No beating around the bush, it was forking hard work getting to the root of the problem

On a beautiful Tuesday evening in H&F a fantastic 19 GoodGym-ers turned up to help out at tonight’s task at Age UK. A big welcome to new runners Missie, Grant and Marie on their first GoodGym run, it was great to have you along!

Before we headed outside we had a quick round-up of the news from the week…

1. Well done to those that volunteered at the British 10K at the GoodGym Electrolyte/Water Aid Station on a scorcher of a Sunday, all your efforts and cheers were much appreciated by all the runners!
2. It’s the monthly GoodGym Long Run this Sunday which will be starting at Finsbury Park Station, the brilliant GoodGym Barnet Trainer, Damian is leading the run – sign up here.
3. Finally, a big well done to the lovely Ellie on completing her 50th good deed and earning her black t-shirt, well earned!

Poaching an extra few metres of running

Following a quick warm-up which included Polly’s favourite ‘shooing the chickens’ stretch, a quick name and number count along with everyone’s favourite drinks – the British classic of tea seemed to be a favourite with many – the team set off on the short 1.3km run down to Age UK. Although the 1.3km run down ended up being a slightly longer 2km run due to me taking the group a slightly more ‘scenic’ route down around Charing Cross Hospital...sorry gang!

It wasn’t long before we arrived at the Age UK Activity Centre and we were welcomed at the entrance by Fiona, one of the Age UK H&F Volunteer Coordinators and Dawn, the Chief Executive. Fiona briefly explained the range of activities and opportunities offered at the Centre that aim to tackle issues such as loneliness and social isolation in older adults.

All the necessary tools and equipment were then gathered and the group were led outside by Fiona who explained the tasks that needed to be completed in the garden. In order to complete all the tasks efficiently, the group split into 4 teams:

1. Team Sweeping – Missie, Alice, Catherine - tasked with sweeping up all the leaves on the patio
2. Team Cutting – Anil, Tom, Rachael, Josh and Grant - tasked with cutting the bush branches down to the roots
3. Team Washing – Miteki, Catriona, Ellie, Anna and Marie - tasked with cleaning the once white plastic tables and chairs
4. Team Roots & Watering – Jason, Will, Andrew and Jesse - tasked with digging up the roots in the plant bed

Forked up

Everyone quickly got stuck in and maximum effort was exerted, there were many sweat beads appearing, aching arms and Grant even managed to break the fork in two! Definitely one way to make your first group run memorable!

As always half an hour quickly passed and there was a marked difference from when the group had started; the tables were now gleaming white again, the roots were removed, the bush was cut back and the leaves were all swept up. Apart from one stubborn root that Andrew despite his determination couldn’t quite remove, all tasks were completed and the group posed for a quick post-task group photo with Fiona and Dawn.

Another task chalked up

With the tools and gloves tidies away, “GoodGym woz ‘ere” chalked onto the chalkboard by Catriona we all said our thank yous and goodbyes, and the group headed on a short 1km run led by Catriona up to Normand Park for a quick fitness session.

Plank you very much

First up was the plank relay, the group split into two teams and assumed the plank position. The runner at the back then sprinted down to the front and shouted “Go” to the next person once they were down in the plank position. “We miss Polly already!” was exclaimed by Jesse much to mine and everyone’s amusement..next week punishable by squats I reckon!

Squatshots

Next up was a three minute game of ‘squatshot’. Team Up v Team Down. 50 red plastic shot glasses in honour of Ellie’s 50th good deed. Some interesting tactics and battles occurred with shot glasses quickly being up then down or vice versa (and one squashed shot glass casualty), a competitive game in which Team Down were victorious with a narrow winning margin of 4!

With the quick fitness session completed we headed off on the 1.5km run back to base for a quick cool down and stretch, and cake-based 50th good deed celebration – a delicious Japanese cheesecake made by Jason, within minutes all that was left were crumbs! A great end to a fun night.

Thank you for making me feel so welcome and for all your hard work at the task. Big thank you to Catriona and Ellie for their navigation help, to Johnny for taking a register while there and to Jason for back-marking and ensuring that I didn’t lose anyone, success! Have a fantastic week all and hopefully see you next week - the task is painting at Gibbs Green Tenants Hall – sign-up here!.