It was late November showers that greeted us this morning under the big tree, and as our hardy volunteer team appeared from all directions to discover that efficient Run Director Rue had already set out most of the course and checked it was "runnable", we stood in somewhat nervous anticipation as to whether any junior runners (and/or their coaches) would actually brave the conditions...

But at five to nine the first few enthusiasts started appearing, and before long we had a crowd, huddled in their rain jackets. Rue put a call out for additional volunteers and a few willing hands went up, so alongside local GoodGymmers Lucinda (timekeeping duty/scaring the Run Director) and Nick (first turn Marshall), we finally corralled 11 hi viz heroes...and in today's conditions they were just that.

A brief Hackney Haka warmup led by Rue and they were off - the going was soft to treacherous in places, so care had to be taken at the turns and the especially muddy parts, but great running by all 22 of today's participants, including 3 first timers, and everyone got round seemingly without a tumble and just a lot of muddy ankles as a souvenir. Amazingly there was even a PB.

Same time next week for more fun at the fields, come along if you can - hopefully we'll be back to glorious blue skies by then...

GoodGym was back at Hoxton Trust Garden, to help manage the compost heaps. Three were already yielding rich compost, which was (relatively!) easy to turn over and mix through.

The 4th compost box was more challenging as it contained a lot of recently cut twigs, branches and other garden cuttings. Maria put in a sterling effort lifting and shifting the matted compost, determined to find rich soil beneath. The insect population signaled hope that the compost was healthy, even if it wasn't ready to use.

Eventually a new strategy was employed - temporarily remove the top layer of fresh twigs, straw, branches, etc into a wheelbarrow to gain access to the middle layer of fractionally more decomposed twigs, straw, branches, etc so as to be able to turn that. All three volunteers joined forces at this stage lifting, removing and turning the organic matter. Unwanted plastic items were removed by way of extra quality control.

With the lower layers of the twiggy compost finally aerated, the material in the wheelbarrow was layered back on. Where possible, the team also broke down twigs to aid the decomposition process.

Great to have the help and company of first timer, Araba. Hope to see you and Maria at another session soon.

Volunteered at Hackney Night Shelter

Volunteered at Hackney Night Shelter

It was a record-breaking morning at London Fields parkrun this week, and the Good Gym crew were right at the heart of the action! We welcomed at least 2 brand-new parkrunners, 11 people smashed their Personal Bests, and at least 5 first-time tourists discovered our course.

A huge thank you to the fantastic volunteer crew: Good Gymers Hilary, Sarah, and Rue were ably assisted by DoE Hugo and some wonderfully dragooned parents, ensuring everything ran smoothly. Some special Good Gym shout outs starting with Sarah, who commanded the top side and held court at her eponymous marshalling tree and Hilary, who put in a true captain's innings by helping with set-up, timekeeping, and token sorting.

Despite the muddy and slippery conditions from recent rain and a carpet of leaves, our sure-footed juniors stormed around the course. It was a marvel to see so many younger participants moving so quickly!

This week's warm-up mantra set the tone: "Dream big, act now, never give up, because you are amazing!" And indeed, every runner and volunteer lived up to that message. You were all amazing!

Let's do it all again next week!

This evening I returned to an isolated resident of Hackney for a food delivery from Humdingers.

As it is Friday they are serving chicken curry and rice, Mrs N's favorite.

And I'm sure the hour long all round walk helped me to build up an appetite for my own evening meal.