October, 9 runners, a grey morning, a sunny day, some talking to do and some litter to pick.

We met up for a #runandtalk session on what started as a sunny evening and soon dropped down a wet and somewhat wintery session. After a bit of a task let down, we jogged around the Rye getting nice and warmed up whilst welcoming Ellen to her first ever GoodGym experience.

Then it was into teams, gloves on, black bin bags in hand and a direction each to go in to litter pick. The idea being to clean up the area where we live as well as have a chance to chat to each other.

Shoes, balls and cans later, we rendezvoused and it was time for our regular time trial. 720 metres against ourselves. There's a regular route we use and we had already recce'd it during our warm up. Amazing first effort for some and repeat effort for others.

EVERYONE matched or bettered their time

Time to work you harder, and that we did....

5 exercises as the heavens opened. Did someone say #nationalburpeeday? Burpees, mountain climbers, complete abs, squat jumps and planks climbs... 10 of each, 9 of each, 8 of each.... I could go on but it'll seem never-ending. You get the idea and everyone kept each other going. Despite the burn, despite the sweat and the rain.

Such an amazing effort could only be rewarded with... a gentle jog home. We stretched off, we dried off and washed our hands clean of anything untoward.

Running, doing good, having a chat and getting fit check.

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

On a lovely warm evening, nine GoodGymmers ran to Durning Hall Community Centre to clean some windows.

After a little coordination-heavy warm up we jogged as a group to the centre and introduced ourself to the receptionist who.... had no idea what was going on!

Following a few phonecalls we found out there had been a lack of communication and while the centre definitely wanted their windows cleaned they had no equipment for us. Not a problem! Alex at reception gave us £5 and we all bustled off to the local Co-Op to pick up some Windolene and Cloths. We even got 5p change!

All this meant we had only 12 minutes to clean. Again, not a problem, we got stuck in good and proper, and when it seemed we were lagging a bit of George Formby got things moving again.

Windows sparkling we headed home. On the way back we played the famous Secret Surges and also met a couple of lively drunks and a half-naked man waving a packet of chips around.

WHAT MORE COULD YOU WANT FROM AN EVENING OF DOING GOOD AND GETTING FIT?

Great work from everybody as usual. Brahma will be back next week for more good stuff.

Stay good,
Simon

P.S. Run Report Bonus