Sand in marriage and wedded to the task

15 (which became 17) of us gathered on a beautiful day for running, tasking, celebrating and unfortunately to say goodbye....more on that later

We started with a classic Mark style warm up but this time our caped crusader (200 deeds tonight and a surprise cape to ‘Mark’ the occasion) came up with a challenge too far for Rob who fell head over heels losing the race to catch the runaway bride. A turned ankle as a sign of his efforts meant he needed a lift from the trusty Nicky-bulance to meet us at the task.

Runaway bride! #goodgym #celebrations #wedding #running #runninggroup #kingston #tuesdays #fun #doinggood pic.twitter.com/UrU7lEkjtU

— GoodGym Kingston-upon-Thames (@GoodGymKingston) 3 July 2019

Off we ran/marched/walked/drove up Surbiton hill to meet Kingston Good Gym legend, Martel who was already set up at SeeAbility residents home waiting for the rest of us. SeeAbility offer specialist support services for individuals with disabilities and this house has such a great bunch living there that always make us welcome and are a joy to help!

We caught her! #runninggroup #runningtodogood #seeability #kingston #gardening #celebrating #funnight #goodgym #comerunwithus pic.twitter.com/6bKGIJh9jx

— GoodGym Kingston-upon-Thames (@GoodGymKingston) 3 July 2019

The challenge was split in two: sanding the swing and battling the bedding! The group tackling the bedding thought we had the easier task, that was until we saw how rock solid the soil was! Hose, forks, spade and trowels were deployed to break down the stubborn wild weeds and eventually we got to the root of the problem and the bed was clearing and we were winning!... although digging out a veg patch was a little more of a mini duck pond with the over exuberant use of a spade and hose combo. It’ll dry out and look terrific too though as cut with great accuracy thanks to Matt’s efforts.

As for the getting into the swing of things for the other team, well through sheer muscle and a helpful dose of electricity, we sanded the wheelchair swing ready for a coat of varnish. Rob was his usual supportive self, whilst sitting down ‘Samia style’, plucking weeds from the grass and helpfully pointing out the spots we had missed – He was injured I suppose and was still making himself useful!!

All in all we blasted through as much as we could putting as much effort in as we could to get things done even if it meant we had a few POW moments balanced on forks and spades with our whole body weight on them - Pilates or weight training style? Either way we were caught in the act and Mark told us to be careful and not to slip... Talking of slipping is that the time already and we had to run back for some celebrating and farewell making so a quick group photo and away we ran back to Guildhall along the river made for a great run home!

Lovely to help at SeeAbility again and still more to do so when can we come back?

So back to celebrating and unfortunately to say goodbye.... Tonight, saw Kingston shouting ‘Hello’ to Claire and Bob on their first ever Goodgym run. So welcome to the team and look forward to seeing you on the next one!

Let’s hear it for the bride all. Great demo of veil running Hannah and super-fast as the runaway bride – All the best for Friday and have a great time!

We raised a glass for Caroline at 100 deeds achieved last week and Mark / Captain Chaos reached the milestone of 200!! Probably still wearing the cape we suspect.

So as sure as our journey’s are made of meetings and partings sadly we had our last run out with Nik and Nicky West – Words are not enough for all they have been to us in the goodgym group and as good friends along the way. We all wish you every success in setting up in Nottingham especially with all the exciting things you have happening in your life. Stay in touch and we look forward to running into you again soon!

Rob ….Get that leg elevated and some ice on it please!

(Report written by many hands in the Kingston group!)