So it has been a busy, busy couple of weeks for me both personally and running wise. First of I moved house - same city, but different neighbourhood. Luckily this is just by my favourite running spot in a big park / forest!
Running wise - injury wise, my physio told me I needed new shoes asap... so of course I had to do a bit of shopping! I went to a proper running shop, also just because I'd prefer to have a bit of guidance... Last time I went I was told I needed stability shoes - but not anymore! I must have tired on 7 or 8 pairs, but I ended up with a pair of Brooks Glycerin 19s - in a black and purple colour! I used them for the first time today :))) My feet were a bit unhappy, but not in a pain sort of way, just in a 'this is different' kind of way. Do shoes soften up? I can remember not liking my previous pair of shoes at the beginning (in comparison to an old sneakers!) so I am sure they will grow on me.
My run today was good 0 it was my long run of the week (45 minutes!) but it was so hot yikes. I think my first problem was that I left too late - I only made it out of my house at 10am! It has been really hot here the past week, and very humid too. Already by 2k in I was feeling it. Unfortunately also around this time cramps hit me. Hard! I had to stop on a park bench for 10 minutes to recover. Luckily it is very pretty around so I could take in the view and the pack of deer passing and with this they did pass. I started up my run again, and this time it went a lot smoother. Luckily there were lots of trees (a forest) so I could take some shade, but even then the sun seemed to burn through.
This was also my longest run so far, and I made it over 8k! That is starting to sound a lot closer to 10k which is so exciting
Also: here Parkrun is here again! It is really close to me as well (just 2k away) and of course, I would love to join! But I'm too scared! hah. Really though. I've never done any running with people / race (I know its technically not a race but in my head its race if that makes sense?). Also I think its because I know I'm not as fit as I was, and also I know I cannot run very fast at them moment? Also I am very scared to injury myself again so I literally think I am scared of speeding things up, even if my fitness allowed me. I'm definitely overthinking it but I keep not going despite wanting to... I keep telling myself when I'm more comfy I'll go.. so hopefully sometime in these next weeks?
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a_in_gsr
Graduate10
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First of all as far as shoes go, whatever model works best for you then just stick with that. For me it’s Brooks GTS. Second, don’t over think parkrun. It’s literally just a run in a park. No one cares where you finish, just that you took part. If I was you I would walk it all for you first one. See what it’s all about. Then you will easily get a PB on your next one. It’s great fun.
Don’t be scared of parkrun a_in_gsr - it’s a run (or walk!) in the park! And you did that yesterday! If you normally run on your own, as I do, the idea of running with lots of others can be daunting but it really isn’t. It can be very sociable and makes a really nice change! Yes, there are the competitive types who go off like Olympic sprinters but the vast majority are people like you and me who run at their own pace- in my case that’s super slow and you find me trotting along just ahead of the tail walkers! Or walk, it doesn’t matter - it’s for everyone! So print off your barcode, take a deep breath and go for it - I’m pretty sure you won’t regret it!
Happy new home. I hope your feet start to enjoy your new shoes quickly- new runners to me always feel bliss from day 1🤗. I think you may be over thinking park run. If you’re not comfortable trying it then don’t, please don’t be pressured into doing something just because you know others do it and love it. Personally I can’t think of anything I’d like to do less on a Saturday morning- I do enjoy my solitary runs and a place and time of my choosing. Be careful in the heat, if it’s too hot and uncomfortable cut the run short, a long run can certainly be postponed. Happy running 🤗
I think I'm overthinking it too! hah. You are right though, I feel like everyone loves it so I should too, but maybe not. Perhaps I'll go and do one and then see if its for me or not
Busy times for you! Why not have a look at the stats for your local Parkrun and see how quickly people of your age complete it. You can then compare your normal 5k time with theirs before you go which will give you a realistic idea of where you'll be when you finish, whether that's up in front, in the middle or near the back. I guessed I'd be towards the middle of the last few and that was fine by me and pretty accurate.Of course the temptation is to go faster than the person in front of you if you can and that's hard to resist but having done one I'd definitely do it again.
Why not go along to parkrun as a volunteer, or spectator? You'll see then exactly whether you'll like it or not....anyway, if you go to run and it's not for you, you don't have to go again, or even finish the route if you really don't like it.
For myself, I quite enjoy a parkrun if I'm in the mood, but I certainly don't go every week, just when I feel like it.
From memory, you're a fast runner anyway a_in_gsr , so if that really is what's bothering you, not the social side, then why not give parkrun a go?
Personally I'm with Grannyhugs , the idea of having to do 5k on Saturday morning with other people is absolutely not for me. Fortunately my nearest parkrun is about 300km away, which takes off all the pressure about giving it a go!
I agree! Park runs are not for me. I much prefer my own company, and of course the company of nature ,the fields farm tracks etc, all situated in my little quiet country village especially early in the morning.😀😀
Hmm Cmoi I'm not sure... but no I think for me it is the social side of running that I would like to do but I find a bit daunting. Yes maybe I will also have these same feelings
I was apprehensive about doing parkruns too, having never run with people around me before. I started running during lockdown and had only ever run solo before the end of July.
I'm happier in the small local park (about 100 runners) than I was in the larger parkrun (200+ runners).
Yes your right Paul. I set off too fast the very first one I did and at the time I wasn’t that experienced in my running so I think that put me off park runs. I did a couple more after that one but I still wasn’t keen and beside all that I have to drive about 17 miles to get to one ,so I just don’t bother now😀😀
For my first I had to go to one on the other side of Manchester: 25 minutes (19 miles) on the motorway dressed in running kit. My local one is about 10 minutes away.
One of my colleagues ran to parkrun, ran parkrun, then back ran home!
Don't be scared of parkrun. All you need to do is get a barcode printed off and turn up for the First Timer Welcome briefing at about 8.45. Then run and/or walk the 5K at your own pace, you cannot possibly come last because there will be a friendly Taikwalker to do that. Then join people at the Post run coffee place.
Or you could go along as a volunteer (Marshal is probably best to start with) to see what happens, and probably stand there wishing you had decided to run
How about asking if anyone here will be at your local parkrun and arrange to meet. Even if you don't actually run together you will have met someone.
Personally I am happy to run slower to encourage someone new, but I would have a problem keeping up with anyone much faster
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and with this they did pass. I started up my run again, and this time it went a lot smoother. Luckily there were lots of trees (a forest) so I could take some shade, but even then the sun seemed to burn through. 
Running on roads, and shoe query!
Done as I was told - new shoes
Running Shoe Advice! Ditch the Clouds? 
Weeks break and feeling good..
New Brooks wearing away already!
