A brave attempt to test the waters with a Thursday evening group run left me on a solo run from East Finchley to Finchley Central, but not to worry! A run is a run is a run!

This particular run was a data check of local businesses signed up to the Community Toilet Scheme, to see if this vital service was still operational.

I check the East Finchley businesses first, barging in sweaty and going straight for the toilets. Maddens was first and nobody stopped me, but this friendly Irish pub didn't look like they'd stop anyone. After a quick chat with the gaffer, I popped across the road to number 85, where Coffee Buddy was now being refurbished into Triple Two Cafe. Strange to call it 222 when it's at number 85, but never mind, business closed, no toilets for the community!

Being on my own, I took the less scenic route up East End Road, crossed the North Circular and popped out on Ballards Lane almost opposite my next stop: The King of Prussia. A lovely family pub, the toilets were clean, accessible and, by this point, worth a pit stop. Chatting to staff after, only the duty manager remembered they were part of the scheme, but they were more than happy to open their toilets to all and sundry either way.

Final stop, Ahir Lorenzo's on the corner. A funky local bar, they didn't stop me wandering around to the back to find their toilets. I then had a long chat with the friendly bar staff and a regular, before settling in for a pint of rehydration (and, OK, I'll admit it, a half of something stronger) to check my notes were legible.

Thursday group runs won't be on the menu for a while, but we'll be trialling other starter sessions to encourage new Goodgymmers to join us. Meanwhile, normal services resume next Tuesday, when we'll be visiting Coldfall Wood.