Soft? Nah. Chard as kales

Thunderous afternoon conditions were a temporary glitch for Wednesday. The sky turned blue and the sun was glaring strongly on GoodGym Newham. I arrived like I had just been doing star jumps in a steam room - drenched in sweat and a bit hot and bothered (I ran in).

A couple of new runners joined us this week. Nabs, a tower hamlets regular, came to try a new area. Rocio too, who had actually come once before, though the first time I had met her. Two great new personalities who were not shy of a bit industry. Lovely stuff.

After a little chit chat, we zipped on over to mobile garden city. Luckily just in time to catch the delightful Gabby. Who directed us to our tasks. Creating wooden planks of a 'similar' size, to be used as sign posts. A selection of sawing, sanding and painting - a more multifarious task than normal. Always nice  to mix it up.

As Tim and Alice took to the saws. Nabs, Rocio and Mairead started sanding. A splendid little work chain began. I think most of us would agree, sawing was the most taxing of all activities. Tim, Nabs and Alice - got a superb arm workout. Harder than it looks. Some meticulous and speedy painting from Rocio meant we completed quite a few ready to use sign posts. Job done. So we packed away.

But what about the harvest that Gabby brought out for us? Swiss chard, ruby chard, kale and broad beans. We had no bags with us! Not to be defeated by a capacity to carry things...the guys grabbed a few green goodies and ran back. Looking like we just done a number on Wholefoods, legging it down the road with superfoods tightly clutched in hand. The most middleclass robbery known to man. Great effort.

A little interval session before the guys chomped their nutritious green rewards for dinner. 6 x 20secs - hard. Some determined faces on display. Only a short session, but that intensity travels a long way. Bang for your fitness buck.

Next week is social time...BE THERE!