Hello Everyone and happy weekend. Today is parkrun day, a free 5K event which takes place every Saturday morning all around the world. It is for everyone, slow, fast, able, disabled, big, small and everyone in between. Oh and don't forget about the super Mum's and Dad's who push their babies in buggies. You can walk, jog, run, run/walk, it's not a race, just a run in the park and loads of us here on Bridge to 10K do it religiously every Saturday morning.
parkrun is back thankfully in Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales.
The Republic of Ireland unfortunately is still awaiting a parkrun return. So until parkrun returns fully for everyone some of us will continue to take part on our own in a Virtual parkrun every Saturday morning called a (not)parkrun
Please post a little run report after your parkrun and let everyone know how you got on. The little run report can be done over a post parkrun coffee and treat/cake. (parkrun is all about the after run coffee and cake, and meeting friends old and new).
If you are a new graduate and would like to start, all you have to do is run, walk or jog at a parkrun or a 5K run/jog/walk (not)parkrun anytime today or tomorrow and write a little run report under this post. It's like a little community and it is good fun, sets you up nicely for the weekend. If you want to you can register on the parkrun website and you can log your 5K (not)parkrun. In fact you can log any 5K done during the week as a (not)parkrun on the website. I only log Saturday runs, when I remember.
For anyone whom has not done a real parkrun yet and if it is available to you, give it a try. It is the most wonderful community event. Saturday mornings will never be the same again.
Looking forward to hearing from all of you who ran in real proper parkruns and (not)parkruns. Happy running and have a lovely weekend.
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I was looking for your post earlier but maybe you posted while I was typing my separate post, I think this might be the second time I have managed to align a Saturday and a 5k! Still not brave enough for a park run but it isn't out of the question anymore for me, so maybe one day soon , anyway I had a lovely run along the river in the sunshine with my dog, fab start to the weekend, hope you enjoy your run too!
Going to parkrun is a bit like starting C25k, getting out on the first day is the hardest. But you’ll find when you get there it is not as scary as you thought.
Hi, I wanted to join a Park Run in North Wales last Saturday but unfortunately the nearest one was cancelled 😔. So went for a run from our accommodation in the mountains instead - which was wonderful! Today I need a rest day after lots of big days in the mountains but hopefully next week I will get to our local PR.
I had a good run this morning, felt strong and a bit faster than last week. Added bonus to discover that the Parkrunner I was encouraging at the top of our “hill” was doing his first Parkrun!
Good morning everyone! I have been out for a 10k with my new running friends from the Eymet Social Running Club this morning. After last week’s hilly 6.5k/136m elevation, they assured me they had mapped out a flatter route. It was only 82m in 10k and pretty much all in one go 😂 Still, it has to be good for me. This week’s (not) parkrun was, therefore, on Thursday and a solo run along to Monbazillac in a time of 31.47. Happy running and happy weekend!
Unfortunately our local parkrun was cancelled last night no defibrillator available don’t know why ?I was looking forward to trying to beat my last weeks 3rd PB since we came back.
But my knee was a bit stiff this morning so I don’t think I would have beat my time.
My fourth ever parkrun and I’m learning to be a bit more confident and assertive. I’m still not starting anywhere nearer the head of the pack, still somewhere at the rear, so it’s probably costing me a few seconds just to get to the actual starting flag.
But I was determined not to get caught up in the early bottleneck this time where it all converges into a narrow footpath for a stretch! A quick look over the shoulder, a bit of signalling, and run through the gaps.
Strava claimed a PR over 5k of 24:43 - however, the official timekeeper clocked me at 26:35, so I’ll go with that.
It was a lot cooler - in fact, I felt quite chilly as I had arrived 20 minutes too early, so I had a gentle trot up and down for a while. Very few runners seem to warm up at these events but I saw a few doing the James Dunne routine, like I do, so I didn’t feel too self-conscious about swinging my stuff about.
For my own records, I don’t start my watch until I get to the actual start line. I keep records of this (“watch time”), official “parkrun time” and even “5k time” on those occasions when the watch thinks the run was more than 5k (e.g. 5.05 this morning). I really should get out more …..
