Leamington Parkrun: Lessons from a 4 Year old

Leamington parkrun on the 21^st December was to be the Christmas parkrun. This meant an excuse to bring out my red and white outfit and run around the 3 mile course dressed as Santa Claus. However, this year my 4 year old wanted to join in. Dressed in her finest Miss Christmas outfit, she was determined to teach us something about running.

Here is what I learned from running with a 4 year old:

• Corners are more fun if you aeroplane around them. Arms out and “Mrowwwww” noises are compulsory.
• Fartleks are started by shouting “Run, run as fast as you can, you can't catch me, I'm a gingerbread man!”
• If you don't stop dead at the end of each interval, causing taller people to have to leapfrog you, you're doing running wrong.
• Mud on trainers is a necessity as is mud on clothes. You should stop to inspect this at regular intervals. If you can keep up a running commentary in it so much the better. Adults LOVE this.
• As soon as your legs feel a bit wibbly from all the running, insist on being carried. 
• Leaves are interesting. Don't forget to stop and inspect the green ones. Especially if your parkrun is on trails. LOTS of leaves to stop and inspect.
• Puddles are damp pools of enjoyment and should be stared into before tiptoeing through the dead centre.

AND finally and most importantly ...

• Coming dead last is an honourable position and as added bonus there are all the more people to cheer you across the finish line!

Picture taken by Amar Chehal