Well - Good Gym have only done it again with Vicky doing an excellent job sorting out our (seemingly now annual) August get together. For both those that were there (but bits of it are hazy) and those that sadly want to know what they missed out on read on….

Yet again Vicky had come up trumps with finding us a great place to stay and this campsite even had a shower. With time to go, the spreadsheet was out there to ensure nothing was missed and lifts could be shared. As is always the case everyone mucked in and brought something essential, whether that be a BBQ, food, wood and of course loads of cake. Everyone arrived on Friday safe and well with Rich setting off on a mammoth bike ride whilst Pete, Egg, Nicky G and Egg enjoyed an excellent social ride complete with coffee and ice cream arriving at a similar time to many others.

With plenty of hands available the gazebo was soon up and the BBQ on the go. Relaxing around the fire pit we were surprisingly well behaved eager for activities on the morrow. Rich went off for more biking whilst Steve did battle with the cows on his own run as he trains for Kielder. Everyone else was destined to Buxton Park Run with a running group heading out before the others to complete a roughly 7k route on the way there. Arriving just as Park Run started, Tristan fought through the crowd taking the racing line (although how he did 500m less Vicky according to watches remains a mystery). Meanwhile Ed who had arrived just in time to start at the front, remained (almost) in front and finished second - congrats to him. Then into the centre of Buxton for breakfast ad thanks to David and Laura for finding a most excellent cafe for that could fit us all in. After that it was up the hill to the temple before a running group ran the long way back to camp and the others drove back to eat cake, chill and join the shower queue. The others led by Pete and Nicky managed to time passing a pub bang on opening, provided too good an excuse not to stop. This may have been needed by Nicky W who managed to walk past a dog the size of a small horse without realising it on the way to rehydrate.

Eventually, back at camp, quick showers and cake was followed by most people walking to the pub. A nice walk that included stepping stones (although superfluous given the lack of water !). Pete waited for Rich who had completed an epic biking challenge that he had started a while ago and in cycling 250 km in the last 2 days was not really fit to walk…A nice meal at the pub booked by Vicky - good honest grub with good service although Rich getting his food last and the tip left by Fergie on leaving were perhaps less than ideal. While some intrepid explorers walked back Tristan, Laura, Pete and James S were able to provide the taxi driving for those preferring the extra tipple. Having said that James T and Steve managed to walk back despite being the last to leave. Then it was all around the fire pit with a beverage with Stef acting as resident DJ.

The next morning the offer of a 0700 start for what Egg described as a “punchy” route was only taken by the usual early birds who knew what they would get with Egg. A great mix of trails, ridges and the off flat bit (i.e less than 5% gradient !) they amazingly finished roughly on expected time and distance. However, there are probably better ways of avoiding the clear up ! Nearing the end of their run they passed Phil, Nicky and David making the best of the weather running to the ice cream shop. By the time they got back everyone was leaving the campsite en route to various cafes or the aforementioned ice cream stop

All in all an excellent weekend - big shout particularly to Vicky but also Ed and all of those that went. For those that have not been on a weekend away or have recently joined Good Gym you might want to get the jan weekend pencilled in your diary - there really is something for everyone...

Cinder Track parkrun

slow up run, fast down run

Bacon Butty yumminess

Bus - very lateness

Robin Hoods Bay clifftop walk - many steps

Whitby Brewery

Mini Cheddar cascade - much sad making

Beers - very happiness

It was wonderful to see so many York GGers out & about on a summer evening. Despite the promise of plenty of bike racks - they were full, luckily everyone found somewhere to lock their bike. David led Nick & Steve out on an 11k route around Heslington. As they romped around the fields they managed to fit in some wildlife safari spotting including hare & various raptors. 🦅 Laura led the 5k runners. Not allowing any sneaky short cuts! She avoided the roads & we had lovely tracks through the green countryside. Abigail led the walkers with perfect timing, arriving at the Tiny Forest task just before the 5k runners. She even managed to gain a couple of runners who preferred to walk back to the pub. Something for everyone at GG York! 😉 Particular thanks to David, Laura & Abigail for sorting out routes & leading groups. It was good to explore some new routes. Whilst waiting for the food we had a quick quiz - all in aid of offloading a glut of cucumbers! who would like to see the Vienna Vegetable Orchestra? In no time at all the food appeared & was polished off. Tristan made an appearance, after having completed his 5k in under 18 minutes - extremely impressive. Thankyou all for coming, hope you enjoyed the evening as much as I did.

Tonight we welcomed new comers Liv and Mia to goodgym! Hope you had fun!

We then celebrated our goodgymer of the month for July which was awarded to the fabulous Nick. Nick is always one if the first to volunteer to go that extra mile. He took on the run leader duties when Ed and I were away and has been a great ambassador for goodgym from tje very beginning. He's basically a true goodgym hero!

We then congratulated the 10k runners and triathletes and in honour of international cat day this week named our first pets.

We were then off to Scarcroft allotments to help clear a plot. The main task was yo cut down and remove willow. Within minutes Nick was wedged in a tree wielding a saw and others were lopping, sawing and stripping willow. A team made several journeys taking the cuttings to the chippings pile (not chickens Jenna!).

Before we knew it time was up and the only injury was leanne's 'saw' hand. Everyone grabbed a pile of willow and we headed down the hill to drop off before fun fitness.

Following the cat theme we played a game of cat and mouse, which brought out the competitive side folk!

Back to base for a quick stretch and round up. See you next week!