Considering there was basically a hurricane yesterday eve, Newham did well to pull together a strong core of runners. We welcomed Kev and Sharon back into the fray after frolicking abroad. We gave Alice high fives for her flag making initiative, applause for Graham's official Parkrun PB (it's got to be ratified G!) and props to Hilary for her second session on the trot.

This week's random question was a beaut, thought of by someone other than myself at the social last week, alcohol is always conducive to great ideas being born. "Weirdest or worst job you've ever had?" I think Graham wins the worst - clinical hospital waste bin cleaner - you can't even make that up pal. Weirdest for me was Tim or Jenny's...working in an egg factory and being on a hotline for wheelie bin problems - both eggcellent in their own right (sorry).

Cody Dock was our task yesterday, a smooth 2 mile canal run is always a thing to cherish. The 'fast' group even got to the destination first this time, breaking a trend there, phew! Simon, who works at the docks, greeted us jovially as ever. Then instructed us on what to do - a quick weed and sweep blitz. Before he'd finished his sentence you guys had already assembled and cracked on in beautiful GoodGym clockwork - almost like you'd done it before. Cody Dock is being assessed by the RHS, Royal Horticultural Society, yup - I only used an acronym there to pretend like I overly familiar with them. They are judging the gardens next week and Simon is aiming for a grade 4 mark (that's out 5, not 7 or 100, to clarify). After your efforts they will certainly be closer to achieving that - top grafting guys.

When the dust settled and we got the obligatory squad shot we ran back to base. Spare a thought for Kerri this weekend as she is aiming to run 75 miles, yup 75 MILES...at a 24 hour endurance race. We wish her minimal blisters, good race hydration/nutrition and decent weather. Go and smash it. For all those doing the Olympics - my heart swells with pride at the thought of you on my local track. Have a corking time, make some noise and go for the win where poss. Gutted I can't be with you, got roped into running a 4 person coastal relay over 44miles in Cornwall...and i'm a track runner. They want me to carry a whistle, a phone, a hyrdration pack (bottle of water?!) and a foil blanket. Needless to say I'd rather be on the track with you'll.

Have a tip top week and see you in 6 days. sign up here - we are back to Mobile Garden City