I might get to like this parkrun lark

[Ian5K]

Today was my very first parkrun experience. Honestly, I wasn’t in the mood when I woke up.

I say “woke up” but I don’t believe I was actually asleep at all through the night; anyway, not the kind of refreshing slumber you need before an early morning pre-breakfast 5k. I say “pre-breakfast” but a run which kicks off at 9.00 means it’s practically lunchtime before a decent portion of grub passes the lips! Why, oh why, oh why am I doing this?

The hardest thing is just getting out the door, so with gritted resolve, I kicked my derrière out the door (excuse my French). When we got there, it looked like a fun day out; that is to say it looked chaotic: an odd assortment of human shapes and sizes, ages ranging from about 7 to 97, everyone looking at each other for clues as to what to do.

Eventually all the first timers were rounded up for a talking to. And then literally everyone was rounded up for a second talking to. Then we were directed to gather in a rough line, four abreast, and we were off!

Three circuits of a field at the local college. It was actually well coordinated with magenta gilet-tabard-vest-thingy wearing stewards at each and every turn, pointing the way and clapping and cheering as we strove on. I think I overestimated those in front and got caught up in a bottleneck twice. I guess you have to get accustomed to running in groups but this was my first go so I wasn’t expecting my best effort; just enjoy the experience.

Thankfully, after the funnel, the barcode reader read my printed smudge and recorded a time of 28:33 (5.3 km according to my Strava but I did start somewhere nearer the back, furthest from the starter’s flag). I came second in my age group VM60-64 which isn’t so bad, 69th out of 205, and 54th out of 117 men (and boys, for there was a small number of sproglets attending, I noticed, helping their old folks over the line).

Yeah, I think I might go again.

Well done to everyone who ran today! Yay!

[sparky66 Graduate10]

Awe congratulations that's a fantastic time for your first parkrun 🏃🎉👍

[Ian5K Graduate10 in reply to sparky66]

Thanks, sparky.

[Rennur Graduate10]

I'd be glad to get under 40 minutes. You did so well.

[Ian5K Graduate10 in reply to Rennur]

Thanks, Rennur! I’m pleased with it especially as I was about to cry off the whole thing.It’s all a personal journey really, the times, the PBs. I mean, these lanky youngsters who lapped us on the second circuit with ease. Impossible 17mins. Envy!

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

Well done on your first Parkrun - and what a great time too! 👍🙂

[Ian5K Graduate10 in reply to Sandraj39]

Thank you!

[RunBrianRun Graduate10]

Wow that’s a great first Parkrun time! Well done 👍

[Ian5K Graduate10 in reply to RunBrianRun]

Cheers, Brian.

[Raisemeup 60minGraduate]

Thanks for that Ian and that's a great result especially for a first time! An insight into what happens is helpful when you are pondering - shall I? /shan't I? I have a friend urging me to do a PR but I usually make an excuse and bat her off, but I shall say yes next time. Our Parkrun doesn't go round fields, it follows a winding park route and I wonder if I'll get it right when a bit nervous. I think there will be stewards and signage pointing us in the right direction so should manage!!.If anyone else has run the Tonbridge Park Run, please let me know how it went - all tips gratefully received.

Enjoy many more enjoyable Parkruns Ian, best wishes ☺️

[Ian5K Graduate10 in reply to Raisemeup]

Thanks. Yes, I think you’ll be well looked after once the run gets going and I was relieved not to see too many serious looking athletes around - it really was more of a fun run atmosphere. A few even run-walked the course.

Say “yes!” 🙂

[Deals1 Graduate10]

Well done. 👍 Great time your fist and sounds like u maybe hooked. 😊

[Ian5K Graduate10 in reply to Deals1]

Ooh, it could be addictive. I noticed a few runners with “50” or “100” on the back of their t-shirts, with the parkrun tree symbol. Who knows, this time next year I might be a parkrun veteran too. Ha ha.

[Deals1 Graduate10 in reply to Ian5K]

Yep u well maybe. It's a great start to the weekend ☺️