8 runners ran 3.5km to help out two local organisations.

Last week’s snow felt like distant memory as we met in the now much warmer gym reception. We welcomed new runnner Rebecca and got down to the task briefing, an update on missions and the Goodgym social in Greenwich on 8th. After all the pre-amble it was time to do a warm-up outside.

Then we headed-off on a leaflet dropping detour for Crutch. Crutch is project that provides practical support for residents struggling to provide essentials for themselves and their families, such as food, clothing and shelter. Starting off from where we left off last week, the gang delivered flyers about their job fair around the neighbourhood.

2km later, it was time to divert towards Down Lane Park. We had been asked to come and help out in the garden at Cafe Connect. Upon arrival, we were directed to turning over some grass and soil make flower beds and smash up bricks to create drainage in big planters. Great tasks to keep everyone warm and work out those arms/

An serious arm workout

The brick smashing ended up being quite an intense job, so we had that job on rotation. Apparently it was great stress reliever. The last task was to collect compost from the allotment and spread it over the freshly smashed bricks.

Then is was time to down tools for a sip of orange juice and a group photo.

After the task, we had a quick fitness session in the park and then headed back via the cycle/ Strava sprint route where runners can run against their own previous times. Will it be a PB?

Once back at base we did much needed leg and arm warm down.

Happy running Haringey! It’s been fun.

PSB, OUT.

Well that was an experience. 3 amazing GoodGymer braved the snow and wind to help out two local organisations Crutch and Friends of Tottenham Green.

We started the night off with a quick briefing on the latest news and events, including the Goodgym wide social in Greenwich on 8th March.

Then we headed outside for a much needed warm-up, ready to deliver fliers for Crutch around the block. We made it most of the way up Winchelsea road before our fingers were demanding we stop and reassess the plan.

So we took our icicle fingers back to the leisure centre to pick up Chi (who was resting knackered legs after a mega 14 mile run) and headed over to the green. There we met Laura (the Chair and volunteer for Friends of Tottenham Green) - she was tucked away in the warm shed. She asked us to wash and label up all the tools with coloured tape so they could be easily identified. Whilst myself, Sarah and Chi did did that, Dave and Laura headed outside to clear the last of the burnt shed debris and sort/empty out an old dumpster.

The time whizzed by and soon it was time to say goodbye and head back to the gym. There we utilised the cafe for a little strength, cardio and technique combo session.

This week 12 GoodGym-ers ran 3km to turn turf and flyer drop.

We were joined by two GG newbies: Ky and Rebecca – give 'em a cheer!

This week we had a double task: helping Cafe Connect at the Bowling Green and flyering for Crutch Haringey's job fair. Our Crutch flyers went missing last week, so we delivered them this week instead on route to the bowling green.

We split into two teams, with Dave taking one group of flyerers one way and me taking the other another.

We met at the green, where the new flood lights turned on automatically as we walked in. Leila was there to meet us and very excitedly showed us around; there was lots of work done since we were last there.

She had lots to tell us about the bowling green's journey so far and where it was going, then she lead us outside to where we'd be turning turf. The group got to work, tools in hand, turning the grass ready for planting. Leila and her team were super excited and impressed that we managed to turn the whole section – as it means they'll be able to plant food on Saturday. They have regular Saturday gardening sessions, so we'll sort out some missions to go and help!

One of the exciting things Leila told us was that Beaver Town made beer using fruit from their allotment! You can find out more about that here.

Francis, Abi and Dave had a particularly great turning technique, thanks to there not being enough forks, which left them using the spades instead. Turns out spades turn better.

As we approached the finish line with our turf turning, Dave and Francis took some flyers to hit the last couple of streets in the block, while everyone else finished up.

Before we knew it time was up and our task was finished. We packed up our tools and heading in to say our goodbyes and wash our hands. Leila had some of the most delicious oranges cut up for us to enjoy and some lemon and mint water.

After this quick snack break it was time to head back. We said our goodbyes and made our way to the green cycle path were we sprinted with all our might to the other end. Some speedy leg work here.

We then made our way to Tottenham Green where we worked on our running technique. Tonight's focus was knee drive and active ankles. We've been focusing on this a lot lately to train and get the pattern to make it's mark in everybody's minds. We've got many years of running a different way to overwrite, so it's going to take a lot of repetition. Everybody agreed that it was a bit weird but also quite obvious how you could ran faster and easier this way and Abi requested we do more of the conditioning.

With a quick sprint finish to the end, Joe our speediest of finishers, it was time for our cool down stretches. We went inside for these, seeing as it was so cold.

Everybody then headed to Loven Presents for monthly pizza.

*This week's title comes from Dave. *

It was the night after Pancake Day and the actual day of Valentine's. Katie was covering for Pennie and she was already excited about the pun she was going to use. Upon reaching the start point, her plan was suddenly thwarted by the fact that noone could find the flyers we were meant to be delivering for the lovely Crutch Haringey. Bah!

The weather was miserable but that didn't stop five committed runners heading over to a local park and doing a pyramid hill session instead! The wind and rain gusting into the face on every uphill effort was an extra bonus.

4.8km later and we were back at base for stretches and ready to dry off. Katie used the pun anyway. Thanks for having me Haringey!