We were back out litter picking along the river again on behalf of Rivercare tonight but covering a different area of the river path to last week. Although the location is close to our meeting point, I didn't really want us to run while carrying litter picking sticks (even if it does feel like being some kind of special forces squadron running with rifles!).

This took some strategic planning and and an pre Goodgym run on my behalf - parking a car with all the litter picking equipment close to the area we would be covering, and then running back to our meeting point. I have to say I was rather pleased how well it worked.

After our usual meet and greet and a warm up to challenge balance and core stability we set off for the first stage of the run looping round and back onto the waterfront, passing the bank holiday diners and drinkers in the various establishments on our way. With just over a mile done we arrived at the strategic rendezvous point (my car). Litter picking sticks and bags were dealt out from the boot - it must have looked bizarre to any onlookers..... A group of people dressed predominantly in red shirts come running into a car park, crowd round the boot of a car and come away with black bags and what looks like a toy gun!

So with all the necessary tools we set off along the river path, dividing into two groups at the half way point. One group began retracing our steps while the other moved further along to the bridge before turning back.

Last week we were surprised at how little rubbish there was in the the more populated area of the Waterfront. This week there was no surprise as this stretch of the river bank had a few hot spots that were heaving with debris mainly drinks bottles and cans and fast food wrappings. There were a few unusal finds too - disposable nappies and some rather fetching underwear!

Needless to say we filled several black sacks and struggled to find bins for all of it. Although sad to see the amount of rubbish people had discarded, it felt like we had done a worthwhile task in removing it and preventing it from ending up in the river.

A quick re-vist to the car park to drop off the litter picking equipment back to the car and we headed off for stage two of our run taking in parts of the Ipswich Twilight 10k course - around Portman Road and through the town centre. Tom commented that I was taking a few short cuts and wasn't sure my time from the race could be legitimate give the route I was following!

The evening ended with a short but fairly intense circuit based on leg strength endurance, before we departed and I went off to retrieve my car from the dodgy car park.

Don't forget next week is Goodgym Ipswich's first year anniversary and we'll be going to Issac's after the task for a little birthday celebration - everyone is welcome to come along. You can see more info and sign up for the Group Run - Here