BARNET GOODGYM-ERS ROSE TO THE OCCASION

As the 'heatwave' continued, nine wonderful GoodGymmers ran almost 4km to clear litter from neglected land. The plan was to actually plant a very special rose bush in the Green Man Community Centre garden, but that didn't quite go to plan: someone had actually planted said rose bush earlier in the day! Luckily, we're quick to adapt!

Del was the first to arrive, keeping me company and relieving me off the fear that maybe Round Two would be just me. We decided to take the scenic route, running mostly downhill through secret footpaths all the way to Strawberry Vale. Martin was at the Green Man Community Centre waiting for us, armed with bin bags and gardening gloves.

He told us the strip of grass opposite the community centre is sort of owned by the council, but also sort of someone else, so nobody can agree who should look after it – meaning it pretty much gets ignored. There was litter scattered up and down the path, included a backpack with a bottle of water and a few FULL cans of beer. People throw away the strangest things.

Armed with tonnes of enthusiasm, black bags and some gloves, Team GG Barnet did a forensic sweep of the area, filling nine bin bags in 20 minutes. Martin even helped us, filling a bag himself.

TWO local residents stopped to thank us for what we were doing. One small boy was caught littering by the bus stop, but Jackie was quick to explain to him why littering is bad. Maybe that's one less litterer in the world. (One can hope!)

After a quick fitness session up and down the strip, including sprints and lunges, we started on our way back to base. With the team being filled with so many locals, we lost a few on the way. Will was first to drop off, running home in the opposite direction. Then Anna was next, heading off to do an intense yoga session nearby – probably exhausting but wonderful after all that hard work! Then Heather became the leader of the pack for about five minutes, until we ran past her house and she said goodbye.

The rest of us continued on, speeding up for the final 500m, with Jackie, Damian and John all pegging it for a beautiful sprint finish!

Incredible effort all-round! We will be back next week, see you there!

And don't forget: The Phoenix is giving GoodGym Barnet regulars free cinema tickets when you get to 10 runs! Plus, next week, I have a free ticket for Rough Runner in Clapham in September for one lucky GoodGymmer!

See you next week!

Px