Warning - this post involves shameless bragging for which I apologise. And which probably means there's a disaster lurking round the corner somewhere …...
I'm counting watch time not Parkrun time, as the narrow start line we're using to spread people out for the first 500m or so meant I started my watch on crossing the start line all of 34 secs after 3-2-1-Go. But I had a little cracker and came home with a watch time of 23'49", my first sub-24 since I did exactly the same time on, spookily, the equivalent weekend last year, which was then my best since, spookily, the equivalent weekend way back in 2015. Roll on 13 Sep 20!
The weather was perfect, bright and sunny but not too warm (Dexy5 may disagree about warmth), with the wind a gentle easterly to push us home for once. The first 500m included lots of sidestepping, spurts and sudden braking so I was well pleased to rack up the first k in 4'53", but wind or no wind I didn't really believe sub-24 was on after getting to halfway in 12'08", especially as I had to pause to pull my compression socks up at that point. But I did manage to wind things up on the way home, though I thought I was losing it with around a k to go, clocking an 11'41" second half. Interestingly, a year ago the wind was in the other direction, and I went out in 11'40" and came back in 12'09". Now if I could just arrange for the wind to reverse as I get to the cone …...
Hopefully equally good times were had by all Parkrunners today, and will be had by those racing not running tomorrow. Onwards and upwards!!
Written by
UpTheStanley
Graduate10
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Congratulations UTS on achieving a sub 24 minutes 5K in a time of 23.49, excellent.
I wasn't at a parkrun today, next weekend it will be my 6th parkrun, however, for one Saturday morning only, I will be running at a different place. Today there was a lady at the parkrun I will be at next Saturday ran it in 18.44, she is in the 55/59 age group, her age grading I notice was 99,29%, so if she is there again next week, I will see her passing me on the second lap like a gazelle. 😊 🏃
Woohoo UTS! Sometimes these sneak up on you but I guess you should have known given the last 2 years. Experience would suggest your recent series of longer runs have make this possible?
Absolutely right 😀. The long runs produced last week’s 10k PB in the New Forest and that made me decide to have a proper crack today if things looked right for it. And from 3k on, it was on if I could just hold it together 🙏🙄👍
Now I get your question about watch vs official time! That start funnel is a time-killer, isn't it. And worst on the popular races and when the weather is 'just right' for a PB attempt. Well done UTS.👍
Thanks - once it started taking more than a few seconds to get to the line, I started using watch time for my main records, though I do also note down Parkrun time and the age-grade.
Woohoo, well done UTS! What a fantastic run. Strangely I ran exactly the same time to the second as my last Lincoln parkrun. In my case, though, it was a more leisurely 32.38😂
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Magic Plan W3 R2, evening 5k
Return of the (aged) gazelle 
First attempt at being a pacer!
