When I started Parkrun 3 years ago I would wait anxiously for the email afterwards confirming my time and position. A few seconds either way could make or break my day. Daft.
When both started dropping I’d feel encouraged by my position in the age ranking. Then that started falling.
Lately I’ve been reduced to counting how many finish after me. But I’ve just realised that they can include the tail walkers!
So now I just acknowledge the fact that I’m doing it because I enjoy it. Simples. 😊
Did I finish? (Tick)
Was I about half way down the finishers table? (Tick)
Did I have a few conversations before and after? (Tick)
Did I say Good Morning to the other park users? (Tick)
I also look at age grading HeavyFoot, my average time at a parkrun is around 33.30, average age grading around 53/55%, however, I notice that a lot of runner's who are younger than me run a parkrun in around 27/28 minutes but their age grading is less than mine at around 48%, at parkruns I am usually about three quarters down the course, so if there were a hundred taking part I would be around 75th, despite all that as you say is to enjoy the run.
I'm glad I don't do Parkrun HeavyFoot , it'd just stress me out!
I have ran one public race and came last, even the back marker had dropped it so proper last, but I am still fitter than if I was lying on the couch, and you are too!! The times don’t matter, the experience and the breathing and the therapy are what matters most to me
I am just grateful to be able to do it at all after the lockdowns, very grateful I am not living in Wales or the other places it’s currently stopped.
1 minute run, Parkrun, 10k and beyond
Parkrun volunteering 
A parkrun first for me
Me, Junior Parkrun Marshall
