26 runners ran 6k and cleared moss from a whole community garden

The somewhat apocalyptic downpour didn’t keep GoodGymers away this week – we turned up in force ready to face the tasks, running and weather. The Hollybush Estate runners were fortunate to have guest trainer Holly for our warm up today, who had us quick-stepping, high kneeing and reverse lunge-walking back and forth around Middleton Green.

"Carefully Inspecting"

Then followed a short jog to Hollybush, where Sarah and Margaret were ready and waiting with trowels, hoes, brooms and gloves. We cleared and weeded between paving slabs, with Mark and Margaret keeping the pace and energy levels high, and Beetlejuice the dog carefully inspecting the end result.

"60 Second Bursts"

Our run back included a fartlek session by the canal, with GoodGymer Axel leading us in 60 second bursts at gear two pace interspersed with 90 second recovery jogs at gear one pace. Turns out it’s lots of fun to do in a big group, particularly if everyone joins in shouting “START!” and “STOP!” before and after each burst. Arriving back at the Arch Gallery, guest trainer Dan led us in some much-needed warm down stretches. Apart from the Archway Gallery cat briefly escaping, another fun, successful and thoroughly fulfilling evening!

Andy Lulham