On another evening that was preceded by heavy rain that miraculously ceased to give way to mild and fresh conditions that are perfect for running a ten-strong crew of wonderful Waltham Forest volunteers gathered to help out at a local school.

Before we get into the details of our run last night, here is some news:

• There is still time to sign up to our musical Community Mission this Saturday. Helping out at East London Brass's rendition of The Snowman. All the details can be found here

• Is there a better place to run inside the M25 than Epping Forest? This Sunday's GoodGym Long Run will be happening there. Check it out, you won't regret it

• Next week GGWF are having a post run Christmas Party. Even if you aren't coming for food please do join us for a drink the more the Merry Christmaser. Consequently, we need to keep to a strict timetable and will be setting off for the task at St Mary's at 6.45 pm sharp. Any late comers can join us there as it is very close here are directions

And now, on with some details about our night. The destination was Willow Brook Primary School. The task was to fill a sandpit for the early years children to use. Our contact was Graham the Head of the School and also a keen runner. Graham let us in showed us around and joined in admirably to help us complete the task. The volunteers were all brilliant. This was a real team task because I am not talking about a little plastic sandpit pit that's good for a few sand castles; this was more like a private beach. What's more, the sand was about 100 metres from the destination. What a workout this would be as the team quickly set to it with some digging and filling barrows, some barrowing and emptying and some smoothing out and helping unload at the other end.

As usual, the team did not disappoint and Heather, Ruth, Francis, Ercole, Clara, Hanna, Carmen, Megan, Ruby and not forgetting Graham all went to it with gusto.

Barrow after barrow of sand arrived to be deposited and returned for a refill and repeat. The sand started to pile up and the lovely new layout began to take shape.

What a workout, I am sure the biceps of our intrepid crew are aching this morning. If they aren't too stiff, give yourselves a massive pat on the back, you rock.

Before, I go, please note that there are just two Wednesday tasks to go before a brief hiatus and we return on Wednesday 9th January for a New Year Plog*

☮️

*Plog - picking little while jogging