Let's hear it for warmer, lighter Monday evenings

It was a very enthusiastic group of 31 runners that headed out to popular task location, Weavers Adventure Playground, this evening, where task owner Alex was well prepared for a large group with a total of 4 different tasks. We had a lovely run to the task, with a quieter, more scenic route planned and led by Bryon.

Something for everyone...

On arrival, the team were divided up into: the heavy lifters (as it sounds); the saw-ers (is that a term?) for those fancying their hand at chopping up large planters; the soil crew (or 'the dirt group', as they became affectionately known during the evening) for shifting large amounts of soil, and the creative-thinking group for designing and building steps around the new slide. With team leaders appointed for each micro-task, Alex divided his time between all teams, project-managing and working with the lifters to shift heavy white goods from 'out back'.

The return of the Tower Hamlets signature snack

Half time means Lucky Dip Pick'n'Mix time here in Tower Hamlets - this week, most runners made a beeline for the HobNob bars, with the more health conscious snapping up raisins and - get this - oatcakes.

Pl-anks to Alex, for the use of the hopscotch area

...And so, freshly-fueled, we moved to our fitness session, where, as usual, abs proved to be a particular favourite area to focus on, so well done for putting up with the side-plank crunch and tuck'n'roll demands that were made on your abs, all on the slightly-softer-surface of the playground's hopscotch area. A particular well done to Rhys who, on his first GoodGym run, ended up planking on a hill (albeit accidentally in an attempt to stay at the back of the class), thereby giving his abs a double workout...

Happy customers

We headed back to base, both runners and task owner very much the very satisfied customer. A massive well done to you all, your efforts were clearly very much appreciated by Alex - as he explained, you really helped lighten the load this evening. Thank you for being such fun, so creative, and for persevering with all the tricky tasks, and for not stopping for a second for nearly 45 minutes.

Thank you shout-outs to Bryon for navigating and leading runs to and from the task; Dave for stats; Isha for being co-photographer and for some really fabulous pics, Leanne for brilliant backmarking, for always staying in sight, even with some last minute twists and turns!

...And a very warm welcome

...to our first time runners tonight, Savina, Rhys, Nick, Brian, Yesh, Georgina and to Mi (whose first time it was with the Tower Hamlets crew). You lifted, you lugged; you shovelled, you dug…You were amazing.

...and a very Happy 6th GG Birthday to Pete

Thank you to Pete who joined us for his sixth GG anniversary - was really lovely to see you on your GoodGym birthday.

Well done again Team Tower Hamlets - what a thoroughly upbeat, lively, satisfying and productive Monday night out that was, and I can't WAIT to do it all again next week!

15 runners headed back to Hoxton Hall to continue the work in the basement...

15 runners had both brain and lower body tested when assembling Ikea bureaus for the youth arts programme at Hoxton Hall, combined with a tough tempo race back to base.

Working with local young people has been at the core of what Hoxton Hall does for over 150 years with activities including a wide range of art forms such as music, drama, dance and visual arts. The GoodGym team were on hand for the second week running, this time to assemble Ikea bureaus to be used as work stations.

One team worked solely on assembling the flatpack furniture while a second team lifted large wood surfaces out for recycling - an unexpected bonus for anyone wishing to work their lats on a Monday night in the run up to Spring . The team coped marvellously with devouring manuals at record pace (and were very generous with their time).

Then, as time had got away with us, we headed back to base with a tough tempo run, unusually thankful for the pedestrian crossings giving us time to catch our breath. We finished by grabbing a couple of extra penalty stretching minutes on the hotel steps to keep calves (and lower body in general) happy.

It was my first official night as the new Tower Hamlets trainer and the team were just amazing - thank you to Dave for awesome stats and co-navigation; David for brilliant back-marking, always keeping everyone in sight, and a very big welcome and well done to first-time runners, Louis, Constance and Kate. It was a challenging task as an intro, not to mention a tough run back, so congratulations and hope to see you again soon.

Thank you all for an unforgettable first week, and I can't wait to do it all again next Monday!