Did a longer 60 min run this morning on my level ex-rail route, all overgrown and green.
Nice, hot and now feel very headachy ☹️. And I know out of experience, this headache and nausea now will last the day. 😤 I get this sometimes due to my condition, I think. And the heat and length of run have been probably just a bit too much stress for my thyroid to cope. So I still need to experiment a bit with how I manage this, but in this hot weather maybe I should limit myself to 30 min runs.
But I was discussing earlier with hubby when I’d be ready to join some public runs, like Parkrun. And I realised that I may never be ready to do that and that I’m ok with that.
Or rather, I might just prefer joggling on just on my own.
I am a super- slow jogger, which suits me fine having to contend with a Thyroid condition that makes weight-loss really difficult. So my knees have to take a lot of the lifting, and knee strengthening exercises and slow jogging have meant they have been happier since quite a few years.
And when I shuffle along, I feel the bounce, the joy of rhythm. I feel like a runner.
Even though I know I am as slow as other people’s walking speed.
But knowing you are slow and experiencing that you are slow are two different things.
So imagining myself in a Parkrun, straggling along at the end of the crowd, having seen everyone pass me with a bounce and speed that I can only dream of, that might just knock my confidence.
And experiencing how slow I am in comparison to others might just knock not only my confidence but with it possibly my joy of running.
So I think for now and possibly forever, I’ll crown myself the Solo Queen of Slow , and shuffle very happily along alone.
Happy running everyone.
Written by
CBDB
Graduate10
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I'm yet do a parkrun but I'm sure they would be supportive no matter how slow you finish 👍🏻
I understand though and of course it's completely your choice if you prefer to run solo. I'm also a solo runner and not a fan of crowds but I've promised myself I'm going to get out of my comfort zone and give parkrun a go when it returns 😁
Solo or with company, the important thing is we are out there doing it 💪🏻😁
It’s perfectly ok to not ever run ParkRun or not want too. I’ve only been running Park run since January but I can honestly say it’s really for everyone. Some people run very fast, some people try too, some people chat their way around and others just walk it slowly. The best thing for me is watching people each week line up with our elites and start walking 10 seconds later. They don’t care and neither should you! Never let anyone take your joy of running ❤️🏃♀️
I'm also very slow and I quite like running solo. Apart from the fact that I'd rather not have to worry about other people, it's 'me' time - I'm doing it for me and I enjoy being out there on my own. I recently had a conversation with a friend who runs a lot and she was pushing for us to go running together until she heard how long it takes me to do 10k. Then it was 'oh, ok, well, it's really difficult to run at a slower pace so maybe not then'. Her reaction really knocked my confidence - I've only managed one short run since that conversation and I've been struggling to find my mojo since... Which is stupid because I knew how slow I was before that conversation and I didn't want to run with her in the first place. Anyway, I understand why you think maybe it's better to run on your own. I'm happy to have this community for strength and support. The actual running, that's all mine 🙂🐌🐢Hope your headache and nausea are better, I tend to get those in hot and humid weather, not pleasant 🤗🤗
Thank you. Yes, re headache, I think the heat was just too much. Some people with my condition are even advised to not do any heart-beat-raising sport. But no way will I stop running. I just have to find a way how in this kind of weather, without feeling ill the rest of the day.
But my knees feel great, and I did a roller session whilst resting on the bed. So now, early evening, headache slowly subsiding and legs feeling great!
And yes, I still have -I think - a fragile sense of confidence so I will be careful to not jeopardise it.
I have never heard about not raising heart rate because of thyroid? I am assuming this is where heart issues may exist? I took up running about two years before I was diagnosed and medicated and trained for a HM during that time too! I think the impact of an underactive thyroid varies massively from person to person. I think plenty of people with this condition can carry on as normal once your medication is right.
I believe there is a thinking of what stress does to a body with a thyroid or adrenal related condition. It has to be taken with a pinch of salt as Hypothyroidism is so diverse in itself and under-researched. But the suggestion is then that HIIT might be not as good and low cardio might be better as it doesn’t stress out your body/metabolism/thyroid functions? Something like that, but I also can’t get the connection completely into my head.
hiya, I'd like to think your 'friend' was unaware of how that statement came out about not being able to run slow, you thats quite an unkind thing to say if you don't mind me saying, and clearly its knocked your confidence which is such a shame. years ago I used to run with someone and its only now I realise how slow I must have run and he was a really good runner, so he obviously adjusted his pace to run with me, but never said anything about me being so slow. Nowadays, I always run on my own, I don't have anyone else to run with,but I love it, its my 'me' time and its a good way to de stress and think things through. I'm really excired for Parkruns as Ive never done one, but Ive heard they are really good because there's no pressure to go anything otherthing than what ever pace you want to go. I know someone who just goes for the atmosphere and she walks most of it. Maybe go and just observe the first one and see how you feel?
