Is it getting cooler? I think the weather’s getting cooler. It’s still incredibly hot though, and a determined band of Islington’s GoodGymmers braved the heat to help out the Rose Bowl with a summer clear up of their outdoor space. After a quick intro by Paul Bown’s stand-in (yours truly) while he’s on holiday, the supportive group were willing to trust me with the GPS. Huge welcome to Wei (give him a cheer), who on his first group run fit right in and got stuck right into tonight’s task…

The Rose Bowl has been a key community centre for decades, with a specific focus on programmes for young people including music, sports and arts. They make some of their revenue hiring out their spaces, so keeping them looking tidy is really important. Ceri, Ops manager at the Rose Bowl described some of the activities on the site and its history and importance, and encouraged us to be ruthless with the ‘jungle’ as she described it.

This year’s particular target is the bamboo that didn’t get the hint this time last year. Difficult to get rid of, we’re helping the groundskeeper stay on top of it at least. The ground was soon covered with branches and brush, and we filled 3 large containers to the brim, with plenty piled high and ready to go next time.

A lot of sweating, lopping, sweeping and tidying later, and the group can be proud of the difference we’ve made. Ceri Is An Islington Angel - providing us with cold, deliciously cold, water, juice and those little slices of fruit that take you back to childhood, or last week if you're lucky. The refreshment stop (and the distribution of mini Oreos) slowed things down on a hot summer's night, so that the looming cloud of a sweaty fitness session soon dissipated and we just had time to get back to the Hub to stretch and share some news - the Rutland Full, Half & Marathon Relay and Yorkshire Marathon and 10 Mile Race are approaching fast though there's still time to sign up, but this week it's the (location as yet TBC) GoodGym Social this Thursday!

Thanks to everyone for supporting this newbie run leader! Thanks to back markers and gentle encouragers James, Beth and Aidan and of course Steve C for being on his best behaviour.