GoodGym Barnet run: A Cinematic Detour and a Compost Carry!

Last night’s GoodGym Barnet group run had a bit of a twist! With the Phoenix Cinema temporarily closed for refurbishment (exciting news—it’s getting a second screen!), we found ourselves without our usual starting point. But fear not! The fabulous Old White Lion pub has stepped in to host us for the next few weeks. A huge thanks to them for saving the day!

With our warm-ups complete and our route planned, we set off into the cool November mist, heading towards Northway Gardens. Our route followed the winding path of Mutton Brook, sneaking behind East Finchley tube station and through suburban streets before opening up into the lush greenery of Littleton Open Space. It’s always a treat to run alongside the brook, even if it’s more of a hidden gem in its early stretches.

At the community garden, we were greeted by our ever-enthusiastic host, Brian, who had plenty of jobs and even more local gossip to share. Armed with head torches and red lights, we got to work moving bags of compost to pots that needed emptying and refilling—a classic GoodGym task, perfect for a chilly evening.

Brian, ever the storyteller, entertained us with his thoughts on the new wooden posts designed to encourage pollinators (spoiler: he’s not a fan of the costs involved). Between shoveling compost and hearing his tales, it felt like a true community moment—lending a hand, catching up, and learning a thing or two about what’s happening in the neighborhood.

Once the task was done, we headed back to our new base at the Old White Lion for a well-deserved drink and some post-run chats.

It was a night of change, teamwork, and a touch of local history—classic GoodGym Barnet! We’ll be back next week, ready to make more of a difference (and maybe hear a few more of local stories). See you there!

If you missed this one, don’t worry—there’s plenty more to come! Join us next time for fitness, fun, and doing good in Barnet.

The snow hadn't settled, but the air was knife chill. Wet leaves everywhere like they thought they were back in fashion. Still, four well-wrapped Goodgymmers rocked up to Stephens House and Gardens for a hard boiled night of raking leaves outside Inky's Stables Cafe.

The yard was covered, but we leafed no stone unturned. We swept, raked and bagged until the yard was safe as houses. Helen, our host, normally does this job by herself. She was grateful, that much was clear. And the café staff? They'd bawl their eyes out to see the yard swept so clean. We stacked four sacks out the back and high-tailed it to a classy joint on the High Road for something to chase the ice out of our lungs.

This was Kirsten's second time out with us and Ben's third. They brought the energy of a dozen Goodgymmers with them. Great to have them at our backs. Ben even wanted to run back, which means some of us clocked up a full 5km round trip. Not bad for a cold, wet, dark and cold November evening.

There'll be other nights and other runs, but this one took more than a few leaves out of the old Goodgym playbook.