Weedy Woodpecker

Feeling full of the joys of summer, twenty seven superstars skipped towards New Cross to help at the Woodpecker Youth Centre, covering just under 6km, showing a ton of weeds what for and indulging in some sports day fun.

We just knew it was going to be a big one tonight, when not one, not two, not three, but FOUR absolute first time GoodGym group runners joined us in the foyer of Glass Mill. Lewisham Love tonight goes to Anna, Isobelle, Matt and Anna (yes, this could get confusing!). We also opened our SE13 arms to Heather, who is a coach runner and has previously sampled the delights of our neighbouring GoodGym over in Greenwich. Welcome, everyone!

After a quick (and slightly bonkers) warm-up, that involved some of our (until now) most well-respected members squatting in a bush, others hugging tree trunks and a fair bit of bench sitting (sitting?!), we geared ourselves up to run. Tonight's task would take us over to New Cross. It's been a long time since we ran in this direction, but no chance of getting lost along the Lewisham Way. We scooped up Helen en route who, having just run down the hill, had to run right back up it again - respect! Running along the edge of the youth centre, it was clear to see why they needed our help this week, with weeds poking out between the slabs and litter blowing under the fence.

We were met by Charlotte, who had very kindly put out jugs of squash for our thirsty runners and, as we rehydrated, showed us where we were to focus our energy tonight. Gloves were put on, tools were grabbed and zones were claimed, as everyone got stuck in and made the outside space look lovely again.

At this point Conroy turned up, fresh from volunteering at the World Para Athletics Championships all day, what a volunteering hero!

Generally, when we go to a task there are a variety of implements to get the job done, some very specific to the task in hand, some needing a little more creativity and imagination. Tonight I was once again blown away by our runners' ingenuity, as James and Vic dug carefully away at the moss between the slabs, using lolly-pop sticks. What a pair of tools!

With such a large group, the front and side areas were cleared quickly, leaving enough time to go through to the rear of the building ('There's more?!'). Ten minutes left and rubbish was swept, weeds were slashed and a particularly stubborn buddleia was shown the door. Bin bags were filled and gathered up, gloves were returned (thanks James for carrying them for me) and our lovely group photo was taken.

It really was a fantastic transformation.

Just across the road from the youth centre is a nice little park, the perfect spot for a fitness session. Oh yes. Today was Sports Day at my son's school, so I was all inspired :) To warm everyone back up, we split into two teams for a game of over and under - some lovely encouragement and teamwork was shown here. We then went on to pair up...for a game of crab-walk. Yes, it's as daft as it sounds. And tough! Our strength was then tested with some good strong plyometric jumping and all was rounded off with a few planks. Great work everyone!

Our run back was a little more scenic than the outward leg, but involved a fair few road crossings...and opportunity to split up. Good work from Steve, who was tonight's back-marker and thank you everyone for your patience, it can be challenging keeping such a large group together!

Tonight was one of welcomes, but also a little goodbye, to Nikki. Hopefully Nikki will be able to join us next week for our post-run social at the Brookmill, but for now we will say good luck with your move and we promise to come on tour some time!

Do you fancy joining in next week too? We will return to the Ladywell Fields Environmental Education Centre, so a shorter run, a nice painting task and a gorgeous park to enjoy for our fitness session. Sign up here, it's going to be lovely.