Wed 5th Oct 2016 at 6:45pm
7 runners ran the dreaded hill that doesn't look like a hill to shift manure.
With the wind swirling around, we congregated unsure whether we needed layers or not. October has arrived with autumn and darker evenings.
After a warmup and some strong leg - arm co-ordination, we got going running the short distance to Grove Park Allotments where we were met with 115 bags of manure and a few head torches!
Strong scented gardens
It was our job under the guidance of Lizzie, community allotment extraordinaire, to get the bags and barrows full of manure inside the gates of the allotment.
Beware of the manure thieves
It turns out that lightweight Peat is a liar and is pretty heavy but mulch is much easier to handle. Beware of leaky wheelbarrows and tight corners when moving fine manure.
Somehow, shovelling soil passed quickly and we'd gotten all bags inside within our 40 minutes at Grove Park.
Leaving the non-Goodgymmers pretty happy, we 7 wanderers set off back down the hill.
Before we could get rid of the aromas of the evening, it was time for some pair work. Tricep dips, squat jumps, v-sits and mountain climbers coupled with some lamp posts to run to finished off the session nicely.
Time to jog back to Old Spike, catch our breath and stretch off.
Fingers crossed for some nice, clean fun next week.
Thursday 15th September 2016
Paul Cook has done their first good deed with GoodGym.
Paul is a now a fully fledged GoodGym runner. They've just run to do good for the first time. They are out there making amazing things happen and getting fit at the same time.
Wed 14th Sep 2016 at 6:45pm
On a very hot & sweaty night, 12 intrepid runners made their way 11km to help out on the farm.
The promise of piglet viewing meant that most people weren't put off by running in the heat. We assembled at Old Spike, did a quick warm up of high knees, bum kicks and lunge twists and got on our way. It was a pretty pacey group as we avoided Rye Lane and made our way up into Rotherhide.
Michael and Helena led the way ensuring that everyone got there safely though
We were guided by the scent
As soon as we arrived, Gemma welcomed us by showing us how big the piglets had gotten since the last time we visited. They were still pretty cute even if they were disappointed when they realised the commotion was a load of runners and not dinner time.
This week, we were clearing the yard next to the goats. It's the area where all of the volunteers come in and the farm is going through the post-summer holidays quiet with few volunteers available.
Sweeping, shovelling and wheeling shhhh
We had the help of Roo the bottle fed goat who helpfully stood in swept piles of manure and let us say hello without head butting us. Together, we proved we really are the goat-to people to tidy up the farm!
Once we'd cleared the yard, there was time to see the new pig hut and say a quick hi-bye to the sheep. As ever, time was too short and we had to leave tearing runners away from the animals.
We knew what was in store for us... Another 6.5km back. But we triumphed and made it to Old Spike ready for a lot of water and to say Bon Voyage to GG regular Becky for 6 months as she goes off travelling. And a mini goodbye to our new-regulars (it's a thing) Hanna & Chris as they head off on an epic safari-hike adventure. And not forgetting Michael who's off on a birthday adventure. We'll miss you all.
Don't worry everyone else, we've got GoodGym to keep us going! Post run drink anyone? 28th September
Wed 14th Sep 2016 at 6:45pm