We've been herbivore - bamboozled by a task. But we don't panda to it!

We had some amazing news to start off our run last night. In GoodGym's biggest milestone yet, we have reached a whopping 100 000 good deeds. That is an almost unfathomable contribution to community, to the fight against isolation in the elderly, and to strengthening local organisations. For the past 18 months, the GoodGym Hounslow family has been part of this huge achievement, so well done each and every one of you. You can be proud whether you're on your first good deed, or your 500th! Here's to the next 100 000!

If you're in the mood for more celebrating (and who isn't?), then don't forget that the monthly GoodGym social is next Thursday, and that Wandsworth turns 2 on Monday, so come and join us for a run and celebratory picnic. It was also great to see some GG tourism from Jenna and Dilly, and to welcome Alicia back to the group. Hurrah!

We had some fabulous news from within our own lovely group last night, as we cheered lovely Michelle for reaching that magic 50th good deed. Well done for your commitment Michelle, and thank you for always cheerfully supporting your community with such positivity!

During our warm up we discussed what thing we should do at least once. Travel the world, party all night, watching the sunset/sunrise, live abroad, and, from Dave, don't die. Good advice!

We had a slightly unusual task last night. Some very lovely,and very expensive, bamboo had kindly been donated by a local resident to a community garden that we had previously worked on. So our first leg involved running to collect the bamboo, which, we were to find out, was easier said than done. Expecting a nice easy digging up of the flimsy looking stuff, we actually found that it was a complete pain in the glutes. Taking it in turn to have a go, while the rest of us pulled pesky caterpillars off plants and did a fitness session, we eventually managed to get a load out of the ground. In two groups we set off for the community garden. Imagine the stares we got - a group of red t-shirted runners running army-style with armfuls of bamboo. Never before seen in Chiswick!

Eventually we all made it to the garden and set about planting and watering it in. And, after all that, it was definitely worth the effort. The bamboo looked beautiful in the garden, and will no doubt flourish (we hope).

All that was left was a nice easy run back to the Town Hall, some stretches, and then a trip to the pub to celebrate all the good news. Andy and Remy are doing a long run on the weekend, if you'd like to join them, and it's Jenni's 50th good deed in Ealing next Tuesday, So much to look forward to!