Second to nun

It was a quiet, more mindful task last night in Hounslow as ten of us ran to the Comboni centre for Spirituality for our Wednesday group run. We had an enthusiastic welcome from the incomparable Sister Natalia, who explained all the jobs to be done.

While one half of the team tackled the weeding, edging, pruning and tidying at the front of the centre, the second group were taken round to the back of the building and got started on various tasks.

There was plenty of weeding to be done, and also the small matter of two very large pots to be moved from the back of the building to the kitchen, where Sr Natalie hopes to grow herbs. It seemed simple enough, but when Chris and Emily tried to lift them, they quickly realised that there was no lip to hold onto. After some consideration, the pair created an effective rolling system which - after a bit of practice - worked a treat!

As this is a spiritual place, we were careful to keep noise to a minimum within the garden, and concentrated on the work itself. before we knew it, 45 minute was up and it was time to leave, but not before a group photo - with Sr Natalie in pride of place of course!

We took a speedy run back to the Town Hall and found a spot for a short leg blast. With five minutes, eight exercises, and no breaks, it was intense but effective, especially with the dreaded squat finisher!

Next week instead of a group run we will be doing a Wednesday community mission helping out at Gunnersbury park, so meet Chris and Tish at the North Lodge in Gunnersbury park at 18:45 for a spot of Valentine's bramble bashing!

We also have two missions coming up which need a few pairs of helping hands. Could you spare an hour to help litter pick at Manor Gardens allotments on the 18th?. There is also a fun session to shovel horse manure with Cultivate at the riding school on the 24th. Happy GoodGyming everybody!