GoodGymers where out in force this morning making events happen North and South of the the city.

Up in Northstowe, Becky and I were supporting Cambridge Acorn Project at Northstowe Running Festival by managing a water station on the half marathon route. We took a lovely cycle from Cambridge arriving with plenty of time to fill 100s of cups of water and master the fiddly job of setting up the rubbish sacks.

We had a great time handing out water and cheering on runners who were doing a fantastic job! The rain held off for a while, but about 2 hours in, it started pouring, with the cups filling themselves. Water, water everywhere (and a drop to share) 🌧️

We took cover while the worst passed and had even more respect for runners persevering in those difficult conditions. 💪

After a swift clear up, we headed to a local cafe to warm up with a much needed cup of tea ☕

Further south, Harriet and Caroline were reunited at Fulbourn Hospital parkrun, and were joined by Jacob to make a volunteer dream team. All went smoothly with Harriet as Run Director, supported by Jacob on timekeeping and Caroline on number checking. This new role for Caroline meant a new parkrun challenge badge 🎉 Aligning perfectly, there was plenty of cake to enjoy from parkrunner milestone celebrations. Yum!

Shout out to Scott who was representing GoodGym and in charge of pre-course checks at Coldham's Common parkrun last week when the sun was still shining ☀️

We arrived in convoy for our weekend session at Fox Den Community Allotment. Having taken the scenic route along the river, Caroline and I fell in line behind Becky, who had been following Daiana and Andrew from the city centre. They hadn't met before, so had no idea they were heading to the same place (although the red t-shirt was a little giveaway)! We had a chuckle when we realised what had happened 🚲 🚲 🚲

Ilse was like a beacon in her GG t-shirt waiting for us, and we welcomed Princy back for her second GG task 💪

After some introductions, Lorna was briefing us on our jobs for the session. We were working in the forest garden area and Andrew, very impressively, explained to the rest of the group that the methods used in the forest garden enable mycelium to thrive, allowing plants to communicate and supporting hydration. Eventually, after 20ish years (or 10000s of GG sessions) the garden becomes self-sustaining. 🌿

Although the garden looked peaceful, it was a hive of activity as everyone got stuck in shifting bags and bags of clay and compost to clear a bed for planting. It was a efficient operation, and a proper strength workout with some VERY heavy wheelbarrows to transport. We played many rounds of the game 'compost or clay'? I'm not sure it will catch on.

As well as this, Daiana and Andrew did a great job cutting back the hedgerows, Ilse put the bricks to good use creating some much needed borders for some of the flowering beds, and Princy and Becky made light work of cleaning and folding the huge tarp that had been used as a base to store the clay. A busy evening, and what a transformation 🙌

We were delighted to be celebrating Ilse's 10th Good Deed, which as well as being a great achievement, meant we all got some cake! 🎂 Congratulations on all the good you've made happen in Cambridge so far, we're glad you're on the team 💛

We wrapped up for the evening, feeling satisfied with another active session. Daiana harvested a couple of tomatoes and took them home in her GG branded water bottle (ingenious) and I was also gifted a cucumber, so a really top notch session for us! And yes, the cucumber did get transported home in my bike's bottle holder. 🥒#normalforcambridge

We were back at SIN Cru this week, making the most of the continuing sunny weather! ☀️

Scott, Becky, Catherine and I met at Parkside Pool for a 3.5km group run to the task, taking it easy in the heat and stopping for plenty of water breaks 💧

Waiting for us and admiring our arrival (I believe Baywatch was referenced!) were Ilse and Sandra, who had joined by bike. After some mandatory dog-petting, we got stuck in: Becky, Sandra cleared an impressive amount of weeds, Ilse and I tried our best to paint a very uneven surface with very hard rollers, Catherine FINALLY cleared the wood chippings bag, and Scott once again showed off his impressive sawing skills 🪚

After some final pets, we set off as a team and strolled a fair way back together, sharing Percy Pigs and discussing Paul Chuckle. Somewhat reluctantly, the 4 runners eventually set off again, distracting ourselves with restaurant chat and plant-based dining 🍽

Great work again, team! 🙌