Well it’s what I would do if it mattered to me (and at my pace there’s no point worrying about it) and I know you share my (and Mr C’s) love of all things spreadsheet
It’s easier with a watch, I guess. I just use a phone and I’ve just thought how much pointless seconds I use up getting it secure and zipped up in my armband. I should just start the thing well before the shout “Go” simply to record the event on Strava but go with the official timekeeper’s time.
I have running shorts with pockets! Caught in action by Nia the photographer at my local Park Run…I'm really not some sad person who can’t be separated from their phone! 😂
I found a secret pocket in the rear of my shorts, putting them in the wash the other day. It’s too small for my phone. I suppose people use them for gummy bears - whatever those are. It seems an inaccessible place to put a runner’s pocket but probably the one place it won’t chafe.
Oh yeah, didn’t think of that. Keys are a problem, always afraid I’ll drop mine and have to run around again. Only on parkruns though, it’s the only run I drive to. 🙂
Really well done Ian 👍👏👏👏. Sometimes it’s fun to stay towards the back. It’s more fun back there apparently. I did it when I was injured a couple of years ago and the camaraderie was super. But as you say if it’sa run where there’s a potential log jam ahead or you’re after a fast run, then always head for the front. But not too near unless you’re going under 20 minutes as you’ll get trampled on. 😂 Well done on your time 👍👍👍
A fun-filled parkrun meet up this morning with me , UpTheStanley snd Oldgirlruns driving to Portsmouth Lakeside to meet up with JonathanP . A plea for more Volunteer marshals was made before the run could go ahead. Our parkrun is having a similar problem at the moment with new volunteers required to help out.
It was a lovely day for a run with a nice cooling breeze. The route goes under a motorway slip road and round a lake in a business park. It’s just perfect for parkrun.
I'm at Portsmouth Lakeside parkrun most weeks Blackberrypie and Dexy, UTS and OGR are at Southsea. Not sure where your 'home' parkrun is but I'm sure we can arrange a meet up soon!
Oh yes Blackberrypie. We are at Southsea most weekends but happy to go to Portsmouth Lakeside too. Mind you, after reading your post, you’ll be waiting around a while for me to get to the finish line.
You're very welcome Dexy! Great to meet up again with you, UTS and OGR - very enjoyable morning. The only fly in the ointment was that my mission to get back under 30 mins post parkrun restart was foiled for another week - 30.02 this time!😫
Hope your journey back through the Victorious traffic wasn't too bad.
Fab Dexy! Strange how some Parkruns overflow with volunteers and some struggle. We always seem to get our quota but it’s holiday time so it takes a little longer.
Yes I’m sure our local festival had an effect on our volunteers this week. But it’s sad that the RDs have to plead for volunteers every week when there would be no problem if each runner just volunteered once a year. You’d think that people would stepup after a year without parkrun.
Fantastic to see friends together again. Great running and well done to all of you. Great way to kick off a weekend. I'm not even the slightest bit jealous (super lie).
Good morning Damien, I did hear in the RTÉ News yesterday that they hope to have big events starting again in around 6 weeks time, hopefully parkrun will start then for you.
I had TWO PB's this week, I ran my 63rd (not) parkrun on Wednesday in a PB not parkrun time of 31.52, this Saturday morning I ran my 19th Official Parkrun in a PB time of 30.20 at Drumpellier Parkrun, unlike last week that is the correct time, both the official and the 2 unofficial parkrun apps I have show the same time, the age grading is the highest I have had at 62.47%,my friend Keith whom I ran with on his graduation run from C25K took me to Drumpellier by car but we did not run together, his time for his first parkrun was 36.51, he liked his run so much that he hopes to go back next week.
He has texted me to say thanks for going with him to his first parkrun, his time was 36.51, not 36.25, nevertheless it was good to get a sub 37 minutes 5K time for his first parkrun.
Thanks Dexy5 and Oldgirlruns, I was the ONLY runner at Dunfermline (NOT) parkrun so far this week, that doesn't bother me too much, as UpTheStanley said I could run a official Parkrun then run a (not) parkrun on the same day, however, Wednesday is the day that I run a (not) parkrun, sometimes it's a 5K split for a longer run, at other times like this week, just a 5K run. 🏃🏾
Oh wow, Al, fantastic running and what a super time you did. Congratulations to you and your buddy too. Really well done. Yes I hope parkrun returns here to Ireland sometime in October. I can't wait.
