What's the one thing you need for a parkrun? ๐Ÿ™„ - Bridge to 10K

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What's the one thing you need for a parkrun? ๐Ÿ™„

grumpyoldgirl profile image
โ€ข70 Replies

Yes, yes, barcode. Had it in my hand this morning, but managed to lose it between then and the start of the run. Still, off I went with CP2, it's a tricky course because it's not as easy as you think it should be (lots of grassy slopes, at least I remembered my trail shoes, they really helped). So did the world's youngest marshall at the bottom of Evil hill. Dad and baby waving the runners up the hill, so sweet! CP2 went off ahead but I managed to keep her in my sights and finished just behind her. Took a few seconds to realise that my Garmin hadn't reached 5k yet, so I belatedly trotted on a bit further to get a 5k run, and finished at about 37 minutes, so I'm very pleased ๐Ÿ˜Š

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grumpyoldgirl
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70 Replies
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Debston profile image
DebstonGraduate10

Well done you, sounds like a great run, despite the barcode going awol. I've just ordered some mini bar codes for my son, they have a hole in them so you can tie one on your shoelace or put one on your keyring. They cost about ยฃ4 for 3 on the Parkrun website.

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirlโ€ข in reply toDebston

Funny you should say that Debs, CP2 was saying much the same thing when I swore loudly this morning! ๐Ÿ˜ She has that one, I have a wristband. Or I did at 8.15. ๐Ÿ˜ณ Going to order one now!

UpTheStanley profile image
UpTheStanleyGraduate10โ€ข in reply togrumpyoldgirl

Yes, I've got those mini-tags on both my pairs of shoes, as shoes are surely the least likely to be forgotten :-) . Never had to resort to them yet, but if I had to, I'd be sure take the shoe off - having been highly unimpressed when scanning to be invited to grovel round peoples' feet :-( , though it might be a bit easier now with the scanning app on my phone.

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirlโ€ข in reply toUpTheStanley

I have just ordered them, Stanley. I'll put them on my shoes, and my keyring. I'm with you on the scanning thing, I wouldn't expect anyone to get too close to my feet after running 5k, some people have no manners! ๐Ÿ˜ฑ And I found my wristband, it was on my carseat ๐Ÿ˜ณ So near and yet so far....

Couchpotato2 profile image
Couchpotato2โ€ข in reply toUpTheStanley

Oh good idea, might do that with my spare ones!

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirlโ€ข in reply toCouchpotato2

I'm going to do a Damien and have them scattered liberally through my stuff ๐Ÿ˜‚

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate10โ€ข in reply toUpTheStanley

O my goodness Stan, to suggest that someone would forget their shoes at Parkrun, probably someone somewhere has ran a parkrun bare feet, today I ran my first parkrun, I didn't see anyone running barefoot.

Cpankhurst1 profile image
Cpankhurst1โ€ข in reply toAlMorr

I saw a barefoot runner this morning at Parkrun Riverside ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirlโ€ข in reply toCpankhurst1

Oh for goodness sake, I wonder where they kept their barcode?! ๐Ÿคฃ๐Ÿคฃ๐Ÿคฃ

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate10โ€ข in reply toCpankhurst1

A few weeks ago I saw a barefoot runner running along the promenade at Helensburgh Scotland where I ran my graduation run last year.

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirlโ€ข in reply toAlMorr

I've been wondering how you got on Al, have you posted and I missed it?

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate10โ€ข in reply togrumpyoldgirl

I have had many congratulations from my report on my first parkrun this morning, I enjoyed the run, my time was 34.16, second in age category, I was very proud to see my name on the parkrun website, most proud of all to see my training club as "NHS Couch to 5K"

Kat332zz profile image
Kat332zzGraduate10โ€ข in reply toAlMorr

There were at least two barefoot runners at our parkrun yesterday, and some with those glove like shoes too.

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirlโ€ข in reply toKat332zz

Looks like it's a thing! Wouldn't fancy it myself at ours, far too many dogs around๐Ÿคข

Lucyintheskywith profile image
LucyintheskywithGraduate10โ€ข in reply toUpTheStanley

There's an app that has your barcode?

UpTheStanley profile image
UpTheStanleyGraduate10โ€ข in reply toLucyintheskywith

No, thereโ€™s a โ€œParkrun volunteerโ€ app that enables your phone to scan athletesโ€™ barcodes and the finish tokens and upload the data into the results software - can also do the timekeeping bit. It will scan a barcode off a phone, but thatโ€™s still not officially ๐Ÿ˜€ allowed

Lucyintheskywith profile image
LucyintheskywithGraduate10โ€ข in reply toUpTheStanley

Ahh...right... okies

Barcodes on phones via an app would be such a good idea too..

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirlโ€ข in reply toLucyintheskywith

I'm sure it will come Lucy, but my parkrun are adamant that no barcode no time, and phone scans are not allowed.

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10โ€ข in reply toLucyintheskywith

We are now using the volunteer app at our parkrun. I have taken a photo of my barcode on my phone and the app does zap it correctly. So I think it will come. But while not all Parkrunโ€™s are using the app , I think the HQ message is staying the same. One of our directors said that if it reads the photo of the barcode thatโ€™s ok .

