When we're good we're very very good, but when we bin bag, we're better!

We had so much good stuff to get through before our run last night - here are the highlights...

• Welcome to GoodGym Freya, Sophie, Sophie, Lizzie,Bella and Ayse - great to meet you and have you run with us!

• A massive congratulations to the lovely Karen who did her 50th good deed last night -give her a cheer, GoodGym! That's a huge amount of gardens cleared, walls painted, litter collected, kilometres covered and a whole load of other good stuff!

• Don't forget the monthly social happens this Thursday in Walthamstow - check out the sign up page for all the details. Pun of the month, a run down of all the good deeds that have been happening all over the country and general GG-shaped merriment all guaranteed!

• Chi talked to us about the upcoming Spartan race, if you're interested then let me know and I'll put you in touch. Chi is also putting on a community mission and bootcamp on next weekend in Wandsworth, watch out for the sign up page and all the details!

Don't stop be-leafin'

After a warm up we did our weekly question, and this one came courtesy of Jordan and Pancake Day. What is your favourite pancake filling? There were a number of classics - sugar and lemon, nutella, syrup - and some not so classic. Anybody up for condensed milk, plain butter, or even a full roast dinner?!

We had a short run to our task last night, which was a new one for us. A newly formed organisation, Friends of Christchurch Gardens, had asked us to come down to the gardens to help with a big leaf problem they had. How big could it be we asked?

We arrived to find Nigel waiting for us with 50 bin bags, plastic gloves, a few tools, and a looooot of leaves. So without wasting any time, we divided ourselves up into three groups led by Karen, Jordan and Sarah. After a quick countdown we got stuck straight in with each team competing furiously against the next to see who could collect the most leaves. It was such a big job that half way through I had to pop out to get some more bags -that is some serious work, people.

Half an hour later, we downed tools and it was up to Chi to announce the results. There was a little uncertainty with some bags being put with other groups' piles, and one rogue Tigger group going it alone, but the final tally was very impressive - you guys managed to collect up no fewer than 70 bags! Nigel even told us that the ground in those areas hadn't been seen by them for at least two years. Amazing - just think how long that would have taken a just a couple of volunteers.

We took a short jog over to the park where we took on a sprint then tough strength based challenge. Counting down and back up in increments we did an almighty number of jumping squats and walk out plank push ups - anyone feeling it today? All that was left was a steady run home and a final hill sprint. Great work everyone.

Next week we're back at the Salvation Army in Balham for a huge list of jobs - sign up here for more Monday fun with GoodGym!