The first Parkrun

[Just-Breath]

I am a rather recent 5K graduate (albeit for the second time, after I stopped running last year, after 7 months). I work on Saturdays and so, parkruns are not really an options for me. But this week I was on holiday and was in a self-development course in Lake District. I typically run 3 times a week.... but on a really flat ground and despite my attempt, Lake District was simply too hilly for me to run! Instead I did 2 fell climbs (that is all I could afford time-wise).

I returned rather tired after the fell climb and 3+ hours drive. And.... remembered that 'tomorrow is Saturday and I don't work'. Yes, I wanted to sleep in. But I managed to get up and drive to my first Parkrun. I had to go a bit further, as the closest ones does not allow dogs. And I always run with 'my training -buddy' - 9 year-old border collie. So, I thought it was just fair that she would be with me on my first Parkrun. And we did it!

The time was not great 35:37 (that included dog's poo stop, that was very conveniently on the uphill segment, when I needed a breather!) I am used to run on a very flat gradient as I live by the sea. And this was the second and forth kilometre very gradual but long upward slopes. I am not used to that and struggled a bit (especially the 4th kilometre). But hey-ho, I am proud we did it. I even got slightly emotional when we started running (as I always run solo, and never in a group). Now, I need to figure out how to do more parkruns, given that I work on Saturdays...

I am grateful for this community for support. There is always somebody to write an encouraging word!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

Well done to you on completing your first parkrun in a good time of 35.37 despite the dog stop, as far as working on a Saturday you could ask your supervisor for around 45 minutes off and make up the time on Saturday afternoon, at least worth a try.

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

Oh how lovely to run with your Collie and park run too, you will have to book a few Saturdays as leave

[Hedgehogs123 Graduate10]

Hey well done on your first Parkrun, does it really matter what the time was. I always think the first few are to just get a feel for it and enjoy it. I started Parkrun when they allowed back last year, thought I might give it a go and maybe go a couple of times a month. Well, I was hooked from the start and made some great running pals along the way. Hopefully you will be able to sort something out so you can get to a few more. You'll get the chance to know people and probably get hooked like me!!

Love the fact you run with your four legged buddy, I lost my boy last Oct, miss him like crazy, he used to run with me too. My old dog is an old lady, 14 in a few months and definitely couldn't do it now!

😀🏃‍♀️🐾

[Just-Breath in reply to Hedgehogs123]

Sorry to hear about losing your running four-legged buddy. That must still sadden you. My dog is not young either - she is 9. And she starts to lag behind in warm weather and needs a bit of encouragement. However, stead running is good for her, comparing to chasing a ball and jumping after it - that makes her still and I can see some signs of beginning of arthritis. So, running is good for both of us!

[Dendev75 Graduate10]

well done on completing your first park run and alongside your running buddy who made a very convenient stop on the hill 😜 time isn’t important - it’s too fun just taking part 👏🏻