Our second longer run for the season, we visited Stargarallot once more to finish off with some green work. Cyclists and walkers meeting us there, and the runners heading over from out City Centre start location. A beautiful evening for active travel and some outdoors volunteering, recharging the batteries for the rest of the week in work.

Today’s tasks were weeding the pathway before it became out of control, giving the wilding area a edge it to stop it encroaching onto the pathway, removing an old cover and putting to the side and finally clearing some dreaded bindweed and bramble from an area that should be utilised as food growing space.

Join us next week as we head on up to Global Gardens to help clear a space for a new children's activity.

Why is the Scouts motto and honey the same?????

Tonight was a BRAND NEW task, as we helped out at the 19th Scout Group in Cardiff. We had received a request to help and tidy up the outside of the hall, ready for some planting - currently they are measuring the growth of beans.

We were tasked with removing the weeds, brambles etc all short and stumpy, unlike the long and slim beans. None of this could be done though, not until we had figured out the riddle of the gloves..... As Darren revealed his magic trick of only pulling out one type of glove, it even made me question if I had put both right and left in the bag earlier.

For the brambles we dug as much as possible to hopefully stop them coming back in the future, some weeds could be pulled up by hand. Secateurs and loppers were used at the far end as we began to cut into the jungle of brambles, the scouts have a friends group coming on Saturday to help with this section. But many hands make light work, and it wasn't too long before we were cutting into the section ourselves.

It was time for a quick group photo, and to show off the mound of greenery that we had removed. A couple of photos, some chocolate treats from the oragniser and it was time to make our way back to the start location.

Join us next week for a great work out here

Wondering about the question at the top? Answer: They're both Bee prepared!

After the previous GoodGym Tuesday Foodbank task, which was meant to be painting the sofa, had to be changed due to the rain - a bonus Thursday task was arranged to get the job done. The pressure was on to make sure we didn’t leave the back of the sofa half painted as the Foodbank Annual Volunteer Party was coming up in four days time!

With a great playlist recommendation from Cara, skilful paint pouring from Andrew, and after a lovely group photo was taken by Imy’s work colleague Terence, we were ready to start. Everyone got to work painting away, chatting about a range of topics, from how Cosmeston has brought out the competitive side of Dylan (no glasses), to the impressive number of Sharika songs that we were listening to. Although we all enjoyed being motivated by the Spotify Y2K hits, and were fuelled by some slightly stale Spider-Man cake, so the two hours passed in no time and we got the job done!

All that was left was to do balance a phone in a trolley to take a self-timed after group photo (as Terence had sadly gone home!) and we were on our way. Photos of the finished paint job were sent to the Foodbank staff group chat and everyone was very impressed with the work of the five Goodgymers.

Also as you can see from the photo with the decorations, it looked great at the volunteer party!

Task credits/awards: Attention to detail (Jonny), Paint pouring (Andrew & Jonny), Security aka door locking (Andrew), Quality Playlist Suggestion (Cara), Snacks and photography (Imy), Most improved (Dylan), Report title pun credit (Andrew), Group photo credit (Terence)

It seems that the weather doesn't want us to paint! A second try at the task and once again play was rained off.... But a little rain doesn't stop us, we LOVE it.

Off we went, a lovely run in the cleared misty air, it wasn't too long before we reached our destination. Our task, now changed, we were going to wire brush some of the railings (for the day that we can finally paint them) and tidy up the back of the community hall.

Cara, Dylan and Martin got to work on the railings, whilst Jonathan and Michael went straight to the back to tidy up the yard. Jake was the only goodgymer to do both tasks - #keen.

After our group photo, it was a simple run back to get social and catch up with each other. Plenty of talk about runs coming up, festivals and the fun of Cosmeston relay, which we will be taking part in once again. What should the team names be?? Well we agreed it shouldn't be 'Dylan and the minions', it should be a group decision not just 'what would Dyl do!' After many, many, many discussions and a couple of strange options it was finally decided for 'Hobnob handover'. Let's see if they stick with that when it comes to registration!

Now to FUN FACT TIME

Walking in the rain, or after it has been raining, can actually be good for your body and your mind. Some scientists think it is all down to negative ions. These are odourless, invisible molecules which are created in nature near moving water.

As well as rain, they can come from waterfalls, waves in the sea and even morning dew and mist. Dr Niek Buurma, of Cardiff University’s School of Chemistry, said one way they can be formed is by water, such as raindrops, hitting the ground. Research is taking place into the effects of negative ions, but it is thought they may boost our mood, relieve stress and give us more energy.

The air is cleaner during rainfall and after it because raindrops wash dirty particles out of the atmosphere. There is also that unmistakeable smell when it rains after a long period of dry weather. The earthy scent is called petrichor, from the Greek words petra, meaning "stone", and ichor, meaning "the fluid that flows in the veins of the gods". Petrichor includes a chemical called geosmin, which is made by bacteria in soil. Inhaling it in the air can have a calming effect.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c51157ep524o

Next week is a first time task - as we say hello to the Scout Hall and help them. Get signed up here

An unfortunate start to our Tuesday task as the sky opened and poured like a big ol' leaky tap. But still, a good 12 goodgymers arrived, not put off by some rain, and ready to celebrate on our birthday week.

The run, was a good simple straight run with very little stopping. Our task organiser, our very own Imy, had thankfully come up with alternative plans for bad weather. Once we arrived, the group were taken in and put too work, whilst Michael remained outside waiting to welcome our cyclists.

Our tasks for the evening were sorting the donations, dating them with marker pens and placing them into the correct baskets, and as the rain had passed, three of the team went outside to help to weed and tidy the volunteer area ready for their party in a few weeks time (we may also have a return community task to tackle the painting that was put off due to the rain).

We stayed a little longer than usual to get as much done as possible, and because it's our birthday week......that's right, we are 7 and you are all HEROES.

Imy had plenty of volunteers taking part with her engagement activity, and lots to talk about for the run back. Now it's time to celebrate goodgym Cardiff way with a night at the open mic night.