13 ingredible GoodGymmers ran down Long Lane on Tuesday eve, back to Long Lane Pastures where GoodGym Barnet all began. We ran a total of 4.5km.

We had a number of new faces joining us this evening, so a massive welcome to Mia, Ashley, Katie, Stacey and Joanna who all came for their first run with us! WHOOP WHOOP

Once again, Del was the first to join me by the steps of the Phoenix Cinema. He came armed with TWO tubs of post-run treats to share with the Barnet crew – leading to the expansion of the Barnet Biscuit to include muffins and gingerbread men. Hazel managed to correctly identify the the biscuit in the photo I posted to Twitter pre-race, which was of course a box of chocolate fingers. Today turned out to be quite a high sugar day! Luckily, it also turned out to be lots of hard work, ensuring all our runners earned their snacks. Who knew raking hay could be so tiring?!

We started with a gentle warm up along the side road by the Phoenix Cinema, before handing the reigns to Damian to lead us to Long Lane Pasture while I back-marked. After taking us the scenic route * cough *, Damian managed to add just over half a kilometer to our expected run-length, making this week our longest run to-date.

Harriet from Long Lane Pasture was waiting for us as we all arrived, and started briefing the team right away. They had two new sections strimmed and waiting for us to rake it all up in a pile to rival all hay piles. She told me that our runners did about six hours' work in the 30 minutes we were there, so HI-FIVE!

I spent the afternoon tracking down some head torches to work the pastures with, as my phone told me the sun would set at 7.30pm, but we didn't need them in the end. Even so, great purchase. I'm sure they'll come in handy in no time.

With the pile of all piles compiled and the sun on the edges of day, it was time for a quick workout before heading back to base. Today was Butt Day: we focussed on slow and controlled moves, really making sure our glutes were activating. There was lots of pausing in 90º squats, sitting back and feeling the burn.

We split into two groups for our return to the Phoenix, sending the speedsters off first.

I successfully managed to start the foundations of the Barnet Task Force this week, with Hazel, Damian and maybe Danica (if she's allowed) agreeing to join the team. This makes me super happy.

Also full of happy: whilst stretching back at base, we managed to pick up a new recruit, Jennie, who promised to join us next week.

I just LOVE that Barnet is growing. Tell your friends, folks!

Finally, because everyone is so excited about having friends who like running, we have decided to get some Barnet activities going. We are thinking Zombie Evacuation in Mill Hill in November, where you're being chased by zombies; Barnet Park Run in Oak Hill Park; and a movie night at the cinema, possibly combined with a mission day.

Remember to get your DBS sorted to help with missions. Just bring your ID and proof of address on the group run and let me see. Easy as pie.

I'll be posting events for the things above. And be sure to sign up for next week's run. We'll be doing some gorilla gardening at East Finchley train station. The station is only about 100m from the cinema, so we'll be taking the opportunity to run through the forest opposite.