For the first time in months (and the first time since I graduated), I don’t have a play next Saturday. I have joined Park Run . . . and there’s a local run . . . 😬
I'd have to arrive in time for a 9am kick off (I think that’s the technical term).
What sort of time should I aim to be out of the car and mingling with all the very, very scary other runners who will clearly all be fighting fit, very experienced and virtually professional?
And how do I warm up? Before I leave home? Or do I build a walk & stretch into my arrival time?
Any advice for a terrified newbie?
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Gthants
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Goodness it's catching 😂 this parkrun thing. From a very inexperienced parkrunner, aim to get there at 8.40, walk around while you listen to the talk and find a place near the back, I've been running for over 4 years so hit the ground running, silly idea as I was walking within the first 1k huffing and puffing and watching most pull away from me.
If I had my first again I'd walk the first half a kilometre and relax into a pace that I know is sustainable, not belt along looking a bit silly.
Definitely go, it's fun and you feel good all those marshals clapping as you pass.
I've never done parkrun but understand the race director does a talk for first-timers and others new to the venue a few minutes before the 9.00am start.
As someone who seems to be a bit intimidated by parkrun, too, I totally get this! I keep coming up with reasons not to go - and did go twice. The first time I walked the route, so I could figure it out better. And the second time ran it, which was fun. To my surprise, I actually passed a few people 🤣 Since then there's been one reason or another for not going, possibly because I discovered that I prefer running by myself. Or maybe just social anxiety.
I just started listening to Coach Bennett's new podcast. In episode 5, he suggests mixing things up, including running with others when you're mostly running by yourself.
So! I guess I am not the right person to give you (a lot) of advice on this subject 🙈, except maybe what I'll tell myself on Saturday: Let's give it a shot (again, in my case) - and have fun! 😎
I can't get Coach B on the German NRC app, so I had to check out the podcast to see what all the excitement is about 😉 He does ramble a lot, imo, so I just fast forward until I get to the running parts...
Hi, My plan was to do the warm up exercises at home, then park a bit further away and do the warm up walk to the start to get there 15 minutes sooner. I think they talk to newcomers before the start. Then I would have probably disappeared quickly and done my warm down at home with less embarrassment
I'm so jealous, I was meant to do my first one yesterday! But maybe we can run virtually together next weekend - if not, run it for me
No advice as I’m in the same boat as you. But I have looked at the results of the two park runs I’m equidistant to…in one, if I ran my PB pace, 34 mins or so, I’d likely be last to finish. In the other it looks like there are more runners at my pace and I might have some company. I guess that might be a more encouraging (less discouraging?!) place to start. I know it’s not about the ego/competition but I also don’t want to dent my still rather fragile confidence by trailing in 5 minutes after they’ve all gone for coffee. I think I’ll keep working up to it for a bit longer…until I can run a bit more efficiently. I also quite like running by myself although the one time I tried the group thing I was surprised how I got sort of carried along by the vibe and could keep up. Either that or it was the Santa suit. 🧑🎄😉
Good luck and let us know how it goes if you get decide to go for it!
Well, since I walked my first parkrun and was last because of that, I can tell you: They won't all go for coffee! I also wasn't the only one to finish last because they have a designated person who comes in last (we were chatting along the way, too, which was nice). Yes, some folks had left by the time I crossed and there was still quite a crowd to cheer me on!
AND! I discovered Lisa Jackson over the weekend who finishes a lot of the marathons she starts last - and seems kinda proud of it, mostly because she finished them! So, I will try to use her as an inspiration to get over my "I can't be last" thinking!
you’d never be last! There’s a tailwalker whose job it is to come in at the end. At our parkrun it’s the people nearer the end that get the biggest cheers.
Lots of great tips already! Mine might be a bit of a strange one-it’s absolutely ok not to love it. It might be that you go and have a brilliant time and it might be that you don’t. Either way, you’re still a runner.
