Junk and Disorderly

We kicked off last night's run with the excellent news that we are record breakers - with the largest number of good deeds done in GoodGym history last week. With an enormous 1621 runs to help out an elderly person or support a community project, the impact you are having is incredible. Keep it up GoodGym!

Speaking of huge numbers, the January challenge is going pretty well for Wandsworth, with an impressive 114 out of a goal of 220 good deeds done. We do need to work on the distance a bit though, as we've currently clocked up only 873 out of 3000 kilometres. I know you are running machines though, and every step counts, so lets make the rest of the month count!

Last night we welcomed three lovely new runners to the group - please give a big Wandsworth welcome to Jane, Sonja and Julie . Great to have you run with us!

If you do know anybody who is keen to find out about GoodGym but is a bit nervous about coming along or unsure about fitness levels then point them in this direction. I'm running a start session which is designed for new runners on saturday, but if you're up for a little extra weekend GoodGyming, then experienced GGers are also very welcome!

• A light bulb moment*

Last night our task was at a local estate, but before we set off we did a few exercises to get our hearts pumping and warm up our cold muscles while discussing our fav films. Gladiator came out top, while Lion King, Mary Poppins and, appropriately, Speed were also mentioned.

The task was only a short 2k run away so we set off at a steady clip, only pausing for a few lunges and squats along the way. We arrived to find Donna, the Chairperson of Kambala Cares, the organisation set up to support the local community there, waiting for us with spades, bulbs, brooms and bags, and we divided up into two groups to tackle the two jobs she had for us.

Naughty squirrels had been digging up the bulbs we had carefully planted a few weeks ago, so we got stuck in with a whole new lot of them. Meanwhile, 18 other industrious GGers got going with a thorough litter and junk clean up, filling up a huge number of bags. Nice work team!

After just over half an hour of work, we waved goodbye to Donna and Andrew and set off for the river to do an intense fitness session. In three different groups, we worked on cardio, conditioning and sprints, focussing on a technical point each time. This wasn't an easy session, but you guys smashed it - well done on the effort! By combining strength work with high energy sprints the session is really effective - do this regularly and you will definitely see an improvement in your speed!

All that was left was a fast run back to base - apologies I got you back a little later than normal last night! - but well done on a great session where we got so much done. Next week we've got a short run down to a local school to help create an outdoor learning space (and we'll be back on time!) . Sign up here for more GG Wandsworth fun - see you then!