When the chips are down

21 runners ran 7k, broke down 2 pallets, shifted 1 ton of compost and 2 tons of woodchip. And filled 14 bags of compost.

Last night, the main group set off from the Arch Gallery and headed to Stepney City Farm. In the shadow of Crossrail's giant cranes, Catherine set us to our tasks - breaking apart pallets, turning compost and spreading wood chippings on the paths at the top of the site. The pallet-ers dissappeared round the back of the buildings so I didn't see their progress, but I hear they nailed their task.

The compost turners exchanged hot air over stinking hot manure - chatting away as they moved the mess from one pen to the next one. Again, I didn't see much of their efforts, but I'm sure they're deserving of a 'turner prize'.

The main bulk of us though were set to shifting as much bark chippings as possible from a huge pile in the courtyard to the paths and pens at the top of the site. Armed with eight wheelbarrows, numerous shovels and GoodGym enthusiasm we went 'barking mad'. We managed to shift half the pile, which is pretty good going, spreading it out over the top paddock and paths, meaning it is now possible to access the compost and the duck coop without having to wade through mud.

As we always say at GoodGym, 'when the (wood) chips are down... it's time to leave'. The run back took us on a pleasant 4K over 'London's only hill' at Mile End Park, before a determined run back to Cambridge Heath Road along the canal. It was a great workout, a fun activity and a brilliant way to start the week, as always.

Richard Foster

8 runners ran 8k and shifted 16 barrows of compost for a community garden

A 'sub-group' (to say "elite" would be a massive over-statement) of us foolishly agreed to run the "600m for a 10 minute job" before re-joining the group. After finding ourselves a long way from base and unusually outside the London College of Fashion, we found our task.

While students busily created outfits and dressed mannequins, little did they know we were shifting a deceptively large pile of manure and soil a good 20 metres. The crack team of 8 had the mission accomplished within 25 minutes and were on the road back to re-join the others. Ably led by Ted with his first aid bag, we found the 19 others just before they escaped Stepney City Farm and were able to join them on the return leg. Total travelled by the 'sub-group' ended up being 6.2 miles/10k - a few of our first over such distance.

Many legs will hurt in the morning, but many a fashion student will wonder how the pile mysteriously moved under the cover of darkness. Or they might not notice. Regardless, no stilettos will be getting lost since we relocated that pile and we completed our good deed! Til next week...

Will Carter