Piccadilly Line Plod with Goodgym Islington and Slow Ways
7 Goodgymers helped their local community in Islington
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Monday 4th March
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Report written by Simon Fitzmaurice
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Slow Ways is a website launched in 2021 which enables users to plot a route between two settlements in the United Kingdom. The routes are not intended to be the fastest route possible, but rather encourage walkers to rediscover unused footpaths and engage in more leisurely walks.
On Monday evening, Area Activator Simon met with keen runners from a variety of different Goodgym boroughs at the Arsenal Community Hub for a slightly different version of our classic group run. Our objective for the evening was to review a previously submitted "Slow Ways" route listed on the official nationwide pedestrian mapping website. Together, we were planning on running the full course, and to publish feedback on whether we could recommend the route or not.
We ran to Highbury and Islington Underground station, and then ran through Highbury Fields to start the Slow Ways for Highbury and Islington to Wood Green aka (WooHig 2). Bouncing up and down the slopes of North London, we passed the original Emirates Stadium before approaching Arsenal Tube Station. Our map was encouraging us to run through Gillespie Park Nature Reserve- however we made the decision not do due to a lack of lighting. This was highlighted as a consideration for fellow night-time travellers on the Slow Ways website page.
Next stop, Finsbury Park, with new and improved flood lights installed for the community. This made such a difference, and we all felt safe to run through even at night. The famous Harringay Ladder loomed at the bottom of Green Lanes (just beyond the New River Path). This is a well known running segment developed by teammates at London Heathside AC- a 10km challenge that covers the inclines and declines between Green Lanes and Turnpike Lane. Luckily, we were running up the Harringay Passage instead- a lovely cut through corridor that passes through over 21 streets!
Upon reaching Turnpike Lane, we started to see city streets and shops again for the first time- we knew that Wood Green high street was close by. Sure enough, we completed our full approximately 5 mile run outside Wood Green Station- successfully reviewing a Slow Ways. Well done everyone!
To celebrate, our crew enjoyed some delicious cuisine at Ezra's Kitchen along with some much appreciated refreshments. Excellent work!
Goodgym Islington News
Achilles International VI Guide Running Sessions
Every Thursday, 6pm, Various London locations
On Thursday evenings, the all abilities sports charity Achilles International holds a group run session at a London location.
Here is a list of our upcoming events and sign up pages. Runners, supporters and guides of all abilities and experiences welcome!
Thursday 7th March- Paddington Rec Track, Maida Vale Underground station
Thursday 14th March- Emirates Stadium, Arsenal Underground station
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Thursday 21st March- Paddington Rec Track, Maida Vale Underground station
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Thursday 28th March- Stratford Olympic Park, Stratford Underground station (Westfield exit)
ON Running Spitalfields run club- Thursday morning wake up runs!
Thursday 29th February, 7am, ON Running Spitalfields, Brushfield Street
Area Activator Simon has set up a series of morning runs, hosted on Thursday mornings at the new ON Running store in Spitalfields market.
A social 5km before work, with the option to take out a pair of ON Running shoes for a test spin.
Next run is on Thursday 7th March:
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/on-running-spitalfields-group-classic-5km-social
Slow Ways and Goodgym Islington Social
Monday 4th March, 6.45pm onwards, Arsenal Community Hub
For our first group run of March, we will be reviewing a running route for the Slow Ways mapping network, starting in Highbury and Islington, and finishing in Wood Green. Great social running times!
And afterwards, we are planning on visiting Ezra's Cafe in Wood Green for refreshments, food and chat
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/post-group-run-social-ezra-s-kitchen
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The Garden Classroom- Weekly Volunteer Mornings in Islington Parks!
Wednesday mornings, 10am - midday, Newington Green
The Garden Classroom has started multiple weekly open garden mornings in Newington Green, Market Road and Hillside Park (near Caxton House). Set up by trained horticulture specialists and open to all!
Newington Green Next Wednesday- 10am - midday
Compton Terrace Gardens Open Volunteer Morning
Saturday 9th March, 10am - midday, Union Chapel, Islington
A friendly gardening group started to look after the park about 10 years ago. We are always looking for more help - with planting, mulching, pruning, and all the other things a garden needs.
Everyone welcome, no special skills needed! Lots of fresh air and a nice chance to meet local people.
A smashing community mission for those partaking in Highbury Fields or Finsbury parkrun on a Saturday morning!
Friends of Canonbury Square- Volunteer Morning (March)
Saturday 16th March, 10am, Canonbury Square Gardens
Lending a hand with this beautiful neighbourhood maintained garden in Islington, a perfect post-parkrun task!
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/friends-of-canonbury-square-volunteer-morning-march
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Crouch End Open Space (CREOS) Volunteering Day
Sunday 16th March, 11am - 1pm, 85-87 Wood Vale, Highgate Woods
Our monthly trip to CREOS this year for a woodland regeneration- loads of smashing forest path building has been planned!
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/crouch-end-open-space-creos-volunteering-day-march-2024
Penn Road Gardens Volunteer Open Day
Sunday 31st March, 10am - midday, Penn Road Gardens
Every last Sunday of the month, the residents of Penn Road invite keen volunteers to help with maintaining this lovely community spot just off Holloway Road.
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Join us on our next session
Islington
Joining the lovely resident gardeners at Thornhill Square Gardens for an evening of composting, watering and maintenance
