We were so pleased to hear that some of Goodgym Sheffield were going to be coming to Princes parkrun, and looking forward to today. However I don't think any of us realised just how fabulous it would be.

The sun shone on a cold morning making the ideal conditions for a parkrun. As always parkrun allows everyone to find their own rythmn, volunteering, walking, running, chatting. By the time we all met up at the end of the parkrun connections were already being made. Sheffield showed us their photo taking expertise - they had already decided on the perfect backdrop for a photo shoot.

We then headed down to The Third Cafe for the post parkrun breakfast and over enormous plates of delicious food and steaming drinks we chatted. It was so exciting to meet and talk about our groups and share experiences and ideas. The energy in the room was buzzing and inspiring. It never ceases to be smile inducing to get a group of people who share an interest together. Whilst at the table we got an incoming photo of Jo our intrepid parkrun tourist who had just completed her Compass Challenge at East Park Wolverhampton.

Thank you so much Sheffield crew for sharing your city break time with us - we look forward to seeing you again soon. Friends who run together brunch together

Well what larks we had this evening.

Heetu and Sallyann ran from Lark Lane to the meeting place just in case there was anyone joining us - we then ran back to Lark Lane to meet everyone. Well done Heetu for a week back and a 4 mile run before she picked a piece of litter up.

At Lark Lane the group met Helen who had sent up the Lark Lane Wombles. She provided us with the litter pickers and bags and explainedthat the wombles had been out so once we had cleared any litter from the lane itself we could go into the surrounding streets (underground overground........ anyone remember this?) . Despite Lark Lane being full of cafes, bars and take aways it was remarkably clear - its obvious that the newly formed Wombles are doing a great job - however we still found during an hour we filled 8 bags of rubbish.

It was a lovely atmosphere and we had many kindly and funny comments: people thanking us, one man asking where are capes were (as he thought we were super heroes) the answer back was in the wash.... another laughingly sayingi t was late for community service before thanking us with a broad smile, a shout outofthanks from a seond floor window and roses given by the local florist as a thank you. Very quickly the night was over - 8 litter bags piled up and photos taken (thanks to Carys for the group photo)

Up and out early on a cold Saturday morning? Why it must be parkrun!!

5 Goodgymers, 3 running and 2 volunteering, all met in Princes Park eagerly ready for a run or to do their bit, all dreaming up what they might order for breakfast in an hours time!!

Sophie (27:48), Roz (31:48) and Sallyann (30:26) all did great times and while Julie was on finish tokens and Ema scanned! With 520 in total taking part it was a bustling morning and as always it's inspiring to see so many people out in the park doing their thing!

We also had the pleasure of bumping into GoodGymer Emma taking the gorgeous Penny-Flo (doggy) for walk and encouraging parkrun regualr volunteer Eileen to join us in our next session on Monday!

However, we were so eager to go for breakfast together on Lark Lane we forgot to take our group picture in the park (we were cold and hungry at this point, and who can resist the lure of a Saturday morning breakfast!)

Once safely seated and warmed in Third Cafe we ate heartily, enjoyed some relaxed time together and headed off on our ways. Join us for our next monthly GoodGym Does parkrun and breakfast on February 25th!

Despite it being a cold and dark night it didn't deter a group of hardy Goodgymers from turning up at The Suitcases at Hope Street for an evening of exercise and litter picking and chatting. Sian and Lucien walked an additional mile to get to and from the meet up point, Ema an additional 5 miles and Sallyann cycled 4 miles. Introductions done the walkers set off along Hope Street to the Rialto whilst the runner weaved thier way through The Georgian Quarter.

At The Rialto we were all lulled into a false sense of hope - the place didnt look too bad but before long we found simply masses of rubbish. By the time we finished Steph had managed to collect a whole outfit of clothes (although not in any fit state to be worn ever again having been laid in rubbish for far too long). Two brollys which made us wonder of Mary Poppins had been around in the high winds and a vacuum cleaner - ironically in an area that was heavily littered.

Eight Good gymers and 16 bags of rubbish collected. We all went home warmed by some exercise, good company and a feeling of having made a difference (OK there may have been some slightly chilled fingers and toes) Well done to Sian for completing her fifth task,