This evening 19 GoodGym Coventry runners welcomed Marie for her first run and also Aidan for his first at GoodGym Coventry whilst running 4.5km to help St Mary and St Benedicts school look after some unloved picnic benches.

As it was such a lovely day, we did our warm up and welcome outside the Herbert Art Gallery which was lovely and then we headed off into Hillfields chatting all the way to the School.

The benches task had been arranged for a week previously but it had rained so we had delayed till the weather was better and tonight it was definitely an improved evening as the sun shone down on us.

In the school courtyard, there were 6 picnic benches that were in desperate need of a good sanding and varnishing. Luckily, we were armed with sand paper, brushes and luckily Nigelhad bought a little skill and some of his own tools. So in no time the benches were whipped in to shape and would soon be painted and ready for use by the children for their lunches.

Time was ticking on but the team were keen to complete the job to a high standard which meant our fitness session changed location to be again by the Herbert Art Gallery. Here the team completed 2 sets of 4 exercise aimed at working muscles key for becoming stronger runners.

At the end we stretched and caught up with everyone's plans for the weekend. So have a good week and enjoy Coventry Triathlon and Dawn Chorus walk GoodGymmers.

See you next week for delivery of bags for the Cyrenians. Please bring a rucksack if you have one.

Liz x

What a lovely evening to be in the park and for the inaugural GoodGym Coventry mile challenge.

17 of Coventry's finest headed to Spencer Park to reclaim the paths from foliage, soil, ivy and all sorts of other debris. This week we were joined by Hannah for her first run, welcome Hannah.

As the park isn't too far away, we were able to split into three teams and attack the overgrowth and reclaim the paths. There were some interesting finds along the way (a nappy?!?!) and a lot of quality chatting whilst the teams got on with the work in hand. Nigel completed some drystone wall style constructions, Lil, Debora, Meera, Natalie and Hannah swept a lot of debris filling an entire wheelie bin and Susanna, Alice, Amber, James, Alan, Damian, Nigel, Matt, Laura, Victoria and Jackie cleared back the paths and found the initial stone divide which had not been seen for may (10?!?!) years.

Having worked hard, we managed a sneaky play.

After all this hard graft, it was time for the inaugural GoodGym Coventry mile challenge around Top Green Park. Once the route was explained, the runners set off to establish their initial times. Great camaraderie was shown by all supporting fellow runners along the run and at the finish line. Well done all.

Finally, we headed back to Drapers with a sneaky game of Hopscotch on the way.

See you all next week as we head ton Carriers of Hope to help get them move Christmas gifts in their new warehouse. Have a lovely weekend and bank holiday, Liz x