Finally... a first... a last... and a heck o... - Bridge to 10K

Bridge to 10K

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Finally... a first... a last... and a heck of a lot of faffage...

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10
93 Replies

Or... davelinks ...this one was for you!

Three years on.... having run solo for all my runs, except three... one with my lovely son in law... one with my daughter and one with our own Anniemurph ...

...Finally, today...I completed my very First ever Park Run.

The last Park Run of 2018, in Stafford .

...First Park Run

A slate grey sky, a misty morning.

Awake at six, as day was dawning

Up for a cuppa, gear all ready

Totally focused, for slow and steady.

Son in law arriving, right on time

Getting to town to make the start line.

Butterfly tummy, a bit of a dither

So many people all crowded together!

Instructions given and the welcome part

Then everyone bustling towards the start

Bottle neck junction , a bit of a crush

What am I doing here..someone gives me a push.

Then we are moving, and spaces appear

My legs seem to know what I'm doing here

I'm running, not thinking , just taking my time

My best boy beside me, he'll keep me in line.

All shapes and sizes, and all with a smile

Before I know it we've done the first mile

It all feels quite strange, just think of the run.

My boy quietly supporting, we're so nearly done.

I manage the last lap, with a short burst of speed

The finish line's there and that's all that I need

My heart is still racing, the bar code is scanned

The boy says, "Well done" and squeezes my hand.

It was slow and steady, what else would you bet?

My Garmin... well, eventually, it did get set!

Second female in my age group.. there was only us two!

Not a bad time for something so new.

I have to be honest, I was not sure how I'd fare

But the feeling of oneness, is certainly there.

I love my lone running, but this much is true

A few other Park runs I'll certainly do

.

So, Davelinks it took me three years to get here.

You have my permission to give a loud cheer.

I did it,enjoyed it. And this fact I will share,

It's true, slow and steady, really does get you there!

It took long enough!! xx

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Oldfloss profile image
Oldfloss
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93 Replies
Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-J

Whoop whoop whoop! Xxxxx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toMillsie-J

I did it! xx

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-J in reply toOldfloss

You did, and with great style xxx

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate10

Hurrah! I gave a big cheer!🎉🎉🎉

Well done Floss... I knew you would be fine...and congratulations on your first Parkrun. Getting a feel for what that HM will be like.

Super poem too, as usual 😊xxxx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toBluebirdrunner

I got there... it was slow... and Matt never left my side.... there were a lot of folk... 280.... ! I burned so much in nervous energy before we even started and went off too quickly to get out of the crowd...but Matt was there... to look after me!

I have done it and know now what to expect... thanks you xxx

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate10 in reply toOldfloss

That was lovely of Matt, and that's a lot of people on your first one!

I'm glad you enjoyed it...I feel you should wear an 'Oldfloss' T shirt so people know who you are and clear your way. 😉

No pushing our heroine (grey snail)

😊xxx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toBluebirdrunner

He just insisted... and I was glad of it.... he could have run it twice over... but he was just there. J is getting me an Oldfloss T shirt.. with a snail logo :) !!! xxx

You are so kind xxx

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate10

Congratulations Floss on completing your first 5k Parkrun, you have described your run in prose, I am sure ButtercupKid will be very pleased about that. The first line says 2108, should that not be 2018? 😀.

Unfortunately there are no parkruns anywhere near to where I live but I do still run a bit and will do more runs coming up to my "runiversary" of starting C25K in April. I wish you a very happy running New Year for 2019.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toAlMorr

Thanks you... I have found time now to get back to my rambling and my rhymes... This is a new Park run near me and I shall use it again I think... x

DebJogsOn profile image
DebJogsOn

Well done Floss! I am in awe. As a 'lone' runner the very thought of a park run makes me edgy!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toDebJogsOn

It was a bit scary.... but I know now what it entails.... I am a lone runner at heart, but, if I am doing the HM I need to get used to crowds! xxx

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10

Fantastic poem OF, I was there with you in spirit!

