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!

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.

Throughout January, GoodGym members took on a special community mission: cleaning up their own neighborhoods. With litter picking they showed that small actions make a big difference.

One member, on holiday in Dorset, encountered a local scuba diver emerging from the sea. The diver happily posed with a litter picker.

This encounter inspired a couple of puns : "Dive into Cleanliness: A Splash of Environmental Action" or "Making Waves: GoodGym's Dive into Litter Pick-Up."

Thanks to all those that took part we will look to go next month.

Twelve Runners looked to support the citizens advice barnet (CAB) by delivering leaflets to nearby streets in Hampstead Garden suburb and East Finchley. We warmed up and played truth or lie before hitting the streets. Do we really have a professional American football player, somebody born in Iran, somebody whose favourite colour is purple, a Portuguese terrorist and a fugitive from the Mexican authorities?

looks like some of us might be needing cab ourselves!

The Citizens Advice Barnet is a charity that provides free, independent, and impartial advice to millions of people every year in communities across England and Wales. Let’s hope some of our leafleting finds some generous supporters. Certainly, the security cars in the local Streets were interested in what we were doing- one even asked for a leaflet! We managed to deliver most of the leaflets before having to return back to the Phoenix Cinema for a little stretch.

thanks to the two runners from the citizens advice barnet Louise and Jack come again soon! Well done for your work in the community!

Great to see Ben, Francesco, Penny and Abby again! Give them a cheer!

To end some of us had hot chocolate at the Phoenix Cinema. Yummy!

Thanks to all for coming running and doing some good!