Tonight's litter pick was suggested by Daniel, who regularly visits one our of green missions - Long Lane Pasture. The path leading up to the gates is always in a bit of a state, so he suggested a clean up all along it. Turns out it was also a solid 4.5km circuit from our meeting point to the clean up and back, which was all the more encouragement.

The ever prompt Beattie was first to the Phoenix, followed soon by myself and Lucinda. After a quick warm up outside, we set off at a hearty pace, scooting across the Fortis Green Junction to East End Road, then through the back alleys of Market Place to Oak Lane, where we zigged and zagged (and checked directions once or twice) to find the North Circular crossing off Tarling Road.

Once across, we followed the path beside the circular until we hit Long Lane and found Daniel waiting for us with pickers and pluck to get us motivated. With head torches on, we scoured from the bottom of the slope up to Long Lane Pasture's gate then kept going. We reported two bulky heaps of fly-tipping along the way (using the FixMyStreet app - useful if you spot things while you're out and about in Barnet, as the council do check it) and filled four sacks with butts, packets, cans, bottles and all the usual stuff. We then carried the bags up Tangle Tree Close to the corner with East End Road, where we found a bin to leave the stash by.

With a job well done, we big Daniel a safe trek home, then the three remaining stalwarts jogged back along East End Road to the Phoenix for a warm down. All in, very satisfying!

If you missed the litter pick, we've our regular monthly plog you can do in your own time, with a friend or solo. And next week we'll be helping Martin Primary School with the usual garden tasks in their Forest Garden. Hope to see you there!

Two goodgymers joined the local community in Finchley to help look after their tiny forests. Tiny forests are densely planted urban forests, and three of them, each the side of a tennis court, were planted in March in Finchley. We collected several bags of litter, did some weeding and some citizen science involving measuring trees and counting wildlife. It was a gloriously sunny September day and people of all ages turned up to participate. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the upkeep of this amazing patch of urban biodiversity.

Daniel and I were able to move the sofa to the outside for the person with just a little thinking (small doorways, larger sofa) and elbow grease. We hope council will duly remove it from outside and the person will enjoy the increased space as well as neighbours not have an eye soar. Also hope it does not get rained on first!

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!