A Royal Soaking

"Twas the night before Royal Parks, and up in my flat, A pot of pasta was stirring, observed by my cat. . The flatlay was prepped for the sake of a 'gram, After 6 months of training, I'm ready... I am!! . The start times are checked, again and again, 8.40 sharp in the burgundy pen. . Ive studied the route plan, mile after mile, No going back now, just go out and smile! . Its all thanks to GoodGym that I've made it this far, They give me reason to run, they're my galaxy of stars! . For Shooting Star Chase, lots of cash has been raised, Helping brave children through their hardest days. . Go racers! Go pacers! Go May and go Vicki! To keep up with you would be bloody well tricky! . Im happy to stick to my fun party pace, For it's my very first half, good times to embrace. . For all that are running, volunteering and cheering, Happy Royal Parks to all, Good luck and good night!! . ."

The above is a clever ditty written by GoodGym runner Fay McKnight , one of the many runners who took part in the Royal Parks Half Marathon on Sunday 14th October. Like many others running , Fay was raising money for a worthwhile charity, hers was Shooting Star Chase and she did them proud.

It wasn't the easiest of runs even from the very start! Like Fay , I queued for about half an hour in the rain waiting to land my already wet trainers on the start line; but once over that threshold I was carried by the amazing crowds of supporters. I had decided to run without music so I could take in the scenery and the atmosphere and it was worth it. It was so lovely to see so many people out in the cold and rain cheering us on, and although grey was the colour of the day the route around London was vibrant as we jogged through 4 amazing Royal Parks - Hyde Park, Green Park, St James Park and Kensington Gardens. I managed to spot 2 other GoodGym runners and waved with delight, feeling proud of our red shirts.

It was a good job that I had undertaken some GoodGym Richmond hill training as the route was definitely "undulating" and I was not prepared for the incline at 20km! But I felt proud and happy as I reached the 400m mark to the finish line and was encouraged by Mark Barun who ran alongside me for those final strides - thank you!

Well done to all the runners and to all those who raised money for such incredible causes - you are all an inspiration

Special thanks to Jenny Murray - an awesome GoodGym colleague and friend