Gran4z profile image
Gran4zGraduate10โ€ข in reply toLucyintheskywith

FYI problem with barcodes on your phone being is that IF you had an accident it might not be possible to access your barcode so no marshall would be able to get the vital information needed, i.e. who you are, any medical info., next of kin, etc. - well that's the reason I've been given. So it's about the one and only ParkRun rule, you need to have your personal barcode with you - and when it comes to barcode scanning we're told not to scan a barcode on a phone. Sorry!

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate10โ€ข in reply toLucyintheskywith

Yes I have that app, it told my pace as well.

Maddee_6333 profile image
Maddee_6333Graduate10โ€ข in reply toUpTheStanley

People have asked you to grovel round their feet! ๐Ÿ˜ฎ Gross๐Ÿ˜ง

damienair profile image
damienairAdministrator

I have a load of my Parkrun barcodes printed and laminated. I have copies in my wallet, running belt, car and my wifeโ€™s car. Just in case.

Well done on your run.

Damien

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirlโ€ข in reply todamienair

I hear you, and I will be doing the same. First time I've rocked up to the start without it though๐Ÿ™ Which, given my normal forgetful nature, is a miracle ๐Ÿ˜

damienair profile image
damienairAdministratorโ€ข in reply togrumpyoldgirl

Ha Iโ€™m the same. Hence why I have so many copies. Insurance policies.๐Ÿ˜€ Thankfully Iโ€™d done it because I have at times needed the insurance barcode.

lexi6 profile image
lexi6Graduate10

Blimmin bar codes! I have two inside my phone cover which I put inside my new flip belt and wore over my hips today, instead of round my waist (mistake) somehow it worked its way up and I just couldnโ€™t prise the phone out from under my jacket, so had to do a striptease in the chute and wiggle it down! Red face from running and blushing. ๐Ÿคฌ

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirlโ€ข in reply tolexi6

๐Ÿ˜‚

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate10โ€ข in reply tolexi6

I put my barcode in a zipped pocket in my running belt, the only problem with that is if it is raining I have to cover it with my hand from getting wet, if wet the scanner might not work and I would be "unknown"

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10โ€ข in reply toAlMorr

A sandwich bag is great for keeping money, cards and phones dry in your running belt.

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate10โ€ข in reply toDexy5

Thanks for that advice Dexy. ๐Ÿ˜Š

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10โ€ข in reply toAlMorr

๐Ÿ‘

Good stuff Grumps, sounds like you and CP had a great time. Mine got absolutely soaked once, pure mush. I think they just accepted my number ๐Ÿค”

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirlโ€ข in reply to

That was nice of them. I just took a photo of my token so I can see where I came, but to be fair, I needed to do a 5k today anyway, and it was nice to be cheered along by the lovely marshals.

HeavyFoot profile image
HeavyFootGraduate10

I so nearly had the same tale to tell. Halfway driving home I realised that I hadnโ€™t shown my barcode after a gruelling PR. Was really fed up.

Then, an hour later arrives the email with my result! Yes, so gruelling was that run that I sort of blacked out.

Itโ€™s a bugger growing old! But a happy ending after all.

UpTheStanley profile image
UpTheStanleyGraduate10โ€ข in reply toHeavyFoot

As long as you don't get the blackout that results in arriving home with your finishing token in your pocket โ€ฆ.. :-(

HeavyFoot profile image
HeavyFootGraduate10โ€ข in reply toUpTheStanley

Oh UTS! There is a special circle of hell reserved for those who forget to hand in their finishing token!!

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirlโ€ข in reply toHeavyFoot

๐Ÿ˜‚

Maddee_6333 profile image
Maddee_6333Graduate10โ€ข in reply toUpTheStanley

Volunteer to token sort as penance!

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirlโ€ข in reply toMaddee_6333

Token sorting ๐Ÿ˜ฑ (shiver)

Maddee_6333 profile image
Maddee_6333Graduate10โ€ข in reply togrumpyoldgirl

Hahahaha. I volunteer for the local Junior Parkrun once a month, and thereโ€™s a few of us there that actually like it. And some of the kids are quite willing too.

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirlโ€ข in reply toMaddee_6333

I did it once, with a friend, it was strangely soothing, but I wouldn't fancy doing it on my own. But then they'd be fools to trust me to do it on my own ๐Ÿ˜

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirlโ€ข in reply toHeavyFoot

Oh heavyfoot that must have been a nasty moment! At least I realised before the run started, it kind of took the pressure off, I'd have been gutted if I'd been going for a pb and found out at the end.

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10

Weโ€™ve all done it GOG, in fact Iโ€™ve done it twice ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚.

If you know your finish token number you can always email the director to say your barcode didnโ€™t scan and confirm your token and time. (That is a little white lie, I know). Otherwise put it down to experience.

Iโ€™ve now got a mini parkrun barcode laced in my shoes so I ca take that off if necessary. Good that you ran regardless.

