I’ve registered and I plan to do my first parkrun this weekend. I am super nervous! It’s daft because I know where it is, and I know I can run 5km, so what’s the problem??! I don’t know but I am super nervous!
Anyone else go to Lydiard Park? I see there are lots of runners every week, what’s the parking like? Do they open the field like they do for big events? How early do I need to get there?
A friend reported that finding a car parking spot is very difficult at 9:05... she knows who she is 😂
Apparently parking is a problem after 8:30 so get there nice and early. Enjoy the experience!
Lol...that’s me!! 😉😂 I’ve had a few mis-adventures!! But alternative emergency planning has led to great things on a couple of occasions. 😂😂
Don’t worry E27M14! All my own mistakes, by setting out too late to get parking, nothing to do with Swindon Parkrun!
Everyone is so warm and welcoming at Parkrun, you’ll be amazed!! It’s a fantastic uplifting experience. Enjoy
Have a lovely time! It is good to move out of our comfort zones and I really hope that the experience suits you.
I have only taken part in two Parkruns so far. The first was fantastic! I wrote a post which if you are interested, feel free to read. The second, also has a post, but oh! Please don't make the mistake that I did! I didn't eat my breakfast early enough and felt absolutely awful during the run. A friend had a England hockey player staying and if I remember rightly she had to have finished eating 3 hours before the match. We obviously get to know our bodies and what suits us, but I didn't know mine on that day!
Remember your bar code and have fun! 🙂 🏃🏻♀️🏃♂️🏃♀️🏃🏻
Everybody gets nervous about doing something new 
So - feel nervous, but don't worry about it
Years ago I had committed to a HUGE change in my circumstances - a very speculative move, very unstable environment, huge probability it would be disasterous for me - but the one chance I had to start living the kind of life I wanted to.
So - burned all my bridges and committed to it.
A few days before embarkation, I met with a person I had done some work for in the past and we had struck up a friendship as a result. He was one of the most influential people in that country, I kid you not.
We had lunch and a few drinks and chatted in general. Then I asked him - the thought came out of nowhere
"Were you nervous when you got into Government first?"
I honestly thought she'd respond with something along the lines of 'not really, worked a long time to get there and was ready for it' and I was kicking myself for asking such a stupid question when..
"Are you joking me? - I was so nervous the first day I was driving to (Seat of Government) I almost peed in my pants. At one point, I had to pull over the car for ten minutes I was shaking so much with nerves"
What I learned that day was an invaluable lesson that has been of more worth to me ever since than a trunk load of Gold.
EVERYBODY gets scared sometimes - we just think we are the only ones 
So, keep this in mind on the day - first timers like you AND the 'veteranos' will all have their own nerves about some aspect of the Run from "Can I finish?" to "Will I be slower than last time?" and everything you can imagine
My own favourite -
" Are my track pants slipping down? 😲"
Have a fun run
Fantastic Irish-John! And so inspiringly true! ❤️
Works for me 😊
Well done E, I am sure you will really enjoy the experience; I know I did. It isn’t a problem to park a bit further away, just gives you more room to warm up! The beginner talk at mine was about 5-10 minutes before the start; it was quite good because you could shuffle up to the other new people and say hello; also it marks you out for a bit of extra attention and congratulations! I ran my fastest 5k at a Parkrun despite having to walk a few yards a couple of times; so clearly the adrenalin was flowing well! Aw. Wish I could be there; I’ll be thinking of you! X
I wouldn’t mind walking a bit to get there but there is nowhere that you can park nearby. It’s down a single track road one way, or the other entrance is in a housing estate that is always rammed full of cars. It’s bad enough on a Saturday afternoon without the extra 600 people going along for a little jog together 😂😂
Maybe in a few years I’ll be fit enough to run there, do the parkrun and then run home again 🏃♀️🏃♀️
PS. Nerves can be a good thing 🙂
You’ll be absolutely fine ... get your first one out of the way and you’ll be looking forward to your next one.
Get to the park about 15 mins before the start to attend the First Timers briefing, that will help you feel more comfortable about how it all works.
I always hang back a bit at the start ... let the whippets go! Remember it’s not a race so run at your own pace.
My local parkrun is two laps and I’m always overtaken by the front runners on their second lap before I’ve completed my first!
Good luck tomorrow, let us know how it goes.
Happy Parkrunning!
The field isn’t open during the winter. I discovered that the hard way after initially having no difficulty parking.
After trial and errors 😂, I’d say you should be fine if you get there from around 8:30am. It’s such a great atmosphere and everyone is so friendly. I really don’t think you can go wrong with Swindon Parkrun. (Well, I can a bit, but we won’t talk about it! 😊)! Enjoy!! ❤️
I am doing my first one tomorrow too and I am really nervous too! Like you I have no idea why ... well apart from coming last and they’re waiting to pick up the cones as I’m going through 😂😂
I do hope you that you really enjoy it Bridget! 🏃🏻♀️🙂
Thank you 😊 i will let you know 😬
I’ve been looking at the results from last week and there was a lady in my age group who ran a pb, it was her third parkrun, in 49 mins, I did 5k in 42mins yesterday so I’m hoping I won’t be last but really i’m Just aiming to get round alive!!
Don’t forget your barcode Bridget and have a great time!
Thank you 😊
Have a wonderful time at your first parkrun; my favourite run of the week. Don’t forget your barcode, and listen to the first timers briefing. If you are there early, speak to a volunteer to let them know it’s your first time and they will be very helpful. Don’t worry about your time, it will be a PB for you to beat next time. Enjoy!
I'm also doing my first park run today so will send you positive vibes at 9am. Hope it's great! 😁
ME! I will be there this morning! The field was open last Saturday but safest to park in the Hay lane entrance. Get there 15 min early to make sure you catch the new runner briefing (we should be running anti-clockwise today!) it is Swindon’s 9th birthday today! I’ll be going on foot so look out for me - same purple hat as in my pictures. See you there?
I too will be running at Swindon today. It's my 50th parkrun and when I ran my first one, as I was nearing the end of the c25k programme, that was one of my goals. I too remember feeling very anxious but you will be fine. As person above says best park Hay Lane entrance. If you're parked by 8.40 you should be fine. If you're there by 8.30 there will be plenty of parking. Don't forget your £2. Some people will be in fancy dress today as it's the 9th anniversary run, but lots won't be. It's a friendly run, great atmosphere and you will soon get to know people. Also the pacers are fabulous, really encouraging. Start near the pacer of the time you think you might do and enjoy thevery run. You will never forget your first Parkrun and hopefully will love it as much as I do. Oh and the start is by the cafe. Have a great run. 🏃👍🏃👍
I did my first park run last week. Have to say I was so nervous of going there. Especially on my own. But a lady [ who I didn’t know from Adam,) took me round with her. I was so nervous admitted it was only walking, but next time I’m going to run it.
Excellent! How did it go?
ParkRun
Not parkrun 
