Parkruns too early

[Agelesslass]

It’s such a pity that parkruns are 9am starts. I have ibs and can’t go running most mornings, I have attempted a few parkruns but on the whole can’t manage them because of my health. Realise this is impossible for some other races too, this is why I don’t enter many. Frustrating aghhhh!!!!

[theoldfellow]

100% sympathy, I have a similar problem sometimes. Luckily for me the running has helped it.

❤

[Agelesslass Graduate10 in reply to theoldfellow]

It’s a nuisance but am determined to carry on running, hopefully it will go away like it has done in the past.

[Flaraflarkin Graduate10]

That's a shame, I wonder if in the future if lots and lots more people helped to run it there would be a chance of having a fortnightly afternoon run or similar-

I feel for you though, I'm sure lots of us take it for granted that we can make it x

[Agelesslass Graduate10 in reply to Flaraflarkin]

Thanks Flaraflarkin

[ArthurJG Graduate10 in reply to Flaraflarkin]

In some areas there are runs called Great Run Local which seem to be the Great Run company plagiarising the parkrun idea but there are certain differences - one is you have to buy your barcode but the other is the time isn't the same everywhere. The Glasgow one is a Wednesday night I think. However, in general, mass participation events will be scheduled for when most people can go, otherwise they wouldn't be mass participation events. I'd like to help at a junior parkrun now and again but they are on a Sunday morning and I have non-negotiable commitments on a Sunday morning.

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

That’s a shame Agelesslass.

I think there was quite a thought out process in deciding the parkrun start time based on the fact that it is at the same time every week in every venue . If you start it too early, people won’t get out of bed, and volunteers may drop off as they are there at least 30 mins before, and travel 30 minutes to it. Have it later, and parkrun cuts into other arrangements and family time. Weekends are precious, especially for those who work 5 days. Our tail walkers usually come back in an hour and then everything has to be cleared away. So 8.30 to 10.30 in public parks. I’m not sure our council would agree to the prom being taken over by 500 runners every week later than that, as it then starts to conflict with the local community and tourism.

I hope you will be able to find some later races. Our santa run in December was much later.

[Agelesslass Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks Dexy5

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

Oh that’s such a shame Ageless. ☹️

[Agelesslass Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I know, but onwards and upwards cheekychipmunks

[Knittingrunner Graduate10]

I have a similar problem (Crohn’s) and can sympathise but I have found running has helped but not when it’s active. I wouldn’t even consider running then whatever time of day! Hope it eases for you and then maybe you can join in the fun. Good luck.

[Agelesslass Graduate10 in reply to Knittingrunner]

I think Crohns must be awful, sorry you have to endure that. I think my running helps in a way with my anxiety, which I have when my ibs flares up. Ouch!!!

[Knittingrunner Graduate10 in reply to Agelesslass]

It is awful when it’s active but it’s very well controlled at the moment which is why I’ve been able to concentrate on me (getting fit and healthy). I agree that running does help with mental stuff. It’s my headspace time. 😊. And I love it. 🏃🏻‍♀️

[Agelesslass Graduate10 in reply to Knittingrunner]

I love it too, that’s what’s frustrating when I can’t do it.

[Knittingrunner Graduate10 in reply to Agelesslass]

I agree. I had a Crohns related issue last week which stopped me. But I just reminded myself that if I looked after myself I would be back running soon. Luckily it was the next day. 😊

[Katnap Graduate10]

Its not the same but you could 'free run' your parkrun. ie. do the parkrun course later then compare your time.

[Agelesslass Graduate10 in reply to Katnap]

Yes I thought of that. I was also wondering if you could send the time of your individual park run so they could register it, a bit like Strava does.

[Katnap Graduate10 in reply to Agelesslass]

Sadly, no. It's a parkrun rule. It would be for your own satisfaction.

But you're right about Strava. If you have a number of Strava friends who take part then you can have a virtual race! 🏃🏃🏃😁

[Agelesslass Graduate10 in reply to Katnap]

Yes Katnap, I will propose that. Thanks

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to Agelesslass]

You can get it registered against your profile but it doesn't count towards your run total

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

[Agelesslass Graduate10 in reply to JonathanP]

Thanks so much for that JonathanP

[ArthurJG Graduate10 in reply to Agelesslass]

Yep they call it a freedom run when you run a parkrun course at a different time and record the result. Obviously I'd doesn't count for records because you timed it yourself but it's another option.

[Sqkr]

There are quite a lot of night events during the summer/autumn run seasons, I love those. Maybe you could tackle a few. Night running can be magical, especially the smaller events where sometimes you feel it's just you out in the woods or wherever you are running—even though you know full well you started with at least 200 others! The Supernova run I did round The Kekpies last year was lovely, and I'll do that again this year if I'm free for sure. But I've seen more and more similar events popping up.

