my latest children’s book inspired by the joy of Parkrun, Sir Roger Bannister and spirit of the Olympics!

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Parkrun

On 27th May 2017, I stood at the start line of Dulwich Parkrun for the first time. Nervous, and apprehensive. Anxious that I had forgotten my barcode. 

Little did I know it would be the kindle that lit my fire and started me on a journey to rediscover my love of running.

 Running has developed into a key part of my life over the past four years. In particular I would like to thank the amazing volunteers and runners of Parkrun and my neighbour, Jeremy, who encouraged me to give it a go (and gave me a lift) back on that late spring morning.

Inspired by this, my second book, The Cheetah Cub Running Club: The Great Fox Chase,  starts in my favourite park (Dulwich) where Rory is participating in the weekly Parkrun. 

Parkrun is such a great community initiative, if it is available in your country I would strongly encourage children and parents to take part on an upcoming Saturday morning. It is very welcoming, free of charge, and many people walk, jog or run the course. 

There is no pressure on time, it is more about enjoying being active, building confidence and starting your weekend off positively, whether you run or volunteer. 

Find out more at parkrun.org.uk

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In The Great Fox Chase Rory, with the help of his friend, Stella, and the Cheetah Cub Running Club, travel to Oxford and on to Japan in search of a lost poodle called Snuggles.

We start to learn more about the origins of the Running Club and the many animals they have helped around the world. All of your favourite characters return in this fast paced race across the world.

 
 
The book also includes a trip to the Sir Roger Bannister Running Track in Oxford. Sir Roger is a hero of mine, having been the first human to run under four minutes for the mile back in 1957 at the track which bears his name. 
 
I have a picture on my wall reminding me of this which I look at on a daily basis to encourage me that anything is possible. I had the pleasure of living in Oxford for five years, so it seemed fitting the club visited for a short while. 
 
Check out his story here.  
olympic stadium

 

Finally, having been inspired by the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics this summer, seeing so many athletes push themselves to their limit and show their capabilities from the immense amount of training, commitment and determination it felt appropriate for Japan to be the setting for the second half of the book and the National Stadium for the finale.

Olympians represent many of the Cheetah Cub core values which are: Courage, Helpfulness, Exercise, Environment, Teamwork, Attitude, Health, Creativity, Unity and Belief.

I hope you and your children enjoy it. Please let me know what you think.

Cheers Phil 🙂

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Philip Laslett

Philip Laslett

I’m an author, speaker and marathon runner who is an advocate for the empowerment of others, in particular children, through exercise and technology.

I am on a mission to improve the outlook and sense of wellbeing in others and committed to my belief that enjoying exercise and expressing your creativity can be a launchpad to build self confidence and lead to a better, more fulfilling life.