Today I did my 10th ParkRun. I did a 5 mile race last weekend which left me with a sore calf, not the big fatty calf muscle but the smaller bit on the inside near the ankle. Because of this I haven’t run all week but I have been cycling with my son a fair bit. I was a little worried about the ParkRun because the calf is still a little sore to walk on, but once I started it was fine. Wow, it was hot out there, most of the course is very exposed and the sun was beating down.
At the end of the first lap I stopped. Actually stopped, fully intending to just give up and go home. It was hot and both my legs really hurt. But I was on the wrong side of the track, and had to wait for a gap in the traffic to be able to cross.... then I saw a few ladies that I regularly see there, and thought if they were behind me maybe I’m not doing so badly. So off I went. I rejoined the flow of traffic and headed back out for the second lap. About half way round the second lap I was overtaken by the 40 minute pacer which was very depressing and so I started to walk.... but then my stubborn self took over and I was not going to let him get away from me. There is a big junction of paths near the end and there stands the world’s best volunteer Marshall/cheerleader. I could hear her shouting as I approached as she encouraged two young ladies that they were doing well and that they were ahead of the pacer. As I reached her she spotted me and loudly announced that I was only just behind the pacer and I could take him if I pushed just a little harder. This just gave me that kick up the backside to get past him and turn up the speed a little for the final straight.
Thank you to all the ParkRun volunteers everywhere who make it possible and also help us drag ourselves round the course even when it’s really hard going!
Also thank you to snapchat for providing amazing filters that make us look fresh as a daisy instead of looking like a beetroot!!
(not)parkrun
Not parkrun 
Southsea (not) Parkrun
