Everything is Vine with Ivo in the Ivy

On a pleasant summer's evening, 12 of Goodgym's most committed runners headed out into Wanstead Park to cut down Ivy and ran 6km in the process.

The best thing about the summer months is that we get to run a little further and get more involved in outdoor tasks. For our last run in July, we had a new task in conjunction with Vision RCL - the organisation responsible for maintaining all the leisure and outdoor facilities in the borough - no mean task I can tell you. Big shout to Dharmesh for finding this task! We also welcome back, our glorious leader Ivo and Sophie who joined us for only the second time.

With tools and gloves packed, the group split into two, one opting for a shorter route to Wanstead Park and the other a slightly quicker and longer route. Within 20 minutes both groups were reunited but the overgrown pathways were no where to be seen. In the usual Goodgym way, this didn't prevent us getting stuck in to a task and the decision was made to tackle some of the ivy which suffocates and stunts the growth of trees.

Half an hour after the task began a huge pile of ivy had been prised from the trees with some particularly long creepers pulled from the sky. John and Ivo ran a close competition for 'who has the longest vine' with John's effort winning by around 50cm. Nice work John!

With tired arms and legs, all that was left was an easy jog back to base for some light stretching and catch up chat. Well done to all those that came down and got involved. Sometimes, the more impromtu tasks can be most fun and this one was certainly one we will look to repeat again - we might even find those mythical brambles!

Finally, a good luck cheer to all the Redbridge Goodgymers who are involved in the Goodgym Olympics this weekend. I know you will do us proud!