(Super)Sonic Youth

14 ace athletes ran a huge and hilly 6.5k last night, tidied up a much-loved youth centre, and knocked out a few conditioning exercises in the process. What a way to spend an autumnal Tuesday night!

Having resisted the lure hot cups of tea and the GBBO, we kicked off the night welcoming lovely new members Toyin and Amanda to their very first GoodGym run. Give them a cheer, Croydon!

After having a quick chat about Lloyd Park parkrun and how generally great parkruns are for improving your fitness, times and starting your weekend right, we debated the best thing to have for lunch on Sunday. As well as roasts (chicken and yorkies came out on top), we also heard that cod and cheese on toast are weekend winners.

With our stomachs rumbling we headed outside to warm up, before starting our run to the Waddon Youth Centre. After a few dynamic movements that got our heart rates up, we set off with Rob, Toyin and Ellie kindly helping the non-Croydonite with her useless map reading skills! Through the town centre we ran, stopping occasionally to smash out some deep squat holds, arm presses and even a plank.

After flying down a couple of hills and up the steps of the underpass, we arrived at Waddon Youth Centre, an amazing community space which helps support young people and teach them the skills to thrive. The manager, Paul, was there waiting for us with bags of tools, gloves, rakes and hoes, and we soon set about making the outside of the building look a lot tidier. With one team tackling the weeds on the path, another group clipped back the plants growing through the fences, while the whole area was given a good sweeping. Half an hour later the place was looking a whole lot tidier, and with a wave goodbye to Paul, we set off back to our starting point.

This time a group led by Rob and Mark decide to test out their legs, and shot off ahead to do a few out and backs - doubling the distance and getting a nice speed session in the process. Those hills looked even bigger on the way back, but everybody tackled them head on and we were soon back at the gym to finish off a great night with a few stretches.

Next week lovely Croydon trainer Juliet will be back to lead you to another helpful task at a local school. Thanks for having me Team Croydon, and well done on a great night of getting fit and making a difference!