I was back to visit Mr G once again for his weekly shopping trip. It had bean a while since my last mission to see him, however his shopping list (or cleverly strung booklet) remained very much the same: Meals for the week, green veg, potatoes and plenty of yoghurts. And nut forgetting a snack of tasty walnuts too.

Shopping done, cans scanned, bags delivered, and pie was ready for the weekend to begin. Until next time, Mr G.

Goodgym and the Achilles International UK chapter (visually impaired running group) met at Battersea Power Station Tube on Thursday evening, ready for a glorious evening of social group running. Together, we made our way to the bandstand in the centre of Battersea Park, and paired up for an hour of intervals, chatty runs, tempo sessions and practice for future Runthrough events. We were also joined by 5 adorable working dogs (4 guide dogs and 1 service dog), who were taken on walks around the park or given lots of scruffs by our bag drop volunteers! Well done everyone!

Next week, we will be training at Emirates Stadium, meeting at Arsenal tube station (Thursday 1st August, 6pm):

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-emirates-stadium-106d8484-2ef2-4a3e-9b1c-13684aa1c4e3

First of all let's all give a big GoodGym cheer for Kymm and Eric who both came along for their first GG Hounslow session. We're so happy to have you join us for all the weeding, painting and planting that lies ahead!

We were back for our regular visit to Chiswick House last night. Not only do we get to support a beautiful space to stay open for everybody, but our regular sessions there means we get to see just how much and how quickly it changes. The last time we were at the garden by the cafe we were tackling thistles and bind weed, and we were shocked to see when we arrived the growth of the super tall golden grass.

The war against weeds is unrelenting, so we wasted no time getting started on all those intruders. There were plenty of thistles to pull, plus huge green stems of something unidentifiable (by me), and that bind weed which just gets....everywhere.

As always we chatted while we worked and our discussions were varied and wide ranging. We covered the upcoming Olympics, changing hair colours, and even how, as Gus told us, gardeners are healthier as they breathe in a bit of the soil while they work which actually increases nutrients!

We finished up just as the rain started and Kash displayed her patented method of getting as many weeds as possible in the bag - check out X for the video evidence! We hot footed it back to Turnham Green where we were greeted by the most beautiful double rainbow. I hope you all made a wish!

There was just time to squeeze in some running drills where we tried to beat the clock back to our original starting point, and then saw the evening off with some stretches.

Great job everybody! Next week we are going to wash the Turnham Green mural, and we also have this litter pick you can do in your own time. This weekend there are not one but two sessions to choose from. Why not help set up this inclusive music event on Saturday or support junior parkrun in Osterley on Sunday? There's something for everyone!