DOING GOOD

In support of the twelve hour shifts our key workers regularly work, we decided to honor their dedication in a way we know well... running!

A twelve hour relay was plotted; GoodGym runners would run (or walk) back to back from 6am to 6pm on Sunday the 17th May. Twelve hours of continuous moving.

And what a wonderful virtual activity it proved to be! We shared photos from our runs & routes, shared anecdotes, supported one another & followed the progress of the relay through the Whatsapp group, as well as from live updates on the GG Derby Instagram page.

And for the first time in a while during lock-down, it felt as though the GoodGym Derby community was together again, sharing in a collective experience and making amazing things happen.

WHILST GETTING FIT & HAVING FUN!

And no running event is complete without some thumping heart-rates, epic routes & tasty Strava stats, all of which we shared in abundance! As well as smiles, laughs & a couple of aches & pains...

Ready for the Relay Commentary?

The relay was kicked off at 6am with Dani & Sam heading to Kinder Scout - the highest point of the peaks! - where they completed a loop, summiting Kinder & finishing their leg for 8am back at the car (Dani having left some of her knee back on Kinder) & in time for breakfast!

8am to 9am was Katherine & Lehann running seperately but in together in spirit; Katherine completing her segment as part of a May Half Marathon Challenge & Lehann running seven miles on local routes around Chellaston, snapping a very professional looking photo!

9am to 9:30am again saw two runners keeping the relay in play. Naomi ran three miles & got a gorgeous snap of her kitty looking fabulous on the red tee & Rachael (touring from another GG group) ran four km & took a snap looking fabulous in her tee!

9:30am was our first solo runner of the morning - Gemma - who completed 5km through some of the green spaces in Derby; Markeaton & Darley Park, a couple of the GG favorites! The 10am slot was smashed by Karen, who looked radiant in red and what a lovely morning for it too!

Up at 10:30am was Tracey, who used her thirty minutes of running to think of & pay thanks to the wonderful staff on Ward 205 at the Derby Royal Hospital who's she's recently had a positive experience with - amazing!

11am saw Tracey's partner begin the relay, running for one hour until 12pm. Gywn really enjoyed taking part & managed to get some lovely photos whilst still on the move.

Ashley's leg was 12pm until 1pm, another one-hour wonder runner! As well as impressed by his relay effort, we were delighted to finally see evidence of his lock-down beard, and clearly so was his cat, who gave him a warm welcome home.

At 1pm Lauren took over the relay reigns, also running for one hour. She covered just over 10km (& made time to say hi to a friend!) Impressive running, especially after just getting a juicy new 5km PB - well done!

2pm came around & that meant Helen was go, go, go! After completing her segment, she snapped a finishers photo in her beautiful garden (giving us all flower envy!) looking happy in her GG tee & race bib.

Ellie was up at 2:30pm, completing her thirty minute segment and running just shy of three miles. Another fabulous finishers photo in red!

Grace took on the 3pm til 3:30pm slot along with her gorgeous pooch Bobby. We loved seeing everyones pets getting involved in the relay action!

On at 3:30pm was Mark, who got arty on his run with a reflection in a suitably coloured red car! Time stamped too, Mark ran three miles of the relay!

4pm til 5:30pm was Peter, who regularly completes a long run on a Sunday afternoon, so this worked out perfectly for his training plan. Not letting any lock-down blues effect his mileage, like Katherine, Peter completed a half marathon!

5:30pm until 6pm was our final segment of the relay & so it's only right that this segment also boasted the best photo of the day from the lovely Nicky & her gorgeous baby, who looked super sweet in a "GoodGym runner in training" onesie! The wonderful duo completed the finishing segment together, both in red!

THANK YOUS

Thanks so much to everyone who took part in this virtual relay & to those who offered words of encouragement and support throughout the day. Let's do something awesome again soon!

Big Loves x

To keep us motivated with our daily dose of outdoor activity, whether running, walking or cycling, we decided to pursue a mammoth challenge during April;

to collectively climb the height of Mount Everest in less than a single month. That's an impressive 8,848m or just over 29,000 ft of elevation!

Sounds hilly, right?

Well I'm delighted to say that we completed this challenge by Monday 13th April (in only two weeks!) where once 'elevation gain' had been totaled up, we had climbed higher than the tallest mountain on planet Earth.

It's fair to say the GoodGym crowd absolutely smashed this fitness challenge and we have some serious mountain goats amongst us!

The challenge made us seek out those hills we normally avoid on our local routes, for some (Ellie!) it made us appreciate just how flat it is where we live & for others, it was a great time to get out & explore the fells by our new home (Nathan!)

And now the moment everyone is excitedly anticipating - the results:

In only two weeks we collectively climbed 11,886m or 38,999ft!

