Under the light of the clocktower, 7 GoodGymers got to work clearing leaves from a path. Three wheelbarrows on the go lugging leaves back to a bag. Plenty of raking, steering and stomping. The path is fully clear again for accessible users (for now).

Two goodgymmers set out on a halloween litterpick along the newly pedestrianised Oxford Street. The usual litter was bagged and binned.

Last night GoodGym runners Lucy, Louise,Charlotte, and Rue, with Simon joined Achilles International’s visually impaired runners for a brilliant evening around the Olympic Park.

We kicked off in a circle, introducing ourselves by pace and whether we were VI runners, guides, or shadowers. Simon explained the routes before telling us about his upcoming dawn-to-dusk ultra with Sikhs in the City, where he’ll run as fast and as far as he can in daylight while fundraising for Achilles. Support him if you canhttps://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/simon-fitzmaurice?utm_medium=CF&utm_source=CL A huge cheer for Simon, followed by an equally warm welcome for all the first-time VI runners and guides.

Then we paired up and were off!

I had the pleasure of running with Charles, a fantastic runner and an equally good teacher. He talked me through the instructions that work best for him and how to use the tether effectively.

Running around the Olympic Park is always special, but guiding made me experience it differently. Alongside the Orbit, gardens, canals and tree-lined paths, I suddenly noticed every changing camber, slight undulation, cracked path and change of surface. Things I would normally run over without a second thought became important.

An hour and a half later, we were back at the Aquatics Centre swapping running stories and already thinking about next time.

A brilliant evening of running, learning and connection. Good luck to Simon with the ultra, and a huge thank you to Charles.

Back to a favourite. Walking away with food never gets old. Was great to see a lot of the regulars again.

Half an hour of packing away crates and sweeping to be rewarded with some delights including soardough loaves and purple cabbage. Ran there with Steph but gained a bag of food so just a slow walk home.

This week we saw a massive group turn up at Paddington Rec Track. We had our usual Achilles UK and Goodgym group plus special guests from LSE. Group is getting bigger and bigger with loads of new guides. Another great session tonight and the rain held up, so a nice and dry one.

Three GoodGymers braved the dark to sweep leaves, powered by two head torches. We got it done in about half the time. It was great to see how the space has come along since last time.