Twenty tremendous GoodGymmers ran to help the Friends of Friary Park keep the park looking glorious.

Meeting at the Phoenix, we were joined by Harriet and Clare for their first ever GoodGym run - welcome! It's a brave one for the first run: our farthest task, Friary Park is 4.5k each way, with plenty of hills and mixed terrain.

After a very quick warm up we set off in two groups: I led the front group with Graham back marking, while our newly annointed unofficial-official social sec Sarah led a group at Party Pace. Everyone did great - we stopped and caught our breath a couple of times, but it wasn't really needed and we were all at the park within half an hour.

Greeted by Richard and Yvonne from the Friends of Friary Park, were put to work with a variety of tasks. The friends manage the park's gardens including the many flower beds and keeping it free of litter. Dividing into twos and threes, we got on with litter picking, while Yvonne led teams to cut back a variety of plants (including some rather lovely lavender) and pulling up some dead shubbery and other weeds.

The time flew by, and after half an hour's work we tidied up, said our goodbyes, and set off. The way back is marginally easier - more down than up - so everyone powered through. When we got within 500m of base the front few runners picked up the pace for a nice fast finish.

Well done everyone - a brilliant evenings work.

We celebrated with this week's Barnet Biscuit: chocolate bourbons and a trip to the pub.

See you next week

D