On Monday evening, Goodgym Islington had an incredible turn-out for the final group run of the January Challenge

Area Activator Simon was joined by Rory, Prima, Benedetta and Chris outside the Elizabeth House Food Hub- some new faces and returning Goodgym Islington members in the mix! After a short warm-up up and down Hurlock Street, we ran together up Highbury Hill, past the Emirates Stadium and towards Caxton House Community Centre.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by Rose, one of the main project managers of the halls, who had already designated tasks to the rest of our Goodgym group. Team 1 (consisting of Sam, Sally, Emily, Caitlin and Louise) were busy thinning back a collection of large overgrown bushes and brambles around the main entrance area of the community centre, donning thick protective gloves and using clippers and secateurs to do the job (along with some brute strength!). This also involved clearing away some clumps of ivy off the walls around the main door frame. Despite being lovely to look at, the ivy can cause unrepairable damage to the brickwork of the building.

Team 2 (Chris and Benedetta), borrowed a pair of kneeling mats and trowels to tidy up the first flower beds on view as visitors enter Caxton House. A weeding session had been long overdue, and the improvement was massive!

Team 3 (Rory, Patrick, Aidan, Steve and Prima) made their way round to the activity and outdoor seating area of the centre, and assisted in clearing as much moss and excess mud from the paving stones as possible. Long scraping sticks with sharp bristle brushes were used for the task, with the intention of keeping the play safe and slip-free for running and outdoor games.

As we returned our tools back to the centre, we were treated to fresh water and chocolate eggs for additional sustenance after a good hour of hard work! We set off on our separate routes, with Simon, Patrick, Steve ans Chris completing an additional 3km-ish return trip to Elizabeth House for more January Challenge miles.

Our intention is to return to Caxton House on the 21st and 28th February to follow-up on our gardening and painting tasks, so keep an eye on those group runs!

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NEWS

Next Group Run- Caledonian Park Clear Up

Next Monday evening, we will be running from Elizabeth House Food Hub over to Caledonian Park on Market Road for a top session of digging, wheelbarrowing and shifting soil! Classic Goodgym Task!

Monday 7th February- Sign Up Here:

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/group-run-cally-clocktower-park-clear-up

February Post Group Run Social

Following our trip to Caledonian Park, we plan to visit Âu Lạc restaurant on Highbury Park (opposite Elizabeth House Food Hub) for some delicious Vietnamese dishes, refreshments and good times!

Sign up here:

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/february-social-post-group-run-meal-at-au-l-c