We went bark to basics

The impending Beast from the East and some subzero temperatures did not stop 14 runners tackling a (very nippy) outside task, and a tough workout that warmed us up.

We started the night off by saying a very well done to Jack who has now raced all the Royal Parks and has topped the leader boards for distance, to Rob who has smashed through the most good deeds this month, and to Damian who has got the most cheers. Way to go team. Good luck as well to Hazel and Damian who are both running the Big Half on Sunday!

Before our warm up we took a quick poll to find out what motivates us all to run. To see the city, to socialise, to feel good about ourselves, for our mental wellbeing and to do something perhaps others don't expect us to were all fabulous reasons to run. Feeling inspired we headed outside and straight into a warm up that got our hearts pumping.

It was only a short run up to Martin's Primary school last night, which was good news given just how chilly it was quickly getting. We arrived in no time at all, although we did manage to fit in a quick squat stop along the way. Tristan was waiting for us with a pile of spades and some wheelbarrows, along with a huge pile of bark which was destined for the pathways outside a rather fine tent the children use. We launched straight into it, piling shovelfuls of bark into empty vessels and transporting it across the field in what turned into a rather good upper body workout.

Within half an hour we had hit earth, the pathways were carpeted in bark, and the task was done. But we weren't - after a quick vote we decided we'd go ahead with the fitness session despite the frosty grass underfoot, and kicked it off with a set of intervals to get those legs turning over. This type of training helps to improve aerobic capacity, endurance and in turn, speed, so is a really effective part regular part of training. Next we moved on to our pyramid fitness session. We started off with one minute of plank, before tackling different exercises rising incrementally in reps. There was a focus on those glutes and quads, and everybody put in maximum effort which was great to see. Well done team!

After a short run back to the starting point and a very impressive sprint finish we saw the night off with a wall sit and a stretching session before heading back into the warm to defrost with a biscuit. It was great to see you lovely Barnet runners last night, thanks for having me! Next week Paul will be leading you to a lovely sounding task planting flowers. Happy running gang!

Ps we have Rob to thank for this week's cracking pun, and me to blame for the terrible photos!