It’s very, very easy to get carried away and run too fast at the start. It’s much nicer to start steady, enjoy yourself and pick up closer to the end than be dragging yourself over the line feeling knackered. Remember it’s not a race and you’re going to get a personal best just by finishing it!
I park a little way away and walk to the line for my warm up. I do some dynamic stretches on the way. If I warmed up at home, I’d be cold again by the time I arrived!
It might be worth looking at the previous week’s finishing times to reassure yourself that there will be plenty of others running with a similar time to you. The first time I went, I had it in my head that everyone would finish ten minutes ahead of me and I’d be trailing in miles behind. The first runners did finish ten minutes ahead but there were loads of others around my time.
The run is in a country park about 15 minutes drive away. There's nowhere to park apart from in the paid for car park there, but I could wander round a bit to warm up I guess.
I suppose I'd be leaping in to an extent as I've only done 3 (i think?!) 5k runs so far, but it did occur to me to just walk at the start until warmed up and then start to slow run until at at my pace. I dunno, I'm thinking aloud and making stuff up! 🤣
I'm so glad you said it's OK not to love parkrun MissUnderstanding . I typed then deleted something very similar. Didn't dare post, after some of the responses I've had previously when I've said parkrun is brilliant at what it does but it isn't everybody's cup of tea.
Mmm. I think what I'd like is a running buddy or a few to run with now and again, rather than 100-200 to run with altogether! I'm hoping that if I eventually do it, that's what could happen as a result...
I was very happy when I discovered (not)parkrun! Basically, I could have my parkrun and still run by myself... That is, you can turn any 5K run into a (not)parkrun with that you're part of the movement... And the community has celebrated someone who has run their 100th (not)parkrun. In fact, through their story I found out about it... So, loads of options! More info: parkrun.org.uk/notparkrun/
That typed (and I am also reminding myself of that 🙃): It is fun to explore various ways we can run. I found out about myself that I am more competitive than I thought, for example: When I run in a (small) crowd, I tend to eye folks I could pass - and then do!
I am a massive Parkrun fan I’ve been doing it for a long time now and have my 250 T-shirt
You could just go along and watch if you are apprehensive but I guess if you have to drive there it is a little bit of a waste of a trip.
There is a newbie briefing to start and you can ask any questions
If I was you I would start off at the back before the tailwalkers of course you are never last as they are there to make sure everybody completes the course without incident
Just do a bit of a speedy walk to warm up and then when you are ready off you go at whatever speed you like having a little walk if you like or not as the mood takes you
Marshals on the course will be cheering or encouraging as you go round maybe even someone will chat to you as you go most of us are very friendly and I have made lots of friends over the years.
Or you could even walk the whole lot with a Parkwalker I love that volunteer role my daughters think it was made for me
Thanks for this lovely comment - I had to look the last bit up! I've actually printed the code out and have a spare lanyard, so I'll do that and have it on my phone! I'll also use my watch and the NRC app, so I'll be a running/walking tech beacon!
Lots of good advice already been given. I looked at the online map first to give me an idea of the route, but actually it's well marked out with volunteers cheering you on and pointing the way. My first 2 parkruns I walked/ran and still was nowhere near the back. I found everyone to be really friendly, especially if you're comfortable in starting a conversation with people you don't know and as soon as you mention C25K, that's a really conversation opener. I'd do warm up there, many others do so there's nothing to feel embarrassed about. I also still do a warm up walk, you just decide whether that's done before or at the start of parkrun. Personally, I wouldn't start at the front of the pack, find somewhere near the back, that way you won't be mown down by the actual racing crowd and will be able to relax into your own pace. Really hope you enjoy it, good luck.
