Out of Control Bush

An amazing 29 runners rocked up tonight for our biggest task yet.

Our GG Yorkies are amazing at bringing their friends along and tonight we welcomed 10 new runners into the gang with a big friendly round of applause (give 'em all a cheer, go on!)

We warmed up thoroughly, ready for our biggest GoodGym run yet. Everyone had been tempted in by the promise of a massive bush; a sight to behold.

With Rob as our back marker and Nick keeping an eye on the middle of the pack, we skirted the daffodil-lined castle walls and ran 4km to Campbell Court, a local sheltered housing area.

Campbell Court wanted us to remove a big bush to reduce maintenance and create a space to plant a flower bed for the residents to enjoy. I'm widely known for my optimistic descriptions of things. A short run usually turns into a muddy 8 mile slog and the last hill is always three or four climbs from the end. This bush was, well, three bushes packed closely together. Some might even call it a hedge.

Nice bush!

Nonetheless, nothing deters the GG York crew. Everyone grabbed a tool from the table and got stuck in, some more literally than others. At one point Bev was very much inside the bush, good dedication to the cause.

After ten minutes we had made a decent dent and the clear up mission began, with people running back and forth with bushy bits of all shapes and sizes. The wind was buffeting around the little courtyard so we chucked in some jumping squats, star jumps and jumping about exercises to stay nice and warm.

The thick, woody stuff at the bottom was the hardest to clear. Rob got so excited that he almost sawed his own leg off; nice to have a use for the first aid kit. Hayden manhandled an enormous section out and Alex's huge root tug was met with a round of applause.

In 30 minutes we cleared the lot, creating a mammoth pile of greenery for collection. We even (well, Chris) swept up and left the place clean and tidy.

On the way back, Becky fell over, for the second time this week (we hope you start to heal soon!) and then decided to keep the bruises nice and fresh by signing up for team GG York's obstacle course race this weekend- what a trooper!

Despite the size of the group, we all made it back. Despite the tool carnage, we all survived with limbs intact. Despite being deep in conversation, I did not get anyone lost. Another successful good deed done!

..and a record turnout at the pub too!