A return to the StarGarAllot community gardens, it was a scorchy of a day so perfect to spend our time outside in the allotment. The task this week was to create an accessible pathway around the large raised beds that we had helped to fill on a prior mission. This would enable the community to use the space more and in a safe way.

In order to create the accessible path we would first need to lay some wooden panels into the ground to hold the gravel in place, behind the panels we would then put some posts into the ground with a mallet to help to keep them stable.

But before we get 'stuck' in - let's all welcome our newest member Karolina.

Karolina and Michael used to work together in Wales Millennium Centre a long time ago so they know each other of old, Karolina also helps out at Oasis so expect a mission there soon goodgymers. Joined by Darren the three got to work in spades, creating a channel for the wood to fit into, Darren also helped by sawing pieces to the correct length that we would need for the different parts of the path.

Not to be outdone, Andrew and Jayne had the task of excavating the soil for the end of the path, and there was quite a bit to remove. It was very hot to be digging but thankfully Camilla from the community gardens had provided us with oranges and drinks so that we could take some regular breaks.

It was great to see the large raised bed already in use, filled with lettuce of all varieties, Jayne even wanted to try them.

The final part of the edging was over by Jayne and Andrew, and rather than use a new piece we used two off cuts to create just the right size for the end. Andrew put this last piece in it's place and the edging was complete. Now before everyone ran off (except Andrew our star who decided to do a double mission), we began to lay the weed suppressant membrane and peg it in place.

As we said farewell to Karolina and Jayne, Darren was replaced by Nic ready for mission number 2. Report 2

On a slightly rainy November morning, Emily, Andrew, Flo, Jo, Jayne and Martin arrived at Global Gardens for another Saturday morning community mission.

Poppy explained the tasks of the day to us, which involved Andrew and Flo digging some foundations, backfilling with gravel and then laying some eight square slabs to form an entrance to the classroom. Meanwhile Emily, Jo, Jayne and Martin set to work raking and digging out weeds in the play area at the back of the gardens. The roots of the weeds (which needed to be removed) were deep and involved much brute-force to remove them. Nevertheless, it was extremely satisfying when the weeds actually came out.

Flo and Andrew completed their task of laying the eight square slabs and came to help with our work on the roots. Eventually - and still unable to find the ‘square’ root - we took our leave.

PS. 2.82

Best group run of the year so far!

2020 has started with a fierce turnout of 31 runners and S4C coming along to capture our antics.

Acknowledgements

• Emily reached 50 good deeds
• Imogen brought a friend to GoodGym and gained herself 1 red lace! #LifesGoals. Imogen will now have one faster foot as the power of the red lace makes you run faster!

We play a game of 'Stuck in the Dance' to warm up tonight and did our usual high knees, butt kicks and lunges.

Two tasks - Choose where you run!

Ben led runners who wanted a speedy run of a longer distance to the Rhydypennau Library. Welsh Dave led runners who wanted a shorter distance to the Star Garden at Tremorfa Hub. Ellen led the walk/run group to the Star Garden at Tremorfa Hub.

Write up by Ben about runners efforts at the Rydypennau Library

Rhydypennau library is the second furthest task we've run to on a group run to date, nevertheless, undeterred we ran pavements, crossed streets, ran past Roath lake and across a large roundabout to make it to the task. When we arrived to the Library we were greeted by Sue Thomas, a librarian at the centre. Sue was ever so friendly and invited us in for a cup of tea or a coffee before we got started. We thanked Sue for this kind offer however time was against us and we wanted to make a big difference in short time we were there for. We got stuck into the task straight away (after a few required shots by the film crew). Yvonne, the presenter of Heno and new to GoodGym herself, got stuck into the task, making light work of a very challenging task. The runners were required to dig up plants and overgrown long grass and move it into temporary plant pots. We only had 20 minutes to do this task but we managed to do it!

Write up by Welsh Dave about runners efforts at the Star Hub

17 keen goodgymmers got to the STAR (or Stare 😉) hub in sunny Tremorfa. Unfortunately plan A turned into Plan B - but luckily there was plenty to do at the Hub! We weeded, carried, picked and emptied our way through the task. Moving compost, stacking chairs and weeding the garden are all in an evening's work for Tuesday night's Tremorfa team!

Time to finish the first group run of 2020

Sadly, time moves as quick as we do, and it wasn't long after we arrived at each of the tasks before we had to head back! Yvonne from the S4C was also gutted it was coming to an end as she was having so much fun!

A special thank you to Rebecca, the Social Communications and Marketing Manager at GoodGym head office, who helped coordinate the involvement of S4C, our Welsh Speakers and task organisers.

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2020 Tweet Off

Marie is taking an early lead in the tweet off! It already looks like she may beat last years winner, Lucy.

• MOH - 2
• Everyone else - 0

RunPunStiltskin award

Can you come up with the best pun title for the run report? if yours gets chosen you get a point on the leaderboard.

• EW - 1