Breaking News regarding (Not) Parkrun, I have just noticed that the not parkrun reports have been stopped, so it now seems from now on only the official Parkruns will count, this maybe a glitch, however, as I was the only person who ran (not) parkrun last week I understand why they have stopped them.
I have just noticed a new feature on my result page, it's called "New Freedom parkrun" this may be instead of (not) parkrun, as it allows you to record a walk, jog or run at any parkrun course at any time, it has the same features as (not) parkrun such as the date and place run.
Thanks Week7, I was in a bit of a dilemma on Friday night and early Saturday morning, recently I have been running sub 33 minutes 5K runs, Keith on the other hand has been running around 37 minutes for his 5Ks, so do I run with him at the parkrun or go ahead of him leaving him alone, but he put my mind to rest when we got to the parkrun by telling me to run at my pace, not his as he said I was quicker than him, that is what happened, I was around 6 and a half minutes ahead of him yesterday, he congratulated me later on my PB time of 30.20, his time was 36.51, he liked the parkrun so much that he hopes to run there again this Saturday.
A sunny but cool parkrun this morning. I paced well today and completed it with no walk breaks. I'm still waiting for the official time but it looks like I've done another one in about 30'30".
(And once again the Garmin watch under-recorded the distance. The course has lots of 90° turns and plenty of tree cover, and that confuses its GPS. My phone got the distance right.)
I volunteered this week, timekeeping again. Taken it very gently this week and I didn’t want to be tempted to speed up. Knees and Achilles still a bit twingey. The good news is they didn’t spot my deferral request for the Big10k next Sunday and as the Physio says I’m ok to run so I’m still going to do it👍
For all those who do yoga, keep doing it! The Physio says it’s the reason why I’m recovering quickly as I’m strong and flexible. For those of you who don’t, I really, really recommend it 👍👍🙏
Timekeeping was odd this week - we had a couple sneak in mid way, clearly hadn’t run it, just wanted the experience of crossing a line. Then there were the two who came in after the Tailwalkers. My fellow timekeeper clicked them in but I’d already stopped the clock. So we were a bit all over the place. And our RD is trying out a Bluetooth connected clicker which I didn’t get on with at all. Apparently a few parkruns are trying these out.
I intend to run next week as I’ve had quite enough of this rest and rehab! If I can’t do 5km then I’m not much good for the Big10k!
It was a very strange timekeeping day. Apparently there were some who came through twice as well! It must have been quite a challenge to process the results today. I think the tech is to help those out who have big phones or when it is raining. My phone is a really nice size but I can see the logic for bad weather…as long as the Bluetooth connection stays good.
I am running to a friend’s tomorrow cheeky and I can’t wait! Off to try the new machines at the gym this afternoon as it’s just had a refurb. The rest has helped physically; mentally I’m all over the place!!! 🤗🤗🤗
Yes it’s the role I have avoided up to now, but Coddfish says it’s much easier with a smart phone. I haven’t heard about an alternative Bluetooth gadget.
It’s the role I prefer to do, you get to see all the runners, and (a boon in the weeks before my surgery) you can do it sitting down. App on your phone, start the time, touch the screen once every time someone crosses the line. So much easier than their old timers. You can see it add an entry and hear a sound every time you add a result.
Good luck with the Big 10k TC👍 I hope you’re fully fit for the run. Well done on volunteering too. This is something I really must do but I never am quite sure from week to week where I’ll be running so planning for it makes it tricky. I must do better. 😬
Thanks Brian. Haven’t been this worried about a 10k in years! It’s my fault, I’d planned an illustrious pb! 🙄You could always have a quick chat to the RD when you turn up. Katnap now runs and scans because he’s sub 25 minutes and they need a lot of them because of the Covid framework.
