7 runners ran 5.5 km to de weed and clear rubbish from the car park and area around the Birmingham Girl Guide Association. It was a bright and slightly windy evening for tonight’s task. This week our normal top trainer Jonny was off on his holidays –he kept that quiet! 😉 Therefore, it was over to me to lead this week’s task. It was great to see our regulars and as well two new faces tonight, welcome along to GoodGym Birmingham Maria and Morwenna! Be sure to give them a cheer GoodGymers! During our briefing I set the team a CoRUNdrum which was what year did the last Birmingham marathon take place and what was it called. However, it was probably the shortest one ever as it got solved straight away by Garry, who turns out ran it himself! Note to self for next time - must make it harder! Anyway, after all that set off onto the canal and headed around 2km to tonight’s task at the Girl Guides Association. We met Maureen from the association on arrival who gave out the tools and explained the job. Simply it was to clear rubbish and weeds from the car parks around the building. We gave ourselves 15 minutes to get the job done and the team set to work quickly on it. Everyone got stuck in with sweeping, shovelling, picking up rubbish and spraying weed killer, it was great to see the effort and meant we were got completed in no time.

By the finish, we had nearly 2 bags full of rubbish and weeds – fantastic work!

Without GoodGym this wouldn’t get done or would take one person a long time so well done all! We also had a talk from Maggie Jones the County Commissioner who told the group about how the organisation caters for girls and young women 5 – 25 in different sections across Birmingham. They provide a variety of activities for their members to become involved in including outdoor adventure as well as the more traditional badge collection. After handing back the tools we got in a picture with the sign and were back on our way. Taking a different route we re-joined the canal in the direction of Birmingham University…and also Worcester…..maybe next time guys?! 😉 We got a bit further along the canal to the spot of our fitness session for this evening which was sprints!

The group did 5 lung bursting sprints focusing on keeping the arms strong and powerful.

Really great effort and energy shown from the group. Charlotte powering through to the end, Gary looking strong, Maria working those arms well, Morwenna giving it her all, Carol with a good posture, Sam showing good technique and no one managing to fall in the canal!

We ran back along the canal through Brindley place and to base camp at 1000 Trades. Once back we went through the important post-run full body stretches. Thanks to everyone who came along, great run for my first as leader! Hope to see you all again soon. Next week Jonny will be back and leading the group and we will be off to Birmingham Mission Care giving out food to the homeless. Be great to see you there, you can sign up here