It was distinctly nippier in Hounslow last night than it has been in previous weeks, so we started off the group run with a warm up that got our temperatures up in no time and maybe tested our coordination and reflexes a little too - goodness knows what the passing cars thought with the constant changing direction, jumps and floor touches!

Before we set off on our run we each talked about one little or big thing we are doing to fight the climate crisis in light of COP 26 happening this week. You're a true group of eco warriors, pledging to take fewer flights and more public transport, reducing meat or even going vegan, and switching off machines in standby.

It was a short run down to Strand on the Green school, where we arrived to find that Janitor Claire had left us out a barrow full of all the tools we'd need to stain the wooden structures in the playground to protect them from the rain, and also to clear the paths of leaves. Wasting no time, we split into teams and got to work.

With the painting team enjoying the impossibly small chairs and wendyhouses (with Beth even getting inside one to check out the teeny dimensions while also giving it a lick of paint) the leaf clearing team did a sterling work making sure the drive and playground was free of rotting leaves while discussing the terrifying old bonfire night public service announcements urging us never to pick up a sparkler after it had gone out. We even discovered that there are no native hedgehogs in America. Who knew?!

Jobs done and tools away, our GG heroes took on the Leg Finisher. This was just as brutal as it sounds, with six different exercises all designed to work our leg muscles to the max. There was some great form on the cursty lunges (looking at you, Paul!), serious height on the squat jumps, and some technical prowess from the ballet dancers on the plié squat calf raises. Amazing job team!

A quick run back to the Town Hall and some stretches and we were ready to get somewhere warm. Next week we have been challenged to clear an overgrown area outside a local church. Hope to see you there! Until then, run happy and sustainably, GoodGym.