This week 16 fabulous GoodGym-ers ran over 7km to recycle discarded Christmas trees in North Finchley

This week we were joined by two GG newbies: Chris and Darren – give them both a cheer! We were also joined by cousins Maya and Preety who joined us for the starter session on Saturday.

After a quick warm up by the Phoenix we headed the 3km to the Civic Recycling Centre. I lead the pack, while Hazel was my trusty back-marker. We did a couple of run-backs on the way out, where the speedier runners zoomed off ahead to the next bus stop and back to the group.

Once we reached the recycling point we split into groups and ran off in search of discarded Christmas trees. The team did a splendid job, finding a total of four trees – one of which was was still in the net wrapping! Madness.

The group then split into groups for a sprint relay. Some very impressive speeds were hit during this section. Top marks all round!

After a few lengths of road, it was time to run back to base for some stretching and some biscuits. I brought some chocolate bourbons and Chris brought some chocolate chip cookies. Graham says he knows a bakery that does great biscuits, so that'll be next week's treat if we're lucky!

Well done to those of you who brought your docs along this week for DBS checks. You guys are amazing! Don't forget you can bring photo ID and proof of address (two of one and one of the other) along to any group run to get the ball rolling on getting mission verified.

We have a mega mission coming up on Saturday. It's all hands on deck for this one, so if you can make it, sign up here.

Don't forget about our Starter Session on the 28th at Sweettree farms. Sign up here

Well done to Damian for coming up with this week's run report headline. That deserves some applause (or cheers).

See you at next week's run

Pennie

PS. Can we all please take a moment to appreciate that pop band photo!

6 wonderful goodgymmers ran 4.5km to help promote goodgym in Ealing!

It was a sad day for many as it was the first day back at work after all the festivities! However this didn't stop this hardcore bunch from getting out there and smashing the first run of the year. A big welcome to Manvir who came along for the first time and did an amazing job especially with all the squats in the middle! And welcome back Gaia, so glad you are back and running with us again!

We started off with a jog along good old Gordon Street heading towards West Ealing and the Salvation Army building in a bid to introduce ourselves! Sadly they weren't open so we posted a flyer and got to work doing some squats...10 body weight squats, 10 pulse squats and 10 squats with a 10 second squat hold...a nice little quad burner for everyone and, of course, squats make you better at running!!

We then took a nice jaunt around West Ealing, flyering into all the charity shops and getting a bit of obstacle work through the busy streets! We managed to fit in a few 'round the world' lunges working on proprioception and unilateral training before arriving back at Haven Green for some final bodyweight exercises and balance work; single leg deadlifts, lunges, hip mobility and a few nice stretches. We discussed the merits of yoga as an aid to running (and life in general) and before we new it, boom, the first run of 2017 was over!

So if running with an awesome group of people and working on improving your form, balance and general fitness sounds good to you...join us on the next run! We have a starter session this Saturday and sign up to next Tuesday's run here I can't wait to see you there!