It was a hot one this morning at Coldham's Common parkrun.

My first time doing post-event close down at Coldham's, which allowed me to enjoy the run first. Shout out to the marshals who were giving so much positive energy, and one even had a dinosaur puppet cheering us on (very motivational) 🦖

I was fortunate to be volunteering with Tina, who had definitely closed down a few parkruns, packing the trolley perfectly and successfully wrangling the name sign (if you've tried to do this you'll know what a skill it is!). Wheeling the trolley was the 'fun' part with all wheels wanting to go in different directions. It certainly needed some strength to manoeuvre, and I suggested it we give it some whoomph 💪 (welly x oomph, I think?? It was early.) It worked, and within half an hour the trolley was stored away in the smartest parkrun container I've ever seen!

Well done to all 407 finishers 🙌

Another sunny evening spent improving green spaces in Cambridge 🌿

We were back at The Fields Child and Family Centre working in the children's garden, which had been taken over by weeds. In need of some help to finish the work started by the Centre team, Sal called in the big guns. Known around the city for our elite weed-fighting skills, of course Goodgymers accepted the (community) mission.

Ilse, Beth and I jumped on bikes to make the dash to the Centre and Scott ran across town double-quick time (not at all because he was running late). We were delighted to welcome new recruit, Rowan, who joined us for her first task 🫡

Met by Sal, we got straight to work. Rowan, Scott and Beth were on weeding duty, Sal was sweeping, and Ilse and I cleared the raised beds (leaving grass in one for the dinosaurs, obviously).

It was T-shirt and shorts weather at last, and as some GoodGymers were wrangling copious amounts of mint, it was feeling fresh and summery. With many hands, we had the area cleared within the hour, leaving it ready for playing and planting over the coming weeks. We had chance to hear about the positive work Sal and her teams are doing in their Centres across Cambridge, both to improve the environment directly and providing learning opportunities for the community. 💚

Before we left we had time for a quick team photo, which would not have been out of place on an album cover from the early 2000s. Less squadron and more Blazin' Squad.

We did good, got fit, and stayed connected. GoodGym mission complete 🙌

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Pun credit: Scott

I spent a fantastic couple of hours at Cambridge Volunteer Fair talking with over 30 interested people about the wonderful world of GoodGym. There were also great opportunities to connect with local organisations that we can support in Cambridge.

Speaking with new people about GoodGym is always very special (as they love it so much) and I love getting passionate about our brilliant GoodGymers and what we do. I felt proud being part of a community doing so much for people that need it most in our city, and left feeling inspired and motivated.

I look forward to meeting new GoodGymers soon!

The sunny evenings have arrived and we made the most of it this week supporting Cambridge City Foodbank with an awareness raising campaign.

Ilse and I met at Parkside Pools for a warm up and the all important pre-run picture (with very good light!). We enjoyed a social run along Mill Road before setting off down residential streets to get busy letter posting. It turns out Ilse is quite the leafleting pro, having helped local councillors with their campaigns in the past. This was my 5th leafleting task and the letterboxes were still getting the better of me.

We covered 2 miles in 40 minutes, helping the foodbank reach houses they have not had contact with previously.

We both agreed that it was a really lovely way to spend an evening - keeping active, staying connected and enjoying the sunshine all while doing good for the community 💛

A sunny Saturday morning spent marshalling at Brook Leys parkrun.

Well known for being a fast course, the u-turn at the top of the 'hill' makes for a tight turnaround, with many runners impressively executing the Japanese U-turn method. It was quite a sight 🌀

Brilliantly enabled by 33 volunteers, well done to the 385 finishers, 81 of whom achieved PBs 🎉

Meanwhile, up in Glasgow Caroline was running a VERY hilly parkrun, adding a tricky 'Q' to her alphabet. 🙌

In a first for GoodGym Cambridge, the team headed to Jimmy's to plate and serve Thursday evening's dinner to the residents 🍽️

Catherine, Harriet & Caroline met beforehand for a 2-3km jog/natter around Parker's Piece, putting the world to rights and helping Harriet taper for the upcoming Manchester marathon this weekend. It's her 18th marathon which is super impressive and inspiring - go Harriet, we're all behind you! 🙌

The three then met Rafi at the task, rolling up their sleeves and getting stuck in to the evening's dinner service. On the menu was a gorgeous chicken & pheasant pie with mash potato, veggies and gravy, and a lemon & blueberry cake with custard for afters. Rafi became master of the pies, Harriet the mash queen, Catherine took on gravy duty and Caroline kept the production line running smoothly. At the end of service, the team put the leftover food away and cleaned the kitchen and dining areas.

After a productive session, the team celebrated two incredible milestones: Harriets' 50th task and Catherine's 100th! Well done both, you're an inspiration to GoodGym Cambridge and your commitment is valued so much 🥰