Shed Some Light

This week 10 top-notch GoodGym-ers ran a total of 4.3km to clear and clean a carehome's garden shed

We are now seven weeks into GoodGym Barnet. This week started with a quick warm up in front of the Phoenix steps as we all called out our names and tried to stay out of the way of passing pedestrians.

Will and I lead the team up Bishop's Avenue, while Hazel was our trusty Back Marker. It was a short but speedy run uphill to the Nightingale Hammerson Care Home, which is home to a number of Holocaust survivors.

We were met by Chris who took us out back to look at the shed we'd be clearing out. The task was to take everything out of the shed, clear the floor and put everything that wasn't rubbish back in.

With the wonderful GoodGym magic we all know and love, a speedy shed makeover was undertaken, with flakey ceiling paint being scraped and tonnes of mouse poo being swept. Massive props go to the team on floor duty.

After a mere 30 minutes, it looked like a different shed. Chris was thrilled and has started thinking of all the other tasks we could help with around the home.

I then took the team through a quick core and legs strength and conditioning workout, to build some lower body power and core engagement. This included an extended plank competition to see who could hold it the longest. It was a tight battle of strength and determination, with Will and Stacy making it to the final two for a long drawn out test of will. In the end, Stacy came out victorious, winning bragging rights and first dibs on the cookies.

This week's Barnet Biscuit was the trusty Double Chocolate Chip Cookie.

We then took the long way back with Damian putting his long legs to good use in keeping the pace up. Speedy hill climb, followed by a nice decent, before returning to the Phoenix for stretches, congratulations and cookies.

Hazel made a lemon drizzle cake this week, so most of us went to the pub afterwards to celebrate. We all agreed that Zombie Evac sounds AMAZING and to sign up and play. Hazel and I are already booked and ready to go.

I won't be around next week, but the wonderful GG Greenwich trainer Sarah will be here to lead you all for a run. You'll be heading to East Finchley Station for some Gorilla Gardening. Don't worry, there will be extra running beforehand – it won't just be the 300m to the station! Expect some running through the woods. Bring a headtorch if you have one.

See you soon! Pennie