Thanks TC. I will do that next Saturday. 👍 I hope your run goes well today. Don’t push it too much. “Live to run another another day.” 👍 But I know what it’s like as I’m the same. I’m chasing a PB at the Brighton 10k and trying so hard not to get injured because the training is quite tough. Good luck
Fab Brian! 👍 I’ll try not to but you’re right, I can’t help myself. All the best to you too, fingers crossed as it looks like you’re well on course with the runs you’re doing 🤞🤞🤞
My official stats are: finished in 76th place and were the 56th Male out of a field of 178 parkrunners and you came 6th in your age category VM50-54. Time 26:59.
It was a wee bit slower than two weeks ago where I set my all time parkrun PB of 25:58, but the pacing felt better and I was still upright at the end, so it's all good.
Hi Damien, Dexy’s beaten me to it with her post on our visit to Lakeside this morning. I’ve run the route before but it was my first ‘real’ parkrun there, so definitely required the wearing of my tourist tee shirt! Very slow at an official time of 48:45 and with a fair degree of walking involved (which for me is quicker than running anyway😂) and 230 out of 234 but it was a glorious morning for a run in a park and a very friendly PR! And lovely to have a catch up coffee with JonathanP afterwards! Happy runny weekend one and all!
Well done to you Oldgirlruns on that run this morning with other members of the Southsea Crew although you ran at Portsmouth Lakeside, congratulations 🎊 😊 🏃🏾
Afternoon Damien and everyone. 👋 The perfect weather for running today here in the SW. It was cool and cloudy when my daughter and I headed to the Severn Bridge for the first of my two visits there this weekend. Today PR, tomorrow the 10k race.
It was the last PR we did in 2020 before lockdown no 1, so it felt great to be back. The atmosphere is the friendliest of all the PRs I’ve done, and it has to be my favourite. It’s never the same, as the weather makes all the difference in the world on the exposed bridge - and I’ve experienced most! 💦💨☀️🥵 🥶
We both felt strong and wished each other well at the start before she darted off. 🏃♀️ We crossed paths just before the turn for me, just after for her. She was waiting at the finish, grinning from ear to ear as her watch registered 29:51. Mine said 33:08. 👏 We both knew we’d done well and were equally as happy with the official PR times of 29:59 and 33:19 respectively. Second quickest 5k for her and a PB at any PR for me - it might even be a 5k PB, but my watch registered 4.98k. Cruel! Either way, it was close.
Collected my race number on the way home. Can’t wait for tomorrow now! 😀
Congratulations to you and your daughter Cheeky. Your daughter just pipped in a nice sub 30 minute 5K. Great running and wishing you a fantastic day tomorrow. Enjoy your 10K.
She did indeed Damien! She was pleased with that, especially as she’s been improving each week since returning to running. She hadn’t run at all during lockdown, and even now she only runs once a week! Oh the benefits of being 27! 😂
Well done cheeky, a great way to warm up for your run tomorrow! Super times for both you and your daughter - doesn’t she look like you! Hope your run tomorrow goes well!
Did my first ever parkrun today, also my ever first organised event. It felt very odd to head off in a big group, and I was a bit worried about being in the wrong place or getting in the way. But it was fun too, particularly when we turned at the halfway point and people were encouraging each other as they ran past. Lots of running club people on the course, and a nice relaxed cup of tea at the end. I went out a bit too fast so flagged a bit towards the end (positive splits!), but came in 3rd female and 2nd in my age group which I was fairly pleased with, particularly as I'll be going up an age group in a fortnight!
I’m glad you enjoyed your first parkrun BBP! I always run on my own and wasn’t sure how I’d get on in a big group but I found it made a really nice change and now really enjoy it, hopefully you will too. Well, I suppose it helps that because I’m so slow I’m usually running at the back of the pack on my own! The best of both worlds perhaps!
Congratulations on your first parkrun, very well done. I have made some lovely friends through parkrun, it’s a lovely way to be part of your local community.
Another week, another location (beginning with P🤪) and headed south to Preston Park in Brighton. 3 laps round the park saw me in at 33:22.
I can't say I enjoyed that one much for some reason. It was quite warm, I didn't enjoy the laps (difficult when the fast runners were sprinting up behind) but as it is paths I think it will be a good one in the winter months.
