Run Run as Fast as You Can......
Bushy Park Run
This 5k race is a joyous event held every single saturday of the year and is completley FREE! You will need to register at parkrun.org.uk first and print off a barcode. This barcode logs your information and allows you to log into the Parkrun website after the race and see what time you ran it in, your overall position & gender position, how many runs you've attended and dare i say adds an element of competition. The buzz you feel when you get a PB is elating, the flip side is the disappointment you feel when you think you ran well and then see your time has slipped..
Run entirely by the nicest volunteers who give up their time to encourage everyone from elite runners (Mo Farrah has run it) to absolute beginners to get out into stunning Bushy Park and get fit (or fitter.)
It starts at 9am but you'll need to arrive about half an hour earlier if driving as the car park fills up fast. If you don't live to far away cycle or jog there as a warm up. The record is held by Andrew Baddeley with the jaw-dropping time of 13.48 but everyone is running for their own enjoyment and personal goals. What is unique and heart warming about this weekly event is how lovely everyone is and how those that have crossed the finish-line cheer everyone else on and it's the slower runners who receive the best cheers as they cross the line. Everyone is genuinely happy for everyone else. You 'll see young kids right up to ladies and gents in their 70s and possibly beyond - utterly inspiring.
If you have time to spare on a saturday morning and can't run/don't run for whatever reason you could think about volunteering as a marshal - all the enjoyment of being part of something amazing in a beautiful place without getty sweaty!