78 GoodGymers have supported Ealing Half Marathon CIC with 34 tasks.
Tuesday 17th September
Written by Harvey Gallagher (he/him)
Helping out our local award winning race, the Ealing Half Marathon, has become one of our annual group sessions. The race is incredibly well organised and planned - we provide willing hands to put up advance warning signs on the route. There was some debate as to how far '200 metres apart' actually was - the next lamp post? The one after that? All very high tech.
We split into two teams, taking a side of the road each. There began a quiet sense of competition as we faced each other on opposite sides of the traffic. This was left unsaid, of course - it's better that way. An eyebrow movement can convey all it needs to, even through a couple of lanes of traffic bustle.
There's a fantastic atmosphere on race day at the Ealing half and we got asked lots of questions by curious residents as we made our way through the borough carrying step ladders and large yellow signs!.I think our high vis vests reassured people that we were legit (maybe!).
I saw the sign...and it opened up my eyes (apologies to those too young to get the reference!).
Wednesday 7th August
Written by Harvey Gallagher (he/him)
Two GoodGym regulars joined forces with Ealing Eagles and We Run Ealing to sort out the street signage for this year's Ealing Half Marathon (29 September - sign up here!). Locals need to know what's happening, and runners need to know where to run! There were new date stickers to stick, old tag binds to unbind, wobbly old signs to stiffen up, and much sorting into organised lots and bags - re-use being the name of the game - all ready for the streets of Ealing! And we had the Olympics on in the background (well, you would, wouldn't you?!).
When the time comes to put the signs up, GoodGym will return (watch this space!).
Friday 1st March
Written by Harvey Gallagher (he/him)
An important role for GoodGym at today's Ealing Mile - chalking out directions around the course.
Then it rained.
Then it rained some more.
Now, the chalk wasn't washed away, but the need for directions changed to a need for warning of wet pavements and wet feet ahead.
Next, we marshalled around the course.
Then the sun came out.
But it was still wet.
The traditional role of marshals is to point runners in the right direction and offer encouragement. Today, we proferred warnings not to cut the corner too tight so as to avoid the muddy patch as the runners swept round the u-bend.
Then the sun came out.
Then it got quite nice, actually. See you next month, Ealing Mile@
Saturday 2nd December 2023
Written by Harvey Gallagher (he/him)
With temperatures down near zero, three GoodGymers stepped up to warm-up the runners sbout to take on the West London 10k. We pogoed, we lunged and kneed high. The conditions were tough but our GoodGym crew radiated positivity (whilst running on the spot!).
Friday 3rd November 2023
Written by Harvey Gallagher (he/him)
Three Goodgymers braved the wind, drizzle and leaves to marshall at the monthly Ealing Mile. It's a grest event where runners of all abilities take a loop of the park on the first Friday lunchtime of each month. The other users of the park are always impressed! Great to see out of Ealing folk, AJ and Louise - their travelling support was very welcome!
Friday 6th October 2023
Written by Harvey Gallagher (he/him)
The first Friday of each month GoodGym Ealing help out the Ealing Mile. It's a brilliant community event for people of all ages and abilities to head out for one mile around one of our lovely parks. The organisers, Ealing Half Marathon CIC, are always grateful and the runners appreciative. Oh, and there's good coffee and vegan lunch nearby (triple win!).