Not sure which PR we will do next week, very fortunate to have quite a few that are 30/40min drive away so will decide nearer the time.
Well done, Beth 👍 I have run that Parkrun several times and it is very busy for such a short course. I also dislike that hill at the end of each lap 😅 Sucks the life out of me. 😂If you want a fast flat PR you could try the Hove Promenade PR.
Thanks RunBrianRun . Yes that hill definitely sucks! And having to run past the finish each time I was sorely tempted to stop! We usually do Seaford PR as parking easy & free but I haven't been back since my PB and not sure I will be able to replicate it 😆. Would like to do Hove so that might be the one to try next week.
😂 I’ve not tried Seaford but it is definitely doable from Brighton. It’s lovely down there too. Might make a day of it. There are two Hove Parkruns one is the Hove Parkrun which is run in Hove park and the other is the Hove Promenade along the seafront. The seafront tends to have a lot of gazelles and is fast. Today I believe the first 100 we’re all under 22 minutes.
Well done beth_f ! Three laps is hard isn’t it? Our B course does that and it’s hard work, and of course 3 hills. 🥵 Have fun picking next week’s venue. We too have several close by. 😀
Hi Damien and everyone, I did parkrun this morning and managed not to worry about being at the back and just keep at my own comfortable pace, finishing in 36:11 so roughly at the 7 min/km mark, almost. I’m finding I can keep going quite happily at that speed but if I try to go any faster I’m wiped out for much of the day, so I’ll stick with that for now and hopefully start to increase distance at a similar pace.
Glad to hear you’re on the mend TC. The very thought of timekeeping terrifies me - I’d far rather just hand out tokens at the other end of the funnel! But despite the ‘ irregularities’ I’m sure the runners were glad you were there!
My first Park Run - as a Volunteer! I was a Marshall on the final "Hairpin" bend of our 3 lap route at Tooting Common (Wolfie Smith was absent). It was also one of the entries to the park so I was advising people where the Start Line was, how to join in next week, warning entrants into the park that runners were about, cheering people on, holding up a "Caution Runners" card, shouting "Keep Left" and trying to keep warm once the shade came over (who says men can't multi-task!) Then an espresso, a warm up and a walk and the little matter of my first 15K, albeit VERY slowly, powered by water and jelly babies (Haribo ones - not the real Bassetts with icing sugar on, otherwise I would have been as fast as lightning).
I had done three Parkruns before so felt like it was my time to volunteer. Plus I wanted to do a longer run this weekend. I think I only woke up after the Tailwalker passed me!
I have done 3 PRs. I just thought it was time to pay something back. Plus it fitted in with my preparation (I hasten to use the word "training"!) for my 10K fun run in 3 weeks time. I will run next week and volunteer the week after again. It is great fun - not sure I would want to be time keeper (yet) - and definitely not pre-race route-checking. 8.30am for volunteer check-in is bad enough for me!!!!
Hi, first one for me. Nervous but did it and really enjoyed it. First time running in a crowd (don't like crowds) but it was absolutely fine and everyone was really friendly.
Yes Foxile, but the crowds at parkruns are the best friendly crowds you could ever meet, well done on completing your first parkrun, I am sure it won't be your last.
Hello Damien I managed my first ever not Parkrun yesterday after reading and gaining lots of encouragement and tips from this group. I graduated from C25K in June but it’s taken me ages to build up to 5K and I only got there through some Jeffing after reading about it here. My routine is now 4.5 minutes running and 30 seconds walking and I can’t believe how much difference it’s made in terms of being able to keep going.
I’m very slow - time yesterday was 42 minutes - but I loved the run on a nice cool but sunny morning and might even be brave enough to go to my real local Parkrun in Reigate this Autumn.
As per the old Nike advert - "Just do it!" I was surprised how having someone just 20 yards in front of you can act as a spur to go faster. Then the next person.. then the person in front of her etc.
Very well done and huge welcome, great to have you here with us. Remember time is not important. No one here is an Olympic athlete. Just run and enjoy the peace and good health it brings.
