Don't stop de-leafing

This week we had not one, not two, not three but FOUR newcomers to GoodGym Haringey. First up Shamim, then GoodGym Lewisham transplant Niall, then Nicole, closely followed by Rachael, who was doubling down on the exercise today after going to Boot Camp this morning. Welcome all (give them a cheer)!

GGH regulars Nurjehan, Marusha and today's leader Sarah were outnumbered by the newcomers, until Cathy arrived.

After a quick warmup the group set off for a run around the block before arriving right back at Tottenham Green, the location for tonight's task. Task owner Laura met us and gave us all tasks: Marusha and Rachael planted bulbs under some of the trees on the green. Niall, Nicole, Shamim and Cathy started with some litter picking and moved onto leaf clearing. Nurjehan had an inside job stripping seed pods from hollyhock stalks.

Local man Michael popped up to teach us some useful raking technique.

Conversation flowed, with names being a favourite topic of the night. Shamima and Sarah both had five girls with the same name as them in their class at school. Dave was absent from tonight's run but when his name was mentioned Rachael said "every group needs a Dave" and told a story from her university days of crashing parties by saying she was friends with Dave

By the end of the task we had filled several bags with leaves, another bag with litter and as for the bulbs, you may have to wait until spring to see our handiwork!

There was a little time left over to do a quick fitness session. First of all we focused on running light, by pairing up and trying to sneak up (at a running pace) on each other. This exercise encourages runners to keep their feet under them and land softly, which helps prevent injury and encourages good form.

After that we did a quick circut - 60 seconds mountain climbers, 30 seconds squat jumps, and a 60 second wall sit. Everyone loved the mountain climbers, which means we will do more squat jumps next week!

Well done all, and speaking of next week, we will be heading back to Hanover Community Garden.