Yesterday we burrowed deeper into the heart of winter, extremities covered, breath apparent and a hardened resolve. There's something emboldening about layering up, lacing up and powering out into the cold to give a little something back.

This week we ran the 1 mile over to Abbey Gardens to help plant seeds in muslin bags. A small hiccup in the shape of a locked gate, meant other means of entry were taken. Torange brought some white (muslin) bags over, we filled up some soil in barrels and then mixed through the seed pack. Next teams began to insert the mixture into the bags, that took on a rather nice density (think stress ball, but better), then tie them up and put them aside. Enthusiasm and organised chaos was observed amongst the squad as they swiftly dispatched with the task. We escaped our voluntary horticultural incarceration and ran back through the still fresh air.

On return a six exercise core combo was completed, to the surprise of some and the content of others (me). It was a well executed set, with lots of planking based movements, if you can achieve the full body rigidity (required for press ups/planks/mountain climbers) your muscle awareness will improve hugely as result. Next time you plank - consider which muscles are 'on' and tensed - it should be all of them.

I thoroughly enjoyed our unscripted session and your can-do attitudes, lot of time for that. Next we go back to Cody Dock to assist the remarkable regeneration that is still in full flow. Sign up sign up

Have a good weekend team - think about planning a targeted Parkrun attempt this November, where you get up your mileage 10% in the previous few weeks and push beyond your normal comfort level on Saturday morning. I'll be sharing the tree planting missions on our whatsapp group soon (23/11 and 30/11), with a Parkrun blast beforehand, this could be our 5k aim?

Till next week,

B

Eleven amazing runners kick started 2019 in Haringey as we helped Haringey Pirates with some painting and varnishing and polished of 4km of running too!

Pennie was sadly off sick but it meant a chance for me to see you wonderful Haringey folk again! As well as our regulars I was delighted to say 'hello and welcome' to Geraldine, Mel and Rebecca who joined GoodGym for the first time!

After an introduction to GoodGym and the three ways one can do good - group runs, missions and coach runs - followed by news of this years January challenge we headed outside for a quick warm up and then headed off to our task!

Tonight we were helping Hackney Pirates with their new venture in Haringey. This group helps children to improve their reading age with one to one interventions. Our task tonight was to help varnish a floor and do some painting as they get ready to open next Monday.

Dave led the way and Sarah made sure that noone was left behind and we made the journey of just over a mile to the Enterprise Centre on the High Road. There we met Jude who outlined the work and split the group to be either focussing on varnishing the floor or finishing off some painting jobs!

After about 40 mins of hard work we were pretty much done, an excellent effort by everyone to get a massive amount done. We had left one plank unvarnished to give us a way to walk out and after some wonderful group phots we duly walked the plank out of the room!

Once we had gathered together, we left and ran back to base. Thanks again to Dave for leading. A quick stretch at the end of the night and we then said our goodbyes and headed home.

Top evening.

Cheers, Pritesh