Finally, my first park run this morning!

[Me_time]

A cracker of morning with sun shining & no sign of clouds, my first parkrun to complete wk4 of JJMP. Couldn't have chosen a better day.

I gathered the courage last night & registered for Parkrun It seemed a bit daunting walking there at 0745hrs by myself, not knowing anyone. As previously suggested to me, I thought I will see how it feels & go with the flow and was prepared to just be a spectator if need be. The volunteers were fantastic & the first time runners briefing was done. There were some visitors from other cities but I was the only first time 'ever' parkrunner 🤣

The only 'hill' was the foot bridge over motorway. A parkrun walker overtook me on that and I didnt really care except I still had to keep up with her to keep her in sight as I could not see anyone behind me. Didnt want to get lost!

Parkrun Saturday 16/4/22

-Finished it in 36:22mins

-3rd in my age category may be there were only 3 😛

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

Congratulations on running your first 5K Parkrun, well done, I assume that you are in New Zealand, where I am in the UK the time is just after 10pm Friday, so in just under 12 hours I'll be running my 41st parkrun on Saturday morning, I am so glad that you enjoyed your run today. 😊 🏃🏾 👍

[Me_time Graduate10 in reply to AlMorr]

Thank u AlMorr . I am defo going to as many parkruns as I can. Was too shy to go to the cafe after the run with the group. My saturday mornings will be definitely changing from now on

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10 in reply to Me_time]

Next parkrun do go with the group to the cafe, I am sure you will be welcomed by many friendly people.

[CBDB Graduate10]

Woohoo!!! Fabulous!

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

Sounds like you really enjoyed yourself well done, quite daunting to do on your own

[Me_time Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

It is..I am happy I still did it. Was hoping for my sister to join me to avoid the awkwardness of being there by myself in a big group. She had other plans and I didnot want to postpone it once I had decided I was going to do it.

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Me_time]

It takes courage to go out and run, it takes courage to go to do something on your own not knowing anyone there, you have loads of courage 😀

[JonathanP Graduate10]

Congratulations on your first parkrun Me_time! As you have found out, it is addictive - in a good way!😀

[Me_time Graduate10 in reply to JonathanP]

Thank you, its a bit unbelievable for me considering 4months ago I didnt even know about Parkruns.

[damienair Administrator]

Congratulations and very well done on your first parkrun. I’m just getting ready to go to a parkrun this morning. It’s a great way to kick off a Saturday morning.

[Me_time Graduate10 in reply to damienair]

Sure is. All the encouragement I got on your parkrun post helped a lot thank you.

[Bobbydazzle]

Well done! Im going to my 8th parkrun this morning! I also did my 1st one on my own and felt a bit daunted by it but now there are several people who I have a little chat with before and after the race in the cafe! I have found runners to be a very friendly bunch once they recognise your face

[Me_time Graduate10 in reply to Bobbydazzle]

Thanks for sharing your experience so I know I am not the only one who felt like that. I will try to go for coffee with the group next Saturday.

[00marks Graduate10]

Congratulations on your first parkrun. You’ll find they are addictive!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

Such great news Me_time! Another PR fan. Isn’t it wonderful?! Enjoy your new found Saturday mornings. 😀

[Newbierunner84]

Congratulations on your first Parkrun. It’s a big step to take but you’ll be glad you did. I found volunteering really helped me to feelmore comfortable and get to know people.

[Me_time Graduate10 in reply to Newbierunner84]

Thats a good idea! I like it more than just turning up for the run & later walking 500mtrs to the cafe with a bunch of strangers and I m very unlikely to do that. Volunteering will be a great start or hope my sister joins me. Yesterday I recognised a name from last week's volunteer list while going through last parkrun report

[Birdlady64 Graduate10]

Well done on your very first parkrun. And a decent time too!I got my barcode during lockdown 2 years ago and my local parkrun is within walking distance but I have never been brave enough to do it

[Me_time Graduate10 in reply to Birdlady64]

Birdlady64 wow I thought every forum member goes to the parkruns 😁 I inititially thought to join it when I read about it here while doing my c25k. Then decided to join it after I graduate as it will be less embarassing. I graduated end of February and started on JJMPlan and thought its time for me to join a parkrun as winter is approaching and I will need some motivation to get out for run

[Steady_Stevve]

I think I had a similar experience to you with my first park run yesterday. 3rd in my age group. I thought it was quite good but you are correct, perhaps there were only 3 of us, but then again there may have been another 20 behind! Just enjoy the bragging rights of bring 3rd best in your age group!