Ponds have more fun

"we are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us"

Our run last night was one of a number of events across the UK celebrating kindness, respect and everything we have in common in the Great Get Together, inspired by the late MP Jo Cox. What better way than to run to lend a hand in the local community?

We had two ace new runners join us last night - give a big welcome to Israel and Kate!

We started off with a bit of news...

• This Saturday we have the monthly GoodGym long run - 16km or 10km along the Wandle Trail. Here are all the details you need

• GoodGym is taking over an aid station at the British 10K on Sunday 21st July from 7.30am - volunteers get a free place for the Oxford Half, Hackney Half or the next London 10K. Sign up here

...before heading outside for our warm up, where we got our bodies ready for the run and also had a quick survey on the food we hate - broccoli, anchovies, liquorice, cheese, and all vegetables were all on our NO list!

Our task last night was at Cavendish School, where we have been helping sort out a wildlife area and pond for the school children to be able to use. We set off at a good pace, only to find a small glitch in that the area was locked - but the good news was it gave us the chance to have a quick core blast while we waited for the caretaker to let us in!

Once we were in, we divided up to tackle various jobs including cutting back bushes, moving branches, raking leaves and clearing the pond. After 45 minutes of hard work, the area was looking clearer and access to the pond was much easier. And we even spotted a few more newts! It's going to be an amazing area for the kids to enjoy once it is finished.

After a quick jog over to Chiswick House, it was time for our fitness session. We partnered up and alternated high intensity exercises such as frog jumps and burpees with plank holds - a great way to both improve endurance and condition our core some more. Good effort everyone!

All that was left of our Wednesday GoodGym was a run back to base and some stretches. Next week it's our last visit to Cavendish school when we'll be digging some big holes ready to plant some trees for a new orchard area. Bonus upper body workout! Sign up here.

If you fancy a community mission before then, we've got just the thing! Get involved with cleaning a public garden and war memorial in Battersea, sign up here for the details. Have a week of running happy, everyone!