Despite Storm Ciara making another appearance at about 5-6pm last night, 11 brave runners joined us for our group run last night (top marks to first timer Luke for coming out, storm or no storm!).

One of our originally scheduled tasks (Mildmay Community Centre) made the sensible decision to reschedule our trip (gardening on a slippery, grassy slope with sharp tools would not have been a good idea), so we set off to the New Unity Church in Newington Green instead.

The New Unity Church is a really interesting organisation- a non-religious, radically inclusive community gathering, actively encouraging regular engagement with all people. The former traditional church building has just been renovated, and volunteer coordinator Chris met us outside Lizzie's Cafe, Newington Green with some leaflets to distribute. The objective is to introduce the neighbourhood to the new non-religious congregation! Find out more information here.

Three groups were formed, covering different areas of the Canonbury and Islington districts (we might return to flyer in Dalston in the near future), and each of our crews set off into the night to flyer in shops, cafes, pubs and through letter boxes. Plenty of positive conversations about Goodgym and the New Unity Church occurred throughout the task, hopefully a great starting point for new runners and new visitors!

Upon our return to Lizzie's cafe, Steve Coman led our team back to the Emirates Stadium with a nice alternative route through a series of pedestrianised streets and parks. Its always great to be shown new areas, even in a location you are familiar with. We finished off our run with a series of stretches, and talk about pizza and drinks!

Monthly Social- Trainer Simon's 101st task!

Goodgym Islington try to organise a post-run social event once a month (our last one was our Christmas get-together at Standard Tandoori!), and this one was scheduled to co-incide with Simon's 100th Goodgym Task (despite him unwittingly completing a task last weekend). The Victoria Tavern on Holloway Road serves 2-4-1 pizzas on Monday evenings, and a great array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Keep you eyes open for the next one!

NEWS

Market Road Gardens Community Mission

Next Saturday (15th February), we will return to Market Road Gardens for a post-parkrun gardening session. A popular group run task, which looks lovely in the daylight! Come and help complete the entrance gardens to Lumpy Hill Adventure Playground. Sign up here.

February CREOS Gardens Workday

Next Sunday (16th February), Crouch End Open Space will be welcoming volunteers to come and maintain their beautiful green woodland plot. This is a classic monthly task that North London Goodgyms have contributed to for years, and a great way to meet up with folks from different areas. Always followed with hot drinks, picnic snacks and good times! Sign up here.

Big Half Afterparty

Plenty of Goodgym runners will be lining the streets for the upcoming Big Half race on Sunday 1st March. Whether you are racing or supporting your fellow runners, come and join us for some celebratory food and drinks in London Bridge post race. Sign up here.

Hackney Half Aid Station

Another half marathon related event- The Hackney Half have invited Goodgym to support an aid and cheer station on the route. We were, without a doubt, the best supporters with the loudest voices last year, so it would be great to come back again this year to get involved! A great day out!

Volunteers for the Hackney Half also receive an entry to the Oxford Half or the ASICSLondon10km events for contributing towards the smooth running of their events.

Sign up here.

See you next week for more group running!