While some people say that if Monday had a face they would punch it, here at GoodGym we LOVE Mondays. Because when Monday evening rolls around, we get to meet up at the amazing Battersea Arts Centre, see some ace people, run like we stole something, and make our borough a better place to live. What’s not to love?

Last night was no exception when a group of lovely Wandsworth regulars and a few excellent new faces met up ready to do some good at Balham Community Centre, a charity that works to support families in Wandsworth. Hello to first-timers Georgie, Kate and Elizabeth, we're really happy you’ve joined us!

After our briefing we had race reports – great job Cath and Sally who both smashed races in the past week – announced an exciting new pairing with a local physio (watch this space, more coming soon), and then it was over to Matthew for this week’s CoRUNdrum. Which underground station has the river Westbourne flowing through it? With that headscratcher from Matthew we set off towards Balham. Will made himself very popular by suggesting a quick fartlek session as we ran through the common. It may have been painful, but this form of speed work (from the Swedish for ‘speed play’) is great for training. It speeds up anaerobic fitness, burns more calories, increases your heartrate and mixes up your training. So well done Will, thanks for pushing us!

Before long we had run the two-and-a-bit miles to the community centre and while one group set about pruning the trees that surround the kids’ playground, the other half began weeding with a vengeance. 24 pairs of gloves, four loppers and three secateurs later, the trees were denuded and the playground was deweeded. The difference was obvious, well done team.

Off we ran, amid a chorus of cat calls from the open-fronted Italian restaurant opposite the centre. We almost invited them to join us for a speed-off but the temptation of pasta was too great, and we charged up Balham High Road, stopping again at the common for a session on technique and a turbo-charged plank challenge. With Will leading one group, and Vicki taking the other, we split up and raced each other home to the BAC. We got back in record time – it turns out that cakes are a good incentive for getting that PB. Who knew?

A few quick stretches and the answer to Matthew’s great CoRUNdrum revealed – Sloane Square has a river running through the overhead pipes – we ate cake, talked about who would be at the GoodGym-wide drinks in Brixton on Thursday, and wiped away our sweat. Great job everybody, can’t wait to see you all next Monday. You can sign up here: https://www.goodgym.org/group_runs/do-good-for-your-borough

Before then, we have a mission this Saturday morning (10th) for which we need some more helpers. We’ll meet at 9am at Smuggler’s Way to help the Wandle Wheelers set up for their ride until 10am, then run a quick 5k by the river together. Sign up here: https://www.goodgym.org/missions/help-wandle-wheelers-set-up-for-their-big-ride