So glad you enjoyed parkrun, and I hope there will be many more in your future! Well done! 👏👏🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

Thank you.... I always take the forum friends with me xxx

Madge50 profile image
Madge50Graduate10

Wha hay! Floss, fabulous! Well done, and welcome (at last!) to the parkrun family 👏🏃‍♀️......it will always be there for you....whenever you want

Big hug... 🤗,

Well done fellow snail 🐌........you did it! 💪

Mx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toMadge50

Thank you so much...it was a real first... and not easy,, give me 10K across the fields any day.... but... I shall do another one... :) xxx Took me long enough..but I got there! xx

Madge50 profile image
Madge50Graduate10 in reply toOldfloss

I forgot to say........well done fellow snail.,.....and parkrunner...🏃‍♀️💪

Mx 🤗

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toMadge50

Thanks you xxx Snails Rock!

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate10

Brilliant! Well done Flossie. 👏👏👏 I wonder if it will take me 3 years to get to Park Run? 🤔 xxx

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toSadie-runs

Go Sadie, you will love it 😍

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toSadie-runs

I think I am an exception... I did have plans but injuries got in the way.. and then just nerves... I am not a crowd person!!! When the time is right..it will happen, if you wish it:) xxx

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate10 in reply toSadie-runs

I haven't done one either!😆xx

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate10 in reply toBluebirdrunner

I am not a crowd person either, but love running, so wonder if that will eventually win out?! 😁 xxx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toSadie-runs

It maybe will.... I just knew I needed to do this before my HM.. so I will do a few more...Once I was away from the start, folks do start to spread out!

ChrisAllen1 profile image
ChrisAllen1Graduate10

Brilliant post as ever and a brilliant run x

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toChrisAllen1

Thanks you... I think I used more energy before the run than in the run ! xxx

Flaraflarkin profile image
FlaraflarkinGraduate10

Love love love this!! And Stafford!! I have family there and never knew there was a Park Run there!! I'm there in Feb 😬😬

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toFlaraflarkin

Then... we have a date to run together... PM me with your dates please? xxxx

Flaraflarkin profile image
FlaraflarkinGraduate10 in reply toOldfloss

Yesss!! Most definitely xx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toFlaraflarkin

It will be awesome... but I am slow :) xxx

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10

Way to go Oldfloss! I would have loved to have been there with you this morning. Very well done to your son-in-law. And I hope it’s not 3 years until your next one.

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️🐕🚶‍♂️🐌🚶‍♀️

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toDexy5

You were... I take all of you with me xxxx....my lovely son in law is fast... he could have run it in 20 minutes, but he never left me....he even let me finish before him....I think I will be there next week!

UpTheStanley profile image
UpTheStanleyGraduate10

The way one surely must reply🗣

Is using verse - at least to try🙄

Parkrun does become a habit 🏃🏽‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃🏽‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃🏽‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃🏽‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃🏽‍♀️

A good one though, so you should grab it 👍

We know you think your snail is slow🐌

But you both did it - way to go 🥂

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toUpTheStanley

That is brilliant... thank you! x

lexi6 profile image
lexi6Graduate10

Yay! OF to your fab poem and first parkrun. Another notch in your fitbelt 👍 x oops! mean flipbelt

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply tolexi6

Thanks you... a milestone for me!!! x

Razouski profile image
Razouski

🎉🎉🎉

What a fabulous post,

You enjoyed your park run.

I find them quite stressful,

But you had lots of fun.

You're slow and you're steady

Not as speedy as some,

But you finished in good time

So impressive, well done.

x x x

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toRazouski

Thank you... it was a challenge.... but now I know... I can say I know what it is like....I intend to go again and take it at my ease... it was all the unknown... now it isn't!!! xxx

PS

We love our rhymes.... clever you xxx

Katnap profile image
KatnapGraduate10

I agree with UpTheStanley

Replies should be in verse

Keep running slow and steady

At a pace one can converse

🎅 Xmas Katnap 🎅

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toKatnap

So true my friend.... so true! xxx

SaskAlliecat profile image
SaskAlliecatGraduate10

You are back in full form! Another great Oldfloss poem 💕and Congrats on your first Parkrun 🎉🎶🎺

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toSaskAlliecat

Thanks you... I an so tired, I feel like I ran a Marathon.... but... yes.. a huge milestone for me and a dragon slain! xxx

SaskAlliecat profile image
SaskAlliecatGraduate10 in reply toOldfloss

I imagine they could be quite tiring - the extra push to go faster, running with all those people, the relief of slaying that dragon! I wish I had a closer parkrun; they sound like they can be quite an experience. My closest is 2 1/2 hours away and the next is 5 hours away, but maybe someday.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toSaskAlliecat

It was just the number of folk in a small area...... I was over-breathing before I even ran... I think next time I will be more relaxed...I kept my steady pace, although starting faster to get out of the crush was not useful!!!

