Once more, intrepid Goodgymmers gathered at the Phoenix and rose to the challenge of the forest school paths at Martin School. With the sun having just slunk below a moody autumn horizon and clouds threatening rain, we had the added bonus of it being George's first time leading a group run.

Fortunately with two experienced Goodgymmers running alongside, Paul and Rupesh, nothing could go wrong. We warmed up gamely, sharing exercises and swapping stories of our favourite warming winter food. Then we jogged up the High Road to the school.

There, met by groundskeeper John with flashlight and tools, we got stuck in to the now much-compacted mulch pile. We filled wheelbarrow and wheelie bin, carting woodchips down the path and spreading them with our trusty rakes. Even Gus, our unofficial mascot, eagerly chipped in by keeping foxes at bay while we worked.

We toiled swiftly and fully chipped the path from the gate to arch, where darkness swallowed our feeble torchlight and we were like, nah, maybe stop there, which was fortunate because time had run out and so, after a brief exchange of stories about Shaolin monks and Chinese martial arts with John, we trekked back to the Phoenix Cinema for a gentle warm down, and for Gus to hydrate.

Another great session, the paths well mulched and ready for the forest school's next horizon-expanding experience.