Everyones efforts are totaled below (if you're missing some elevation gain or have been missed off - I'm sorry! - please email me at dani@goodgym.org & I'll get it updated asap. The admin work was heavy.)

LEADERBOARD

WEEK ONE:

• Peter: 445ft
• Nathan: 3858ft
• Karen: 479ft
• Ash: 113ft
• Naomi: 541ft
• Katherine: 1450ft
• Emma: 2027ft
• Helen: 898ft
• Nicky: 225ft
• Mark: 351ft
• Lauren: 59ft
• Alice: 278ft
• Sam: 2605ft
• Dani (me!): 1480ft
• Racheal: 321ft
• Liv: 626
• Huw: 538
• Rachael (H): 666

WEEK TWO:

• Peter: 1785ft
• Nathan: 2040ft
• Karen: 53ft
• Ash: 208ft
• Naomi: 613ft
• Katherine: 4265ft
• Emma: 2542ft
• Helen: 1961ft
• Nicky: Awaiting total
• Mark: 482ft
• Lauren: 784ft
• Alice: 823ft
• Sam: 2575ft
• Dani (me!): 3070ft
• Racheal: Awaiting total
  
• Liv: Awaiting total
  
• Huw: Awaiting total
• Rachael (H): 836ft

Some impressive climbs in the above stats & it shows that although we moan about hills & they're bloomin' hard work, they aren't so bad.

The next time you're slogging up a hill, praying for it to be over or considering stopping, draw on that GG power & remember that together, we climbed higher than the worlds tallest mountain. We can do anything!

Thanks so much for taking part & let's get on that next challenge.

Big Loves

DOING GOOD

It was amazing to see everyone well & smiley on our virtual Tuesday meet-up! It certainly made me value the amazing community we have at GG at the power of those few moments connection with others, in a time of self-isolation.

That was before the hard work came of course & then the real fun began!

WHILST GETTING FIT

The same format as our last Pyramid session, with brand new exercises to jazz it up! If you'd like to repeat the workout, be our guest, doing 60 seconds of each, 45 seconds of each, 30 seconds of each, back to 45 & then a final round of 60 seconds per exercise to finish you off! Here it is:

• Goblet squats with a heel raise (weight at chest as option)
• Bridge pose (weight on hips as option)
• 3-part Sit-up (side, centre, side)
• Mountain Climbers, making them as explosive as possible!

We obviously finished with a 60 hold to create that burn, this time in plank position, with a cheeky hoover-manuvre!

Thanks so much to those who joined in & if you give it ago at home, let me know how it goes :)

Big Loves x

DOING GOOD

In lieu of our usual group run activities we hosted a Zoom call so we could complete a workout, together.

And it was SO great to see many of the Derby GG'ers faces live from their own homes! Smiles & greetings all round as we checked in with one another before a little Tuesday beasting...

WHILST GETTING FIT

And those smiles didn't last for long once that timer was on! Trainer Dani, joined in her home lock-down by Sam & BadGym, hosted a fitness session we like to call The Pyramid. Taking place in a stable currently renovated into a gym (& still smelling of horse muck!) we showed the group an all over body-burner, which targets some of those areas key to sustainable running... the legs (mostly the quads on this one!), the abs & the upper body for a strong foundation.

As the name suggests, we build a pyramid with our sets. 60 seconds of each exercise, 45 seconds of each exercise, 30 seconds of each exercise, back to 45 seconds & finishing with 60 seconds again. Here's what we did (for those that want to try it again!):

• Press-ups! Simple, old-school & effective for toning the upper body. Either full press ups, knees down or using a wall for a supported press-up works here.
• Squat dips! Like a squat, but hold it low. Never straighten the legs, just dip low, slightly lift & dip low again. A butt & a quad burner! Hold a weight for a tougher workout.
• Toe Reaches! Lying on the floor, feet towards the ceiling & arms overhead. Squeeze the abs & reach for those toes! Add weight for a tougher workout.
  
• Reverse Lunges! What it says on the tin, but we keep arms lifted towards the ceiling to increase heart-rate. Want more of a challenge? Hold a weight overhead to really work on that core stability!

And once all that was done & dusted, I couldn't just leave them there.... We finished with a 60 second wall hold to finish off those quads & boy did it finish them off!

Naomi & Helen later reported that they had trouble getting back down the stairs after their workout... fair to say they were a little wobbly with emotion!

BIG THANKS

It was amazing to see you! Let's do the same again next week? New exercises, less quads, promise :)

DOING GOOD

I waited with anticipation at the Jurys Inn after it seemed as though many of the GG regulars were busy, had a case of the sniffles or were tending to a niggle... it was nothing to do with the afternoon of rain keeping them away, honest.

But alas runners did turn up & they were some cool-cats alright, much to Ashley's relief!

It was great to see Karen back after her ultra effort a couple of weekends ago (looking as fresh as ever!) as well as Alice who's making a comeback after an injury - go team!

