Parkrun questions

I’m doing my first parkrun tomorrow hopefully and am both excited and apprehensive. Ive Googled it to see what happens, but answers seem to focus on the end of the run. So, all you seasoned parkrunners, could you help me out here please? At the start, will I have time to catch a satellite with my Garmin, or does everybody just suddenly bolt off? Do they grade you according to age and speed for where you start? Will I be ok in racing back vest, which shows some of my running bra, bearing in mind that this is a family event? Anything else I need to know. Many thanks xxx

[LoungeLizaard Graduate10]

You'll need to register and have a barcode to get an official time..... assuming you have done that, then you just need to turn up about 20 mins before to warm up and listen to the briefing.

Most PR's start at 9am, so if you search for GPS about 8.58 and wait... then all of a sudden, they'll just go off...…

You'll then need your barcode at the end for scanning!

That's it.

Then you get an email and text later with an time and placing

Good luck!

[Hidden in reply to LoungeLizaard]

Thank you! Yes barcode is in the zip pocket of my running leggings. Thanks for the tip about searching for GPS two mins before and turning up at at 8.45.

[Sqkr]

I think they're all a bit different, mine is one of the bigger events (800ish) so smaller ones may be much more casual! But at mine they count down your start on a PA system, so I get my garmin ready as they start to count, then it's locked on to gps by the time everyone starts and I can just press the run button. Some shoot off (me 😂), others hold back and start more leisurely, chatting and waiting for the big clump of people to thin out. There's no grading to the start, you can simply choose where you want to be. Club runners with their go-faster flappy split shorts naturally jostle their way to the front, then everyone else picks a spot they fancy, as far back as they feel comfortable. I love that you asked about your bra as I wouldn't even have thought twice about it! Honestly, those split shorts are far more eye opening so don't worry about that at all! It's a sporting event as well as a family one, any and all sporting attire is entirely fine.

My advice? Careful of those running mums! I'm in awe of them, but their running buggies are like flipping silent stealth machines and always give me a fright when they overtake. Dogs too, it's lovely to run with dogs and I delightedly take photos of them as I go but they can be a terrible trip hazard occasionally 😄

Parkrun is whatever your want it to be really. You can set your own rules, and the lovely thing is you know there will be plenty of people there who have the same approach 😊

And don't forget your barcode!

There are some videos of the start here, but bear in mind it's a narrow angle so it looks quite frankly terrifying. The reality is that once the ludicrously speedy guys go through (the ones that finish in 14 minutes) it gets progressively more relaxed, and if you keep playing through a video you can see everyone getting more—dare I say—normal 🙂

facebook.com/edinburghparkrun/

[Hidden in reply to Sqkr]

This is great. Thanks. I worried about the bra because of the parkrun site saying it’s a family event so dress appropriately 😂 I’m well prepared with barcode in my zip pocket of my leggings.

[Sqkr in reply to Hidden]

There have been a couple of post-hen nights turn up to ours, perfectly appropriately dressed, but maybe they have had a bad experience before with some willy banners 🤣

[Hidden in reply to Sqkr]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[TedG Graduate10]

Firstly, have you registered Flick?

If you have, take your barcode with you for timing purposes.

They’ll do a brief for Firstimers, don’t be too apprehensive, it’s all good fun and there’s no such thing as being too slow!

No age grading until the results come through.

My advice is start at the back and don’t get drawn in to starting too quick, do your own thing and enjoy it.

I shouldn’t worry about bra strap showing 😊

Which PR are you doing Flick?

[Hidden]

Yes, all registered days ago and barcode printed out. Have also registered Mic in case he wants to join in with the dogs ( he’s giving me a lift). I messaged you. Did you not see it? I’m doing Banbury x

Oh, and thanks for this info. Excellent.

[Richard7 Graduate10]

Good luck Flick .. I am hoping to do my first PR tomorrow too. I used to live in Banbury before my running days but it's a bit far to travel for me now for a PR start.

Have fun.

[Hidden in reply to Richard7]

Good luck to you too Richard!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

support.parkrun.com/hc/en-u...

The answers are there Flick... You are gonna be fine xx

[Hidden in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Floss but did a search and saw these already. They answer everything I didn’t need to ask and not the things I did ☹️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

Sorry... the folk who have run them have given you the low down anyway... i have never run one...lone fox

[Hidden in reply to Oldfloss]

I want the experience of running with others for the race in September. plus i want to see if running on the flat and with others will speed me up. Probably not

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I bet it will .. and flat Beautiful!

[Hidden in reply to Oldfloss]

Though misedterrain apparently, so not sure which shoes to wear.

[Tasha99 Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Omg OF you must once you’re mended!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Tasha99]

Not for me.. other than as a volunteer...

[RunBrianRun Graduate10]

I reckon you’re gonna love it!😁 Some really good advice here. It’s a great experience and no doubt you’ll find someone to chat to near the start or even while you’re running. Good luck with it. 😁

[Hidden in reply to RunBrianRun]

Thanks Brian

[Tasha99 Graduate10]

parkrun.org.uk/banbury/resu...

parkrun.org.uk/banbury/course/

[Hidden in reply to Tasha99]

That route sounds horribly complicated.

[Tasha99 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

The marshals will tell you where to go. Just follow the rest 😂 More interesting like that 👌🏽

[Hidden in reply to Tasha99]

Also those times! I will be at the back for sure. The fastest I’ve done 5k is 43 minutes, though admittedly up and down hill

[Tasha99 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

That’s great! You’ll be fine! I want a full update post tomorrow!

