We used our GoodGym handies to help out the Salvation Armies

It was a busy night in Wandsworth yesterday, with 23 GGers running 5k to help out sort donations and do some big painting jobs at the Salvation Army. It never ceases to amaze how many of you lovely people are willing to give up your time to work hard to help the community <3

News Round

• Firstly, a huge well done to all the runners who did the Big Half on Sunday. With over 100 GoodGymers tackling the half marathon course in some tough conditions, it was a great day and even saw some PBs. Well done everybody!

• Shout out to those who went on the Lambeth/Liverpool pair up and races, and especially to Frances who got a well-earned PB.

• A big welcome to Victoria who joined us for her first group run last night - lovely to have you run with us!

• There is a community mission and bootcamp session happening this Sunday in Wandsworth. We'll be doing a littler pick and a workout near Clapham Junction - everybody welcome!

Getting handy at the Army

Last night's task was our second visit to Balham's Salvation Army, so after our chat we headed outside to do our warm up and a survey on what we would find hard to give up. Chocolate, all the food, wine, GoodGym, running and singing badly in the car were close to our hearts!

With a 2.5 km run ahead of us we set off towards Balham, arriving in good time to find the jobs all set up and ready for us. While a group of eight went upstairs to give the meeting room a second coat of paint, several smaller groups heading outside and to the shop to do the same to the doors, and the rest tackling a table of donations, it was action stations straight away.

There was some very neat painting going on with the Salvation Army branded red paint, and a lovely job painting the vestibule, while the group upstairs were tackling a big room very effectively. Meanwhile the donations crew were sorting some useful pieces of clothing, and some stranger offerings, including Emily's unopened Christmas present, wigs in several rainbow colours and a rather nice little pinny (modelled by Jordan).

After 40 minutes we called it a night, and headed back to the common for a plank-based fitness session. We knocked out 20 second reps of different planks, with only one recovery break, which really worked our cores. Nice effort, team. After that it was only a short sprint back to base, and some final stretching.

Next week we have all sorts of exciting things happening - a long run (with shorter options so bring your oyster/card along for the way back), and a tasty social with 20% off at BabaBoum afterwards! Sign up here for all the Monday fun.