Volunteered at Hackney Night Shelter

At the end of last week's run report (mostly about rain and mud), I'd (more in hope) mentioned that next week would see a return to blue skies...and so I clearly wasn't the only one delighted this morning to see the sun out and crisp-ish conditions underfoot, as we were joined by 54 enthusiastic runners (including 4 first timers) under the big tree this morning, and a full house of volunteers too...amazing what a bit of sunshine can do to the mood.

After Run Director Mas had led the warm up, and the handing out of milestone wristbands to those who'd achieved either half or full marathon status, it was a big crowd on the start line waiting for the off - timekeeper Rue kept them on their marks and then it was go, go, go for the pack, keeping GG regulars and Hi Viz heroes Hilary, Sooz and Nick to the left at all times. The sun (or a hearty breakfast) had clearly boosted a few, as we saw 7 PBs set, and a lot of rosy, mostly smiley, faces at the finish.

It'll be sunny and blue skies again next week - come and join us then for more Sunday fun at the Fields!

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