This evening 19 GoodGym Coventry runners welcomed Marie for her first run and also Aidan for his first at GoodGym Coventry whilst running 4.5km to help St Mary and St Benedicts school look after some unloved picnic benches.

As it was such a lovely day, we did our warm up and welcome outside the Herbert Art Gallery which was lovely and then we headed off into Hillfields chatting all the way to the School.

The benches task had been arranged for a week previously but it had rained so we had delayed till the weather was better and tonight it was definitely an improved evening as the sun shone down on us.

In the school courtyard, there were 6 picnic benches that were in desperate need of a good sanding and varnishing. Luckily, we were armed with sand paper, brushes and luckily Nigelhad bought a little skill and some of his own tools. So in no time the benches were whipped in to shape and would soon be painted and ready for use by the children for their lunches.

Time was ticking on but the team were keen to complete the job to a high standard which meant our fitness session changed location to be again by the Herbert Art Gallery. Here the team completed 2 sets of 4 exercise aimed at working muscles key for becoming stronger runners.

At the end we stretched and caught up with everyone's plans for the weekend. So have a good week and enjoy Coventry Triathlon and Dawn Chorus walk GoodGymmers.

See you next week for delivery of bags for the Cyrenians. Please bring a rucksack if you have one.

Liz x

What a lovely evening to be in the park and for the inaugural GoodGym Coventry mile challenge.

17 of Coventry's finest headed to Spencer Park to reclaim the paths from foliage, soil, ivy and all sorts of other debris. This week we were joined by Hannah for her first run, welcome Hannah.

As the park isn't too far away, we were able to split into three teams and attack the overgrowth and reclaim the paths. There were some interesting finds along the way (a nappy?!?!) and a lot of quality chatting whilst the teams got on with the work in hand. Nigel completed some drystone wall style constructions, Lil, Debora, Meera, Natalie and Hannah swept a lot of debris filling an entire wheelie bin and Susanna, Alice, Amber, James, Alan, Damian, Nigel, Matt, Laura, Victoria and Jackie cleared back the paths and found the initial stone divide which had not been seen for may (10?!?!) years.

Having worked hard, we managed a sneaky play.

After all this hard graft, it was time for the inaugural GoodGym Coventry mile challenge around Top Green Park. Once the route was explained, the runners set off to establish their initial times. Great camaraderie was shown by all supporting fellow runners along the run and at the finish line. Well done all.

Finally, we headed back to Drapers with a sneaky game of Hopscotch on the way.

See you all next week as we head ton Carriers of Hope to help get them move Christmas gifts in their new warehouse. Have a lovely weekend and bank holiday, Liz x

Three was definitely the magic number with 3 new Goodgym runners and clearing the canal to Bridge 3, we had a great evening. Lovely to see so many of you returning and great to see Norma, Rosie and Katie.

Tonight, we headed out to visit the canal, starting out slightly away from the basin at bridge 1, we splintered into groups and attacked the canal banks armed with bags, bag hops and litter pickers, the teams bagged and binned up any rubbish on the path. As this area is also a cycle path we were also supporting Sustrans who support the use and maintenance of local cycleways of the UK. Competition was rife as to who could find the most interesting litter- this possibly being the separate discoveries of a sofa (although we were unable to remove this), a comb and a hair dryer!

Making the most of the remaining daylight, we regrouped and ran back towards town and completed our hill reps on the lead up to the cathedral. Hampered slightly by water and a takeaway delivery driver. Everyone put in maximum effort for all 5 efforts. Fantastic powering up the hills. As it was at the top of the hill, we stopped off at the Knife Angel and had a photo by the Cathedrals too.

Next week is delivering bags for the Cyrenians aswell as the first GoodGym Coventry social. Please bring a rucksack you can run with if you have one.

Hope you all hava a lovely week and see you next week, Liz x

p.s.Info on Arabian bites can be found here

A massive hello to Laura, Lilian, Allan, Alice, Aicha and Neeraj and a huge welcome back to those of you for whom this was your second week!

This week, we headed out to Spencer Park, where we supported Karen and her team putting up nets in the tennis courts and clearing debris from the park and it's borders. This week was also linked with GoodGym hosting sessions focused around Earth Hour, the global campaign to raise awareness of environmental issues. #runforyourworld The speed at which the wheelie bins were filled was pretty swift and soon the Bowling Green and Tennis courts area was cleared. good work all! Karen and her team are keen for us to return and complete more tasks, so definitely a job well done.

Following this, you powered up the inclines alongside Spencer Park and sped to the top, chering each other on. Awesome teamwork.

To complete the evening, we ran via the Cathedral to see the Knife Angel.

Look forward to seeing lots of you again next week.

Have a great week.