Third Parkrun - got a Personal Worst!

[thinnerandfitter]

Hi everyone,

Well, since my PB last week I haven't felt wonderful this week - some old ailments reminding me they're still alive and kicking

So this morning I decided that although I'd try and run, my only target was to get round the course.

Weather report: OK - sunny with threatening clouds but it thankfully stayed dry.

Kit report: short sleeve (5x50) t-shirt - I've been desperate to wear it when running before the end of the challenge (I've worn it a lot for cycling and aerobics but never running).

Other runners report: there looked like more than last week (which was wet) and they looked pretty fit. Oh dear.

This week I was determined not to get pulled into a too-fast pace in the first half lap or so, so I stayed near the back of the pack and relied on Garmin to give me a pace around 7 min per km. However, everyone else seemed to think something way faster was more suitable so I was soon in my now-customary last place. I had to laugh though - there was a group of old men sitting on a seat in the park and they made remarks as we went around - when I passed them the first time one said (quite loudly) "and you're last of all"! Thanks I thought. Don't apply for a marshall position please

As the run progressed I had hoped to get a little faster but this week it didn't really happen. In fact I lost probably 30 seconds with a stitch which pulled me up completely. I did get strength from thinking about all the C25K online friends doing other Parkruns around the country at the same time. Thanks guys - it really helps

Final placement: 128th out of 135 runners. First (of two) in my age group (woo hoo). Time exactly 34 minutes, 1 minute slower than last week.

Scarily, the last runner back came in at 36mins 47 seconds - this really does seem to be a fast run!

To prove that I really did go I finally featured in an action photo!

I've seen some other people's run reports - well done everyone and to the ditherers come on - it's fun really

[CouchtoKiltLegs Graduate]

I am more than willing to glare with intense force at the old codger on the bench. I think that is a pretty good time, the tail enders at mine were 45 mins I think so yours sounds fast. Next time make sure and poke your tongue out at the bench sitters as you go passed!

[sfb350 Graduate in reply to CouchtoKiltLegs]

Bah ! You were doing a lot better than the old goat on the bench

Yours really is quite a fast park run and, although it would be nice to get a PB every time, it doesn't always happen and you can't always put your finger on why.

You look good in your photo too

[Malcy Graduate]

The tail enders at St Andrews this morning were aound 59 mins. 35 really isn't bad. You'll see those PBs coming in as you get more runs under your belt. Promise!

[Malcy Graduate in reply to Malcy]

Oops - got it wrong. It was 50 mins. 35 is still pretty good certainly wouldn't have been last!

[greenlegs Graduate]

Goodness, 34 minutes sounds really fast to me! That old guy needs to mind his manners! How mean!

Great action photo too!

[alex2009 Graduate]

Well done pretty good to me my fastest is 38 done at a park runx x

[SBG356 Graduate]

Very well done Ann! Lovin the photo and glad you managed to get the t-shirt on for a run before it ends! No worries with the time at all, you did good!

Sue x

[Khrissy Graduate]

Oh very well done, and look at your photo, you're smiling I can only pull a grimace when I run, you're clearly not pushing yourself hard enough

[avensis Graduate]

One of my worst Parkrun times today. A bit disappointing after all the extra activity of the 5x50 Challenge.I had hoped it would help improve my times but not to be.

[DeliaItaly Graduate]

Ann that is brilliant. You are a star! Great photo! You look as cool as a cucumber. WELL DONE! Love delia xox

[janda Graduate]

Well done doing that parkrun again. Forget the time except to see how fast a race it actually was. Scary stuff. Think next parkrun as that will focus you on moving forward rather than looking back. And well done again!!

[TJFlute]

Great photo Ann. You've done the team proud to do the parkrun!