On a very hot & sweaty night, 12 intrepid runners made their way 11km to help out on the farm.

The promise of piglet viewing meant that most people weren't put off by running in the heat. We assembled at Old Spike, did a quick warm up of high knees, bum kicks and lunge twists and got on our way. It was a pretty pacey group as we avoided Rye Lane and made our way up into Rotherhide.

Michael and Helena led the way ensuring that everyone got there safely though

We were guided by the scent

As soon as we arrived, Gemma welcomed us by showing us how big the piglets had gotten since the last time we visited. They were still pretty cute even if they were disappointed when they realised the commotion was a load of runners and not dinner time.

This week, we were clearing the yard next to the goats. It's the area where all of the volunteers come in and the farm is going through the post-summer holidays quiet with few volunteers available.

Sweeping, shovelling and wheeling shhhh

We had the help of Roo the bottle fed goat who helpfully stood in swept piles of manure and let us say hello without head butting us. Together, we proved we really are the goat-to people to tidy up the farm!

Once we'd cleared the yard, there was time to see the new pig hut and say a quick hi-bye to the sheep. As ever, time was too short and we had to leave tearing runners away from the animals.

We knew what was in store for us... Another 6.5km back. But we triumphed and made it to Old Spike ready for a lot of water and to say Bon Voyage to GG regular Becky for 6 months as she goes off travelling. And a mini goodbye to our new-regulars (it's a thing) Hanna & Chris as they head off on an epic safari-hike adventure. And not forgetting Michael who's off on a birthday adventure. We'll miss you all.

Don't worry everyone else, we've got GoodGym to keep us going! Post run drink anyone? 28th September

8 runners ran to a community garden to create/dig a flower border

Our last meet up in the Copperbox arena, until another swimming gala that is. A grim June day, but our resolute GG Newham hardcore posse weren't worried about a bit of sideways rain.

With the wind in our sails, we made the 2.5k trip to Abbey Gardens. Joined on the way by Max and Dana - the extra help was much appreciated.

A small task of re-digging a flower border, then smoothing out the soil...so life can ooze out of the earth again. We completed this is no time at all. A very productive 20mins. I decided that a garden hoe is a hugely useful instrument, I was careful as to how I expressed this.

After completion, I got the guys to go through a full body circuit. Lunges, long jumps and core. 3 sets later, with some achey but stronger legs. We jogged on home, into a headwind this time. But powered by contentment, it wasn't too hard.

Pizza and beer next week...i'll update the task shortly.

5 runners ran 1.5k to the Greenway, did some litter picking, ran back and did a circuit

Our temporary new base at the Copper Box Arena didn't seem to catch anyone unaware out - phew. I had visions of lone Goodgymers, feeling abandoned and getting drenched outside the Aquatics Centre... cursing about me under their breath, before stropping to the pub for a cathartic lager session.

Luckily none of that far-fetched imaginary scenario took place. We all had a lovely tranquil pootle down the canal to the start of the Greenway near Hackney Wick. A long stretching public pathway, unfortunately some people don't give it the respect it deserves. Some sections are covered in litter . That's where we come in. A quick 25 mins clearing and you could immediately appreciate the change. Visually much more pleasant, and in such a short time frame. Top work team Newham.

As the clearing aspect of the session wasn't too taxing, I thought the guys needed to get their heart rate up and get those muscles a bit swollen...so we headed along the canal again, onto the River Lea where we came across a a lovely long flight of stairs. We stormed through four circuits, lots of jumping, sprints, tricep bulging, chest expanding, leg shredding and heart pumping goodness.

Next week we'll be meeting at the Copper Box Arena again, then heading to the View Tube. I'm a touch excited, as have never been there. Hope to see loads of you out!

10 runners ran to a local community garden to move soil and water plants, then ran to have pizza and beer

A majestic spring evening in Stratford with barely a cloud in sight. A slight hiccup in proceedings early on, our base - The Aquatics Centre - was temporarily shut to the public. Meaning nowhere to drop bags and change! We applied a small amount logic, and distributed the weight throughout the group. Our sherpas for the evening, Alice and Tim did a a sterling job. We shall pay them in Tibetan currency (yuan) for their efforts.

Bolstered numbers this week, a hearty 10 of us, made the short trip over to the mobile garden city. A quick hello to Gabby the gardener, a skim through her written instructions...and then we all fluidly found our place in a well oiled do-good machine. Alice, Jane and Carol quickly got to watering some 80 plants or so...while the rest began the muscle-contracting task of moving 10 or so ton bags about 60 metres or so. A couple of techniques were used to good effect. The wheel barrow came into its own, a long with the more challenging option - get lots of hands on the bag, and pull as hard as possible. Either way we had finished up in no time at all, just goes to show how useful it is having those extra bodies, asides from your wonderful company - you're an integral cog. I reckon we moved 5 - 8 tonnes of soil, that's a lot of earth.

With no designated base to return to, we went and found pizza. Quite a delicious one in Westfield Shopping Centre - so that place does serve a purpose I guess. Rodney's recommendation of Franco Manca was originally treated with suspicion, but the boy done good! It went down a treat. After giving our digestive system a little interval work, we thought we'd give it a cool down...and walk in the direction of the pub. We then entered the pub, where we met Rosalind who had been patiently waiting with a novel in hand. Pints were had, information was shared, laughs were heard...a pretty damn lovely evening all in all. Next social date tbc soon.

See you ALL next week

B