Weed Whackers!

Last night's run was basically a "hot date" that will lead to a beautiful relationship.

We jogged in the sticky summer evening up Amhurst Road to St Paul's Church in Stokey. St Pauls' has just won £700K in Lottery Funds to fund, among other projects, a transformation of their grounds into a community space that will host a new Farmer's Market and other local events.

Niall greeted us with muchly needed cups of cold water, and then we got to work. Armed with secators and shovels, we Edward Scissorhandsed the growth surrounding the gates and the building, chopping back vines and getting rid of rubbish. (Attention local drinkers, you won't be able to hide emergency cans of beer in the churchyard any more..)

With the last vine gone, Ade gave us some stern looks (OK, as stern as she's able) and gave us our second challenge. 3 groups, 3 targets: 7 minute miles, 8 minute miles, and 9 minute miles. Each of us had the task of pushing the others- culminating in a sprint down London Fields, dodging cyclists, and earning cheers from the local drunks! Even personal trainer Mark felt he got an extra workout. We all felt like pros.

• James Moed