This is a new park run and it was only the fourth run for them... but well attended!

I am glad I did it and will do some more.. as I think the HM in March will be a shock... but.. folk do say, in the HM, folk string out pretty quickly!

RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunGraduate10

Brilliant! Well done! 💪💪👍👍🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toRunBrianRun

Thanks !!

over61andstilltrying profile image
over61andstilltryingGraduate10

Well done to you Oldfloss! I am so pleased that you enjoyed it! Congratulations! 🍾🥂🏅👏🏻😊🎉👍☀️🏃‍♀️🤸‍♀️🏃‍♀️🤸‍♀️🏃‍♀️🤸‍♀️

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toover61andstilltrying

Very different and a real milestone for me... I am not fond of crowds! Thank you... :)

Jennypenny2 profile image
Jennypenny2Graduate10

Well done on park run😁 I want to do a park run but don't won't to be the slowest🙄it took me 56min 5k..

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toJennypenny2

Thank you... You won't ever be last .. the tail walkers makes sure of that :) I was not concerned about that, as I run 5K regularly... it was just the volume of folk... but.. I survived them :) Everyone was so helpful and friendly :)

Jennypenny2 profile image
Jennypenny2Graduate10 in reply toOldfloss

I might give park run ago then

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toJennypenny2

If I can....you can...xxx

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toJennypenny2

Our tailwalkers came in at over 1 hour on Christmas Day Jenny. The founder of Parkrun is delighted when the average speed goes down- it means they are reaching the people they want to reach .

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toDexy5

Same yesterday... the last runner came in at 1 hr 9 minutes... to huge applause!!! That was one of the real high spots!!

Jennypenny2 profile image
Jennypenny2Graduate10 in reply toOldfloss

Thanks for encouraging advise

Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Graduate10

Brilliant Oldflosss! You are a star!x

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toSandraj39

Thanks you..xxx Hope all is well xxx

Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Graduate10 in reply toOldfloss

Not on here too much at the moment - four weeks of flu and related illness! 😫 On the mend now but still coughing and feeling the effects of strained intercostal muscles (ouch!) Missing my running big time now and hope to be back out there soon!xx

Empem profile image
EmpemGraduate10

Hats off to you.I'm

Empem profile image
EmpemGraduate10 in reply toEmpem

Hats off to you.Wonderful post.Still.a Parkrun Virgin but curiosity will catch up with me soon.Such a fun read.Thankyou xx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toEmpem

Thank you..another one ticked off..

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate10

Welcome to the parkrun family. I really must run one one day... my stats are now ran 0 walked 1 volunteered 26.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toUnfitNoMore

Love it..I think I shall be volunteering more than running as my HM gets closer..as Saturday is not a day I usually run on!!. Go you xx

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate10 in reply toOldfloss

I’m looking at every other day constantly, so parkrun could happen every other week, but my plan doesn’t throw up 5k runs until what it sees as race day, so I’m gonna have to either run walk them or run into the start line.

JonathanP profile image
JonathanPGraduate10

Hooray! Congratulations - I'm a lone runner too but parkrun does give you a sense of community I think 😀

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toJonathanP

It really does...it was tangible..

davelinks profile image
davelinksGraduate10

Well done floss! About blinking time too!😁 Although you're a lone runner I knew you'd like it, it adds just a bit more to the achievement and feel good factor. Parkrun doesn't have to be done every week(of course good if you can) so, your next Parkrun is on NYD?😀 you could possibly do 2 Parkruns then? I will be at PR on NYD with Sue, but I'm too slow like the 🐌 to be able to get around the course quick enough and get to another PR in time for the start, something I aim to change in the NY, oh! yes!

A very happy new year to you!X😊

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply todavelinks

I knew you would be pleased!!! I got there!!!

It was very different and folk were really friendly...and it was well organised... I may try another next week as there is not one here on NYD. I will feel happier now I know what and where:)

It is wonderful that you and Sue will be at yours!!!!! She has done incredibly!!!

