That's the way weed like it!

Embracing a beautiful evening and all the hills south east London could offer, 15 fabulous runners covered 4km and tending to the saplings at Baxter Field.

(...ah-ha-ah-ha!) Nicole has made her punning debut! I'm sure you'll agree, she's set the bar high!

We certainly pulled out all the stops in making our newcomers feel at home this evening. A very big welcome to Michelle, David and George, who were at GoodGym Bromley for the very first time - we hope you enjoyed it!

We had an entertaining pre-run briefing, with Nicole and Ian telling us all about their experience of volunteering at the St Christopher's Fun Walk at the weekend, with Nicole covering a whopping eight miles and Ian a slightly less intense three (though he somehow bagged himself a medal...which Nicole very nearly prised out of his fingers!). Well done both of you. We also chatted about Bradley's epic run over at the Hackney Half-Marathon, another amazing time, though this time he battled with a stitch, rather than public transport.

REMINDER!

• Saturday is the big day! At last we will be taking over South Norwood Country Park for our parkrun volunteer bonanza! All the details here - I know there are still spaces for marshals and we could definitely do with a few more pacers (any pace!).

• Dino Dash Relay - sign up here (and don't forget to sign up on the actual event race page too!). If you don't have a team, please let me know and I will try and match you up.

Tonight's task was taking us up a big hill (easily done around here!). First of all we had to warm up and we were treated to a special guest warm-up leader. Emma runs mostly over the border in Lewisham, but has visited us in Bromley many times (and on missions, she's very into missions). Last week Emma qualified as a Run Leader, so celebrated with us this evening by making us run around and connect body parts. Ahem. I did feel slightly worried when she shouted 'heads' and Dom ran towards me at speed! Emma also led the way on the run - with Ian and Louise back-marking - winding up at Baxter Field nice and early and eager to get stuck in.

We were met at the task by Ruth and her fellow park friends, who quickly showed us the saplings we were to work on tonight. We gathered tools, gloves and trugs and gradually uncovered the little plants from amongst the long grass. When this was done, we took some mulch and gave them a nice sprinkling. At first we thought we might just make it to the end of the lower stretch of park but, with such a big group, we were up and around the playground in no time!

As the clock wound down, so did we, putting down tools and picking up snacks (thank you!). I'm sure we will be back soon, either for more of the same, or to continue the good work we started on the railings last summer. Our return had a delicious downward pull, taking us back into Crystal Palace Park, where I had a musical fitness session waiting. Poor Stuart, he has just returned from holiday and this was what greeted him :) Great work from everyone, don't forget to stretch out your quads tomorrow if they feel a little sore...

Next week we will be in the park, starting off at the Crystal Palace Museum to collect tools, then over near the station to work in the orchard. Bring gloves if you have them and ALL the bug spray if you're prone to being bitten!

See you at parkrun!