On the hops

As the sun set around us, a super seven ran 4km and took on a wayward hedge at Cator Park.

What a weekend of achievements! Even though we were being well and truly blown away by The Weather, our fine athletes were still out there, smashing goals and grabbing that endorphin rush. First up was Darryl (great to have you back), who managed to grab himself a parkrun PB! When you consider that this was at Hilly Fields, it's no mean feat! Later on, Kat and I were chilling (literally, it was frrrrreezing!) in the Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park, swimming two miles of Swim Serpentine. On Sunday, in possibly the worst conditions you can encounter, Ian, Jenn and Ben took on the Beckenham Half-Marathon. Really, really well done on getting out there in the first place, it was grim! They weren't with us this evening (resting their legs?), but we hear Ben grabbed a PB and Jenn found herself on the podium, as third woman - fantastic!

Five men (...and two women...and three dogs) went to mow

After we had admired each other's medals and hi-fived, it was time for a little warm-up out on the pavement, before running over to Cator Park. I'm so pleased with myself this week, managing to take us directly there and not via Sydenham or through a secret alleyway - go me! It was easy to spot Millie in the park, wearing her fetching hi-vis, but we could feel the light fading quickly (whilst enjoying a gorgeous orange sky). It was decided that tonight we would work on the hedge outside the entrance, making use of the street lighting, our head-torches and two little - but bright - torches (that I bought in desperation this afternoon!).

Hopping mad

There is a fence along this stretch, but you wouldn't know it. The ivy and, interestingly, hops were growing wildly around and through the gaps and hanging over the pavement, reducing its width by about half. With some concerted chopping, tugging and shaping, the pavement was quickly reclaimed and a massive pile was formed in the entrance to the park. To the other side of the entrance, Darryl worked hard to trim back a lucious holly bush, carefully lifting the offcuts and depositing them on the growing pile. Once the path had been swept and cleared (great work Ian, with whatever that excellent clearing up tool was) it was time to say goodbye (possibly until the spring :( ) and make use of a nearby wall for a sit-off. I know for sure that everyone has excellent squatting skills and strength, but this turned into a competition in competitiveness, with Jane looking as cool as ever in third place, then the final head-to-head being between Bradley and Tim. Oh dear. Those of you who know these two, will know that we could have left them - as Stuart pointed out - and come back next week to see them still hanging on in there! Our fitness session happened on the move, with some push-ups, then some tri-dips and planks up at the park. Great work everyone.

Next week we are hopefully working on a playground (fun times!) and we decided it was time for a social, so we'll head out afterwards for some food and drink. Sign up here and come along!