh sorry, no that was tea, coffee and biscuits). It had taken a little longer than planned, but we were all in one piece!

With a bye and thanks to Julia, we were back on our way home, with a spring in our step and stories of the battle to share.

Great running today by everyone, and a great victory on the slope! Nice one all!

Here’s to our next adventure!

Cheers!

Dave

21 fabulous runners braved the cold to run 3 km to help The Friends Of Brandon Hill tidy up an area following a fallen tree

Firstly, for the run pun, work with Ritchie Valens's "La Bamba"!

Boy it was cold out there today! One of those days when you might be excused for staying in bed or opting for a bit of sofa time! So how come we recorded one of our best turnouts for a GoodGym Bristol Saturday run?

Maybe it was a sense of adventure at the sight of a sprinkling of snow outside? Perhaps it was the knowledge that today's run was a short one to one of the most beautiful areas in central Bristol? Or was it just another great opportunity to get out and do some good with like-minded people in the local community? For sure, the postponement of the planned cycle ride to Oxford saw some opt for a Plan B on the hill, but whatever the reason it was simply brilliant see so many of you getting fit by doing good this morning.

Today's task was arranged and superbly organised by fellow GoodGymmer, Fraser, who, on our arrival at Brandon Hill led us up the climb to the equipment shed area to outline today's task. Next to the shed was a large area covered by leaves, twigs, branches and sections of tree trunk and our job was to move this to a storage area around 30 yards away.

Given our large number and the potential hazard of crashing into each other with arms laden with bits of tree, thorns and another GoodGym favourite, brambles, Fraser had cunningly planned a course that involved carrying bits of the tree to the storage area, carefully filling from back to front and then running around the other side of the equipment shed back to the start.

Not only did this provide a good exercise session, it had the added benefit of keeping everyone warm during the task.

The pile that we had to move was huge, just as well we had a shorter run to allow sufficient time to get the job done! As the larger branches were transported, the lower, heavier layer of mulch beneath revealed itself, so out came the forks, rakes and garden sacks to continue the clearance. With Gary organising the pile in the storage area and getting absolutely filthy in the process, and some classy chain forking going on back at the tidy up area, we were moving like a finely tuned machine.

However, it was one of those tasks that just kept giving and there were doubts that we would get the job done in time, but with time running out, Fraser's announcement of "5 minutes of humphing left!" was met not only with a few raised eyebrows, smirks and titters (and in Deb's case, thoughts of Brad Pitt for the second time this week and in Paul's case "what are the other 4 minutes for?"), but with renewed vigour for the final, er....push!

By the time we had finished, the two areas were transformed - a tidy, clear area where the previously buried bushes could once again thrive and a tidy full storage area. Yes, we were a little cold, yes, we were very dirty, but man, we were happy!

A short descent back to base for stretches, warmth and food - great to see so many of you staying behind to eat and chat.

A big welcome to Mark who was joining us for the first time today - I think you were second filthiest today Mark, well done for getting stuck in and hope you enjoyed your first GoodGym experience.

Also, welcome back to Sally, Charlene and Cathy coming along for their second runs and also Richard G, back from a rather nasty shoulder injury.

And a big shout out to Charlene, who not only came up with her first pun for today's run (and for giving me the opportunity to work "Falafel" into it!) was also brave enough to sing it to us - well done Charlene and to everyone who came along today. I don't mind admitting that I was struggling this morning and you guys really lifted my mood today - but then you always do! Thank you for being awesome.

Till next time!

Dave