The square mile

This week 8 fearless GoodGym-ers braved the rain to tackle soggy piles of compost at Long Lane Pasture.

It all started at the Phoenix. I was first on the scene, wondering who would be brave enough to show up tonight. The weather has a funny way of keeping folks inside. One-by-one, seven of the fiercest runners Barnet has ever seen showed up, ready to do some good.

Ciara and Shawn both brought their documents along for DBS checks. Well worth a cheer! Laying the foundations for even more good.

After a quick warm up by the side of the Phoenix, filled with joint circles, high knees and GIANT steps over invisible hurdles, it was time to head off. Damian lead us along to the Pasture, while Hazel was our trusty back-marker.

Once on site, Harriet and the Long Lane Pasture crew were waiting for us – but they weren't too sure if there was anything we could do in the rain. They even offered to give us the night off. But of course, GG doesn't stop for rain. We donned our gloves and grabbed our rakes and pitch-forks and set to work on condensing two giant piles of compost.

15 minutes later and huge amounts of progress was made. It was time to quickly take some team shots ('pride', 'love', 'conquer') and say our goodbyes.

Next up was the GG Barnet entry for the Strava #MyMile competition. I shared our route with the gang, a one-mile square around the pasture with a slow and gradual incline for the first half and a gentle-to-ridiculously-steep descent to finish. Everybody absolutely smashed it.

Everybody's Stavas said slightly different things, so Hazel and Shawn ran a little extra to make sure the full mile was measured on theirs.

We then did a quick round of conditioning work before heading back to base. Some very impressive squats from Ciara and some lovely lunges from Jody. Legs of steel.

Back at base we were treated to TWO sets of Barnet Biscuits.

Eleanor baked us a star cake and Damian made flapjacks

Last chance to sign up to Race the Neighbours on Sunday. Local 10km, bit of friendly competition with GG Haringey. The GG Barnet flag will be on parade. And there's one space left for this mission on Saturday taking down ivy for Ms J in Haringey.

Next week we'll be heading to Martin Primary to work on the orchard – 800m each way. Sign up here