For tonight's group run we joined Running Events Cambridgeshire for the final session of their training plan ahead of the Cambridge Half Marathon on Saturday.

Caroline and I met to run to the meeting point, giving plenty of time to question the number of layers. It turned out to be a rather lovely evening, but we weren't feeling quite brave enough to shake the jackets, and had to settle for hoping that the run would have similar benefits to hot yoga.

After a briefing and a warm up, we headed on a casual 5k along the river and around Midsummer Common and Jesus Green, two of Cambridge's lovely green spaces. Also the location of the Cambridge Half Marathon event village, so we had a sneak peek at the set up. It was motivational to run with others and meet more of the Cambridge running community.

Once back, we enjoyed a much-needed beer and got to planning. We have had our first mission listed in Cambridge (🎉) which is very exciting, so we agreed the plan for supporting Mrs A and discussed details of an upcoming community mission being led by Caroline. Having reached out to a number of community organisations earlier this year, many are now coming back to request our support. We used the time to think about what our support could look like and how to grow these connections. Exciting sessions ahead!

Wishing everyone running the Cambridge Half on Sunday a great race 🙌

A lovely morning spent with Abbey People at Fox Den Community Allotment nourishing and clearing the beds ready for planting. It was atmospheric with the low mist making it feel wintery, but was almost T-shirt weather! Ideal for a morning spent working outdoors.

After a briefing from Caitlin, our first job was to spread nutritious topsoil on the beds ready for vegetables to be planted in the coming months. We learned that the soil was Fen soil, based on peat, so not only packed with nutrients, but produced locally meaning very few carbon miles. Once we'd decided the most efficient way to open the bag (piercing it a couple of times with a rake) the spreading was relatively quick work with many hands and rakes helping.

Next up was weeding one of the planters that had become overgrown with grasses and nettles. It's not clear why, but I thought starting with the nettles was a good idea, so focused on really getting them out by their roots, learning quickly that my gloves weren't thick enough and ended up very with tingly fingers. The grasses were also well rooted, so it was quite an effort and took more time than expected. Usually liking to finish all tasks I start, it was hard to leave the bed half done, but it will be a good job for someone next time!

It was great to be back at Fox Den and we are looking forward to more sunny evening sessions later in the year 🌻

Cambridge Goodgymers put on their running shoes to volunteer and run or walk at Fulbourn Hospital Parkrun today. It was a very muddy morning but it was great to get out there and help make the parkrun happen.

Catherine did an amazing job marshalling, encouraging the runners and directing them safely on a slightly altered, slippery course. Caroline sprinted round and still had enough energy left to sort the tokens, ready for next week's event. Alexandra made sure no one was left behind, doing a fantastic job tailwalking. Harriet had a lovely parkwalk and then helped out with the post-event closedown. We relaxed after all this lovely activity with hot drinks and cakes in the cafe.