Knights of Croydonia and Supermassive Black Holes

A magnificent 7 Goodgymmers beat train and traffic problems; gathered in Croydon to run 7km and help the Friends of Thornton Heath Rec to pluck weeds from the garden and plant two new trees AND still had time for some core-blimey circuits

While usual trainer Juliet was away in Scotland a double team of visitors made sure Croydon GG did its weekly dose of good

Patrick travelled across the river from North London and we all extended a special welcome to Gemma, who will be leading the new GoodGym in Hounslow (check out the launch run on Monday 15th August here).

Patrick was warmly greeted by the friendly Croydon regulars and then gave his introductory speech to remind the team about:

• coach runs
• missions
• races: 5k ParkRun on Saturday 6th then a 4 x 1 mile relay and Regent's Park 10k - both on Sunday 7th August. Can anyone do all three?
  
• plenty of new GoodGym launches
• and monthly drinks!

Before we set off, Helena took one look at the map and knew she was destined to lead the run while Dom and Geeta made sure no-one was left behind. Geeta is still new to running and embarking on a heroic couch to 5k journey. Good luck Geeta!

We took a direct route to Thornton Heath Rec and threw in some loop backs along the way and always chose the busiest streets to proudly show our red T-shirts. We almost recruited some passers by!

Paul and other friends of Thornton Heath Rec were already working away when we arrived and were delighted to have a super seven extra pairs of hands. And musical accompaniment of course! Paul and the team explained the story being the edible garden project and how it had come from an abandoned plot of land. Tonight's tasks were to pluck out the weeds that were infiltrating the plants and to dig two holes to plant trees.

Leanne and Helena love to dig a hole for themselves!

Leanne and Helena clearly love to dig a hole for themselves so found a fork and spade to do the job. Jen and the rest of the team used smaller tools to tackle the weeds. Our hosts were really impressed what the GoodGymmers had achieved: 7 people doing 20 minutes' work is 140 minutes, so the equivalent of nearly two-and-a-half hours' work for one person with no breaks! Amazing work, team! In that short time we had plucked huge piles of weeds and found new homes for two trees.

We said goodbye until next time (GoodGym will return in September) then couldn't resist using the heath for a quick fitness session led by Gemma.

Gemma had devised circuits to strengthen our cores made up of:

• walking out on our hands to do knee charges
• alternate leg raises with straight then declined backs
• front and side planks

CORE-BLIMEY!!

We said farewell to local residents Helena and Geeta then the remaining fantastic five ran gently downhill and back to base for a quick stretch, talking about jacket potatoes, cereal and doughnuts on the way!

Well done team and thanks for the warm welcome! Juliet is still away so next week you will be looked after by GG Greenwich trainer, Sarah. You can sign up here

I hope to be back again, soon, Croydon; thanks for a lovely evening. Patrick