It was just the perfect morning for a group of GoodGymers to start the Couch to 5K programme. And having volunteered at ParkRun they were fired up and ready to go. Gill was leading the group and started off with some dynamic stretches to get everyone warmed up and raring to go. There was some trepidation about what they'd let themselves in for, but by the time Gill had explained the programme and the runs and walks for Week 1 Run 1 they were all assured that they could do this, and start their journey towards getting fitter and being able to run for 30 minutes.

I'm not sure how much they appreciated my gentle "encouragement "to keep up a brisk walking pace, but there was no grouching form anyone, and we enjoyed the walk and running intervals in a beautifully sunny and quieter park. When the half time bell rang we all gave a cheer knowing that we had done 4 out of the 8 of our 60 second runs and hadn't come to any harm.

The next 4 intervals and final 5 minutes walk went relatively smoothly and everyone manage to complete them all. There were hugs and whoops all round, before Gill insisted on some cool down stretches.

The group were amazing and full of enthusiasm. Off the couch without any grouching - well done to you all. I hope you're looking forward to your next run.

To Wardown Park for our monthly effort to fill as many volunteer roles as possible for our friends at Luton Wardown Parkrun. We were a big and vocal presence, setting up the course, marshalling (with extra cheers) scanning barcodes and helping to close down the event. Not an official volunteer role, but ‘goose-wrangling’ was also an essential task this week!