On a rainy Tuesday evening, the intrepid members of GoodGym gathered for their group run, undeterred by the weather's damp embrace. Brimming with the can-do spirit that defines them, they set out to support the Phoenix Cinema, their destination for the evening.

As the heavens opened, thwarting their usual route plans, the resilient group improvised, opting for a warm-up session within the cozy confines of the cinema itself. Remarkably, their enthusiasm proved infectious, drawing in even a curious cinema patron to join in the pre-run arm movements.

Undeterred by the inclement weather, the group then ventured to the tube station, determined to make a positive impact. Armed with leaflets, they greeted commuters with smiles, spreading leaflets for the Cinema as people disembarked from trains.

With their good deeds done, the rain-soaked streets beckoned them for a jog, embracing the elements with each stride. Despite the darkness and the downpour, laughter echoed through the wet streets, as they discovered the joy of a workout amidst the raindrops.

And as the evening drew to a close, they traded soggy sneakers for warmth and comfort, gathering for hot chocolate and lively conversation in the café upstairs. Through rain or shine, their indomitable spirit shines bright, a testament to the power of community and the joy of giving back.

GoodGym Group run in on a rainy Tuesday, looking to support the Phoenix Cinema. The conditions were too difficult to do our usual Indian running to each house, so we decided to Warm up in the cinema even one of the patrons decided she would like to join us! with some gentle arm movements. We then head to the tube station to distribute leaflets as people exited the train station. Once we had done our good deed, we decided to go for a run to exercise ourselves in the dark wet Streets, but it was a good workout and good fun. Embracing the rain and it’s negative irons is supposed to be good for your well-being an early finish for a hot chocolate and a chat upstairs in the café.

Fantastic effort to all GGers tonight who completed the task in 35 min!

Moya, Beattie, Niki, Rachel and Cloud set of from the Phoenix cinema heading towards Muswell hill area to deliver door to door leaflets. Today we were supporting the cinema spreading the word of the fantastic monthly program!

it was a very social run discussing where we invested positive energy in today, instruments we play, big life decisions, star trek, walks in the woods, podcasts.... the conversation was flowing so much that we didn't even realise we run 7.5km! whoop, whoop!!!!

Some of the big gains tonight included a big shift of positive energy in all of us! That's what GG does to you, you give your time for a nice social cause and good karma gets you back straight away! sign up for our next mission if you don't believe us. Come and try it out yourself!

Oh! and we had a 4 leg visitor!

Keep up the great work GGers!

On a chilly evening in East Finchley, the GoodGym team embarked on a mission to deliver leaflets for the Phoenix Cinema. Braving freezing temperatures, we ran from the warmth of the cinema into the cold streets, turning a routine task into a frosty adventure.

As we faced the biting cold, our GoodGym members embraced the challenge, not just as leaflet distributors but as champions of resilience. The frosty air became a training ground, fortifying our spirits against the elements. Each step in the cold streets was a testament to our dedication and determination.

Despite the freezing temperatures, the experience was invigorating. The icy winds seemed to carry a sense of empowerment, making us not only distributors of cinema information but also ambassadors of endurance. Our time in the cold streets fostered a newfound strength, both physically and mentally, leaving us feeling stronger and more resilient than ever before.

This mission wasn't just about delivering leaflets; it was about turning the cold into an opportunity for personal growth. GoodGym's Frosty Feat at the Phoenix Cinema showcased our commitment to community service, coupled with a willingness to embrace challenges and emerge stronger on the other side.

Six GoodGym members came together to watch a film about running and to support the phoenix cinema.

Billy Runs Boston” is a film about a runner’s relationship with his sister and brother as he tries to qualify for Boston. The movie is directed by Tony Marra, a Toronto-based actor and runner.

Very generously, the director had given GoodGym Free tickets to see this film after coming along to one of our group runs.

This thought-provoking film delves into various issues facing the running community, including cheating, bullying of cheaters, over-training while injured, the pervasive impact of social media, and the deeply sensitive topic of suicide. Amidst these themes, it also celebrates the profound rewards and sheer joy of running. Complex family dynamics play a pivotal role in weaving the narrative of the film, adding depth and emotion to the story.

Harvey Gallagher, Good gym Runner said this about the film

Not just a film about running. But a thought provoking drama about adversity, making mistakes and keeping going.

GoodGym Barnet runners came together on Halloween to support the Phoenix Cinema, one of the oldest purpose-built cinemas in the UK by delivering leaflets to the nearby homes in East Finchley. The session was led by Antonio who made sure we had a spooktacular workout. We had some new faces and guests, including Abby Ben, and Cherian who have recently joined us to get stuck in helping the community and getting fit! We also had a guest runner from Canada, Tony Marra , who is premiering his film Run Boston this Saturday. He has generously offered GoodGym runners free tickets! Check out the link on the website for details.

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/supporting-the-phoenix-cinema-presenting-a-film-about-running?legacy=true

We then started our run and delivery of leaflets behind Cherry Tree Woods. As is traditional, we made sure we delivered a leaflet to a very famous popstar living nearby. Unfortunately, he wasn’t home, probably out trick or treating like the rest of the population! To make sure we had a good workout, Antonio included some uphill sprints to make sure we had a good hit session before warming down back at the Phoenix Cinema . It was great to have a chat and drink after. Thanks to the Phoenix for giving us some free pumpkin cake! Yummy 🎃🍰 In terms of spooky the omni presence of the Grim Reaper was good, but the award goes jointly to Moya and Beattie for their subtle, scary costumes!

Beattie, Rachel, Niki and Cloud met at the Phoenix Cinema in East Finchley ready to hand out flyers for the local Finchley Foodbank. They are looking to recruit volunteers, so Tuesday night saw GoodGym volunteers run 6km accross the streets of north London to recruit more volunteers!

Niki set the tone for the evening by asking us a very interesting and thought provoking question: if you could describe how's your week going so far with a chocolate bar, which chocolate bar would you be?! what a question!

We made it out mission to help each other move on from their current chocolate bar mood during our running session; Great banter, good catch up conversations, few hill drills, couple of sprints and ta-da!

Double Mission accomplished; +100 flyers delivered in the neighbourhood and our choco mood meter changed! See the stunning results below;

• Rachel from Nutty Praline because of a hectic week to Dark Kit-Kat as she felt she deserved a great break after such an epic 6km Run. - The dark chocolate choice was a remark of the dark thoughts she had about Cloud after the few hill drills! But who doesn't like dark chocolate right?

• Niki from Rocky "road" chocolate, after a hard week at school with challenging kids, to Flake! Feeling satisfied but exhausted after delivering all those flyers. A Flake is always a happy childhood memory!

• Beattie from Picnic size bar chocolate, because her week had too many to-do things in it, to Waffer ! Feeling a lot lighter after some running headspace and a good conversation!

• Cloud from one of those chocolate bars that have everything in it but you can't quite workout the flavour to Mint chocolate! The feeling that you are grounded again and awaken by the strong and fresh mint flavour!

This is not a scientific test ( just for disclosure in case our lawyers read it) but may we say that the choco mood meter delivered impressive results in a short space of 2 hours and 6km! Be the judge!;

• It made us reflect on what was happening around us
• Made us be present enjoying delivering flyers for such a great cause (we know how hard it is to find amazing volunteers!)
• Made us connect with each other being curious about each other's day/ week
• Made us shift perspectives and focus on the positives ... all those hills and sprints in the bag!
• Most important the satisfaction that you have burned all that virtual chocolate!
  

Amazing work GoodGymers! You do great for our communities and for us all!

Keep up the great volunteering spirit!