On possibly one of the wettest group runs we've had at GG York, a dedicated and hardy bunch of GG Yorkies showed up for a rapid tree guard and hedge trimming session at Ashton Park. Tonight we welcomed Vicfrom GG Lewisham who was doing a spot of tourism and also welcomed back Emma who was making her return to GoodGym after a lengthy spell out. Give them both a big cheer 🎉

Vicky led out the party pace group whilst the rest of us were numbering off by naming the things that we find unforgivable, including leaving beer in the bottom of a glass, pineapple on pizza and being late to GoodGym!

The two groups arrived at Ashton Park within a minute of each other and were greeted by Kristina from City of York Council who gave us the lowdown on tonight's task and had also very kindly agreed to continue with the session despite the horrendous weather (you're a star, Kristina!)

Two thirds of the group picked up where we left off last time we were at Ashton Park by using a variety of tools to remove the remaining tree guards, whilst the other third armed themselves with sheers and got to work on an overgrown bush.

We'd agreed to shorten tonight's task to 30mins so it was a race against the clock to make sure we finished on time. Each section of the guard that was removed was greeted with a loud cheer and as the stumps also came out we were able to add to our collection of 'GGers with logs' photographs.

Meanwhile the bush trimmers made excellent progress and soon came over to help remove the final bits of tree guard and gather in all of the tools. But by this time we were all very much looking like drowned rats and the prospect of an early finish and some warm, dry clothes was too tempting. So after a quick dash back base we said our Goodbyes headed for home

As a side note, well done to Pete and all those who donated clothes for Ukraine👏

we met

we ran in three groups

we got wet

we ate food in the pub

see photos for more details!

23 GoodGym Yorkies ended the August Bank Holiday with a trip the City Mills independent living to help clear the weeds from their patio areas.

We started the evening by giving a very warm GG welcome toKa Man who was doing their first ever GoodGym task, as well as welcoming Olivia along to her first Group Run and Tess who was returning for just her second. Give them all a big cheer 👏

Michal was in charge of tonight's session, so Ed and Vicky could have a bit of a rest, and led the run out with trip along the city walls much to the surprise of some oncoming tourists. We shortly arrived at City Mills to be greeted by Mary, one of the residents, who explained what we would be doing. There were a few different areas that needed our attention so we promptly split into groups and made a start tacking the weeds that were growing out of the patio areas.

Whilst the majority of the team got to work in the car park, ripping out weeds and the presumably unwanted saplings that were growing, a select few lucky GGers went round to the back of the building to a beautiful terrace area that overlooked the river. Everyone got stuck in with forks, trowels and sheer strength making light work of the task. So much so that Rich had enough time to have a little sit down on an abandoned loo!

James T and his broom were in high demand to make the finishing touches to the task before we all grouped around the GG flag for the group photo before heading off for a quick spot of fitness.

Being the fell-running guru that he is, Michal had the group running up and down the notoriously steep Baile Hill to varying degrees of enthusiasm. But everyone managed to make it up and down at least once (but by Gover definition it's only a rep if you've done it twice!)

Then it was back to the Priory Centre for a bit of stretching and plenty of sweet treats courtesy of some leftovers from the camping weekend and some delicious chocolate fridge cake from Babs!

It was a weekend where the weather forecast would not have left Noah and his Ark out of place. With biblical levels of wind and rain predicted for Friday and Sunday, and only a brief window of dry weather for Saturday, a gang of brave and intrepid Good Gymers, plus special guests and two furry friends ventured west to the English alps, aka Wasdale, Cumbria.

In true British style, Friday's barbecue was attended in drizzle but spirits were not dampened. With more cake than even the Good Gymers could eat, everyone ate their fill and retired to bed, happily sated.

Saturday dawned to pouring rain and despite Egg’s best efforts to command an early bird fell trot, the team remained in bed. Finally rising to join carriages, two by two of course; Noah wouldn't have it any other way, the team headed to Muncaster Castle park run. A stunning circuit three times around the castle with the mountains as backdrop made it easy to ignore the slightly undulating course.

A swift brekkie at the Ravenglass steam railway cafe, then with one team returning to camp for a hike and another venturing out on a big hill run to help Nikki in her training for her ultra in a month's time.

As if by magic, the clouds parted and, even though the wind was strong, a fine day was had by all. The hike turned out to be a little more exciting than expected and Matt’s attempts at turning the hill run into a pub crawl was thwarted by… well, a lack of pubs. However, the Wasdale Head Inn did provide a welcome pint and a nice bowl of chips.

The previous evening's heavy rain had left some sporting rivers where rivers should not have been. Washing the hill run mud from our legs and sweat from our eyes in the fresh mountain water was super refreshing!

An early dinner at the Strands Inn & Brewery in Nether Wasdale was enjoyed by all. Pie, both veggie and non-veggie, appeared to be the highlights. Plus a delightful cheese and ale dipping starter - novel and truly delicious!

And as the rain once again set in it was simple to decide. “Oh, go on then… Just one more pint until the rain stops! “

Sunday's heavy rain and high winds meant a retreat back to York for many. Difficult muddy vehicle exits for the camper vans made for some sliding fun leaving the camping field.

Of course, a Good Gym weekend wouldn't be complete without at least one good deed. A quick scour of the site for any litter ensued, followed by breakfast at the Sawmill cafe. This breakfast might well be worth Michelin stars, if nothing else but for its setting inside an old, still functioning, watermill… this weekend with a lot of water!

A brief attempt at a clifftop run at St Bees turned out to be too much. But that gave a good excuse to head inland to the fleecy outdoor kit dens of Keswick and a run along the old railway lines.

All in all, a fantastic weekend that not even the weather could ruin. Good outdoors fun, great food and wonderful company. Roll on January and our next Lakeland trip to Helvellyn…