There's no business like hoe business!

Three was definitely the magic number in Bromley tonight, as we ran just over 7km, cleared two flower beds at Downham Community Centre and tackled some hills into the bargain.

Is it getting a little warmer? Maybe. Hoorah!

A big thank you to Tom for this week's title pun, good work. It seems Tom likes a pun and starts thinking about it at the beginning of the run. That's impressive, I usually leave it right until the end of the run report, when I'm really tired.

All set to take on a slightly longer run this week, we warmed up our bodies and raised our heart rates with some drills over in the little park across the road - it's good to fire up those muscles and loosen the limbs before heading out on the road. Clutching my scrawled directions (yes, all very high-tech), we ran out along Kentish Way and took a left, back towards the High Street. I know, I know, we should have gone right, but we soon realised and turned to run in the opposite direction (that's the 'and a bit' in the '7 and a bit km'). It's always a treat to have a longer run, where you have a chance to catch up (lots of talk about parkrun, goals and the 'Breaking 2' event last weekend - we all agreed it's incredible to see what the body can achieve and how far we can push ourselves under the right circumstances).

Our outward run wasn't exactly the scenic route, but it did the job and we were soon crossing the road towards Downham Community Centre, which was a-buzz with energy, with lots of different activities going on, including a Taekwondo class, full of children looking very focused and determined. Have a look at the list of activities that happen here, such a great hub for the local community!

How to hoe happily

Our job for the evening was to clear the rear garden of weeds, with Shane handing us some tools, gloves and bags and showing us where to focus our attention. Tom was given some hedge clippers, while I ineptly attempted to demonstrate how to use the hoe that Stania had been given. No, no, no! It seems I've been wrongly judging the usefulness of a hoe until now, as Tom informed us that he grew up with a very large garden and a very particular Dad. Cue an impressively skillful wielding of a very handy tool. We decided to exchange tools and get stuck in. It didn't take long to reveal a flowerbed, which had been hidden beneath brambles, bindweed and goose-grass (thank goodness we all had our long sleeves on, that stuff is evil!).

Once we had cleared this area, we realised, if we were quick, we might just get another area cleared. Quick sticks! With some concerted tugging, chopping and bashing, we had this area taken back to its roots, as it were and it was time to tidy up and hand back our tools.

Having enjoyed a downward pull on our way here, we gritted out teeth to take on Bromley Hill (and yes, it is hilly). How fortuitous to spot a handy borough sign to include in our group selfie (sorry, it's upside-down again), just about halfway up! Time to get our breath back and take a well-earned break :) We had indeed crossed borders on this run, with the boroughs of Lewisham and Bromley merging, but we were now back in Bromley and nearing our start point. Here Stania and I said a brief farewell to Tom , as he stretched his legs on a sprint finish.

A quick stretch and a chat about next week, when I will be leading the run again. Why not sign up and join us?