Guildford parkrun - No. 26 - And a question...

[IAmCharliemouse]

Finally I have returned to parkrun after a horrible cold. I am even quite pleased with my time, considering the muddy patches, not insignificant hills (the course is referred to as "undulating"), and having to wear trail shoes.

Anyway, my list of excuses aside, I did a respectable time, and enjoyed the run. It was quite a big event by the numbers, and a very friendly crowd with lots of support.

I had struggled the previous week with a longer run, but I felt much better this weekend.

I am still hopeful to take part in my local 10K next Sunday. However, I will see how I feel on the day. At least I will be able to wear lighter road shoes, which I always prefer. He's hoping for a dry day.

Need to fit in at least a couple of 5km runs before then. I have never run 2 days in a row, so that means no parkrun next Saturday, but I might make an exception - I know a lot of people regularly run consecutive days, but of course all the advice when you are beginning to run is to avoid that. I started running in April, and have always stuck to that rule.

So, should I run two days in a row (if I feel up to it) or not?

[UnfitNoMore Graduate10]

The general advice is at the very least 6 months of running, and better 12 months plus, before skipping rest days. As you’re somewhere in between, you’d probably be ok to occasionally go back to back, i have to admit that I did. As Sunday is your event, if you do go to parkrun treat it as a recovery run and keep the pace gentle.

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

No - you are struggling at the moment and want to do 10k on sunday - we give you permission to miss park run an Saturday 😉

[IAmCharliemouse Graduate10 in reply to Grannyhugs]

That's all the permission I need. 😉

[UpTheStanley Graduate10]

Don't do it. If you were on top line, then possibly, but for my money 5k is too long for a pre-race loosener. And as you never do the same parkrun twice, you probably wouldn't be prepared just to stroll it, so your 10k would definitely suffer. All "in my opinion", of course

[Buddy34 Graduate10]

I have done a few 20 minute easy runs on the Friday before parkrun and found it okay. It really is up to you but now I know what 10k feels like I couldn't run the day before. Good luck 😊😊

[ForbiddenPlanet Graduate10]

You've been running longer than I have, but if it were me I would see the 10K on Sunday as an excuse to take it easy on Saturday and would skip the Park Run. Hope it goes well whatever you decide.

[AllezLeChef Graduate10]

I think running the 5k would impact your 10k performance. Why not volunteer at parkrun instead as a compromise

[IAmCharliemouse Graduate10 in reply to AllezLeChef]

That is a great idea.

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

I used to live a few minutes walk from Stoke Park, where they hold Guildford Parkrun. It was where I used to run in my twenties (before kids and years of inactivity😯) and I also did a Race for Life here once. Although it looks gently undulating, it is quite deceptive and I think harder than it looks - running on grass can be energy-sapping (even if it's kinder on your knees!) Good luck for the weekend too but I agree with the others - give Parkrun a miss!🙂

[damienair Administrator]

Volunteer at parkrun, it’s great and loads do it when they have a race the next day. You could also just have a nice leisurely walk around the Parkrun course and have a chat with the tail walker. I’d volunteer, it’s a great feeling paying back and you’ll get to know the core team. There should be an email Address on the website or Facebook page.

Damien

[IAmCharliemouse Graduate10 in reply to damienair]

I've marshalled at a junior parkrun before, and it was great fun. I don't know why I didn't think about it this time.