Hi unfortunately my knee is poorly so I have to rest it. So I was a scanner. It’s great fun enjoying the run, seeing the fastest and the lest fast complete the run. Without volunteers, it would not happen. I’m doing it again next week and hope to run the week after 🤞
Did the Andover Parkrun this week and got a PB of 28:49, which was good. Always a shame that when I record on my Apple Watch and/or Strava they’re different in length or time - my Strava time was 28:08 but it got to 5km before the end. The watch recorded the same time as Parkrun but not the full 5km. I know, it doesn’t matter but … 😂. Great fun though.
We went away to Ely for a couple of days break. Gorgeous place. The nearest Parkrun is Littleport...about ten minutes away so we went there.I _really_ didn't like the course. Two and a half laps around a leisure centre starting on path, crossing a playing field and then a long stretch down a track they call The Drove... apparently a mudbath in winter, but no fun in summer either. More or less single file and bumpy underfoot. I walked through that part both times as thought I was in real danger of tripping over something.
Lots of dogs though so that was a bonus, including a gorgeous, very friendly golden doodle
I still haven't been brave enough to join a park run although I bought a wristband during C25k. I unregistered from the Edinburgh PR as friends told me it is heavily used by running clubs and is very fast. I tend to be in the west most weekends now so i registered on a PR near where I stay. Checked out their latest results and I would have come in something like 165th out of 175 runners 😱. So I think I'll wait till I get back under 40 mins before I give it a go.....
Did a 'not' PR yesterday and it was boiling hot so I was very slow - came in at 43:53. This might actually be a PW 😅. Was good to get out and get the 5k in the legs though!
I am sure there are loads of parkruns where there are people doing 45 to 50 minute runs. These also include people on the road back from injury as well as snails like me. Don't be put off by speed freaks.
I am slow and have completed Edinburgh parkrun. They are always inclusive, don’t worry if there happens to be some quick runners there, there will also be lots of slow runners. Please give it a try, it’s a lovely course.
Well done on your run. Don’t worry about parkrun, it does not matter about finish times. At my local parkrun a few people walked the full 5K in around 60 mins. The only person you are competing against is yourself. It’s a lovely way to meet people and feel part of a lovely community.
Hi hope you don’t mind me posting as I seem to be one of the few walkers. Can’t do parkrun as working every Saturday, so (not) parkruns for me. Did my 5km walk in 49.10. Was a bit slower as taking some photos to put on Active10. Enjoy the rest of bank holiday not for me in Scotland 😊
Very well done and of course your very welcome to join in. I’m glad I’m not alone doing a (not)parkrun. Well done on your walk. Not a Bank Holiday for me here in Ireland either.
Hi. Attended my local one yesterday again, which is great cos in walking distance. Managed to meet up with my pal again.. We don't normally agree to meet up as most of the time I set my alarm and decide when I wake up! 😂 But we do tend to stand in around the same place for the briefing. Good run with a bit chat untill I got to out of breath to talk!! 😂
Hi I graduated in July so have just been doing consolidation runs and have now reached 5k in around 48 minutes. I really want to try a park run but I am a bit nervous about it all having never competed in anything since school- that’s a very long time ago- maybe a silly question but what do I do about the warm up? I am still doing a 5 min fast walk to warm up, do I do this beforeI join the park run or make it part of the run?Many thanks in advance
Ah seriously there is no need to worry about doing a parkrun. It is not a race, or a competition. You basically just turn up and run a 5K route with other people. All shapes, sizes, ages and abilities take part. It is a lovely way to meet other people and feel part of a community. Some people walk it all. So you can still do your warm up walk at the start line and then run. Then the following week you can turn up and try again.
Thank you that’s good to know sounds like fun. I’m going to give it a go as none of my friends run so it will be a way to meet like minded people who share my joy of running.
…so ran my 2nd ever real Park Run on Saturday. The weather was much better, cloudy and windy…but dry!
There were more people there this week, and I finished 166/179, and 57/67 female. My age grading was 48.95%…and my official time was 42:42…a PB! 😊
As I’m not fast, I started near the back and started Strava when I crossed the start line. It gave me a second fastest 5k of 41:19…but then put 41:29 on the screen 🤷🏻♀️
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