Yesterday was Blue Monday - apparently the most depressing day of the year. In Wandsworth last night there was zero evidence of that, with 46 happy GoodGymers running 6km to lend a hand at a children's adventure playground. We even started off the night discussing what cheers us up when we're feeling down; food definitely came out on top along with running (of course), dogs, cat videos, rum and sunshine. If last night is anything to go by, we can most definitely add GoodGym to that list!

With the BAC being shut for the night we were lucky enough to be given a temporary home by the lovely people at Share Community, a brilliant charity that supports local disabled people. Thanks Share!

It was really lovely to see new faces, familiar faces, runners from different areas, from central office and even from Wandsworth council. Everybody is welcome at GoodGym, and always will be. A special welcome to Sara, Alex, Alexa, Becky, Rachel and Jessica who all came for their first group run last night. Give them a cheer, GoodGym!

We started off with a run through of the news - here's a recap:

• The January challenge is in full swing. In Wandsworth we racked up 129 good deeds and run a total of 1,176 kms which is pretty great. There's still a way to go though, so get yourself to as many group runs and missions as possible and don't forget to strava the heck out of every run!

• Looking for a community mission? Then check out this brilliant one next Tuesday lunchtime. The job is shifting furniture for a LGBTQ+ charity which supports young people locally, so not only will you get a great upper body workout but you'll be helping out an important organisation too. What's not to love?

• Like burgers? Feeling social? Want to catch up with other GoodGymers while not trying to trip up on the pavement or elbow deep in mud? Then our monthly port-run social is for you. Every first Monday of the month, just round the corner from our starting place at the Four Thieves. And it's even two for one on the burgers!What more could you ask for? Sign up here to join us at the next one.

After a rather squished warm up, we set off for our task at Oasis adventure playground. This wonderful place is a local charity that has fun facilities and learning opportunities for disabled and non-disabled young people enabling them to lead happy, fulfilled lives and play positive roles in the community.

We arrived to find David, who manages the place, waiting for us with tools and a pretty inspiring welcome. We were only there for 40 minutes, but he reminded us in that time that we would be playing an active role in improving the lives of young people. With that feel good factor, we got straight to work shifting old pallets from an area that needed to be dug over. We got a nice little chain gang going, before the real hard work began digging over the area, as well as creating a firepit. Which sounds about the most excellent and dangerous thing to introduce in to a children's playground.

Meanwhile, some of the group were treated to an extra conditioning session (lucky!), before getting on with weeding the enormous area - as well as testing out the facilities (which GoodGym trainer was spotted having fun on the trampoline cough, Beth?).

After just over half an hour of hard graft, we downed tools and headed over to the neighbouring park for a very short fitness blast. We warmed up with a game of clusters. While I wouldn't like to fling around any wild accusations of cheating, there was definitely some interesting counting going on! We then knocked out a little conditioning versus high intensity drills, with Chi encouraging everybody to work harder as we squatted, lunged, balanced and high kneed.

All that was left was to run the three kms back to base, and stretch out those tired muscles. Well done on working hard for a brilliant charity, getting a good run under your belt in the process, and giving blue Monday a smack about the chops. Next week we're off to clear leaves in a community garden, you can find out all about it right here. Hope to see you, until then, run happy!

Monday is undoubtedly the best day of the week when GoodGym is involved and last night was no exception. We spent GoodGym Wandsworth’s 3rd birthday doing what we do best, running hard, working hard and celebrating our accomplishments as a team

New runners Lauren and Jo joined us for first time last night and I’d like to extend a huge GoodGym Wandsworth welcome to you both. Go ahead and give them both a cheer

NEWS

• Over the past 3 years GoodGym Wandsworth have complete 202 group runs, 306 missions and currently have 11 coach partnerships. In the last 12 months alone, we’ve completed 1969 good deeds. This represents a massive amount of support to the community. Each one of you should be proud of your contribution towards our success and the impact we’ve collectively made supporting our borough

• The GoodGym Olympics took place on Saturday with Captain Sophie leading the Wandsworth Warriors to a podium place for the 3rd year running. Our team of 11 athletes finishing in 3rd place with amazing performances from everyone who took part, you’ve all superstars! Other highlight from the day were the marching band complete with GoodGym anthem, flag parade, the bake off competition, the veg carving competition, temporary GG tattoos and pin the tail on the runner, to name a few. We’ve already started strategising for next year, watch this space...

• The next GG monthly long run is going to be a tour of the Docklands area, which takes place on the 25th August. There are 3 distance options, 26km, 16km, 10km, details and sign up here

• This months GG social will be held this Thursday the 8th August on the Southbank, if you would like to attend all details are here

• Have you heard the latest ‘Reasons to be cheerful’ podcast? It has no other than our very own Ivo Gormley as a guest and is definitely worth a listen, head here to listen now!

• If anyone has any tales of inspiration from Team GB athletes and would like to share them, please email rebecca@goodgym.org and tell us who inspired you the most

DO GOOD

Our tasks this week was at was at our local branch of the Salvation Army in Balham. The Salvation Army hold children and toddler's group on every Tuesday and Wednesday morning, which relies on voluntary help to keep going. They also have a garden space that is completely overrun with brambles. Both the toys and garden required some of our GoodGym magic

GET FIT

Not only was regular warm up area unavailable, but this week the Battersea Arts Centre was unexpectedly closed as well. With some quick thinking and rallying from the Wandsworth Taskforce we had WhatsApp messages, changing locations and car boots available for baggage, disaster averted, well done team!! After an alfresco briefing we warmed up using the pavement area outside BAC, working through a series of low impact drills, which was wrapped up with a quick birthday themed poll on everyone’s favourite type of cake. Shortly after we set off for the first leg of our run covering the first 2.5km of the night and arrived feeling fresh and raring to go

We were greeted at the Salvation Army by Andrew and after a short welcome brief got stuck in to our tasks. Our first task was washing toys for the children and toddler's group and it took no time for a production line of washing, drying, sorting and stacking to begin. Our second task was in their garden and car park area, where we tackled some unruly brambles in true GoodGym style

After 45 mins the toys were squeaky clean, organised and sorted for the next group of children to enjoy. The brambles were cut and bagged, a serious dent was made to the overrun garden and the car park was tidy and free from overhanging brambles. All that was left was a quick tidy and a thank you from Andrew, before setting off for our 2.5km uphill push to BAC. Great work team Wandsworth!!

CELEBRATION

The night didn’t finish there, as we headed from BAC over to Clapham Common for a picnic to reward all our efforts over the last 3 years and to celebrate how far this group has come in that time. What a great way to mark the occasion

I’d like to thank you for all for the awesome effort you’ve put in over the last couple of weeks, it’s been an absolute pleasure leading while Ana’s been away. You all make GoodGym so special and I’m very proud to be a part of and to have led this group

COMING UP

Next week Ana will be back after her time away and leading us for our task at the Doddington roof garden, sign up here

Happy Running!!