It's fun to weed at the Y-M-C-A

In what feels like a flash, we’ve completed run number SIX!

With the weather a little cooler (but probably muggier) than last week, 22 runners met as usual in Yr Hen Llyfergell to embark on GoodGym’s latest group run. Thankfully for some (okay, most) the distance was considerably shorter, as Ben informed us we’d be running to YMCA Plasnewydd 2km away to rescue some flower beds and de-weed a patio. Were we keen? Oh yeah, we do seem to love our weeds.

Before setting off we introduced ourselves and gave a HUGE CHEERY WELCOME to Bethan, Holly and Chris. Thank you for joining us, guys! We then had a bit of a stretch and took part in round one of Ben’s version of the Hunger Games. Introducing: ‘Fish and Chips.’ The concept was simple, within a cornered off space, run, jog and weave around the other runners (like fish in pond, you see) until someone shouts STOP. Then, we were instructed to quickly partner up and yell either FISH or CHIPS at each other. If you both said the same word you had to do high knees for ten seconds (it wasn’t really ten seconds, was it Ben?), but if you and your partner shouted different words at each other, the forfeit was 10 burpees. I can neither confirm or deny rumours that most of the runners made a pre-game pact to only say ‘fish’ to one another ;)

Running full pelt down Queen Street

And so, with some of us exhausted before we started, we were off! Running full pelt down Queen Street, dodging cyclists, stretching our weary legs and inspiring many passers-by to ask “What’s GoodGym?” No time to stop and explain though! We had squats, jogging on the spot, and ‘open the gates’ to fit in. (Side note: whilst doing a rather risqué hip opening exercise, Ben informed Rachel, Craig and Samina that he’d watched a very weird programme on TV the night before. We wondered what triggered that memory…) A big thank you to Lucy for back marking us all the way down to City Road.

Ready for the challenge

In just 13 minutes of running and copious traffic lights we reached YMCA Plasnewydd. Wonderful Gareth came out to say hello and show us to our mission. He very generously gave out new gloves, spades, forks, shears, knives, brushes and even a strimmer for us to get stuck in with, and spent a little time telling us about all the wonderful things YMCA Plas have managed to achieve. He proudly told us how the community centre has managed to break even after years of running at a loss under Council control by engaging the local community in various groups and classes from rollerskating and martial arts, to friendship groups and tea dances. Ben begged us not to desert GoodGym for greener pastures, but no promises were made… ;) Good poaching there, Gareth.

The time for talking was over and with weapons at hand and the timer primed and ready, we got ready to wage war on weeds… 3… 2… 1… GO! There were teams of people yanking grassy weeds here and flowery weeds there, teams filling black bags, and runners attacking roots with shovels and forks. Others got down on their hands and knees to rescue the patio from sneaky little growths, or raked the rapidly transforming flowerbeds in preparation for some future regeneration. Meanwhile, Craig managed to transform an overgrown patch with the help of Gareth’s trusty strimmer. We were doing amazingly! Before we were even finished, Gareth exclaimed “It's amazing what a group of people can do in such a short space of time... you've done so much.” A special mention to everyone who ensured the safety of our slimy and leggy friends by contributing to the Slug and Snail refugee camp and by not killing the dozens of spiders and millipedes we encountered. Sorry for making you homeless, guys! We’re told Gareth has grand plans for your new digs.

After 30 minutes, with sweaty backs and dry mouths, we welcomed the “One minute to go!” announcement from Ben. We worked hard and took great pride in stepping back with a cup of water in hand to survey the garden’s transformation. That’s one thing you can say about attending GoodGym, with a spot of weeding almost guaranteed at every group run: GoodGym certainly makes you good in bed. Flower bed, that is. Jeez. Just time for one celebratory photo before unwisely downing our water (oh the sloshing!) and heading off to City Hall.

Runners runners, try and get your PB... Spectators spectators, you can't catch me!

High on self-worth and proud of our productivity we dashed back to the City Centre to participate in round two of Ben’s Hunger Games. Introducing ‘Runner, Runner.’ Again, Ben lured us in with a simple concept, run from one glove to another (placed about 50m apart) without being bumped into, caught or (by the last round) rugby tackled by the ‘spectator’. Once the spectator catches someone, they join the hunt and before long, one spectator has quadrupled into half the team. The screams of the ‘runners’ could be heard in the castle! It is DAUNTING to run towards a wall of people determined to recruit you to their walking ways. After two games, a MASSIVE well done to Ben and Rachel who managed to evade capture the longest! We want to team up with you in a zombie apocalypse. With just a few minutes left of running, Ben extracted the last ounces of energy we possessed with some tricep dips outside the Hilton (I’m sure the prosecco-guzzling guests were thrilled) and a final sprint back to the library’s front steps. Thanks to Ben and Janelle for back marking all the way home! Weed did it!

With the quietest warm down we’ve had yet (due to exhaustion), Ben thanked us for our efforts and briefed us about next week’s run to Nightingale House to paint their garden wall. Painting! Excellent. Oh but wait, Ben has promised us some weeding too. We love us some of that green. And so with some of us heading to the glassworks to murder a pint, others heading home and all of us scratching our heads for the best pun (the winner was Fliss by the way! Congrats! - RunPunStiltskin award goes to you!), we completed run number six at Cardiff GoodGym. Da iawn pawb! Until next week! Hwyl fawr!

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