I know what you mean about this forum though, I feel I have more friends on here, and Ive never actually met anyone from here!! 🤗 🏃♀️
Thank you Hedgehogs 🤗 I'm pretty sure there was no malice but this person is one of those very tactless people who don't realise the effect they can have on others 🙄 but I'm working on my motivation, I'm determined to do three runs this week! 💪🏃♀️👍
You are doing great, no matter what speed you are! Do what feels good as a well know teacher says 😉 I can't do parkrun as there isn't one very near here but I quite like my own runs too!!
And the advantage of not choosing to go to Parkruns for ne is that I can simply start running from my doorstep. Hope you might be able to, too. A lot to be said for not having to drive somewhere before a run.
Just do whatever you want to do CBDB. Running is so personal and like Adriene says about yoga, just find what feels good.
That said, there are literally all levels at PR, so don’t necessarily discount it altogether. At ours, where there are usually more than 500 people, there are swift gazelles who basically sprint the whole 5k, there are people who walk the whole thing, chatting happily all the way with the Tailwalker, and there are hundreds in between, slow running, running/walking, everything.
If you want to, you’ll fit right in. If you still don’t fancy it, that’s perfectly fine too. ❤️
Volunteering is really nice at parkrun. People are lovely and you get to be part of the atmosphere. I’m volunteering when they start back up as I’m just not wanting to be back running with people as I’m used to just doing my thing. I’m sure I will do the odd one in the future but for now happy to cheer everyone on.
I was going to say that too. We have some volunteers who never run but they do an amazing job to help others do something they never thought possible. Parkrun isn’t just about running; it’s a community.
Bit of a fan of Adriene she is my go to! Saw her at Alexandra Palace last time she was over I usually do yoga on my own, practicing it with a over 2000 people was an experience 🧘🏼♀️
I’ve been doing Adriene’s videos for over 3 years and I use that mantra a lot, especially when running Wavy-chick28 ! 🙏🏻 😀 I’ve never seen her live though (except a live video once!), so the minute she’s back in the UK, wherever in the UK that might be, I’m there! 🥰
No reason to do a parkrun if you don't want to, but please don't be put off because you are slow. You will never come last because there is always a Tailwalker who will run or walk at whatever speed is required. Some parkruns have more than one Tailwalker, one for the slower runners the other for people who will walk the whole course. And the marshals will cheer you on wherever you are in the field.
Why not look at the recent events pages (which obviously are not very recent at the moment and see the times recorded. Ignore those speedy ones at the top of the page, remember those people will not have had chance to admire the scenery!
People walk their dogs at parkrun. Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it. I’d suggest going to a busy one as there are more levels of runners at those. Maybe volunteer first? There are the best!
We only have two in the vicinity, and they take half an hour drive. The next ones are at least an hour away.
But volunteering might be the right kind of preparation. One is part of the event but can also see what it might be like to run it. Great suggestion. So thank you! 🙏
Welcome to the no park run club. I have no desire to join in the fun. I did a 5k race immediately after graduation c25k and although I enjoyed my achievement the event itself added nothing to the enjoyment. Everyone is different and being happy and content running on your own gives you so many choices for days and routes. Happy running 🤗
Thank you so much. Yes, and I enjoy simply being able to step out the door and start my run (or rather warm-up walk).
Hubby and I drove to a Parkrun site, and it was great, but it adds to the dithering and prep, as one has to think of all sorts of things. (Keys, car keys, water, tell son you’re away, etc). It also adds an hour of driving time where we are.
Parkrun is running on your own. Just with others around you. It is not a competition and even if you want solitary runs, which I like, it is great to mix with people after. As someone else said, don't knock it if you haven't tried it. We love our Parkruns and are part of the core volunteer team for our local junior. We had one person at out local grown up parkrun who took over and hour for 5K, she crossed the line to cheers and she always had a big smile on her face. So go on, just the once.
I’m sorry if my reply upset you, I was aiming for a reply that meant it was ok to not want to do park run. I know when I started running there appeared huge pressure to join in. I wasn’t knocking it just saying don’t be pressured to do something if you don’t want to
Yes, and I really appreciated your reply. So big thanks, and I certainly was not upset. Just thankful for hearing all sorts of views which help inform me to make up my own mind. So huge thanks.
