Five GoodGym runners were given Middlesex University air quality monitors to assess the air quality around them as they moved about in the month of October. All of them reported interesting results he is what George had to say.

Air Quality Monitoring Mission Report from George

Collecting the data was really eye opening. Barnet Council's Air Quality Action Plan marks the North Circular and Tally Ho Corner as some of the most polluted parts of our borough, exceeding WHO limits on particulate matter. However, the times I went to those areas, air quality appeared relatively OK, perhaps due to the wet and windy weather, which reduces particulate pollution. (I also learned later that our monitoring devices don't measure nitrogen oxides, which is the main pollution type from road traffic!)

However, going near smokers dropped the air quality quickly. Also, going climbing (which I love!) put me in a chalk-dusty environment with poor air quality. But the most shocking part was going on the tube.

Open air platforms were fine, but going inside a train carriage lowered the air quality. Underground, the air quality quickly hit zero on the Northern, Piccadilly, Victoria and Bakerloo lines because of PM10 - the large pollution particles, or soot, which you can see all over the tube. 

And waiting on a platform, arriving trains brought clouds of dust that triggered massive spikes in pollution. The highest reading I got was when two trains came in almost back to back (the first up the Edgware branch, the second one I was waiting for).

The highest reading I got a screenshot of was over 500μg per cubic metre of PM10. The app's measurements only go up to 250μg per cubic metre. I can't imagine how bad that is for your lungs, but I'm now wearing a pollution-filtering mask whenever I travel underground.

Last night’s GoodGym group run was a delightful mix of community spirit, fitness, and fun. We set out to meet Linda from the Friends group, who had requested our help to clear the area around the children’s playground and fitness equipment in Coldfall Woods.

The evening was warm and beautiful, perfect for a summer run. We gathered at the Phoenix Cinema, chatting excitedly about our upcoming holidays, before numbering up and setting off on a 4km run through the charming backstreets of East Finchley. Despite the heat, we took breaks to catch our breath and stay together, embodying GoodGym’s philosophy of social, inclusive running.

Upon reaching Coldfall Woods, Linda welcomed us and provided tools and bags. We spent a productive 40 minutes clearing weeds around benches and equipment, and picking up litter. It was rewarding to see the area looking tidier and more inviting for the community.

As the sun began to set, we headed back, the golden light filtering through the trees. We couldn’t resist playing a bit of frisbee on the recreational ground, laughing and enjoying the simple pleasure of throwing and catching as we ran.

We finished back at the Phoenix for a good stretch, savoring the last moments of the glowing sunset. Some of us then went to the pub for a well-deserved drink and a chat. To top off the evening, we watched the final of the freestyle relay event where Great Britain won the gold medal.

In our own way, we felt like we had won a medal too. Thanks to everyone who came out, ran, and helped make a positive impact in our community!

People from all over Barnet, who are helping make it a more sustainable borough, gathered at the RAF museum on Monday. After grabbing some refreshments, we heard a climate action song from young singer songwriter Riya and speeches from Middlesex university and the action groups formed of community members and our very own GoodGym member, Penny Salman. It was a great opportunity to connect with members of the community and talk all things sustainability! Thanks to Barnet Council and their sponsors for organising the night.

What a turnout! Over 30 GoodGym enthusiasts rallied together for an evening of fitness and goodwill, all in support of the Finchley Food Bank. It was a sight to behold, with both familiar faces and a plethora of new ones joining the cause. Despite the cool breeze, the sun decided to grace us with its presence, making our mission even more delightful. We gathered outside the iconic Phoenix Cinema, eager to embark on our journey but not before a quick snapshot and some words of inspiration about the GoodGym spirit.Who says it's all about running? Not us! Penny and Franky led an equally enthusiastic group of walkers, while Paul and Moya took the reins for the running squad. The runners dashed off first, blazing down the left-hand side of the High Street, while the walkers strolled along the right.In a twist of fate, the walkers and runners reached the Food Bank simultaneously. How's that for timing? Well, it turns out the runners had been making pit stops for some impromptu exercises, from paired squats to synchronized pushes. With Anna, the Food Bank manager, welcoming us with open arms, we wasted no time unloading our bounty of food donations. The Food Bank was in dire need, and we were determined to make a difference. But why stop there? Feeling the adrenaline, the runners voted for an extended route through Coldfall Woods. Picture this: a breathtaking sunset peeking through the trees as we conquered hills and valleys, our spirits soaring higher with each step. Homeward bound, we weaved through the backstreets, pausing only to push our limits with three sets of sprints and well-deserved recoveries. As the night drew to a close, we reconvened at the Phoenix for some much-needed stretches, basking in the warmth of camaraderie and accomplishment. Until next time, Finchley Food Bank - you can count on us! Keep on running, walking, and spreading the GoodGym love!

Great to meet Tan & Tom on their first group run with Barnet.