Our parkruns start at 9.30, and that thirty minute difference makes it seem a much more civilised hour of the day 😂 I'm not sure I'd ever make it if it was earlier.

[Agelesslass Graduate10 in reply to Sqkr]

Yes, I will look out for evening runs, they sound really good. I’m no good early morning s, 9.30 is a good time for a start of a park run, round here they are all 9am. Thanks Sqkr.

[ArthurJG Graduate10 in reply to Agelesslass]

Yep 9 am is standard in England and Wales. It's 9.30 in Scotland and Ireland because the winter mornings are darker. Similarly it's 7 a.m. in Queensland as it's too hot there later in the day. (Actually this summer afternoon parkruns would have been much too hot in the UK too, now I come to think of it!) But in each country, or each region of a larger country, it's a standard time. I've also managed to find some evening events because most races are on a Sunday when I am committed to my church. There are also night time races using head torches if that's your thing. Whereabouts in the country do you live?

[ArthurJG Graduate10 in reply to Sqkr]

Funny you should say that: I enjoyed the Kelpies much more than I thought I would, and just two days ago put my entry in for this year - the Sunday evening one. 5 p.m. on a Sunday is a great time for me

[BaddieThePirate Graduate10]

Sorry to hear that mornings can be difficult for you. What a shame, but you are still out there doing it! 👍

[Agelesslass Graduate10 in reply to BaddieThePirate]

Yes I am running on my own mostly in the afternoons. Thanks BaddieThePirate.

[BaddieThePirate Graduate10 in reply to Agelesslass]

I run on my own, but I found a potential running partner in the pub yesterday afternoon!

[Couchpotato2 in reply to BaddieThePirate]

Hmm I wonder if they’ll remember today...

[BaddieThePirate Graduate10 in reply to Couchpotato2]

Good point...

[damienair Administrator]

Sorry to hear about your problem. I live in Ireland and as mentioned Parkrun starts for me at 9:30. But I have to have gone to the gentleman’s room beforehand or the running early will bring on a movement. And there are no toilets at our Parkrun. So I get up at 7am on Saturdays , drink coffee and have a light breakfast and make sure I go before I go.

During to week I run in the evenings after work.

Best wishes,

Damien

[Agelesslass Graduate10 in reply to damienair]

Thanks damienair. I must try your tip and get up a lot earlier and have my breakfast really early.

[ktsok in reply to Agelesslass]

Hi Agelass! The loo was one of the worries I had before my first Parkrun. I don’t eat for a couple of hours before running, but I did get up earlier and jumped up and down a bit and drank coffee to ‘encourage’ things along. It all worked out fine. I don’t know the nuances of how you are affected, but hope you find a way/alternative runs 🙂

[Agelesslass Graduate10 in reply to ktsok]

Thanks so much ktsok, I’m trying different diets and probiotics to see if they help at all. This is a problem for lots of us runners, but sometimes embarrassing to talk about, but I think it’s important to let’s get people speaking.

[damienair Administrator in reply to Agelesslass]

Hey, it’s an important bodily function and one that should be spoken of freely. It’s absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about. I have seen a few YouTube videos from runners on tips to running a PB time at Parkrun. A few of them mentioned the importance of emptying the bowel before an early morning run as the exercise brings on a movement otherwise. That is certainly the case with me and as a result I had to abandon a Parkrun once at around 3K and make my way to the car park to go home.

Since then I just get up earlier and make sure that I have gone to the toilet before going for an early morning run.

Damien

[Agelesslass Graduate10 in reply to damienair]

Thanks Damien, I will look on Utube for these running tips. Yes. You are right It is important to talk about this issue. Onwards and upwards here I go. Any tips I get are alwYs welcome. Cheers Damien.

[grumpyoldgirl]

Such a shame, agelesslass! Are there any running clubs your way? I mainly run on my own, but it's nice to have a running buddy. I did my c25k with a local running group.

[Agelesslass Graduate10 in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

I belong to a great running club. The members mainly work though, so not always available in the day. I do enjoy running on my own as well, listening to my music.

[grumpyoldgirl in reply to Agelesslass]

I'm pretty happy running by myself, not worrying about matching anyone else's pace. I've only done 3 park runs, but it's been so good having those to aim for, where there's no pressure but lots of support. So I really get your frustration. What a forum though, so many people popping up with ideas and advice. Hope you find a way to get to one soon 😊

[Agelesslass Graduate10 in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

This forum is so invaluable, I would not want to be without it that’s for sure.

[Agelesslass Graduate10]

I know this is a problem for lots of us, men don’t seem to talk about it as much as us women.