The Ramsey Round is the original Scottish endurance distance mountain running challenge, stretching for 58 miles over 24 summits (including Ben Nevis), reaching a total climb of around 28,500 feet. Key figures in the ultra running community have set records on this course (Nicky Spinks, Helene Diamantides, Jasmin Paris), and Goodgym Islington approached the Ramsey Round last night...

However, the "Ramsey Round" we are referring to is a double task group run on Ramsey Walk, a green neighbourhood in Canonbury. We were invited over by Ramsey Flowers N1, and Rose Bowl Community Centre- literally a stone's throw away from each over!

20 happy running folks joined us tonight (including new members Deirdre, Conor, Jack and Ashling- welcome!), and we saw the return of Taskforce member James after his New York Marathon running adventure- congratulations! Before setting off, we made a few announcements (listed in the news below), and asked the question: "If you could be an animal, what would you be?"

Our responses included:

• Red Panda
• Water Bear
• T-Rex
• Penguin
• Rhino
• Stick Insect
• Sloth
• Otter
• Dog... but I'm probably a Cat, really. Probably.

The Canonbury area is a 5km round trip from the Emirates Stadium, and we used the Drayton Park route to run along the back of Highbury Fields Park.

Upon arrival, we met up with Paola and Chris of Ramsey Flowers N1, a resident-led community garden project in St Paul's Park. Half of our group stayed to help with this task, which included raking leaves from various flower beds, planting small bulbs, trimming some overgrown bushes from the main walkway, and installing remembrance poppies onto the railings next to the Rose Bowl Youth Centre. We made sure we had enough time to gather and collect the greeen waste clippings and leaves before setting off, and deposited them all near the appropriate recycling point.

Our second group continued along to Rose Bowl Youth Centre to meet Dawn, the volunteer coordinator. One of our classic tasks- we raked and swept all of the playground surfaces around the centre to allow children to keeping playing outside in Winter, and bagged all the leaves up to keep everything looking neat and tidy. Really amazing how quickly an area is transformed when a big group of people start working on it- we have included some before and after photos in the photo reel.

We gathered up on Clephane Road, and before our return trip to the Emirates, we were treated to vegan cookies and veggie muffins from local baker Chris! Absolutely delicious- Thank you!

NEWS

Monthly CREOS Mission

Crouch End Open Space (CREOS) is a regular community mission hosted by GG Islington, and is a great one for new folks! Goodgym have been maintaining a wooded garden patch, just off the Parkland Walk for years now, and we are very proud of it. Working from 11am - 1pm, and always includes a picnic, chatting and dog spotting. A lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon (Sunday 17th November).

Sign up here.

Mini Mermaids Running Club x Goodgym - Highbury Fields parkrun Takeover

Mini Mermaids Running Club is an amazing charity set-up to encourage girls under the age 11 to engage in phyiscal activity and exercise in fun and engaging ways. Goodgym have been invited to help the Mini Mermaids to complete their 5km challenge (each of the girls have worked towards this over 8 weeks) at Highbury Fields parkrun on Saturday 7th December.

We are looking for:

"Mama Mermaids"- female Goodgym runners who would be willing to be an accompanying adult for a Mini Mermaid during their 5km run. This would include offering support and encouragement to help them achieve their goals.

parkrun Volunteers- Goodgymmers willing to marshal, cheer, support and help with the general running of parkrun from the sidelines. Or to come and run and represent Goodgym!

Sign up here for more details.

Official Goodgym Christmas Party

Huge Christmas Party for all of Goodgym, hosted at Stephen's House (a bar, not the house of a poor guy called Stephen) in Finchley. Drinks, dancing and celebrations- Fancy dress contest included.

Friday 6th December. Only 38 tickets remaining so grab them quick! Sign up here

Have an awesome week. See you next Monday!