[Hidden in reply to Tasha99]

Definitely, but might be later in the day as have to come back and get the house cleaned up for a viewing at 1.30. No point doing it the day before as with four animals, three long haired and all moulting, it’s a nightmare and will be dirty again within the hour!

[RunBrianRun Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

It’s actually ok. The marshalls are all at the key points.

[Gran4z Graduate10]

Go your own speed and enjoy. My first Parkrun I felt really anxious about, but wasn’t necessary, just relax and breathe - it helps. Might be an idea not to have a big breakfast before - keep it light, perhaps some water an hour before. I just eat a bit of chocolate, naughty but nice, some people talk about eating a banana before, not tried that yet. Good luck 🌻

[Hidden in reply to Gran4z]

Thanks, all good advice. I never eat a heavy breakfast, just muesli, seeds, linseed, banana and blueberries. I might take my little water bottle with electrolytes

[Tasha99 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I always have a hydration tablet drink after running now. They definitely help 👌🏽

[Hidden in reply to Tasha99]

They do! In fact I’m paranoid about running without them now!

[Dizzysmum17 Graduate10]

Did my first one last week Flick and loved it. Wanted to do tomorrow’s too but after another fall this morning I’ve decided to give myself a break. And stop running with the dog. There’s no pressure and you will love it I promise - everyone else has given you all the advice you need so just enjoy! Xx

[Hidden in reply to Dizzysmum17]

Thank you xx

[theoldfellow]

Good luck, I will be out at Keswick again. The trick I found is to be near the back of the bunch at the start, it's far less demoralising than being at the front doing 8/km when the sub-4/km brigade run past.

I find the experience really lifts me. I hope it does for you too. XXX

[Hidden in reply to theoldfellow]

Thank you - and if I manage to do 8min/km i will be ecstatic!

[UpTheStanley Graduate10]

The only thing I would add - your official published time starts when they say "go", which will be some time - could be up to a minute - before you get to the starting line. If you want to know your real time, you need to start your watch when you get there, and stop it manually as you cross the finish. And keep an eye on your watch to make sure it doesn't revert to some dormant state between you setting it up and getting to the start line - guess how I learned that

And it's sensible to start at the back and have a chat with the tailwalker (in hi-vis vest) as things get sorted out over the first 500m or so. Tailwalker time at Banbury last week was 49 mins, so you'll probably leave him/her behind after a while ….

[Hidden in reply to UpTheStanley]

That’s what I was afraid of with the watch, that it would drop the satellite if I took to long to get going. As for the tail walker, my fastest 5k time is 43min so not that far ahead

[UpTheStanley Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I just did a test with my 35. I got it ready to start and waited. After approx. 5 mins, it beeped at me and gave me a 30 sec countdown to going into powersave mode - pressing the go button cancelled the countdown and gave me another 5 mins.

My now redundant Argos cheap-as-chips watch just reverts from stop watch to normal watch mode with no warning - which renders the go button inactive ….. grrrrr.

[Hidden in reply to UpTheStanley]

I think I get a bit of leeway with my Garmin once it locks on - wont start the run till i press go - I hope!!!!

[David_G]

Good luck Flick, hope you enjoy it. I love doing Parkrun now. 🏃‍♂️👍

Just remember it’s a fun thing to do and you’ll have lots of support as you go round. 😊👏👏

All the best, do let us know how you get on 🏃‍♀️😀

[Hidden in reply to David_G]

Thanks David, and you may be sure I will be posting my run on here 😊

[over61andstilltrying Graduate10]

Hi Flick, I am hoping to take part in my first ever Parkrun tomorrow as well. I have been away for about 3 weeks in bits, running and forum reading have not had much attention. We are due off for nearly 3 weeks on Wednesday, so although I am probably not at my running best, I know that if I don't manage it tomorrow it will be ages away before I do. I still hold my phone in my hand when i run and use an app no one else seems to mention Run the Map. About 400 runners at my local run Markeaton Parkrun in Derby. Does seem a shame to start a minute or so after the start. I have butterflies 🦋🦋🦋 probably both for the Parkrun and for getting ready for our trip to USA. All the very best for tomorrow's Parkrun and it sounds like you are perhaps selling your house too! What a day! Hope you have a double success tomorrow.

[Hidden in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Good luck to you too. Go us! x

[lexi6 Graduate10]

Go Flick. I have not long been back from our parkrun (my fourth) 4 degrees but I “no complain” the sun was shining, glorious, haven’t managed to meet any of the other runners afterwards for coffee, more to do with my beetroot red face, looking more like I need taking to hospital! The hot shower is more appealing. Have a wonderful time, I think you and all the others about to do their first ones will love it and become addicted. Its fun 😎

[Hidden in reply to lexi6]

Aw, thanks Lexi. Only 14 degrees by the time the run starts, so hopefully I won't be too red! x

[lexi6 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Early start for you, up all ready, that sounds like a nice cool temperature. Good luck, not that you need luck, run in the park for you X 😎

[Hidden in reply to lexi6]

I'm afraid Mr I dont Snore woke me up snoring at 5.20. Knackered but can't be helped Now I'm stressing about the balance between being properly hydrated and needing a wee and whether I will find the loos in time for the run. Thanks for the good luck wishes x

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

Just seen this, Flick and wanted to wish you all the best this morning. Look forward to reading all about it later!🙂

[Hidden in reply to Sandraj39]

Thank you xxx