You can run a little or allotment
20 GoodGymers made their way 4.2km to help the Blackstock Triangle Gardeners in Islington.
- Monday, 13th of August 2018
- Led by Graham Atkins
Last night 20 GoodGymmers, including three new runners (welcome Jordana, Beatrice, and Nicola!), ran 5k to help out at Quill Street allotments.
Splitting into two groups on the way there, we took the long way round to the allotment via a loop of Highbury Fields. On arrival, and following instruction from excellent allotment expert Gill, we weeded, removed nettles, and pulled out (already-dead!) plants at Jack's plot - an allotment belonging to local resident Jack, who is unfortunately no longer able to look after it as well. We made good progress in the short time we were there - always surprising what you can achieve in 30 minutes with some dedicated elbow-grease! A weed, after all, is just a plant in the wrong place. Our effort clearing the path and tidying the allotment should help keep it in a good state so Jack can harvest what has been planted and is growing there before December, when he relinquishes the plot. Great work team!
Post-task, we took the more scenic route back through Gillespie nature reserve, managing to (just!) catch the sunset from the path, and with time for a fitness session, including some sprint drills and progressive intervals around the Emirates. Lots of great form on display for the final sprint round. Remember the two golden rules: socket-to-pocket running for efficient arm form, and sprinting with your whole body leaning forward (not leaning from the hip!). You can practice this with falling starts.
Finishing up with a gentle run back to the start, we cooled down with some stretches to undo any tension built up by those sprints. There were also some coconut oreo thin biscuits. Personally - I reckon they're basically just regular oreos. Many thanks to local physiological expert Alex for explaining/reminding me which muscles we actually stretched. Normal service resumes with Paul back next week - see you all then!
Report written by Graham Atkins
Discuss this report
Led by Graham Atkins
LiRF-qualified, regular Islington-er. I like running. One summer I tried to visit every GoodGym London borough - managed 18!
GoodGymers helping out
-
Back markers
Make sure that no one is left behind
Share the love
Join us on the next run
COMMUNITY MISSION- Return Trip to Timbuktu Adventure Playground
Monday 19:15 - 20:15
Led by
Simon Fitzmaurice
31 Grenville road
Become a member
with an optional monthly donation
- Run, walk, or cycle to help older people
- Access sessions across the country
- Claim your GoodGym t-shirt
Need help with a community project?
If you're a community organisation and have a physical task then we'd like to help.
Request a task
sign in to add a comment