Thank you so much! I read both of those and they were really encouraging. I must try and check the route as I don't know the park that well and have never run there. The loo aspect has been on my mind! 🤣
There is nothing to get nervous about your first parkrun Gthants, arrive at it around 15 minutes before the start, you will see plenty of other people doing stretch exercises, the run director or another person will brief the first time runners at that parkrun then the run director will welcome all the runners telling them that other people also walk or run the route the parkrun is used or any hazards if any there are, he/she will also ask if any runner has a milestone run such as 25,50,100 or 250 parkruns ran, if it's extreme weather he could even cancel the run at the last second, however, that doesn't happen often.
Think of it this way ... you're going for a 5k run around a park, with lots of other people - some of whom will be quicker than you, some of whom won't be.
Unless you have some social/anxiety issues, then apart from getting there in time to do a bit of a warm-up, there's not much to it. Run at the pace you want and enjoy (hopefully). You do you and try not to over-think it. 😎
And I think this covers all my bases ... I have never run with anyone else and I DO have mild social anxiety issues, but think this is a way of facing that. I'm still a very inexperienced runner and don't want to get dragged out of my comfort pace, but I do want to try to run with others ... and basically "overthink everything" is my motto - but in Latin! 🤣
I sympathise! As for getting dragged out of your comfort pace , what's the worst thing that could happen? You end up knackered? Then you'll have have had a great training session 😉 You step off the course at 4k? Never mind - return the following week (if you want) and simply go slower at your 'comfort pace'.
As others have said above - best to start near the back and just take it very easy.
As others have said, about 15 to 20 minutes before the start. For some venues there's a bit of a walk from where you park to the assembly point of the run.
There will be a first timers' briefing about 10 minutes before the start and then the run director will do a separate quick chat about 5 minutes before, ending with either a short walk to the real start point, or simply a countdown to "go".
For my first two (maybe three) parkruns I set off far too fast and ended up walking sections of them. It's OK to be slow. It's OK to walk bits.
Nobody comes last. That's the job of the tail walker(s).
hi, I walk to Parkrun so use that as a warm up, but several runners at our Parkrun do warm ups before the 5k. We do a new runners/visitors talk at around 8:50 which explains the course and finish protocol. We also have Parkwalkers and a Tailwalker so no one is ever left at the end by themselves. When I first went I couldn’t run the whole course for a month or so and still I sometimes walk up the hill even now 72 parkruns in. It is addictive. Just go and expect to have a relaxing 5k meander and enjoy it.
My husband runs Parkruns, he is also a volunteer and on the rota as Run Director so does the Welcome/Info talk bit every so often.
I have never been!!
He loves it and is passionate about the joys and benefits. There are people who go who only walk. There are a handful who take it very seriously and are competitive. There are plenty of people in between.
The volunteers usually do it because they love the whole process and love meeting people (or because they are the partner or parent of someone who loves ParkRun) so you can expect friendly, welcoming faces .
His advice for a first timer-you don’t have to ‘sign in’ when you arrive. But you probably worked that out already. And as most replies have mentioned, place yourself towards the back of the start up and set off slowly or walk for a few minutes to get your bearings before easing into the run. You won’t get left behind.
He always goes for a little warm up slow jog at home, goes to the loo and then gets in the car to go.
Be warned-it can get addictive! I think running with others can get you -like singing in choirs or other group activities. I’ve heard a lot about run times/winter route/summer route/young people who fly around/people who have dogs or prams with them….
All the park runs I’ve done , everyone has been welcoming and someone will speak to you, especially if you put your hand up at the ‘ is this anyone's very first Parkrun” announcement I’ve become addicted and when I go away do a local Parkrun. Also you will never be last as there is a “tailwalker”
For me, my first Parkrun was more than a run, it was a life milestone for me and I cherish the memory of it and can still recall most of it.
Although I had been running for a few months and had graduated 5k, it wasn’t until I’d run with others that I realised I really enjoyed this running thing. It marked the start of a whole new me and I am very grateful for Parkrun for providing me with the impetus to push myself beyond my expectations. I continue to do so today.
I guess what I’m trying to say is, give it a go and see what happens.
