Park runs, UK

[Phirrup]

Having recently graduated c25k and then wondering what to do next. I read a great post from IannodaTruffe and found that in my local town there is a park run every Saturday at 9am. And what's more there are so many more of them all around me. So got myself signed up and off to do the first one this Saturday. I am a bit nervous about going on my own and running with a bunch of strangers but I can't let that stop me from running so here goes.

The link for anyone who's interested is parkrun.org.uk/

I will post how I got on.

[davelinks Graduate10]

Well done! Parkruns are big on here! they are ace! Get out there and enjoy!😊

[Runsome Graduate10]

Hi Phirrup

Congrats on your graduation.

Great thing parkrun. start near the back and go slow, don’t get caught up with the time chasers then run out of puff half way round ending up disappointed. Set yourself a nice comfortable pace and enjoy the occasion. Then the next time you go you will have an nice achievable target to aim at if you wish. 😀 or use the c25k wk9 and mix it up. Most of all enjoy. it all the best 😀👍

[Phirrup in reply to Runsome]

Thanks runsome, nice advice.

[Runsome Graduate10 in reply to Phirrup]

No problem. enjoy 😀

[telford_mike Graduate10]

You'll love it, parkrun is really good, but it can get addictive!

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to telford_mike]

Definitely

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Well Done Phirrup, yes there are many converts on here, as you will see from Saturday afternoon posts.

You don’t need to be nervous as they give a briefing to all first timers so stick your hand up when they ask. I recommend you start near the back on that first one and you won’t get in the way of the racers. You can move up in subsequent weeks as you find where you fit in. Stick to your own pace as it’s easy to get dragged along and then run out of steam. The most important things : don’t forget your barcode; you are only competing with yourself; and enjoy yourself. Tell us how it went 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️🐕🚶‍♀️

[Phirrup in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks, I will definitely let you know how it goes

[David_G]

Hi Phirrup, I hope you enjoy Parkrun. Many of us on here are regular Parkrunners and love it. You can help out now and again by volunteering if you want to. I do it when I can’t run for whatever reason and it’s a nice way to give something back.🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

Don’t be nervous, just listen to the first timers briefing and you’ll be fine. You’ll find everyone is friendly and encouraging too.👏😊

Remember you’ll never be last as there are usually a tail walker or two who follow the field to make sure everyone gets round ok!

Take your time, enjoy it and don’t forget to post on here afterwards. 🙂

[Phirrup in reply to David_G]

Thanks David_G

[Crawlhome Graduate10]

Congratulations on your graduation! Loads of us here do regular parkruns and you can check out posts on here for their write ups if that helps.

I was quite nervous the first time but there was no need as it's a really friendly event and such an amazing initiative that people arrange every week.

Hope you have fun and watch out for women running with buggies!! 😁

[MikeJones68 Graduate10]

You will love it. I did my first one last Saturday

[Tony_68 in reply to MikeJones68]

I have done 4 now, great fun 😁run at your own pace and don’t be discouraged if you get over taken by an 8 or 80 year old a person with a pram or dog

[MikeJones68 Graduate10 in reply to Tony_68]

Indeed, although I actually did better than I thought I would by finishing in 26th place with a time of 22:19 😊

[Phirrup in reply to MikeJones68]

That's a good time. I hoping for around 30 minutes but I will be please with any time I post.

[MikeJones68 Graduate10 in reply to Phirrup]

Thank you. I finished C25K last January and have had the advantage of running with a coach at work, so have a few more km's under my trainers

[runswithdogs Graduate10]

You will do great. It's a pretty special feeling running with a group of people. I find I tend to run quicker. This can be a really great way to help push you further. It can also push you a little too hard at the start. Don't be afraid of taking a walk break if you need it. We have a fairly small parkrun in Canada and you get super speedy runners, walkers and everything in between. Our parkrun director likes to tell everyone to go super slow the first outing so you get to know and enjoy the route, and then you can dial up the speed your second time out AND get a pb.

People are very friendly and can give you a rundown of the course - any loops or things to watch for.

Happy running.