You’re cherryfic!

With the January challenge in full swing, it was great to see faces from near and far, with 24 of us running to help protect the trees in Chiswick and then to take on a tough fitness session.

• Check us out riding high in the sliver league! - with 45 good deeds done and 412 kms run, it's looking good. But there's still a way to go, so why not...

• ...come along to this community mission on Monday night to help create a peace garden at the mosque in Hounslow. It's from 6:30pm, will make a real difference to the community, and you don't have to be DBS checked to join in. Or join in...

• ...this starter session on Sunday. These sessions are gentler versions of a regular group run. It's open to people who are new to GoodGym and want to find out what it's all about, so if you know anybody who'd like to give it a go then point them this way! However, if you'd like to get an extra good deed under your belt, help clear litter from your local area, and get a little workout as well, then come along!

• There's so much going on at the moment, why not take advantage of all the great GoodGym sessions happening - like this parkrun takeover as part of Ealing's day of good? There are still lots of roles to fill, such as pacing, funnel managers and more, so you don't even have to give up your morning run to take part!

With this week's bumper lot of news out the way, we headed outside to do our warm up. After some lunges, fast feet and jacks, we discussed our least favourite household chores. Ironing came out on top, as did washing up, while Jen just loves it all!

Our task for the evening was to help protect the cherry trees in Chiswick, which are being damaged and in danger. So after a short run, we met with John, (who described us like 'close encounters of the third kind'), with a load of tools and bags ready for us to get to work. Just before Christmas we dug pits around the trees to create a bit of space for them, and our job last night was to maintain them with weeding and turning over soil. We divided up into groups of three, and made quick progress. The work is ahead of a big community street party in April where everybody will be able to come and enjoy the trees in full bloom. Watch this space!

We the task done, and made our way back to Turnham Green for our fitness session, which focussed on speed, change of pace, and conditioning. So between progression laps, we knocked out 45 seconds each of various squats and planks. Great effort, everybody.

After some stretches and a cool down, we were done - but don't forget to check out the website for everything that is happening around you at the moment. Next week we're off to lend a hand at Gunnersbury park, it's a great chance to help maintain this beautiful public space enjoyed by locals. Sign up here, and until then, run happy!