GoodGym Barnet – Joyful Hydration & Time-Travelling Conversations

Six of us gathered outside the Phoenix Cinema and, before even breaking sweat, launched into a surprisingly philosophical warm-up: “If you could observe any period in history, where & when would you go?” Answers ranged from Aztec civilisation to Victorian London – the kind of discussion that might get us expelled from most running clubs but is positively encouraged at GoodGym.( well Barnett anyway.)

With our time-machine firmly parked, we jogged off towards Lyttelton Playing Fields to give the planters and orchard some much-needed love. Sadly, our host Steven was ill – but, being seasoned water-warriors, we knew the drill.

We gently built up the pace downhill, tracing the buried course of Mutton Brook (underground river, very on-trend). A quick on-the-spot exercise stop – complete with skipping – reminded us that fitness can (and should) still feel playful. One of our newer recruits Emilysummed it up perfectly as “joyful movement”.

On arrival, we uncoiled a hose of comedic length which, inevitably, didn’t reach all the planters. Enter: Buckets. Suddenly we were running relays across the field, racing to deliver precious water before any of it escaped. Orchard next – further, heavier, and definitely sweatier – but the teamwork was brilliant and spirits remained high. Honestly, the Aztecs would have been proud.

Buckets emptied and hose recoiled (no small feat), we still had a few minutes left – so naturally, yoga and star jumps. The latter required several “just one more!” photographs, which definitely qualified as bonus cardio.

We jogged back into the darkening evening, happy, hydrated (us and the trees), and reminded that community + exercise + a bit of silliness = exactly what GoodGym is all about.

Come and join next time – time travel optional, skipping encouraged.

Yesterday 4 runners ran to the Croydon Refugee Day Centre to sort through the donations.

Three of us met at Solutions Gym to warm up and take a gentle jog along the streets of Croydon to the Refugee Day Centre. Although it wasn't far Rosalind beat us there! A task we have visited frequently, Ivanka met us and let us know what she had in store for us tonight. There were a few new bags of donations which needed to be sorted, sized and placed on the racks. Ingrid was busy sorting through the school uniform, and at the end of the session Emily saw for the first time how everything in the hall can be tidied away into the much smaller store room. Always an impressive feat of packing!

A lovely task to be a part of. Join us at the weekend for a community mission or our next group run on Tuesday where we will be working wonders along the boulevard with ECCO.

Last night 7 Good Gymers ran and walked 2km to help the Friends of Park Hill keep the walled garden looking clean and peaceful.

After a sunny bank holiday weekend the weather had cooled a little as we headed out for our weekly Tuesday group task. But the weather didn't stop Emily coming for her first run with Good Gym! We warmed up together and then headed off though the streets of Croydon to Park Hill. Not our furthest run but the hill at the end always takes us by suprise! We somehow timed it very well with the joggers and the walking group arriving at the same time.

Josie met us at the gates to the walled garden with several tasks planned for us to do, including watering the rose garden and weeding in the mencap bed. The mencap group are coming on Friday and they needed some help clearing the weeds and grass from their area of the garden so they can plant out some lovely plants in their next session. Armed with forks, spades and hoes we were a little daunted to see the size of the first bed had sticky weeds growing up to head height! Thankfully Josi and Katherine have other plans to turn that area into a Story Bee garden and the mencap flower beds were a little smaller although nearly as overgrown.

Next came our most frequently asked question, which ones are weeds? Grasses and sticky weed were definitely out, roses and poppies staying in, but there were several more less easy to identify plants which Josi decided to take out just in case! After a good amount of work and several trips to the compost heap with the wheel barrow, the bed had lots of space for the mencap group to add new plants to.

Keep your eyes peeled for more opportunities to help the Walled Garden with their community gardening projects! next Tuesdays group run will be heading to the Croydon Refugee Centre to sort the new clothes donations, hope to see you there!