Tonight's group run saw our joint biggest turnout since we restarted after the pandemic, and whilst we absolutely love having sooo many amazing GGers turn up, it also happened to coincide with a night at our smallest task in terms of space! But before we worried about how we'd fit everyone on to a small traffic island for a spot of weeding, we welcomed Imran who was coming along to his first ever GG session tonight. Give him a big cheer 🥳

We also welcomed back Elle for her second session, having completed her first just a few days earlier. And Matt who is well-known to most through his appearances at GG weekends away, but was attending his first session in York. Great to have you both on board 👍

Tonight's task was at the Fishergate Triangle, an area of land that has been turned into a flourishing wild flower patch in-between a very busy junction in the heart of the city. Ed led the run out with Amy bringing up the rear, whilst Abigail led a walking group and Vicky leading a walk/run crew.

Upon arrival we were greeted by Maeve from St Nicks who gave us our instructions. Basically, pull up the thistles, dandelions and anything else that looks like a weed, and leave the nice stuff. If you're unsure then ask! The guys from the walking group and the walk/runners got stuck into the task whilst Rich led one group back to Tower Gardens for their fitness session with Nick.

Martin C and Issy both met us at the task, the latter having lost her voice so was obviously made to answer as many questions as possible, including that age-old debate: Cornflakes or Cheerios?? A lot of people made use of the soft bark chip floor to have a much needed sit down whilst pulling up the weeds around them, whilst Jenna got to work with some loppers and took chunks out of the buddleia that was growing by the pay phone (which, incidentally, is still working although it will cost you at least 60p to make a phone call, thanks to Max for checking)

Rich led the first group back from their fitness session and swapped over with the guys who had been making excellent progress at the task. Vicky led the second across to Nick for their turn to be put through their paces. The fitness sessions involved a game of squat, squat goose followed by some races with balls - an over and under race and some plank rolling

Then Jenna led a game of Grandmas Footsteps / Squid Game with folk hiding behind trees - unfortunately the group hid too well with those returning from the task thinking everyone had disappeared and already made their way back to base!!

It was all a bit hectic but somehow we managed to keep 33 GG Yorkies busy at a tiny traffic island. Well done to Nick for leading two fab fitness sessions and to Vicky and Rich for getting people to where they needed to be on time

It was a warm and windy evening when 31 Goodgymmers assembled at York CVS for their weekly evening of doing good. It was great to welcome back some of our newer faces again, as well as those we hadn't see for a while - Hi Jamie! We also celebrated the York Acorn Runners who had taken part in the Cleveland Way relay over the weekend, as well as Max and Paul Kelly having a very impressive "short jog" in the Hebden hills. (Either 38 or 39k, depending on the watch. Perhaps they could pop back to measure it again to be sure...?) Next up, Leanne treated us to another rendition of "The Cha Cha Slide", this time with more instructions. Formed up in rows, we wiggled our way through the moves, getting nice and warm and potentially bemusing the neighbours in the process.

All set, we split into groups with a choice of steady run, run-walk, or walk-walk. Nick led our flock of red shirted runners through the streets, whilst Vicky had a strong team of run-walkers, and Debs assembled the walkers, with Jenna navigating and Amy setting a good pace. Our destination; Acomb Primary School, and their lovely forest school, with a host of tasks to keep many hands busy.

Once briefed by task owner Amanda, everyone got to work, clearing the two different areas of woodland that are used by the school children for outdoor education. It was great to see progress since our previous visits, with numerous log circles installed for groups to use. There was a lot of undergrowth to be cleared by hand, sticks to be moved, troublesome shoots to be tackled with tools, as well as piles of logs and branches to be relocated. The wood movers seemed particularly keen to show off their strength, posing for many a photo in the process. (Any claims that the logs were in fact rotten and surprisingly light are unfounded, and will be refuted.) Given our bumper group size we rather outnumbered the tools available, so much bartering and trading occurred. It's very Goodgym to use one tool in place of another, and Pete was doing a sterling job of trying to dig a fire pit with a fork, but fortunately a spade came to the rescue in the hands of Paul Kelly. Thankfully our glorious leaders Ed and Vicky were on hand in all the busy-ness attempting to keep everyone focused, and redirecting folks as tasks were completed. Time was soon up, and we admired our handiwork from the main log circle; conveniently just large enough to hold all Goodgymmers. We had a group photo, and assembled for our very special fitness session.

