TrashtagPlogging

Eleven super runners covered around 3km of run/walking and picked four big bags of litter.

It was one of those evenings, where (almost) all of our regulars turned up at once! We also had a couple of visitors on tour from Tower Hamlets and nearby Lewisham - welcome to Martin and Ian. First of all we chatted about our lovely community mission on Sunday, helping to make Crystal Palace junior parkrun happen, by timing, cheering, hi-fiving and supporting the 4-14 year olds around the 2k course. Thank you to Louise for organising this and well done on leading the warm-up!

We also took time to congratulate Louise, who took on the Vertical Rush again, so 42 floors, 932 steps of upward running, in a personal best time. This evening was to be Louise's last group run with us for a while, as we wish her farewell and good luck on her journey to a new GoodGym area. She has been with us since day one in Penge, so we know she will come back to visit, or we may well go 'on tour' to see her!

We were due to head up to Forest Hill this evening, but our task had to be postponed last-minute. This isn't a problem though, as there is always something needs our attention nearby! This week, we decided to tackle a bit of plogging (picking up litter whilst jogging, yes, it's a thing). Running up to Crystal Palace Park, we did a quick warm-up and I challenged everyone to try another new craze, the triangle dance. Well, I had envisaged a few bumps and scuffles, but oh no, this lot were like instant triangle pros, bobbing in and out and making it look like they always did it! I'm impressed.

After we had all been wowed by the top moves on show, we ran up and around the lake, with a glimpse over to the dinosaurs, towards the station to embark on our challenge for the evening. We noticed that there was some nice new fencing along the edge of the farm, which meant the usually messy spots were now enclosed and very neat! The area around the station seemed tidier too, so we popped down towards the bus stops and the billboard, where there was plenty to be cleared. By now we had found a few bits of treasure. Hannah had bagged a £1 coin, I found a little (precious) stone and Louise found a toy rattle. While we looked over walls and behind bus shelters, Ian had found himself another group in red tops and almost got swept up in some British Military Fitness drills, until he realised none of them were carrying bin bags!

Sweeping down and past the leisure centre, we ducked into the playground, initially to collect rubbish, but the swings and sandpit soon became a distraction. By the time we paused for our fitness session, we had gathered around four big sacks of litter, making Penge/Crystal Palace all the more lovely. As I encouraged everyone up and down the hill and in and out of squats and planks, I was reminded that two of tonight's runners are marathon training and had both completed 20+ mile runs on Sunday. This certainly didn't stop them getting stuck in and pushing hard though!

Next week we will run over to Sydenham to help out at GmaxTrackstars, where we always have a good physical task, sign up here to get involved. I also mentioned a river wading opportunity over in Lewisham, at Manor Park (not Manor House Park!). All the details and sign up are here.

See you soon!