The final cut

After two years of leading GG Barnet, last night was my final run as the group's trainer. Ten wonderful GoodGym-ers joined me as we ran around doing good together for the final time.

As always, we met at the Phoenix where we had a quick intro to the task and headed outside for a quick warm up along the side of the cinema.

We soon began our journey to Northway Gardens to meet Brian, with Paul our trusty back-marker while Damian helped me lead. Selam caught us at the traffic lights, just in time to join in.

We discussed the politics of change a bit on route, and met Brian at the entrance of the park with the sun still so high in the sky we could see his face. It was a treat for everybody to see. Many of the runners had never been to this particular task in the light, and commented on how large the park actually was.

This week's task was to carry several stacks of compost sacks from the entrance to the flower beds, with one and a half wheelbarrows and tonne of GG Power.

Of course, the team made quick work of the task, even with a dud wheelbarrow and a few cute dogs distracting some of the runners momentarily as they passed.

Brian was surprised by how quick we shifted all the compost and told us how exhausting it was for the regular volunteers, who are all a lot older than us, to move the bags even from the bench to the beds. We saved a lot of people a sore back.

With time to spare, we sliced open all the bags and emptied them into the beds ourselves, saving the weekend volunteers another task. We were on fire. And still the sun was up.

We then cleared away the empties and the wheelbarrows, said our goodbyes, and headed over to the tennis courts for a quick fitness sesh. We started with an indian file line, splitting into two teams and running around in circles. There were mossy patches and muddy bits sporadically around the tennis courts atop the concrete, so the runners had the added agility and balance challenge of not slipping over.

We then did a bit of sprint work, focusing on knee drive. My last chance to teach the guys some running form. And as it was the last time leading the session in Barnet, I had to also throw in a few squat jumps and burpees to finish.

The sun finally set on us, and it was time to go home.

Jody was in charge of back-marking for our run home. Damian hand-melted some chocolate for us especially, bringing this week's Barnet Biscuit: the chocolate covered cornflake cake.

We then all headed to the pub to say goodbye.

You guys have been great. Come visit me in Haringey some time! And if you ever need a trainer, give me a shout - based at PureGym Finsbury Park. Follow me on Twitter or Instagram @SuperPennie.