GoodGym’s Hottest Role Model Run

On what felt like one of the hottest days of the year, a hardy crew of GoodGym Barnet gathered outside the Phoenix Cinema While the sun still blazed, the time of day meant it was a pleasant temperature for a light jog.We welcomed a new Runner Isabella Talbot

Before setting off, Rachael threw in a fun idea for our warm-up chat: who were our role models growing up? Answers ranged from Arnold Schwarzenegger (flex appeal) to David Attenborough (nature appeal) — so we were clearly aiming for a blend of strength and wisdom.

Just as we were limbering up, the Phoenix Cinema manager popped out with a request: could we deliver leaflets for their upcoming classic film screenings? Naturally, we were happy to help our hosts — it’s not every day your run gets a prequel.

With leaflets in hand, we jogged gently to The Finchley Charities allotment, making a few deliveries along the way. There we met Peps, our host, plus two more new faces — Oliver and Amanda who joined Isabella on her very first GoodGym outing. Three new starters in one evening!

The allotment, which supports the local food bank and residents of nearby almshouses, had a buffet of tasks for us: • Watering thirsty plants • Bramble bashing (a GoodGym classic) • Harvesting thanks, rhubarb, courgettes,apples and plums

We worked in the warm, golden light until the sun dipped below the trees, Those of us running headed back then gathered for a well-earned stretch and cool-down.

It ended up being a double good deed: helping both the Phoenix Cinema and The Finchley Charities in one evening. And who knows? Maybe our childhood role models really would have been proud of us — though Arnold might have suggested a few more reps, and Attenborough would probably have narrated the bramble-bashing in hushed tones.

Here’s to the next GoodGym adventure whatever the weather throws at us!

An epic evening once again helping out the lovely volunteers at Shepherds Hill Gardens! Deep summer brought all sorts of fresh and woolly faces together into our flock, from the lesser-spotted Peter to first-timer Marija. Great also to see Memory and Anthony out and about, as well as Phil, who walked to and from the site. And we had a visitor, Emily, joining us from Islington and who may come again given how close the gardens are to her.

Many hands made light work. Our host, Pat, had her arm in a sling, so she wasn't as able to get stuck in as she often does. Sprightly still, she made her way around showing us the various jobs and setting us to work. There was bramble-bashing - taken up by Lucy and Subham; some ivy clearing, which Paul and I had a crack at. And then lots of sweeping and tidying for the others, making the area safer and more inviting for visitors to enjoy. One of the Friends of Shepherds Hill, Joan, meanwhile, gave the area a quick litter pick. And, of course, we were joined by the boundless ball of furry energy that is Gus, who did a good job of sniffing out anything interesting in the bushes we might have missed.

Pat's message of thanks described us as, "A jolly and very hard working crew, who have given us peace of mind." Most welcome and we'll be back again soon!