Better Slate Than Never

18 GG Yorkies ran 7km to shift 91 bags of slate and created a platform for raised beds!

We welcomed no less than FIVE new runners to the GoodGym York gang, and three of those meant that Lizzie, Chloe and Mel got their mitts on some red laces for bringing a friend. Give them all a cheer!

One of our new runners was Kay from BBC Radio York, she'll be talking about GoodGym from 6am-9am on the 7th March so tune in or have a listen on iPlayer. We also welcomed Jo who is originally from GoodGym Lambeth but has joined us oop North.

After a combat-style warm up we headed out along the river (with only a very minor diversion where I got distracted with all the chatting and ran in the wrong direction, so really only made us a teeny tiny bit late) to Marjorie Waite; a sheltered housing complex. We were greeted by some of the residents and the chief gardener Pam, who explained our task.

We need this whole patch to be lined and topped with gravel, so we can put some big pots on the patch to plant lavender and flowers - Pam

With 30 minutes to get the job done, the team set straight to work, with some stamping the ground flat whilst others lugged the 15kg bags across to the patch. There was also a trolley with questionable steering that offered a fun challenge for getting some of the bags across.

Whatever way you think you want to go, steer the opposite way - Leanne, GoodGym Member

Within ten minutes the plot was flattened and lined with slate starting to go on. Opening the thick plastic bags proved to be another challenge.

Anyone got a stone or something I can use to rip the bag? ..err, I think there might be one or two!

18 runners made short work of the task; we boshed through it in 24 minutes - that's 1365kgs of slate. The residents were absolutely delighted and started reeling off all the other jobs they've got that we can help with.

We said our goodbyes and headed off, stopping at Clifton Green on the way back for some fun team relay races with bonus squats, star jumps and can-can kicks. We also witnessed very impressive sideways bounding from some of our more competitive members.

Another good deed done, see y'all next time.