Fancy a chip? No way, hose-spray!

8 fabulous runners ran 6km to help the Friends of Forest Hill Station prepare for the InBloom judges.

A big welcome to Sandy who arrived resplendent in his red top to join us for his first ever group run.

The garden was full of post-work revelers enjoying a drink in the sun but, as tempting as it was to stay and join them, we headed over to the park for a quick warm up and introduction before making our way to Forest Hill station. Thanks to Stuart for back-marking the group (and for the pun). We were joined at the station by Vic, Clare and Darryl, who were waiting with Quetta who had a list of jobs for us to do. Top of the list was watering the plants in front of the station, in the planters on the platforms and across the road from the station. The last time we visited mother nature had taken care of this, but we have been more fortunate with the weather this week so they were in need of a good soaking. Darryl took control of the hose and gave the plants a good drink, trying not to squirt Stuart who set to work on pruning some unruly plants. Amongst them we found some wild strawberries, it's amazing what you can find in the most unlikely of places.

Amongst the throng of commuters coming and going a lady stopped to tell us that seeing us had put a smile on her face, a lovely comment that put a smile on ours too.

Sandy, Mark and Clare headed off to clear the weeds from the garden on the platform, which is thriving and smells fabulous, thanks to the herb garden. They had soon tidied the space and set to work watering the planters on the platform. Tim added to his mileage by making several journeys over the bridge, watering can in hand, much to the bemusement of the commuters.

When the chips are down

Vic soon regretted volunteering to clear some chips that had been thrown onto a cobbled area. Who knew chips could be so difficult to sweep and could smell so bad?! She wished she'd packed a clothes-peg amongst everything else she'd stashed down the front of her top. GoodGymer's are a hardy bunch though, good work Vic!

It's amazing how much work 8 people can do in half an hour, and we had soon watered, weeded and tidied everywhere. Time for us to down tools and to head back to the park, waving goodbye to Vic, Clare and Darryl.

For my first fitness session as run leader, I had chosen a mysterious-sounding Indian relay. Stuart, Sandy, Mark and Tim soon set off at a gentle pace around a 1km loop, in a line about 5m in-front of each other. Once they had got their rhythm, the person at the back sprinted to the front and, once back in step, yelled or signalled for the next person to repeat. There was some impressive sprinting to be seen, great work guys!

It was soon time for a stretch and a chat before heading off to watch the second half of the England world cup semi-final.

Next week we are heading up to the Upper Norwood Library Hub to clear their outside space. Excitingly, this will be our second Pengiversary, and Adele has promised cake (she does great cake). Further details are on the run-page, have a look and sign-up here. Did I mention there'll be cake?!

We have been invited to take part in Alexandra Rec's 'Physicality in the Park' on 28th July, where we will be tidying a few flower beds and spreading the word about GoodGym. It has been listed as a community mission, have a look and sign-up here.

Thanks for making my first outing as run leader go so smoothly, I hope I passed muster.