Thank you CBDB , it was the post above from Rumour i was answering as he sounds like he has taken offence at my post 🤣 I’m glad that you and others understand that park run is a personal choice and we can all make that choice ourselves 🙆🏼♀️
Well, as I huffed and puffed along on my week 2 run this morning, wondering if my run bit was as fast as my walk and deciding - no it probably isn't, I know exactly where you're coming from. But having run and marshalled at parkrun, I'd say that if it's only your speed that's stopping you, that's not a good enough reason. Nobody cares how fast or slow you are, and everybody is really supportive. I literally got overtaken by a 4year old walking his dog on my first parkrun! Somebody has suggested marshalling instead, and that would be a great way to check it out first. But if a whole bunch of people turning up to run at once gives you the heeby jeebies, fair enough!
Hi CBDB no-one here or at Parkrun is going to judge you, no matter whether you decide to do Parkrun or not🙂👍 If you decide you don’t want to take part, then that’s great. Equally, if you decide to have a go then that’s fine too. 🙂
When I’m marshalling at Parkrun I cheer and clap everyone just the same, no matter their pace or speed. 🏃♀️🏃♂️ You’ll never be the last to finish a Parkrun as there’s always a designated tail-walker in my experience.
Good luck with your running, no matter where you do it, or with or without others! 🏃♀️👍
Marshalling has been mentioned a couple of times and that really might be an option to see what it might be like whilst not running, but still being part of the event. And it’s certainly something I’d be chuffed to support.
That’s a great idea, I love marshalling and it really helps you feel part of something bigger. I’ve met so many people through Parkrun and it’s just so friendly and welcoming!
I’m not particularly slow but I’ve never done one and don’t have much interest in it, I really like running on my own and sometimes even politely tell my husband he can’t come with me! Good for you for finding what you enjoy.
Good luck to you CBDB whatever route you go as long as you enjoy your running . We are miles from park run as well and work every Saturday. Think my running days are getting numbered. Tried a slow jog today on grass with 1 km and walk 1 km for 5km but found hip still dodgy on the running part. Doing wee short steps like Japanese running don’t know why it’s hurting hip. It’s quite hard not to run instead of the walking I do after you have run for a long time now, quite frustrating. I don’t think I could walk a park run but I put my 5km time into not parkruns. 👏👏🥰
Do you do the Japanese slow jogging small steps as on the video.?Do you find that hips get jolted much . I don’t lift my feet much off the ground so shouldn’t be much impact . 🐌😊
I am neutral as well. I have brooks ghost 13 with plenty cushioning. The Japanese running shoes aren’t cushioned I see but that would probably be worse on hips or knees. They’re steps are really short baby ones .
Yeah, I’m not sure about which shoes are better for knee or hip issues. I’m not an expert but there seem to be conflicting views.
Supporters of low drop shoes suggest that it allows your feet to do the impact absorption and that feet are better than cushioning.
Supporters of cushioning shoes obviously say they do.
And I have read from runners on both sides, some who have developed joint issues with cushioned shoes, and others where the problems went away when they resorted to cushioned shoes.
So not sure. But certainly one has to really get slowly used to running on the balls of your feet as it can be hard on calf muscles. Not sure how that might affect other parts of the body.
Yes I run midfoot . But maybe steps too long. Might give it another go I’m not one for giving up and throwing in the towel. I’ll not get rid of trainers yet as their meant to help the back. 🙏
Yeah, I’d definitely keep them. I have now two, my old cheap low drop trainers, which are at their retirement age, and my new bouncy cushioned trail shoes.
But I have a feeling it might be actually good for me to mix these shoes up once in a while. One gives me cushioning, the other keeps me running on the balls of my feet.
Okay, so I am going to ask the obvious question- Did you have enough to drink?
If you think you did, might an electrolyte type drink work better for you than plain water?
If you never want to run a parkrun that is totally fine, they are just meant to be a bit of fun, and if doing one wouldn’t be fun for you, just carry on doing what does make you feel good x
Thank you. Yeah, I had enough before heading out. But I think I would have fared better if I’d brought water with me as well. I usually don’t have to, but in hot weather I probably should.
It might have added to the stress in my body that then affects my thyroid.
Electrolytes is an interesting one and will investigate.
