The park side of the moon

It was party time in Hounslow last night with three amazing milestones and one birthday to celebrate!

• Congratulations to Eloise for hitting 50 good deeds - you're amazing!

• Congratulations to Dave for also getting to that magic 50 - you're awesome!

• A huge well done to Alex for getting her wings - that's 100 good deeds, and a fantastic achievement. Not only that, but it was her birthday too!

What. A. Night.

It all started with some celebrations and a news round up, which included talking about the Big Half community places. We have a number of places at a reduced rate, so let me know if you're interested. It's a great race, with plenty of support, and perfect for first timers to the half marathon distance or those looking for a PB.

Our warm up was in the drizzle, but we made up for it with lots of dynamic exercises and talking about the things we liked best about both Germany and Alex, and turns out we had plenty for both! With a 2.km run ahead of us, we set off in the direction of Gunnersbury Park.

This much -loved local space is used for all sorts of things that benefit local people, including the parkrun that loads of GoodGymers go to every week. We had been sent instructions by Chris, the park manager, who had kindly left us tools to use, so we collected our kit and got stuck straight in.

Dave, Michelle and Andy started with the historic 1800’s Hannah Rothschilds Rose Basket beds, which Chris and his team are in the process of restoring. Waiting for us was an enormous 900L bulk bag ready to be spread on the beds and raked level as well as a giant mole hill which also needed smoothing. They have scary big moles in Hounslow.

Meanwhile, birthday girl Alex, 50 queen Eloise and Emily were getting busy with the weeds by the beautiful Orangery. Not only did they manage to clear the lot, but they also found a baby lizard int he process. And was definitely a lizard and not a twig, because it moved ok guys? Across the path, Remy, Matt and Amanda were avoiding the prickles and clearing a whole lot of dock and other stragglers from underneath the old holly tree. It was one of those tasks that was impossible to walk away from, as we kept spotting more, but eventually we dragged Matt away for a photo.

Somehow we got so engrossed in our task (plus festooning Alex and everybody else in party hats and a birthday banner) that we ran out of time for our fitness session. Normal service will be resumed next week gang, promise!

A soggy run back to base was made all the sweeter with stretches, and then lots and lots of cake. All the cake.

Next week we're back with more running, getting fitter, and caking. Sign up here!

PS - a super happy birthday to Michelle, who is celebrating today - give her a cheer here!