Oof, it was a winter run. We had it all freezing temperatures, patches of ice, cold fingers, and an incredible 42 runners. Proving that Hackney juniors are hardy runners. Parkrun can only happen with volunteers and today was a Good Gym take over. Not only did we help with setting up and packing away, GG energy and enthusiasm lifted everyone's spirits. It was such a great GG team and a highlight was welcoming Jas to her first ever GG mission. Another warm welcome goes to Harvey a GG legend who joined us all the way from Ealing and was a terrific tail walker, making sure no one was left behind. Of course a big shout out to Danya, Jess, John, Lobo, and Nick our local GG's and the heart of the team. We'd be remiss not to say a huge thanks to Mas who took on the role of run director and made us all feel welcome and useful. Whether you were being briefed on how to marshall, or being cheered for running Mas made sure everyone was celebrated. We are grateful for him stepping up and leading so smoothly. All in all a fantastic morning and we can't wait to see more smiles and runners next week. The post parkrun cafe stop was a perfect way to get to know each other better and defrost!

Tonight a good-sized group of GoodGymers headed to the Yurt Cafe at the Royal Foundation of Saint Katharine in Limehouse to help in the exciting last few weeks of this new community garden.

The garden is taking shape nicely, with a new pathway along the side, the monastic garden now housing benches and fruit bushes, and the sides of the garden clear and ready for more planting.

Having started work on this garden at the start of the year, it's been great to see it take shape as the months have gone by: from demolishing sheds and old planters on cold January nights to laying the final barrows on gravel on a balmy July evening, visits to the project in Limehouse, overseen by brilliant task owner Larry, have been a 2024 staple here in Tower Hamlets.

Tonight three teams worked on shovelling gravel, spreading gravel and weeding in-and-around the monastic garden.

By the end of the evening, we weren't sure which was the best workout.

Having assumed weeding would be the gentler task, we realised very early on that tough, well established weeds combined with dry soil meant a claw hammer came in very handy. But then a sidelong glance at wheelbarrows of stones being upended wasn't such an easy gig either.

It was certainly a physical evening, and a fun one too. Welcoming John​ to his first session, it was a splendidly sociable start to the week as usual.

A great effort, team, and I look forward to the next time.

Until then.