Take it super slowly and enjoy the atmosphere from the race briefing to the warm glow of accomplishment when you finish.
I went to my first Park Run on my own and having never run with anyone else. There were 500 participants from really serious racers to dog walkers and pram pushers. I always start towards the back and let the fast runners go then walk for a short way before getting into my stride. I'm definitely not fast and about 5 mins into it I wonder why the heck I'm doing it but when I finish the feeling is great! I've made a few friends and we encourage each other along the way and sometimes my sister comes with me. I can't always run the whole way - we've got a couple of killer hills - but who cares? I just do it for the enjoyment. Just go at your own pace and like others have said, no-one comes last. I've volunteered as a marshal a couple of times and that's enjoyable too. Go for it, I'm sure you won't regret it. You don't have to go every week if you don't feel like it but you might get the bug like the rest of us! Don't forget your barcode so you get a time.
Hi I see that (not) parkrun has been mentioned but I'm not sure if Freedom runs have? parkrun Freedom lets you record your runs on any Parkrun course at any time. You add your park run Freedom records in your Parkrun profile.
So if you wanted to check out the course before your first Parkrun you can look at the map and directions on the relevant Parkrun page and then test it out for yourself (and record it to get an idea of your time) before committing yourself to 'Parkrun with people'!
Take a look at the parkrun website for your selected venue. You will be able to see the course, and also previous results to give you an idea of the number of participants and where you might be within the finishing range. There are always volunteer tail walkers who stay at the back - their job is to finish last. There might also be some volunteer parkwalkers mingled in towards the back. You will spot volunteers by their high viz bibs.
There will be a first timers briefing which should cover how the whole thing works, and any local rules (eg which side of the path to use). The run director will then do a brief for everyone. Take your barcode with you, but you won’t need it until after you have finished. When you cross the finishing line there will be a couple of timekeepers recording places and finish times. Someone further down the finishing tunnel will hand you a finishing token with your placing on it. You then walk over to a person who is “barcode scanning”. They will scan your personal barcode and the finishing token, which you relinquish at this point. Some time later in the day, the run director or one of the team will load up all the files from the timekeepers and barcode scanners, and it will all join together to create a results log linking people to placings to finish times. Very clever!
Parkrun is for everyone. At our parkrun we have competitive runners who finish in 16 or 17 minutes. We have loads of people who finish anywhere between 25 and 40 minutes. We have slower runners, walkers, a person who uses a racing wheelchair, a person who uses a normal wheelchair. Buggies, dogs, children, you name it.
My key tips would be
- Talk to people. Anyone on their own before the start, other first timers, people you find yourself running / jogging / talking alongside.
- Work out where you are likely to fit into the finishing times, and position yourself appropriately at the start, so you are not jostled if you are slower than people behind you, or held up by people in front of you. Particularly if you are going somewhere with a large field and narrow paths.
- Listen carefully to any instructions about which side of the path you need to be on, how to overtake etc.
- Hand back your finishing token, it will be needed next week
- If you like it, come again, and also consider volunteering. The event can’t happen without volunteers. Events do attract people who only volunteer, but a lot of the volunteers run some weeks and volunteer on others, as I do .
I am a parkrun veteran. 231 parkruns, 50 volunteer credits, participated in 44 different venues.
That is a very kind and generous reply. Thank you so much!
There might be some family thing happening at the weekend, so I'm not sure if I will get to run this week, but I've joined and have my barcode. I've been to the park many times, but picturing where the route goes is pretty difficult. (I told my physio and he smiled, rubbed his hands together, and said, "Excellent! Some lovely hills, that'll be REALLY good for you!")
Thanks to brilliant advice like yours I feel more comfortable about the idea now and will definitely do it soon.
don’t worry about understanding the route, there will be marshals, or signs, or both. Also, unless you are first, you will be able to follow other people.
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First park run 
My first park run!
First Park Run
Finally, my first park run this morning!
First ever park run 
