27 GoodGymers ran 4-5km to help Age UK Camden and Cecil Sharp House!

Welcome along to Kate and David whose first time it was last night, lovely to have you along!

It was my 400th Good Deed last night and you kindly surprised me with lots of coming along to the run, party poppers and CAKE! Thank you very much, it's been a wonderful 5 years (nearly) with GoodGym and 3.5 years leading Camden - thanks for being you!

In the news this week:

1. If you are still thinking of coming to Sofia in May 2019 you can book accommodation, flights and race places by following the details here.
2. Well done to Abi who hit 100 Good Deeds at the weekend - amazing work in 11 months!
3. Sign up for CREOS Community Mission it's this SUNDAY and ends with a picnic!

Destruction Work for Age UK Camden:

We returned to Great Croft Resource Centre and Garden to continue on our task from February. This great space is managed by Age UK Camden, and is a "specialist centre" - caring for older people with complex care needs, particularly for those older people living with dementia. Also carter for Bangladeshi clients living with long term conditions and their carer. The Centre provides vital services to the most vulnerable, frail, isolated older adults, whose wellbeing is at "significant risk”, enabling pre-crisis intervention to avoid hospital admission.

13 of us ran 1km over to the Centre, once there we arrived and were met by four planters which we were tasked with destroying the old wood and emptying the soil into a big pile. We didn't have loads of tools but just enough spades, wheelbarrows, mallets, crowbars and more to shift the much needed soil that will feed the garden and break up the wood. Hanry and Martin particularly enjoyed getting involved the destruction part of the job - nice!

After 35 minutes we got so much done, finishing 80% of the work we were tasked to do, we'll hopefully be going back soon for a 3rd trip. We finished with a group picture and then ran to Bedford Square for a fitness session - including a fast lap, meet & retreat and conditioning + sprints.

Double Tasking, double fun!

Cecil Sharp House by Pritesh:

14 of us headed over to Cecil Sharp House, the home of English folk and dance. Sadly Susanah was unable to join us today but she had left instructions and tools for us.

The job was sweeping and weeding! We split the group in to sweepers, weeders and dust-panners and then spread out across the grounds to get to work. Ensuring that everyone stayed safe, especially the weeders with their 'vicious tools' I made sure that we covered all the areas and everyone was working hard!

After some great work by everyone and an extra job by the two Alex's to clear some turf we were good to pack up, say our goodbyes and head to Primrose Hill for some fitness.

After a quick vote a hill run (totally worth it for the view) was chose and we drove our arms and powered our legs up the hill. Getting our breath back we then headed back to base and arrived just as Paul's team did for a warm down.

Thanks for a lovely evening guys, lovely cake! Sign up here for next week when we'll be helping the Listening Space.

PB out

25 Goodgymers ran 3-6k to help C4WS and SPCA!

Welcome along to newbies Isabel, Sisi and Youness - lovely to have you along!

This week GoodGym is partnered with WWF in relation to Earth Hour. This is a global campaign overseen by the WWF to raise awareness of environmental issues. It takes place this Saturday 30th March at 8:30pm-9:30pm (local time), join millions around the world to turn off the lights and speak up about why nature matters:

In the news:

1. It's GoodGym Camden's 6th birthday next Thursday. The celebrations will be incorporated with the GG Monthly Social in Camden. More details coming!
2. Abi Perrin (Camden Taskforce) wrote a fantastic story for the website about the science behind doing good and getting fit.
3. The American International Church is having a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on 30th April - go along and sign up here.

C4WS Report:

Kat led 11 runners to the American International Church to help make the beds for the final time this winter season.

As always the group made beds in super quick time - this is always the most wholesome of tasks - the guests will sleep have slept in those beds last night.

Jonathan told the group about us potentially helping from November-March next season and about the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. After finishing up the group ran to go join the SPCA crew.

GGxEarth Hour

SPCA Report:

A group of 13 of us ran 1km to the St Pancras Community Assoccasion. Once there we got into three groups four - splitting off to leaflet for Barz Global, a strength and conditioning class which takes place at the community centre.

In 25 short minutes the runners were back from leafleting from all over the area including St Pancras, Somers Town, Royal College Street and behind Camden High Street. Once we were back together we went to do the Barz Global class, while Liz and Sally carried on walking and delivering.

The two instructors, Mikel and Rex, both 16 years old, led the strength and conditioning session, which included:

• Circuits
• Stretches
• Arm Workout
• Core
• Glutes - aka lots of squats

During the session the homeless shelter team joined us. They took part in the S & C session but also 5 of them got involved in a Dance Video for the one of the centres instructors. Video coming soon! If you are interested in joining the Barz Global Class they meet at 11am on Saturday's at SPCA.

After a group picture we headed home for a stretch and a trip to the pub.

Sign up for next week here when we're helping The Listening Place and Camden Society.

PB out