Well done for running! Be proud of you! Park run is very inclusive and you might enjoy being part of it and if not stick to enjoying your own runs! I like my own company and also sometimes join a park run to do a different route. It’s not about the others it’s about you 🙂👏
Lots of really lovely replies on here, I am of the opinion I might give park run a go but really enjoy the peace and solitude of lone running. I go where the mood takes me the feeling of freedom is fab.I also think we shouldn’t care what others think, easy to say but months ago I watched people running past and thought I wish I could do that and a a lady runner who always ran past slow and steady got me thinking if she could do it then so could I ? And here I am running and thoroughly enjoying it fitter and healthier than I’ve ever been !
There are lots who watch us runners and wish they could do the same. One of my friends actually asked how we did it at our age (I'm 70) and I just told him to work into it with C25K and take it slow. He just shrugged and said he might, but he hasn't.
Amazing at 70! But it will keep you fit for your future shame about the neighbour, I’ve had similar with friends saying they wish they could do it! I say you just have to start and really want to then it IS possible 🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️
You know what, before I went to parkrun I thought you ‘had’ to run a whole 5k and not be too shabby about it either......how wrong was I.......it is one if the most welcoming things I have ever participated in.
I’m always near the back, but as a result of going and the friends I’ve made I’ve actually made it up to marathon distance - something I am still in disbelief at.....(not a requirement of course, many people do or did parkrun once a week, walk/run etc., and that’s enough for them - the key being its a regular habit)
Im in the ‘don’t knock it, ‘til you’ve tried it ‘ camp, just go along and watch, you’ll see if it’s for you or not.
Personally I can’t wait until it’s back, I’m heading towards my 250 runs t-shirt, and will be the proud owner of a 100 volunteer stints t-shirt - once their back....
I do go to parkrun sometimes, but certainly not every week. My local one has a group that meets once a month, it's called 5K Your Way, Move Against Cancer, for sufferers, survivors, friends and family - anyone touched by cancer really. I always try to go to that one, we chat and have coffee afterwards and it's a nice thing to do. A dear friend has recently been diagnosed for a second time, so I go to try and support her.
To be honest, I'm a bit of a slow starter in the morning, although I'm usually up early, I'm not ready to run until around 9:30 ish, so to get to parkrun ready to start at 9 is a bit of a stretch for me, what with driving there and parking etc.
I too like to run on my own terms, you can choose your route and distance - you might not always want to run 5 KM on a Saturday morning! And yes, I'm always last...
I started doing my local Parkrun as an incentive to keep running. I have since done volunteering too. I have been a tailwalker several times and each time the end people walked the whole way and were clapped and encouraged each time. Crowds are not for everyone, but it might be worth a try when it eventually returns.
I can't wait for it to come back. I really love it and never thought I would. I'm lucky in that there are a lot of Parkruns nearby...one almost at the top of the road... although I really dislike the course on that one so we go to one in a nearby park.I'm 60 and very slow. My first 5k was around 50 minutes, but the atmosphere and the friendliness make it addictive for me. We also discovered Parkrun tourism. We've done them in Canada and Stockholm. In Montreal we got taken out for breakfast by one of the organisers. We planned to do more UK ones but Covid has stopped that. I want to do the one that goes over the Severn Bridge.
Even before marshalling you could go along one morning to watch... just to see what your local one is like.
I can't run in heat at all. I'm hypothyroidal (and menopausal too), so I don't know if that's why. Can't do hills either....
That’s do great to hear. Yes, the Parkrun tourism is so tempting, isn’t it. I love the idea, but had thought rather running diff’t Parkrun routes not on the usual Sat morning time.
I’m also hypothyroid, so do you know what happens if you run in the heat? Do you also get headaches and nausea for the rest of the day? (I get the same symptoms when I work a very long day and into the night, so partying is out for me)
We should organise a group of people who’ve never done parkrun from here to meet at one and then all run together. I ran my first race the other day and I was bricking it beforehand, and then realised I really didn’t need to because it was a great atmosphere full of people of mixed ability. I’m really glad I did it, but can get why you may not want to. I just forced myself 😂
I totally understand so much of this @CBDB! I also have an underactive thyroid, and although I am lucky that it has never affected my weight, I do sometimes feel that it leaves me feeling really tired…or is that the menopause? Who knows!🤷♀️ Either way, I have learned to listen to my body when it comes to running!🏃♀️ I love to run on my own but have also done various races over the last few years and have really enjoyed them. They are usually really inclusive which is what I love about running…and of course the bling.!🏅
When it comes to Parkrun, I have only done one - the weekends are usually my long run day. Also, my nearest Parkrun (which I can walk to) is a really small one and I know there are a lot of super fast runners who race up the hill (x2) that I tackle very slowly! 😂 I would love to start going when Parkrun returns but am not sure I have the confidence, mainly because of my ability on a tough course. My husband runs there regularly and I know it is extremely friendly and welcoming but still I hesitate!