With Captain Pete in charge, we were treated to a competitive winner-takes-all battle of rock paper scissors. With losers cheering on the winners it was a buoyant affair, and soon only two contenders remained. Nicky vs Laura for the crown.. Once, twice... Laura reigned supreme! Our two finalists became our team leaders for the next (actually) fitness component. A multi-challenge race with sub-groups of 4 having to transport specially chosen branches through hoops, up a hill and back, with some press ups thrown in, before tagging in the next crew. It was a close run thing, with our more recent joiners throwing themselves into standard wacky GG fitness with great gusto. Team Nicky edged it, and it was a draw on points between the two teams, with only a tie breaker question to go. Alas Ed showed a spectacular failure at maths, forgetting that your height is three times the circumference of your head, (something he had only educated us about at the previous task,) and Team Laura were crowned overall champions.

Excitement over, it was time to run, run-walk or walk-walk back to base, a little more gently this time. With knowledge of a job well done, many folks headed off to the pub for a cool drink and a piece of excellent home baking. Thanks to the chefs, as well as everyone who contributed in some way to the excellent evening, whether by leading a group or activity, backmarking, motivating or simply turning up and getting stuck in. Goodgym is a team, and wouldn't work without any one of us. Same time next week?

**Huge thanks to Debs for the fab run report

An impressive turnout of 19 GG Yorkies (and 1 GG Geordie) braved the less than impressive bank holiday weather to help St Nicks look after the green spaces on down by the river on New Walk. Before setting off we welcomed Issy along to her first GoodGym outing and Christine to her first task although she has been a regular at socials for some time. Give them both a massive cheer 🎉

We also had the honour of being joined by Aimee from GG Newcastle who came bearing the Golden Trowel, which is awarded to the most good GoodGym area during the January Challenge. So after a quick warm up featuring our favourite seasonings/sauces we posed for some photos with the trowel before heading on our way to the task 🏆

Tristan led a longer run, whilst Vicky led the more direct route with Ed and Rich making up the walking group. Upon arriving at New Walk were met by task owner Maeve who set the group to work armed with scythes, rakes and shovels in order to remove dock plants and cut back some of the nettles. GGer Martin also met us at the task and soon got to work digging up some of the bigger plants.

The team of GGers weren't the only ones foolish enough to be out in the rain by the river and we soon attracted the attention of lots of small bitey insects. Fortunately David was on hand with some bug spray to keep us all from getting too badly bitten.

Sheets of tarpaulin and sacks were soon getting full of weeds and getting shuttled back and forth to the dumping area which was a hood few hundred metres further down the path. Perfect for getting some more distance in those legs!

With time running out Maeve spotted a few larger docks which needed particular attention from our own Dock King, Martin who tackled them with ease before Michael and Hannah dragged the last tarp away. Whilst waiting for them to return we had plenty of time to celebrate Leanne's Birthday with some happy birthday squats, as is tradition. We may have also added an extra syllable to Leanne's name just to sneak a bonus squat in.

Happy birthday dear Le-a-anne

Then it was off to Vicky's fitness sesh which involved various exercises located at intervals on the slightly hilly Blue Bridge Lane. Poor Aimee had never come across a spotty dog before, and I'm still not entirely sure she knows what it is after being shown by GG's least rhythmic member, Tristan!

We then posed for a photo on Blue Bridge before all running back together, followed by walkers Ed and Rich

Four Goodgymers met on Thursday evening to set out another booksale to raise funds for Tang Hall Library - there were plenty of children's books this time ready for the half term holiday.