A very, very Healthy and Happy new year to Sue and to you xxx

Deals1 profile image
Deals1Graduate10

Fantastic!! 👍👍

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toDeals1

It was very different!

Irish-John profile image
Irish-JohnGraduate10

"My legs seem to know what I'm doing here"

Absolutely superb description. My hat is off to you, erudite and literate Writer, and great Park Runner now also :)

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toIrish-John

My lovely boy...thank you xxx

Bridget007 profile image
Bridget007

Yay well done! A first park run that’s brilliant and second in your age group too 😉 I might give park run a go in 2019! And I love the poem 😃

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toBridget007

Yes... thanks... I did it because I really dislike crowds.. but with my first HM coming up in March.. I needed to get used to people! Thanks!

Snuffy_T profile image
Snuffy_TGraduate10

🙌 yeah parkrun ! Great job, definitely worth doing parkruns for the HM.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toSnuffy_T

It is that or go and stand in a shop with the sales on.... EEEEKKKKK Yep Park Run is the choice!

mountaindreamer profile image
mountaindreamerGraduate10

Glad you enjoyed the experience Floss! Parkruns can feel a bit busy (we missed ours yesterday, but it had over 500 people...) They’re always sociable and supportive events though, so a friendly way to get used to running surrounded by other people ready for your HM! 😊❤️❤️❤️

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply tomountaindreamer

Indeed... the one at Hanley often has 400 +... This one is usually quieter:) Some super people there !

mountaindreamer profile image
mountaindreamerGraduate10 in reply toOldfloss

Ah...Hanley...places of my childhood! 😊

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply tomountaindreamer

I am afraid it has all changed and not for the better. This is why I have never run in Hanley Park. The Park was beautiful and on Park Run day is fine... but at other times..not a great place to be.

The local council have made very odd decisions regarding the development of the Five towns!

Stafford run is slightly nearer and much pleasanter...easier to get to and plenty of parking space :)

mountaindreamer profile image
mountaindreamerGraduate10 in reply toOldfloss

I still remember Hanley as the only place with many shops when I was little. I’d get taken there to the big shops by my Mum to spend pocket money I’d saved for family Christmas presents each year! 😊❤️

Gran4z profile image
Gran4zGraduate10

Well done Oldfloss for running your first ParkRun 🎉, love the poem. Happy running 🙂🌻

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toGran4z

Thank you... I needed to do it...I shall do a few more I feel sure..just something very different for me!

nchunc profile image
nchunc

Lovely 😊

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply tonchunc

Thanks you!

Kezwah profile image
Kezwah

Well done Floss. I love parkrun, although I’m more of a Marshall than a runner of late. I usually run three times a week. And like you, I like going solo. But parkrun is a different animal and is fun. I’m injured at the moment, so am marshalling every week. Come to Northwich and I’ll cheer you on!!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toKezwah

Thanks you..great advice and an invitation! I shall be volunteering too I feel sure, when I get used to the form !

Hope you are off the IC soon!

I was a bit intimidated by my first park run, but I'm going to do more when we move. i'm sure you and I will get used to it. And enough with the snail analogies: your slow and steady is my running flat out down hill! (well maybe I'm a BIT quicker downhill ... ) xxx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply to

We will... I feel happier about it after your helpful comments in other forums...I am intending having another go and have a few ideas to maybe help me along.. and you were right.... when the result came through, I was only 3 minutes slower than my normal 35 minute happy 5K pace:)

Have you run today yet?

in reply toOldfloss

No - into Oxford first, then run later. Last day. Two days rest then i think xxx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply to

Well deserved too...Strength exercise for me today..😉

CatMo13 profile image
CatMo13

Congratulations, I loved reading your poem, brought a tear to my eye! I didn’t realise you’d not done a park run, me neither and it’s a year running tomorrow for me. I really want to do it and am even more inspired to now- thank you Floss 🥳🙌

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toCatMo13

Thank you...I am going to try another one this Saturday too...new adventures.. Well done you!

CatMo13 profile image
CatMo13 in reply toOldfloss

There’s no stopping you now ! I will wait till I’m back up nearer to 5km - a long road but I will get there 😁

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