Sponges and buns, lunges and runs

The long-awaited Great British Bake Off final coincided with our run in Southwark last night, and excitement was running high for both. After all, both events have a lot in common – firm buns, stopwatches and, in the case of our task in the local allotments last night, flour/flower. OK, that last one is a little tenuous.

After saying hello to our lovely new runner, Elyssa, we decided on a blanket ban on social media to avoid seeing the result (‘I can’t go back to the flat before it’s finished’ said Beth ‘my housemates are watching!’) and set off to Grove Park Allotments. Thanks to Beth and Helena for ace back marking and leading.

Signature Challenge

It was a short run to the allotments where we’ve helped out before, facing the deceptive but never-ending hill which takes us to Grove Park. We got to the top only to find that the gates were locked fast, the garden ominously dark and quiet, and not a soul around to let us in.

Beth and Michael rose to the challenge, with Beth tracking down the key-holders number, while Michael sprung over the gate like a newly-risen Victoria sponge and went off to investigate. Just as he was on his way back, Lizzie appeared on the brow of the hill, running late after leaving the keys on her desk. No soggy bottoms for us.

Technical Challenge

After raiding the shed for tools, the majority of the team set off to the many paths than run through the allotment, making short work of the weeds growing there. There was strimming to be done which, we decided, was a core workout in itself, while others worked their upper arms by holding aloft torches so we could make sure we were digging up weeds and not somebody’s prize-winning courgettes. Although the lack of streetlights did mean it was a bit of a blind bake, there were no flops, drops or uneven weeding.

Showstopper Challenge

Back to the Rye we ran, pre-heating our chilly bodies ready for the showstopper challenge –a series of sprints and then an almighty abs session. We began the four sprint drills where we thought about different points of form and technique each time. Then we hit the dirt to smash out our core exercises. They included – deep breath – Russian twists, two kinds of plank, crunches, bicycles, hip lifts and toe touches. Well done team, you truly earned your cake last night.

Thanks for having me Southwark, loved seeing you all, Ana. Next week the lovely Jo will be back, you can sign up to get fit and do good in Southwark here.