It was the Osterley parkrun annual shoe collection day and our Ealing team dutifully gave up some of their favourite running footwear. To be fair, it was footwear that perhaps had its best days behind it, but, hey we all have a good few miles left in us at least! But that was the point of today.

The amazing Alison from the parkrun had volunteered to collect and transport our old stinky (I speak for myself here) running shoes. Those that have some life in them will find a new home, the rest will be broken down for recycling. A win-win all round.

It was a beautiful blue sky morning, perfect for getting active outside. Steph Ducat dropped off his shoes then biked it off for his next GoodGym task. Harvey stayed to run and volunteer. Jobs done.

On an exceptionally warm Tuesday night, eight GoodGymers reprised their roles as rake and spade wielders and wheelbarrow drivers in the sequel to the magnificent fruit tree mulching task in Blondin Park. Dora even made it into the permanent cast after her debut at the same location last month! The task owner, Linda, wasn't around this time to welcome us, but she had arranged for volunteer David to support us and provide everything we needed - apart from Linda's famed hot chocolate!

The soft, golden-hour light was replaced this time by a darker backdrop, punctuated by flashing headlamps and work lights that helped the team find the apple trees in need of mulching. A few trees had been waiting for a dose of woodchip, with their bases exposed, since the beginning of August. These were prioritised for mulching by most of the team, while Richard and Giles made a start on digging the grass out from around a tree that wasn't quite ready for woodchipping yet.

Despite the late hour and the time of year making for less-than-bright conditions, everyone enjoyed the mild night-time temperature, with only a few drops of rain falling from the sky. The team achieved an impressive amount in such dim conditions, leaving only a few larger trees still awaiting their turn for mulching.