Do what feels right for you - running is yours to enjoy. And remember, you are always free to change your mind! 🙂
I’m a bit late to the party CBDB having only just seen your post. Actually, there have been parties that I missed altogether because I went for a snooze before going out and just slept right through - but that’s another story and I digress! There’s no law that says you have to do parkrun so don’t feel that you must. If you prefer running on your own, that’s fine too. I run on my own and am happy doing that but I do actually enjoy parkrun as well. I’m ridiculously slow as you know so I make sure I start at the back so that the speedsters aren’t rushing past me. Lots of people walk the whole thing so I reckon whatever speed you run, you probably won’t be at the back anyway and everyone is generally really supportive. But it’s your choice. You’re also not alone in having no bounce. It took me a while to work out that I have no bounce in my ankles - a gazillion years ago when I used to ride a lot, everyone else would jump off and land gently but I was the one hitting the ground like a brick! And now I look on enviously as runners glide past me as though they’re on springs while I’m slapping along with ankles that barely move😢. But it is what it is and we shufflers are runners too! So whatever you decide is right for you, enjoy yourself!
Hiya, be kind to yourself, you do what you feel comfortable with, does it matter how slow, what matters is that you enjoy it and it makes you smile! To me thats what running is all about. Sure I get days when I want to be faster, but I think that a year agao, I couldn't run more than 5 mins! Ive said above to Beatlesforever that I know someone who goes to Parkruns just for the atmosphere, she walks all the way round, and just loves the buzz that everyone seems to have. Im excited, because I haven't done before, but I'll see how I feel and if it isnt for me, I'll just go back to running on my own (well apart from the company of Coach Bennett of course!) 🤗
I hear ya. No parkruns here in Belgium, but after having run a 'real' virtual 6 km race a few weeks / months ago, I realised I would feel out of place on a real life race. I am slow and I Jeff. Jeffing is not known here in Belgium I think and I'd probably be looked upon like a fraud. So no real races for me. But that is ok, I run for health, not for winning (besides our Conqueror medals haha).
Conqueror medals! Yey! (They are a beauty, aren’t they)
Never thought of the issue of jeffing in races. What is strange is that recently I almost couldn’t find any audio coached training plans to 10k that don’t use jeffing. This might be an indication that it’s gaining popularity and that the awareness of its effectiveness is increasing.
So maybe not too much in the distant future there will be many more in Belgium or UK who Jeff in public runs and races.
In my pre C25k days, (and pre covid/lockdown), I used to get encouragement from the stewards if I was late with my brisk walk on a Saturday morning and park run had started!
I can completely relate to some of the comments here. I find running solo is much less stressful and therefore easier. Also I like to put on my headphones and switch off - again not possible with a companion.
I remember when I was near the end of my last c25k my son visited and said he would come out with me. When I started running he continued walking and stopping to take pictures of pretty views in Borth-y-gest and still kept up with me!🤣🤣
I'm a bit faster than then but not much. But I'm out there when I feel OK and it's definitely doing me good.
We're all different - some people need others to spur them on or to set a personal goal or a competition. Some don't. Do it the way that feels right and be proud of yourself 😊
Hi I tried the notparkruns - you make your own 5k course and can submit your times. I'm walking not jogging (hip and lower back pain when I restarted C25k recently and had to stop wk3), and my brisk walk takes about 54 mins. My PB is 49! Every week there are a few of us around the 50-60 minute mark. I have to think that this would be the same for the real parkruns. I would love to do a real one and hope I'll be brave enough soon! Just to add, I agree with the others - I love walking/jogging on my own too!
Hi noticed your reply to CBDB and you mentioned you had hip and lower back pain. Does the jogging make it worse . I have osteoporosis and osteoarthritis and on the walking as well . I noticed as well you tried the Japanese slow jogging. Did that hurt your hip and lower back. I’ve tried the slow jogging but not sure if that’s what makes mine hurt or it hurts anyway. I like walking jogging on my own as well when I can do it especially the jogging part of it😊
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and see the times recorded. Ignore those speedy ones at the top of the page, remember those people will not have had chance to admire the scenery!
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