With a group of us rearing to go (kinda), we hit the pavements & headed out to the Glebe Gardens Allotments, where we were met with enthusiasm by Vron from the committee & Sharon, a local resident who has a plot on the allotments.

We knew it was going to be a wheeley fun task when Vron said we would be cutting back a hedge & then wheel-barrowing the trimmings around the maze of allotments to the piles ready for composting.

Splitting into two teams, we worked on two sections of the hedge, trimming it back & taking it in turns to load up the barrows & wheel the trimmings around the allotments to the growing piles.

It became clear that we needed a taller person on team two as the hedge was neatly trimmed back to 5ft 5 with a bushy, sprouting top!

This was soon remedied when Ashley joined them with the loppers.

After forty five minutes of hard graft, the hedges looked in a much better way, making the allotments neater ready for the residents to begin spring planting. A job well done by the GG clan.

WHILST GETTING FIT

As well as graft at our task, we kicked the evening off with a team challenge outside of the Jurys Inn; Cool Cats vs The Vikings.

We dueled at a squat challenge, the plank war & then a mini relay around the flower beds.

After warming up our quads & core it was time to start the run, jointly led by Sam & Lauren. A total of 5km covered on a mild evening... perfect!

UP NEXT

Our next task takes us back to where it all began; supporting the Friends of Darley Open Spaces (FoDOS) with their wildlife garden. We're going to be sorting out the wet-bed (home to frogs & newts!) & planting snow-drops. A short run - with a walk option - of 4km total, so everyone is welcome & I'd love to see you there!

If anyone has any snow-drop bulbs that they'd like to donate to FoDOS, they'd be most welcome by this lovely group.

THANK YOUS

Massive thanks for once again braving what looked as though would be a miserable evening, but luckily turned out mild & pleasant & a barrow-load of fun! The lighter & warmer evenings are beginning to show, so let's hang on a little longer you Winter Warriors & look forward to a busy year ahead.

Big Loves x

DOING GOOD

There's a theme for Tuesday weather at the moment & yet again, despite the miserable conditions eight runners - one pretending to be a cyclist, two newbies (a warm welcome to Karen & Sarah & a runner with perfectly un-holy pants - braved the cold to do good whilst getting fit.

Due to the heavy rains of the past few days our original task at Glebe Gardens Allotments was unfortunately canceled due to flooding, but fear not! Where this a GoodGym, there is always good to be done!

Our friends at the Age UK Centre on Chad Park were keen as always to welcome us with open arms & had a little tidy-up job for us to do.

After - of course - the chaps enjoyed a hot coco & a sit down.

Due to the rain, leaves & debris had been carried across the pavement & car park which meant that an elderly person accessing the centre had slipped - the first incident here in years.

We got to work, sweeping, brushing & tidying the paths removing as much of the slimly leaves as we could & hopefully making the path safer again.

Speaking of incidents... armed with her old nemesis "broomy-broom", Rachael fell victim of the brushes cruel tricks once again. Her pants were now marked as holy.

But luckily her leg (& in particular, her main artery) were unscathed, although we did hear a bit more about it...

As always with Age UK, a task completed & a pair of holy pants is never the end of the story.

WHILST GETTING FIT

Tuesday at Age UK means only one thing now - BOX STICKS CLASS!

After we swept that path good & clear, it was time to burn off the hot chocolate and to box & sticks(?) our way into the evening to some classic rock anthems.

With flashing lights, pumping fists & epic tunes, it was as close to a real party as we'd all been for a long time!

Heart rates elevated & inner rock chicks released, it was time to head back to base. Even the hail splattering down on us couldn't dampen our spirits after another successful Tuesday Group Run.

THANK YOUS

Big thanks to Emma for leading the run whilst I doddled along on my bike & of course to the best back markers, Pete & Holy Pants Rachael. Well done to all of you for braving the elements & being the winter faces of GG Derby!

UP NEXT

A brand spanking new task next week - our favorite! We're at St Giles Church tidying up a memorial. Come along to do good & get fit with a longer run of 8km total.

Big Loves x

GETTING RACING FIT

It was an exciting morning on Sunday as runners from Derby and Leicester GoodGym - as well as far flung Newcastle! - donned their trainers & eagerly toed the start line of the Carsington 10km & Half Marathon.

The weather was forecast to pour it down all morning, so it was a pleasant surprise when the rain disappeared & the sun even tried to make a break through the clouds. The sun was definitely welcome for those of us spectating too & doing the important job of cheering on the GG'ers!

It was a race of mixed emotions, as always.

Helen & Tracey both completing the 10km were delighted with their times. Helen very much so, having knocked 9 minutes off her previous 10km PB - go girl!

