It was so good to be back to Group Runs in Newcastle after a 497-day hiatus!

We met at a new starting point The Cycle Hub which was baked in early evening sunshine as we said hello to Seb who had previously run with GoodGym Bath, and was joining his Geordie GG family for the first time. Go and give him a cheer!

We had a recap of what GoodGym Newcastle have been up to during lockdown, including over 150 good deeds inclucing regular Foodbank missions, some one-off painting jobs, running to help isolated and shielding people and much more. If you want to catch up on everything we've done in the almost 500 days since our last group run, check out the run reports here.

The warm up was a chance to move, laugh and catch up on some Covid trivia with each other as we found out who'd baked what, who felt more fit than before, and most importantly what we'd been watching on Netflix. It was great to see Phil at his first Group Run, getting stuck in and getting to know some new faces.

We made our way to the task, with Paul leading a "creative" run route while Dan and I walked and shared tales of knee injury pain, just like the good old days. We were met by Dave and three other Ouseburn Trust volunteers who told us the history of Ouseburn Trust, a brilliant area by the Tyne that is overlooked by support from the local council and relies on volunteers like us to keep the pathways clear and tidy.

We were split into two groups to clear two areas of paths under the Cumberland Arms that have been neglected lately and were seriously overgrown. Armed with spades and cutters, we got stuck in and caught up on each others' news and the time flew by. It was soon time for an epic hill sprint session where we learned Phil has a mean competitive streak matched by Neil's. Team spirit was back in abundance and it was lovely to see Aimee and Miranda back to running together.

It was brilliant to be back together on such a beautiful night, and long may it continue!

Our next Community Mission is this Sunday where we are painting the Reception area at Stitch Sisters

Our next Group Run is on Saturday 31st July where we are helping at Nunsmoor Park Volunteer Day

See you soon!