GoodGym was upgraded tonight as we were shown to our new chambers at the start location of Guildhall, tall ceilings, grand paintings and thrones were present for our arrival, how prestigious we now feel.

We hadn’t realised that we’d signed up for a Bikram Hot run tonight – as Siobhan so aptly put it! However this was no Eternal Run time of the Spotless Mind as we were able to brave the heat to make it to our tasks in the allotted time! We welcomed first timers – Siobhan, Dave and Rachel. It was also great to see Martel back joining us for her second run. We were given news of the weekend’s fab Shindig with the promise of more details to follow. In the meantime, those who asked questions or had feedback for Mark, catch him on the next run and he will give you as much detail as he can before the summary is issued.

Congratulations to Samia for her great number of good deeds accomplished in a month! After our quick welcomes and news updates we headed around the Guildhall for a back view to warm up out of the way of the flying mortarboards at the front! With some lunges, squats and stretches we attracted the attention of some Wandsworth Goodgymers out for a stroll but couldn’t convince them to join us – maybe next time! After some shuffley planking we were ready to hit the road and brave the greatest elevation gain that Madurai’s tracker has recorded on our runs – a slight incline, not a hill according to Mark! Upon our arrival we split into our two allotment groups – YMCA & Mind.

Glutes and quads, or just our best crab impression 🦀#Kingston #GoodGym #volunteering #running #fitness #warmup #crabwalks pic.twitter.com/vrRalLzYAU

— GoodGym Kingston-upon-Thames (@GoodGymKingston) July 24, 2018

We were met by the YMCA Community Activities Team Leader, Sarah who led us down the path to the allotment that would be used by young people in the community, for such activities like Mindfulness as well as social functions including a BBQ next month.

We were motivated by the progress since our last visit. Armed with an impressive array of tools and gloves provided by the YMCA, we set to work unearthing a path to access the shed at the back of the plot that had become buried in the overgrowth. A garden claw proved useful for pulling up weeds when taking on a ‘spaghetti twirling’ technique.

The other 7 runners spent their half of the task at an allotment plot for Mind. They had quite a walk to get to their plot (should have left strava on!) Passing the impressive scarecrows and jungle weeds as they went. Once gathered they were also handed an array of tools including shears, rakes, and then powered up to ensure their workout continued...as if we weren't all hot and sweaty enough!

Mind staff Adele and Dave instructed the group to cut back the overgrown grass, brambles and weeds around the flower beds. Attend to the raspberry and rosemary bushes, with the offer to take some home and even finding the odd potato as they cleared. The aim is for this allotment to be used more, so hopefully now it has had some tender loving care more people will pay it a visit and put it to good use.

There were only a few minor nettles and brambles attacks along the way and I’m sure the return run helped in the recovery! Everyone got stuck into the task and we were surprised how quickly we’d run out of time and had to put our tools down for a quick photo before a speedy search for shortcuts on the run back!

Well done Kingston for another great run and task! Keep your diary open for a mini celebration after an upcoming group run to mark doing some great things in our community for three months now!

Some are good at planking, others just shuffle 😀#goodgymkingston #tuesdays #guildhall #activekingston #kingston #volunteering #running pic.twitter.com/vzQNLmVjHA

— GoodGym Kingston-upon-Thames (@GoodGymKingston) July 24, 2018

Don't forget...

Next time we are doing a gardening/weeding task try and remember to bring insect repellant (it may help deter some of them nasties) as well as your longies!!!

Lastly...

So much to mention tonight I forget to add that a freelance journalist contacted me today to discuss our task this evening and they are hoping to get an article in the Surrey Comet regarding our work tonight (let me know if you spot it.)