Wandsworth

Group run

Blue Runday

46 GoodGymers made their way 6km to help their local community in Wandsworth.

  • Alexander Kenmure
  • Sara
  • Jessie Woodward
  • Peter Freeman
  • Anastasia Hancock
  • Ruth
  • Matthew Stuart
  • Sophie Humphrey
  • Jordan
  • Frances Collier-Wright
  • Chi Nwa
  • Beth Nelson
  • Hounslow runner
  • Vicky
  • Tom Jackson
  • Wandsworth runner
  • Pippa Nutkins
  • Pete White
  • Alice Pickles
  • Oliver Cannon
  • David Simpson
  • Sam Lefevre
  • Callum Stubbs
  • JuliavC
  • Caroline Halls
  • Georgie Worsfold
  • Šana
  • Kimberley Smith
  • Bruno
  • Diego
  • Alice Wigley
  • Mia Gomez
  • Isla Black
  • Becca Goldsworthy
  • Nelson Holtz
  • Southampton runner
  • Alex Hadley
  • Calanna
  • Helena Clay
  • Alexa Bailey
  • Emily
  • Harriet
  • Becky Dobson
  • Rachel Young
  • Peter Freeman
  • Jessica Evans
 
Monday, 20th of January 2020
 
Led by Anastasia Hancock
she/her

Yesterday was Blue Monday - apparently the most depressing day of the year. In Wandsworth last night there was zero evidence of that, with 46 happy GoodGymers running 6km to lend a hand at a children's adventure playground. We even started off the night discussing what cheers us up when we're feeling down; food definitely came out on top along with running (of course), dogs, cat videos, rum and sunshine. If last night is anything to go by, we can most definitely add GoodGym to that list!

With the BAC being shut for the night we were lucky enough to be given a temporary home by the lovely people at Share Community, a brilliant charity that supports local disabled people. Thanks Share!

It was really lovely to see new faces, familiar faces, runners from different areas, from central office and even from Wandsworth council. Everybody is welcome at GoodGym, and always will be. A special welcome to Sara, Alex, Alexa, Becky, Rachel and Jessica who all came for their first group run last night. Give them a cheer, GoodGym!

We started off with a run through of the news - here's a recap:

  • The January challenge is in full swing. In Wandsworth we racked up 129 good deeds and run a total of 1,176 kms which is pretty great. There's still a way to go though, so get yourself to as many group runs and missions as possible and don't forget to strava the heck out of every run!

  • Looking for a community mission? Then check out this brilliant one next Tuesday lunchtime. The job is shifting furniture for a LGBTQ+ charity which supports young people locally, so not only will you get a great upper body workout but you'll be helping out an important organisation too. What's not to love?

  • Like burgers? Feeling social? Want to catch up with other GoodGymers while not trying to trip up on the pavement or elbow deep in mud? Then our monthly port-run social is for you. Every first Monday of the month, just round the corner from our starting place at the Four Thieves. And it's even two for one on the burgers!What more could you ask for? Sign up here to join us at the next one.

After a rather squished warm up, we set off for our task at Oasis adventure playground. This wonderful place is a local charity that has fun facilities and learning opportunities for disabled and non-disabled young people enabling them to lead happy, fulfilled lives and play positive roles in the community.

We arrived to find David, who manages the place, waiting for us with tools and a pretty inspiring welcome. We were only there for 40 minutes, but he reminded us in that time that we would be playing an active role in improving the lives of young people. With that feel good factor, we got straight to work shifting old pallets from an area that needed to be dug over. We got a nice little chain gang going, before the real hard work began digging over the area, as well as creating a firepit. Which sounds about the most excellent and dangerous thing to introduce in to a children's playground.

Meanwhile, some of the group were treated to an extra conditioning session (lucky!), before getting on with weeding the enormous area - as well as testing out the facilities (which GoodGym trainer was spotted having fun on the trampoline cough, Beth?).

After just over half an hour of hard graft, we downed tools and headed over to the neighbouring park for a very short fitness blast. We warmed up with a game of clusters. While I wouldn't like to fling around any wild accusations of cheating, there was definitely some interesting counting going on! We then knocked out a little conditioning versus high intensity drills, with Chi encouraging everybody to work harder as we squatted, lunged, balanced and high kneed.

All that was left was to run the three kms back to base, and stretch out those tired muscles. Well done on working hard for a brilliant charity, getting a good run under your belt in the process, and giving blue Monday a smack about the chops. Next week we're off to clear leaves in a community garden, you can find out all about it right here. Hope to see you, until then, run happy!

Report written by Anastasia Hancock


Discuss this report

sign in to add a comment

Anastasia Hancock
Led by Anastasia Hancock

Area Activator for Wandsworth and Hounslow. All things running. For fitness, fun, racing and to feel good - and for everybody!

GoodGymers helping out
  • Back marker

    Make sure that no one is left behind

    • Hounslow runner
  • Photographers

    Take photos for the session report

    • Chi Nwa
    • Oliver Cannon

Share the love

Join us on the next run

Monthly session at Doddington roof garden!

Monday 18:30 - 20:00
Led by Anastasia Hancock


Battersea Arts Centre

Find out more

Become a member

with an optional monthly donation

  • Run, walk, or cycle to help older people
  • Access sessions across the country
  • Claim your GoodGym t-shirt

Need help with a community project?

If you're a community organisation and have a physical task then we'd like to help.

Request a task

Cookies help us deliver our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more