I was flying solo as GoodGym volunteer on this task and arrived nice and early for a pre run course check. Setting off for one loop of the course I was expecting the usual rabbit holes but turned the second corner to be greeted by a cow having some grass for breakfast!

After the rest of the check went without any concerns, I reported the unexpected visitor to the run director to discuss cow management strategies! After a bit of debate (and some lighthearted suggestions of giving the cow a high vis vest!), one of the tailwalkers was promoted to official cow marshal and a Council contact was called to help our bovine companion make it back to their correct field.

Cow reporting duties complete, I picked up my pacers bib ready for volunteer role number 2. Lining up at the start I bumped into Sarah and George who I'd met at Thursday's GoodGym session, who were doing their first Coldhams Common Parkrun and first ever Parkrun respectively! It was a very GoodGym affair as they were also running with their friends from GoodGym York!

After a catch up, we were off and focus turned to my watch and trying to help my fellow runners pace themselves. After two laps, I was very smug crossing the line just 3 seconds off my target pace, and helping two chaps to a PB! 💪

After cheering Sarah, George and their friends over the finish line, it was time to head home after what turned out to be a surprisingly eventful start to the day!

We were back supporting Cambridge City Foodbank this evening. It was a lovely late summer evening and perfect for a run.

Meeting Scott and Alice at the pool, we welcomed Sarah (Barnet OG) and George to their first GoodGym Cambridge session 👋 Great to have you along!

After introductions and a warm up (including squats for no-squat Scott and some all important ankle mobility exercises) we were off! All fired up and on our way, I realised after 50m that we hadn't taken our group shot, so we took a very early pause to make sure we captured the moment (and the beautiful light). On our way once more, we navigated through the backstreets and the cemetery, taking the scenic route to the supermarket.

We did a recce to assess what was needed and split off to secure some donations. Being extra prepared, it turns out Alice had impressively been running with a bag full of cans 💪

Not able to join the session, Caroline had beaten us to it earlier in the day, and even had time for a quick (Drosque-esque) picture in front of our poster in store.

With a variety of food and household items donated, we started our run back to the meeting point, taking a slightly different route, this time via the underpass (we like to take in all the best sights). Feeling happy after enjoying movement, good deeds and great company, we cooled down and made plans for our next session before heading our separate ways.