Sam, Salvo, Huw & Katherine completed the Half Marathon, which was a challenging course anyway; up & over the 'bumps' & facing strong gales along the exposed part of the reservoir. Sam was delighted with his result, setting a new PB with an impressive time of 1 hour & 32 minutes & Salvo & Katherine were relieved to have made it to the end, having completed this beast of a race!

As with all events, there are highs & lows whilst running but no matter how it went, with medal in hand, a cold Kombuca in this case & the race behind you, there's always something to smile about.

I think everyone did great - Well done GG'ers!

So, what's next? :)

Big Loves x

DOING GOOD

In the afternoon as the wind bellowed and the rain came down heavy, we did each ponder whether anyone else would be at the Jurys Inn at 6:15pm... It needn't have even crossed our minds!

Fifteen hardy GG'ers were there by the time the clock struck six thirty & we were outside braving the cold, doing our thang!

Once we'd made ourselves feel sufficiently silly, it was time to do good.

We were back on ivy removal duties at the Broadway Baptist Church. With one fence (almost) cleared at our previous task there a couple of weeks ago, we moved onto another section of fencing at the side of the church. With Emma optimistically exclaiming that it would take "15 minutes!" it was now a race against the clock!

Ashley wasn't quite satisfied with leaving the previous fence with those pesky straggles of ivy, so he went back to work on the previous section, joined on the grass by Noami & Mark, who cleared up & bagged hedge cuttings.

The rest of the group cracked on with the new area of ivy removal, working methodically cutting, pulling & bagging. A few excuses were thrown around as we neared & eventually surpassed the 15 minute timer optimistically set... "the ivy knew we were coming"... "it was tougher than the last lot"... "it was older".... & the best one "let's blame the taskforce!"

15 minutes or not (who's counting? But for fact-taking sake it was 30 minutes of hard labour!) the team did a cracking job, removing most of the ivy & making a huge difference to the church grounds.

As the rain got heavier & the GG'ers colder, it was time for a group snap in front of our handy work & a run back to base.

Wait... Something is missing. Oh, Ashley's still working solo on his section of fencing!

WHILST GETTING FIT

Two run leaders on last nights task, meant double the fun. Emma led the group to our good deed, tackling the steady incline & Helen led the group back to the safety of the Jurys Inn, enjoying the long downhill stretch... bliss!

As well as our 4km total run, the team got a tasty leg workout at the Jurys using the resistance bands to practice all of the silly walk techniques - including everyones favorite duck waddle - firing up those important running muscles.

THANK YOUS

Big thanks to our lead runners & to all of you for coming out on a dismal evening to spread some GG cheer. A welcome to brand new runner Carly who along with Ellen (on her second run with us!) definitely win the prize for biggest chunk of ivy removed! A welcome back to Ellie as well who braved her third run with the Derby clan!

GO TEAM!

UP NEXT

Next week our good deed takes us to the Glebe Gardens Allotments where we'll no doubt get a little grubby again. Come & enjoy some fresh evening air over a nice accessible distance of 5km total!

Big Loves

DOING GOOD

One cold frosty night, ten runners huddled in the warmth of the Jurys Inn, dreaming of a hot chocolate (or maybe a beer) before it was time to brave the elements & step outside. As if this cold exposure wasn't enough, these poor souls were then given a circuit to complete; press-ups, squats & hoover planks all in front of the Jurys large glass front! They may have felt foolish, but their warming muscles thanked them.

And then it was time for their mission.

Katherine led the group out to Darley Park, stopping just before Cardiac Hill for Walk Leader (& injured runner) Dani & Sam to regroup. Once together, kit was divvied out, runners in pairs & the mission was a GO.

We 'plogged' our way up Cardiac Hill, to the top car park, finding quite a bit of litter - mostly of the alcoholic variety - behind the Wildlife Gardens, before heading to the Tearooms, across the playing area & over the lovely new path besides the river.

Chatting, jogging & litter picking, spirits were kept high despite a few numb fingers!

Four bags of litter collected, a lonely knight photographed & a broken umbrella rescued - mission success! Now the running was about to get serious.

WHILST GETTING FIT

The run out to Darley Park & the plog that followed meant that the group covered approximately two miles in a steady pace. Unfortunately, we were a little cold, so it was time to warm things up. We regrouped by the bridge & marked out (using lights & Sam) a lap that we guessed was about 200m, with a downhill section, a flat & short, sharp climb. Perfect.

Parlouf time!

Set into pairs, the runners took turns to tackle the lap (aiming for a solid effort of about 70%), completing three laps per runner, six as a pair.

Sweaty & heart rates elevated, it was time for Katherine to lead the runners back to the Jurys, snap our group photo & say our goodbyes.

UP NEXT

We're back at the delightful Broadway Baptist Church next week. There will be a walk group & a run group so all abilities are welcome to join in the good-deediness!

Big Loves x