Getting Downham with the kids

Ten radiant runners took to the streets of Bromley for the first time, covering 6km, clearing a raised bed of weeds and tackling a shuttle-sprint/strength training mashup with great enthusiasm.

We were very excited to be launching in Bromley this week, our 31st GoodGym area! We were given a warm welcome at the Bromley Civic Centre, by the Mayor, Cllr Ian Payne and other members of Bromley Council. Cllr Payne welcomed GoodGym to the borough and talked a little about how pleased he is that we are bringing our combination of encouraging exercise and volunteering to the area. It seems he is a runner himself, having completed no fewer than seven London Marathons! Sadly, he wasn't running with us this time but, who knows, he might come along and see what it's all about in future weeks. We also heard from Cllr Stephen Carr, who focused on the work we do with older people, pairing runners with an isolated person in the borough, to visit once a week for a chat. We then talked about our mission runs, where runners can help out in someone's home, completing a task that would be a challenge for those who may be immobile, such as changing a light-bulb, moving heavy furniture or clearing a garden. There was a great sense of support from the council and we were all delighted with our 'I met the mayor' badges ('Better than a Blue Peter Badge' apparently)!

Time to get down to the nitty gritty and run!

Even though we are now - apparently - in Spring, it was jolly cold outside, so it was time to warm up. We got to know each other's names, we played a little game that got us breathing harder (but still managing to laugh) and we did a few dynamic exercises to prepare our bodies to run.

It's always exciting heading to a new task in a brand new area and there was a buzz of chatter as we negotiated a route through the busy Bromley streets. We got to know some running/fitness goals, heard about where people had been before (we had two visitors from GoodGym Lewisham, hello Amber and Conroy, lovely to see you!), Sarah, who had been to other GoodGym areas, so was familiar with all things GG and we welcomed five absolute first-timers, David, Tom, Chloe, Sarah and Mollie - give them a cheer!

At a GoodGym group run, nobody gets left behind. Thank you to Conroy for being back-marker.

Our task for this launch run was at the Bromley and Downham Youth Club which, as we discovered, is a hive of activity, with music and laughter bouncing around the sports hall as we met Ann, who showed us where we would be working. What a treat to arrive at a task with brand new, still with their labels, gardening gloves! Thank you Ann! We also had an array of tools to hand, which proved very useful in tackling the very overgrown and straggly-looking raised bed. This needed to be cleared of weeds and debris, so that a planting/growing project can take place.

I had hoped to take a 'before' picture, but everyone was so quick off the mark, gloves on, tools in hand, that I couldn't get near it until the end! The photos are a little dark, but just look at the incredible transformation to the space - well done everyone on working so well together, having only just met! As always at these tasks, the time flies and we were very soon gathering the bags of waste to be collected (I think I counted at least six!) and returning the now slightly less immaculate gloves to the trug.

Our return run took us past a small green square, which looked like the perfect stop-off point for a quick fitness session and, yes, these runners were quick! Cones were put out and, in pairs and a three, runners took it in turns to shuttle run or squat, jump-jack, side-to-side skate or lift their knees. At this point it was clear how eager these new-comers are to get stuck in, moving quickly between running/weeding and pushing themselves hard!

Nearing our start point, Matt decided he needed to sprint, so a few others joined him in a little race (so competitive!), while the rest of us kept it nice and steady to our stretch point. Thank you everyone for such a fantastic evening and for making me feel so welcome in your borough. Next week, we hope Simon will be with you, why not sign up and commit to some more Tuesday night fun?

Adele