First Parkrun

[Birker]

Well straight off the back of completing C25k, I’ve jumped into my first ever Parkrun.

With rather a lot of trepidation not knowing how things go and obviously concerned that I make an utter spectacle of myself, I took part in Dalby Forest Parkrun this weekend.

It was a lovely sunny morning and I, with 223 runners took to the gorgeous track through the woods.

The last mile was a killer, but I didn’t stop once and was delighted that I managed a pb of an average of 10.3 minutes per mile and recorded a 31’ 59’ for the 5k.

Yes, I know it’s slow, but for a newbie still wet behind the ears with this running lark, I was very pleased.

Parkrun is absolutely fantastic and welcoming to all abilities. I strongly recommend trying it and don’t ever be shy or worried that you make a fool of yourself - you won’t - It’s fab!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate10]

Slow? That’s quite a bit faster than my first parkrun after graduation... and sooner! Many congratulations.

[Birker in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Well thinking about it again. I’m rather chuffed with my time and now wondering if I can better it!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate10 in reply to Birker]

It’ll come. Without trying I now run recovery runs in 11/mile whereas I finished C25K running them in 12/mile. I don’t push pace often, but my tracker shows a slow and steady increase in speed over the last year. I read your reply to AlMorr and that 10 minute mile may be there already, have you tried running just a mile? You should be able to go a little faster over a shorter distance and you can class it as a tempo run. While my recovery pace is as above, I’m almost at 5 for fastest km and sub 9 fastest mile... and one day I’ll work on being able to run those paces over 5-10k, but first I have a HM and a marathon to run.

[Birker in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Great! Thanks for the suggestion, UNM! I have a run this morning, so I might try the mile and then reign it back to a steady jog for the rest of the run.

Cheers and good luck with your preparations for your HM and marathon!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate10 in reply to Birker]

Thanks... HM is November and marathon will be next autumn. Then I’m going to be 5k focused for the rest of my running journey with a 10 mile maximum long run, and the odd 10k event. I’m hoping to take my marathon endurance and use it to get my pace up.

Have a great run today.

[Tulipcat in reply to UnfitNoMore]

I’m liking this plan! You’ve inspired me to at least consider a marathon. I’ve got my sights currently on the Coniston 14 in March as my longest run before settling into 5k snd 20k runs... but... just one couldn’t hurt, could it?

[UnfitNoMore Graduate10 in reply to Tulipcat]

I’ve heard that it hurts somewhere around mile 21!

[Birker in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thanks.

I ran a 2 mile run today.

9’22”

10’14”

But I had to stop in the 2nd mile as I was too tired.

So bitter sweet result.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate10 in reply to Birker]

Great one. Going faster was likely to make you run out of gas sooner, we operate a little bit like a car, we get further on our fuel going slow and steady.

Most of my tempo runs are half my long run or less. You didn’t just beat that 10 minute mile either, you smashed it... well done.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

Congratulations, that time is not slow for your first parkrun, considering the hills as well, you have a good chance on a flat course to get a sub 30 minute 5k soon.

[Birker in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks, Al! I’m keen to get a sub 10’ mile. That’s been my target for some weeks, but keeps alluding me.

Mind you, as I ran a 10.3’ average over the course, that mean I very likely achieved one during the run! Yay!

[Chris141 Graduate10]

That’s not slow! Well done for biting the bullet with the Park Run. As you say no one will ever feel out of place on one!

[Birker in reply to Chris141]

Thanks, Chris. I’ve never experienced anything like it before and I was really taken by the camaraderie of the event.

I’m pleased I dived straight in. I really enjoyed it!

[Tasha99 Graduate10]

Well done! That’s a great time. Actually I got exactly that time yesterday too! I live parkrun - I bet you’re addicted already 🤣

[Birker in reply to Tasha99]

Thanks! I think I am, Tasha! 😁

[damienair Administrator]

Congratulations and very well done on your first parkrun and well done on a great time too. Nothing at all slow about that effort.

Damien

[Birker in reply to damienair]

Cheers, Damienair!

[JonathanP Graduate10]

Congratulations on your first parkrun and that excellent time! But beware - they're addictive!😋

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

Well done Birker! May I just say that your time is not slow in the slightest! 😀

[Birker in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thanks, Cheeky!

😊