If it's possible to have a warm, but cooler evening, then tonight was it - the recent hot weather has certainly re-calibrated the comfort scale, especially when it comes to running.

We all looked forward to a return visit to Wild Green E13, Plaistow's most lovingly cared for community garden, and our host Fleur was on site to welcome us when we arrived - Hilary and Graham had run from our usual meeting spot at Freaks and Geeks, Nick from Plaistow, and Bea arrived in one piece on her bike.

Once we'd got the container unlocked, it was clear this evening's task would be watering to try and keep the young plants, vegetables and all the contents of the wooden planter boxes alive. Our biggest challenge soon proved to be having enough water to get everything done as their giant water butt was running low and it had been a while since there'd been any top up, either via mother nature or from the local fire brigade.

However, low water wasn't going to stop us and we soon had a production line running to get watering cans filled and roots watered as best we could. As Graham stood over the tank eeking out the very last of the drops, it was apparent we had exhausted this particular task, but as always, Fleur was very grateful for our efforts. We'll be back here again in September, by which time there will hopefully have been a rain shower or two to give the plants a drink or two.

We set off on a cooler run back to our start point, and diverted into the pub for some well earned refreshment - this time not needing to rely on the last drops from a water container to rehydrate us...

Next week we'll be helping out on the planters at Barnard Grove - join us if you can, those plants really need our help!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/maintenance-of-planters-on-barnard-grove-19198e61-72a0-4c49-8904-5a150c05553a

We were pleased to be joined by parkrun's event delivery director Helen this morning, along with her son, who had been staying nearby in Dalston, and so saw a Sunday morning parkrun volunteering opportunity at the Fields - she'd asked if she could lead the warm up and who were we to turn down such a request.

With marshals recruited from the parent group (including a couple of first timers...thank you), Rue on timekeeping duty and Hilary as Tailwalker, Run Director Nick did the safety briefing before handing over the stage to Helen to get our 24 runners (plus coaches and tail walker) fully warmed up.

It's fair to say she put them through their paces, but everyone joined in, following all the movements (including mimicking different varieties of beans...you had to be there) with much enthusiasm and excellent synchronisation.

With warm up complete, and a few still catching their breath, it was to the start and Rue counting down 3-2-1...and they were off for another two laps of the Fields in perfect running conditions, with Hilary ensuring no-one was left behind.

Another successful Sunday, great to have Helen join us along with all our other volunteers - same time, same place next week, but the warm up may be a little less energetic...