GoodGym Barnet Tuesday Evening Run: From Screens to the Streets!

Tuesday’s GoodGym Barnet run was a fantastic way to step away from screens and connect with our community and environment. We kicked off the evening at The Old White Lion Pub, where laughter and chatter warmed us up for the activity ahead. After numbering up and sharing some festive cheer, we crossed the road to Cherry Tree Wood—but not before a detour for a warm-up jog!

We headed to a peaceful cul-de-sac (usually quiet but surprisingly bustling that evening) for some stretches and short sprints. The dynamic warm-up got our hearts racing, setting the tone for the night ahead.

At the park, Task Host Roger greeted us, ready with a unique mission: transforming part of the woodland into a future fruit haven! Our first task was to collect wood from a fallen tree, prepping materials for the next step. Along the way, we welcomed Anthony, who joined us after a delayed bus, and Rusland, a familiar face we hope to see more often. Even my dog, Gus, relished the adventure, enjoying a park all to himself as we worked.

The main activity was a physical challenge: removing turf to create planting beds for raspberries and other fruit bushes. By the glow of head torches (and the city’s soft light pollution), we dug, stripped, and shaped the ground into a neat half-moon formation. Roger’s enthusiasm—and our “sod off” puns—kept the energy high as we worked up a sweat in the cool November air.

As always, GoodGym is about the unexpected joys of helping out. Whether it’s digging in the dark, sprinting down a quiet street, or reconnecting with old and new faces, every session leaves you with a story to tell and muscles well-used.

We finished back at the pub for a cosy drink and a conversation that hit home: how often do we let social media distract us from real life? The dopamine-driven scroll might feel good, but nothing compares to the satisfaction of making a tangible difference in your local area.

Why Not Join Us Next Time?

If you’re reading this, maybe it’s time to ditch the screen and dive into something real. Discover the satisfaction of helping your neighborhood while keeping fit and making friends. Join GoodGym Barnet and turn an ordinary evening into an extraordinary adventure!

Ready to feel alive again?

See you next week—we we are delivering parcels of Goodwill for Hope London!

thank you to our host, Roger for facilitating this event!