The temperatures may have been cooler this morning at Brook Leys parkrun, but the running and camaraderie were hotter than ever.

GoodGymers had all aspects covered, with Caroline managing set up of funnels and buckets, Eva and I marshalling, and Scott doing his favourite token sorting. Scott and Caroline were also running today and after Scott's success here last month, Caroline was hoping she would see a new PB today too. 💪

I was marshalling at the turn up the far end of the course and it wasn't long before Scott was effortlessly employing a Japanese u-turn to make easy work of the tight bend. Shortly afterwards Caroline was storming up the hill and I asked if we dared to dream, she confirmed it was looking good. 🤞

It was a nervous wait, but on returning to the volunteer area, I heard that not only had she got a new PB, but she'd smashed over a minute off her last one 🥳 Fuelled by Eva's massive round of applause on each lap of the lake, and with Scott's motivational cheers mid course and encouragement on the finish sprint, she pipped a sub-25 finish time. Every second really did count. Congratulations Caroline, truly amazing! 🔔

Feeling the GoodGym love, it was time for celebratory pastries to debrief and catch up ☕ 🥐

Well done to everyone who took part today and extra kudos to GoodGymers for being truly great humans and pulling together to support each other to reach their goals 🙌

This week, we visited St Laurence's Catholic Church for the first time. What a day for it, too! Because of the >35°C heat, we cancelled the run element and met at the task under our own steam - which turned out to be bikes all round! 🚲

The team this evening comprised Alan, Catherine, me and the returning Izzy. Welcome back! 🙌

Our task began with a few moments of serenity, enjoying the shady garden. It was lovely to take a pause and unwind after a busy day! The green-fingered Alan keenly set about identifying various plants using a cool app, and was one step ahead when we received our instructions 🔎

Today, we were to pot on various small plants to help them reach their full potential, and hopefully produce bountiful crops to be shared amongst the community. Alan made light work of turning the soil while Catherine, Izzy and I transferred some peppers to planters. We then made a highly efficient and somewhat organised production line (dig! water! potting mix! plant! cwtch! water!) to plant the aubergines and tomatoes into the freshly prepared ground 🌶🍆🍅

We hope these little plants handled the move and grow big and strong to yield fruitful crops! 🌱🪴🌳