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirlโ€ข in reply toDexy5

I needed the run, dexy, doing parkrun was a way to get me out of bed and running, so not the end of the world. However, I might try your little wheeze ๐Ÿ˜

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10โ€ข in reply togrumpyoldgirl

Something passed by my director. They canโ€™t tell if a barcode didnโ€™t scan ๐Ÿ˜‰

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirlโ€ข in reply toDexy5

Make sense, Mr grumpy came up as unknown one week when he definitely had his barcode (he never forgets ๐Ÿ˜)

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirlโ€ข in reply toDexy5

Thank you my lovely, I now have a parkrun time ๐Ÿ˜Š

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10โ€ข in reply togrumpyoldgirl

Donโ€™t tell anyone else ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿคซ

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirlโ€ข in reply toDexy5

It'll be our secret dexy, nobody's reading this now anyway ๐Ÿ˜‚

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10โ€ข in reply togrumpyoldgirl

๐Ÿคฃ๐Ÿคฃ

Sandie1961 profile image
Sandie1961Graduate10

Iโ€™ve got one of the credit card barcodes, which lives in my bumbag with my phone, keys, cash, earphones (not that I use them at parkrun) and tissues, so if I forget my bumbag Iโ€™m stuffed!

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirlโ€ข in reply toSandie1961

๐Ÿ˜ I have a belt, but it gets really sweaty (sorry tmi) so it gets washed after every run ๐Ÿ˜ณ I have now ordered the mini ones and I will stash them in various places โ˜บ๏ธ

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Graduate10

Just email the parkrun you attended and tell them what happened. Theyโ€™ll add you on if you know your position if you ask nicely.

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirlโ€ข in reply toTasha99

Thanks Tasha, turns out you're right, dexy5 suggested I try it, and they've now given me my time, 35.24. Woohoo! It's not their policy though, so I don't want to repeat it.

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Graduate10โ€ข in reply togrumpyoldgirl

You had a genuine reason. Theyโ€™re usually good. Thatโ€™s a great time ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿฝ

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirlโ€ข in reply toTasha99

Thank you :)

JonathanP profile image
JonathanPGraduate10

Well done both! The trials of barcodes eh? Last time I left mine in the car I ran back to fetch it - panic over!๐Ÿ˜€

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirlโ€ข in reply toJonathanP

Well that's one way to get your warm-up done! ๐Ÿ˜ My brain reverts to jelly until it gets its first caffeine of the day and that's after parkrun, so parkrun prep is always fraught chez grumpy - even though I set everything out the night before!! ๐Ÿ˜‚ I had no idea where I'd left the wristband, I didn't find it until I got home ๐Ÿ™„

Ritmo profile image
Ritmo

You need a wristband :)

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirlโ€ข in reply toRitmo

You don't say! ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚ (I have one, I was sitting on it in the car, I found it when I got home, I am a numpty)

Slinkymalinki profile image
SlinkymalinkiGraduate10

Well done! Sorry about the bar code - how annoying! But you did it ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ…! I got a wristband for Xmas which is very practical & I like the fact it states that I have asthma & my husband's mobile number on it (although he finishes in 21 mins so he's not difficult to locate!) . It does give peace of mind too though if you wear it when out on your own in case you did have a problem. Have a restful Sunday! X

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirlโ€ข in reply toSlinkymalinki

Thank you slinky, it's going to be pottering in the garden sort of Sunday ๐Ÿ˜Š (I have a wristband, turned out I was sitting on it in the car ๐Ÿ˜ณ)

Slinkymalinki profile image
SlinkymalinkiGraduate10โ€ข in reply togrumpyoldgirl

Oops! Well at least you'll check the seat when you leave in future! ๐Ÿ˜ Happy pottering....๐ŸŒปโ˜€๏ธ

Sybilw profile image
SybilwGraduate10

Well done. I got a pb yesterday at my local run. Love that you have Evil Hill at yours as weโ€™ve got Carnage Corner at ours!! Itโ€™s a 90 degree turn at the foot of a hill which, if it rains, becomes a mud slide (tractor tracks!). Maybe time to consider a parkrun wristband?

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirlโ€ข in reply toSybilw

Oh dear ๐Ÿ˜ณ I have a wristband, I was actually sitting on it in the car, instead of putting it on. Found it when I got home and after I posted ๐Ÿ˜‚

Sybilw profile image
SybilwGraduate10โ€ข in reply togrumpyoldgirl

๐Ÿคฃ๐Ÿคฃ

HinchleyMum profile image
HinchleyMumGraduate10

I keep a spare laminated barcode under the innersole of my running shoe, but otherwise keep mine in my phone case so itโ€™s always with me

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirlโ€ข in reply toHinchleyMum

I like those ideas, thank you!

timlesvagues profile image
timlesvaguesGraduate10

Barcodes are a pain. I lost one out of the pocket of my shorts on the run and I didn't have the breath left to run the course again and find it. However, the Run Director said they have a plastic box which you can put a spare copy in so if you forget/lose it then you can get your spare out of the box. Simples!

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirlโ€ข in reply totimlesvagues

Simple yet brilliant!

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