14 rain defying Hackney GoodGymers ran 4K to Bootstrap and move 12 huge oil barrels filled with soil from the roof garden to Bootyard.

On a typically British summers evening we were treated to a shower on our way to the E5 Bakehouse. Given the huge workload we had in store it was probably a blessing in disguise!! Hearing about Hackney Coach Run Rep Andreana's epic assault cause Legendary triple header on the weekend we were all spurred onto to physical excellence.

After welcoming two GoodGym newbies Eda & Sarah to the squad we got on our way to the warm up area to get our bodies physically prepared for the efforts that lay ahead. Following our muscle activating and joint mobilising dynamic warm up we did some arm drive technique work, working on our 90 degree arm angles and driving our arms backwards from our pocket to socket (shoulder) for our efficient and relaxed arm action. We finished off with some balance aiding exercises and a little plyometric blast before heading out onto the Hackney back streets.

Nibblely dancing our way through the 2k run to Bootstrap in Dalston we were soon at the Bootyard to meet Matt. We stormed up to the Roof terrace and got to work, splitting into two groups we manoeuvred the huge soil filled oil barrels which must have weighed over a tonne each (I am sure). Across the terrace, down 2 flights of stairs, down the corridor, into the lift, down to the basement, then up to the ground floor (yes random) and finally spun into the Bootyard. A serious energy sapping task which worked the team seriously hard!! Matt was so impressed and grateful for all our hard work!

With a few weary bodies we decided to stick together for the run back to base and bask in the barrel moving glory as we weaved our way through Dalston. A 2k run and s quite cool down rounded off an excellent evenings work!

Next week we are off to a brand new and exciting task at Abney Park Cemetery to lay a pathway. Be great if you could come along for some Hackney style running fun!! Sign up here.

Here is the information on and place to sign up to Hackney Marshes ParkRun on the 9th of July!!. Would love to see the GG Hackney crew smash all their ParkRun PB's!!

We also had to unfortunately bid farewell to Charlotte who is returning back to Bristol following her studies. Charlotte has been a key member of the squad for the last few months and will be missed but has promised to go and keep Kev company at a GoodGym Bristol run very soon.

Smooth Spinning

Joel

19 Hackney GoodGymers ran a speedy 4.5k to the Wilton Estate community Garden to dig, cut, plant and water our way to a stunning running victory.

On a night of almost ideal running conditions we were lucky enough to welcome back a few regulars from holidays, 3 amazing GoodGym newbies and an array of GoodGym glitterati.

We started the evening after a pressurised head count and pulse raiser with a series of mobilising dynamic exercises to get our key running muscles and joints ready for action. Once the joints were fully WD40ed up we moved onto some running form drills mixed in with a range of important lower body strength exercises. With our form tight, our core engaged, strength amped up and our running efficiency off the charts we ran 1k to Wilton Estate through the Hackney backstreets.

Arriving we were met by the always amazing Debbie who tooled us up and divided a range of great tasks to help maintain the ever expanding Wilton Estate community garden. With groups cutting back tree suckers, watering entire gardens by watering can and a hose, lifting and repositioning huge wooden planters, filling them with compost, trimming the orchard and finally planting hundreds of bulbs.

The gardens were a buzz of activity with the GoodGym crew flying around get Good done well, completing all the tasks in 35 minutes of top draw action.

A quick tidy up and we were ready to head on our way, but not too far as we explored the Wilton nearly 500 raceway. Lap 1 we got our running legs back under is, Lap to we ran hard along the short sides, Lap 3 we worked hard for half a lap before collecting ourselves for a monumental full lap timed effort on a super speedy Lap 4. A top lung busting effort by everyone and hope that we can see some speed improvements when we go back the the Raceway later in the summer!

A short chilled floaty run back to base followed by a series of static stretches saw us finish off a top notch evening of running fun!

Next week we are off to Bootstrap to lift, shift and team manoeuvre some big barrels. Please sign up here.

As I said in the into be great to have you all along to Hackney Marshes ParkRun on 9th of July to test out our Saturday morning Speed! For all the info and to sign up click here.

Until next week

Smooth Sprinting

Joel