On days like these, it's easy to succumb to the lethargy that sets in when our body has to work hard to stop us overheating as we go about our day. After a sweltering commute, the temptation to loll around on the sofa, garden chair or even the pub can be overwhelming. Fortunately, ten brave runners thought better of that and met me at Mirth Marvel and Maud for some running and gardening tonight.

Happily, I think everyone made the right choice. Lloyd Park in July is more than a match for any sofa or beer garden I have ever seen. As usual, it was a delight to see everyone tonight, special mention to Bryony who joined us for the first time since our launch party back in April 2018. Welcome back Bryony, don't be a stranger😊

There to meet us tonight were two people who have made a significant contribution to making Lloyd Park such a beautiful and tranquil spot for the good people of Waltham Forest, Cathy and Ian. After a briefing from Cathy, we were equipped and ready to go. The team got stuck in, and we spruced the pergola at the front of the park. They rid the beds of weeds and the path of used Perfect Fried Chicken cartons.

Afterwards, with the sun beginning to set and the searing heat giving way to a slightly cooler evening, we went for a lovely lap of the park and finished off with some running drills. It was speed work tonight with some mighty strides and some great form on show from everyone.

After a gentle plod back to base and about a litre of iced water, it was time to go.

Top tasking and top running folks, well done. See you next week for some more green-fingered action. Sign up here for St Mary's Churchyard

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Woohoo, Waltham Forest GoodGym is up and running. We had a fabulous turnout for the launch as we welcomed 35 beautiful people to the plush art deco surroundings of Mirth, Marvel, and Maud. With such burgeoning support, we decided to split the group and accomplish not one but two tasks both of which helped to make Walthamstow a slightly better place by the time we returned to base.

GoodGym team one headed to The Limes a fantastic activity and community centre for children and young people. Taking a direct 1 km route to this quaint original William Morris building sleeves were rolled, trays were filled, and fifteen fantastic females grabbed rollers and set to painting a large room from top to bottom.

Meanwhile, the rest of The Limes Crew cleaned the children's play area including the ball pit and sensory area.

After packing away, we regrouped and took the scenic (3.5 km) route home. There was some pretty impressive running on the show, particularly the way everyone conquered the hill at the end of the run.

GoodGym team two headed out with Ed, and ran an impressive 6.5 km to spruce up the area around Lea Valley Riding Centre. A designated site of special scientific interest and home to rare plants, grass snakes and toads the area has a less welcome visitor - litter. Armed with some serious litter picking tools we got to work filling over ten bags full of trash. Horses looked on as we worked and in the cool evening, it was a surprisingly therapeutic experience!

40 minutes later we were cruising back. It wouldn't be GoodGym without a bit of a workout so naturally, we had to stop for some jumping jacks, squat jumps and Lunges. Easy peasy for this lot.

A final sprint up the High Road saw some sweaty faces safely back, and the two teams mingled back to one to enjoy a well-deserved drink.