To the window, to the wall

Rain threatened but kindly withheld last night as 22 GoodGymers assembled at The Arc Centre in Islington. Our temporary new start location is run by The Space Group that takes disused spaces and repurposes them for charities and community projects.

After a headcount and a celebration for our new runners we headed off to St Luke's. St Luke's Community Centre is an incredible space for local groups of all kinds - artists, musicians, ping pong players, legal advice groups the list goes on... One of the local musicians who rehearsed at the centre was Ruth Brown who ended up getting to the semi-final of The Voice in 2012! What St Luke's provide is invaluable. Our task was to clean up the leftovers of a slightly over zealous paint job on the stairs. There were errant splodges everywhere - windows, walls, hand rails! After 25 minutes the stairway was squeaky clean and we collected downstairs for Pat to tell us all about the Centre and what our help means to them.

Off into the sweaty night we went to Shoreditch park for a cheeky lap and - pinnacle of the evening - a group Mexican wave. Sweaty, happy and feeling a little bit silly we arrived back at The Arc for a stretch. This week's stretch is what yogis call a forward fold. Standing feet hips width apart breathe in and bring your arms over your head, breathe out and fold forward. Hang your head heavy, take each elblow in your hands and shake your head. Let it all go! Sound effects are encouraged.

Next week is my last run with Islington before the inimitable Paul Bown takes over. Come join us after the run for drinks nearby to celebrate. Let me know if you can make it here.

Thanks for another brilliant Monday GoodGym Islington!