I signed up to my local Parkrun over a year ago. I normally run on my own so hadn't felt the need to attempt one until today.
I woke up having not been able to run for a few days and having been in the company of the running gremlins for a few months now knew I'd need to get out this weekend. I ran through some of my usual routes in my head and realised that they all felt too isolating and for the first time ever I really wanted to be amongst other runners. So clothes on before I could change my mind. Brisk walk to the run site on the other side of town, gasped at the amount of runners waiting to run (I think it was about 370), newbie briefing and off we went. I've read so much good advice on these pages in the past so reminded myself that I didn't need to set off at the pace everyone else did (the first person back did so in 17:58!) And this was about my run and noone else's.
I normally run on hills at the start or end of my runs so a flat, albeit muddy, course was a nice change (thank goodness for my Brooks hybrids though).
I don't run with any gadgets other than my phone and decided I'd not bother setting my phone up so just went with the flow. Well I was extremely surprised that by the time I'd walked home the results were in and even more pleasantly surprised when my time was 31:30.
I really enjoyed today and whilst I won't go every week I will definitely go again when I need company. If you're wavering whether to join one or not it definitely gets the thumbs up from me.
Written by
EB43
Graduate10
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I have been planning running for two weeks but the weather is so inappropriate (to me) that all I do is packing my running gear in and out. Maybe tonight...
Well done, that's a fantastic time! I love running on my own but there's something fab about running with other people at Parkrun and feeling part of something.
Thanks. I've never been great at meeting people so groups like this are normally my idea of hello but the hellos and odd chats on the way round were lovely and I certainly felt welcome.
Wow that’s a fantastic time! Not that time matters 😊 A run is a run. Bet you felt fab after! Hold onto that post run feeling: it’s what keeps me motivated to run again when I struggle with demons.
Thanks. The demons have been having a field day recently so I take each run as a win whatever happens. I have felt good all day so it really did give me a lift.
Generally running on my own works for me too. I've only done three park runs over six months or so but every time I'm surprised at how much I enjoy it!
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.