Another Wednesday in the heatwave. We welcomed three new faces to the crew, Chloe, Russel and Nacho. The muscular crossfit trio were a fine addition to our arsenal, physically and vibe wise. We discussed "if you could either fly or be invisible, which one would you pick?" Almost a unanimous decision on flying, nip back to NZ, go travelling etc. Some token invisibility answers in there too, but it would be a power hard not to abuse. In hindsight it's interesting to hear that no one would fight crime or save the world "I could shave 20mins getting to work" is more the response! Here's the light-hearted podcast I listened to on it.

Team bolstered by three at Nomadic Gardens, we couldn't find Jimmy but Sharon (not ours for once), came to the rescue. She instructed us to move about forty tires... clearly after seeing the crossfitters. Then lay some mulch down and get some plants in the ground. Considering we only started at 730pm after waiting around I think that's a very respectable half hour of volunteering. Top work one and all.

A chosen few executed a 'sandwhich session' on the way back, a mixture of grumbles and excitement preceded the interval, but when the whistle went you lot flew. I like these sessions as they hold you accountable, in order to nail that last rep you need to exercise pace management early on. Everyone smashed it, showcasing a well executed speed interval for east London onlookers.

Next week Abbey Gardens need our help, sign up here to help this gem of community garden.

Till then,

B

Had the pleasure of meeting new Kiwi addition yesterday, Becky. We discussed "what technology perplexes you the most?". This elicited the second time in 7 days an Air Fryer has been the answer to an RWQ. The new super telescope, The James Webb Space Telescope, as it's known, perhaps more impressive than an air fryer, depends on who's cooking I guess. Office formatting causing confusing woes for Hils, whilst I can't wrap my head around how a camera captures a moment in time, I get it, but I don't, you know?

We nipped past The Hammer's fans, swerving low under the bridge as they swaggered above, meeting the other four at Nomadic Gardens. A brief panic due to locked doors was remedied by a foot up over the fencing and an "alright mate", Oscar responded promptly to the floating head - and we were in.

A woodchip wonderland ahead of us, but it doesn't spread itself now does it. Our octet shovelled and spread the new smoky wood towards the area leading up to the saunas, discussing gentrified sarnie prices, european mountain ranges, marathon ballots, cryotherapy and much more. Might I add, a very satisfying task, I'm a big fan of simple tasks that need team-work and grunt, that's exactly what yesterday was.

Next week we head to The Up Garden, sign up here for some midweek action.

Have a glorious week, in spite of that befuddling tech.

Till then,

B

Tonights run was the first of few Brahma free runs for the team as he takes some time of following the birth of his son......Congratulations to Brahma and Dev

Hilary had a plan for a new route....taking us through the Olympic Park.

Rosa,Louise,Miriam who joined us for her first session for a couple of years,it was great to have her back and Sarah met us at the gardens where we were all greeted by Jim.

We split into two groups

They are in the process of installing a sauna and plunge pool so need wood chip moving to make the walk way more user friendly was the job for group one. Were we moved over 100 wheelbarrows of wood chip.

Group two had the task of adding steps to one of the earth mounds.

The Lighthouse Garden

You know what they say about GoodGym Newham Fitness Sessions? They're like buses, don't see one for ages then two come along....and make you question your life choices.

A decent squad emerged between 645pm and 7pm, better late than never, right?! We had the pleasure of meeting Georgia and Chloe, excellent additions to the clan. The Random Weekly Question this week "what's your favourite podcast?" Mainly because I needed a refresh of my podcast library, but also I thought it may be interesting and perhaps insightful. The answers: Off Menu, Parenting Hell, Adam Buxton, Diary of a CEO, Tough Girl, Burn Wild and The Weeds. An array of audio gold from Comedy come food chat, niche American politics, esoteric Buxtonian Interviews, female inspiration, tales of eco terrorism/activism and parenting stories - there's a space for everyone in the podcast game. Something for Georgia there, surely?

Just as we left base, I saw a message from Nomadic Garden profusely apologising for a very cancellation. Something about excavation works, they're a meanwhile site, opposite Stratford Int, they make temporary spaces invitingly green and communal - before a massive block of flats goes up. I think the excavation was part of the future development there. Anyhow, this unforeseen change of plans allowed for some leg-sculpting, lung-busting joy.

After a round of warm up action, we switched between some multi-directional step-ups and paired plank-jumps. Then a sprinkle of explosive jumps and upper body work (interspersed with a tonne of laughing) to conclude part one of the session . Part two was speed-endurance based interval, rolling through the gears and practising pacing finesse. Think we all got the gist, there was an energetic team hustle as you galloped back to the start point, clawing back some vital meters towards the finish line. Lovely efforts.

Next week's session is at Abbey Gardens, sign up here

Till then,

B

I do enjoy new project day. The curiosity of what the place is like. Will we be able to do the job asked? Do they understand GoodGym's MO? Are we going to get lost...?

A few of us pottered on over through a longer Olympic Park route, courtesy of Hils. We discussed how much worse could this government get - a lot seemed the resounding answer. Nice to have a run through of the Saturday events too, sounded like a day where you seized life by the scruff of the neck. Respect.

Jimmy greeted us in, the community garden he has created is on a vast plot. It has a wild side to it, but equally it has a considered design, with ample seating and areas to congregate. You can immediately tell this ain't his first rodeo. Our job was a super simple and satisfying mulch shifting. To cover bare patches and to "remediate the soil". Jimmy pumped out some bangers on a sizeable bluetooth speaker, and with the new developments of Stratford towering around us full-circle, the experience was rather removed from the usual. Everyone put in an energetic shift, even the marathon runners, not to be scared into lethargy by Sunday's affair.

Upon finishing, the mound of mulch had been distributed into various parts of the garden, a hefty job made plausible by people power.

Next week we're at Abbey Gardens, see you beauts then

B