Finished my 9th local Parkrun now, and since starting I have discovered the joy of running outdoors! I have also managed to shave over 10 minutes off my PB and Parkrun is now becoming my weekly fast run.
This weekend I managed a time of 31:41 which is not a PB but as I'm on the back end of a head cold, it's definitely not bad for me. I have now also got over my fear of running in the cold and dark and run between 3 and 4 times in the week before work. My alarm is set for 05:15 and in the park for 05:30, I find my body now craves that morning run and nothing tends to get in the way of it. And when it does, I generally feel more sluggish for not going!
I am currently training for my first half-marathon in March 2024 and training is going really well. My endurance has definitely improved as I slowly increase my distance. I have been using the Nike Run Club App with Coach Bennet guiding me through my training plan. If you haven't tried NRC yet I highly recommend it!
My daughter is also getting the bug for it, with her completing her 15th Junior Parkrun this morning. It is amazing to see her beginning to enjoy running and it is something I hope she sticks with.
On a final note, I have also infected a few colleagues at work with the run bug and we have started a run group on Strava to challenge each other. I am hoping this is something that can keep growing. I find a real sense of achievement in running, but I think I find an even greater purpose in introducing others to the sport and seeing them get a much out of it as I do.
If you got this far thanks for reading! Let me know your training goals, park run reports, and anything else! Let's keep moving forward together!
Dan
Written by
TormundsBeard
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Hey, that's a great inspirational post. Well done and that's a great time. Encouraging others is great isn't it? I've done that and enjoyed watching them develop into faster runners than I
A great post from you! So pleased for you that you are enjoying park run. You are doing really well to be running in the cold and dark, too! I have a hi viz, bright pink, long sleeved top and a chest torch, but have only run as it’s just getting light, so far! I’m a bit (a lot!) nervous about running when it’s pitch dark.
I, too have my sights set on a half marathon. I have an online coach now and am following a plan. I am to do it around Spring, but I don’t know whether to run it by myself or book myself on an event.
NRC runs and plans are great. CB is the best! I just needed some extra help which is why I booked the coach. I like being monitored and told what to do, and I keep to the plan because I have to upload all my runs to my coach so she can look at the data and tell me what’s going well and what isn’t.
I love hearing peoples accounts of how they got the bug. I just did my tenth parkrun, I find myself going even in the rain & then I find myself even doing runs in the week to try to be a faster at the parkrun!
“My alarm is set for 05:15 and in the park for 05:30” I find this bit of your account v inspiring I haven’t worked up to running in the dark as yet. Maybe need a few bits physically -running torch in addition to mental strength to get up for it.
Thanks for reading and well done on 10 parkruns!! I am looking forward to my 10th this coming week!
If this helps, It actually took me about 3 weeks from deciding i was going to go out running early in the morning to actually going doing it. I would set my alarm and when it went off my brain would give me a million excuses as to why I should just go back to bed. Its been a month since that first time now, and I actually spring out of bed most mornings to go running and actually find I have more energy to put a bit more effort in! I would say get a head torch, some compression base layers and gloves and your good to go!!
Set a goal date of when you want to get out, and i promise you, once you have done the first, its gets so much easier mentally.
This is just super. Ten minutes off your pb is a brilliant achievement. You’re on a roll! That HM plan is great too-the best bit of your post is how much you’re obviously enjoying yourself. Long may that continue! 🏃♀️💪❤️
Very well done, especially with the early morning runs. That is dedication. I prefer to run in the evenings after work. I have done 153 parkruns so far and volunteered 30 times. I set myself a goal this year to do over 40 parkruns and I have 3 more to go to get there.
Running is great, sometimes I work hard and try to improve my times, other times I run much slower and I am happy to just bimble along. It is a great way to stay healthy. Best wishes for all your training.
thanks for reading ! I have gone after work a few times but much prefer the calm of the early morning! Whatever works best for you is the best way though!
Great idea to set a goal for parkruns, i might do that myself! Currently working towards that first milestone vest! I have also signed up to volunteer bit am yet to have a go!
My running style is much the same as yours, though i am trying more to push myself as I work towards my half marathon!!
Thanks again for reading and best of luck with your training !
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
A breakthrough at parkrun 
Decisions, Decisions. Parkrun or not?