As GoodGymers walked, ran and cycled to the Festival Gardens, a bright, warm autumnal sun shone down. Waiting with tools, bags and plenty of enthusiasm, the Friends of group showed us the set of steps to be cleared. On the surface, it looked like a pretty straightforward job...removing grass and other weeds from the steps, clearing away brambles and generally sprucing up the steps.

With the sun heating our backs, we set to...and it soon became apparent that it was going to be tougher than expected. The steps had a gravel base which needed to be loosened, before the weeds could be removed. Hoes, shears, secateurs and hands were kept busy for the full two hours... great for core strength, though, and plenty of time to chat...as we worked, of course. Steph and Aditya made short work of the brambles that threatened to impale anyone brave enough to approach them, while Sallyann, Vikky, Ema and I attacked the steps. New member, Vikky was keen to find out about training schedules, as she is hoping to take part in a half marathon next Spring, and Sallyann was more than happy to have a reason to talk 😁 Lots of great ideas were shared: joining rambling groups, meeting early to extend the Group Run, and gradually building up running distances to improve stamina, to name but a few. The time flew by, and at the end of the two hours, the difference was amazing. We all felt had had a good workout, and were ready to head home to relax...except for Sallyann, who had left to start work, and Ema, who was going shopping, and Steph, who had another run ahead of her...well, you get the picture.

A big welcome to Vikky on her first session, and a cheer for Aditya on his 15th!!