Considering a park run for my graduation run, ... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

134,175 members159,523 posts

Considering a park run for my graduation run, but a little unure of what to expect

bikergirl profile image
bikergirlGraduate
13 Replies

I was thinking since I've already achieved a 5 k run, what could I do to make my graduation run on Saturday a little bit more special. I've heard a few people on here mention park runs, so I looked to see where my closest would be and its Edinburgh, and it happens to be on Saturday but looking at the times that people get its made me a little apprehensive, the average run time is 26 minutes. And the fastest runner last week was 15 minutes, yikes !

So now I am scared. lol.

It says its friendly and just for fun but 15 minutes to run 5k doesn't seem like people just out to have fun. I don't think I could handle being last. I know someone has to but, I think the knock in confidence might put me off running for good if I was last, ;_D

Also all the talk on here recently seems to be about how unfriendly other runners seem to be when you meet them, I guess I am just looking for a bit of reassurance.

Has anyone been to one of these ? what are they like ? would you recommend them ? Or is it better being out on your own ?

I'm still undecided. :-)

Written by
bikergirl profile image
bikergirl
Graduate
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
13 Replies
ashton46 profile image
ashton46Graduate

Three words for you........go for it!

I did my first Parkrun this Saturday just gone and it was brilliant. Such a friendly atmosphere. And yeah, there were plenty of people running 16 minutes-20 minutes, way faster than me! But also plenty of people just out for the fun of it. Ladies with pushchairs, lots of kids too which was good to see, elderly runners. A right old mixture.

I finished 222nd out of 366 but never felt like I was lagging behind.

Really, go for it, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

bikergirl profile image
bikergirlGraduate in reply toashton46

thanks I was hoping to hear that :-) just a little nervous I might make a fool of myself or look like I shouldn't belong there with real runners lol

ashton46 profile image
ashton46Graduate in reply tobikergirl

Nothing could be further from the truth, I'm sure of that and I bet many others on here will agree. The one I did on Saturday was friendly, supportive of first timers with plenty of encouragement along the way.

It was the first time I'd run with anyone else and I ran my fastest 5km time so far. It just seems to help.

I'd love to know how it went if (when?) you decide to go for it :-)

crox profile image
croxGraduate

hi, I did the Edinburgh park run 2 Saturday's ago, great bunch of people and it's a big wide path, don't fret give it a go :-)

bikergirl profile image
bikergirlGraduate

Right, I've been brave and just registered.

Oh im nervous already lol

Thanks for that little bit encouragement just what I needed a wee nudge in the right direction :-)

ashton46 profile image
ashton46Graduate in reply tobikergirl

Fantastic! Well done.

Let us know how it goes! :-)

Have not done one myself, but have heard that they are good - and apparently they dont believe in winners (and therefore loosers) just finishers so you have the first finisher and the last finisher with everyone else finishing in between.

I was thinking of doing a fun fun for my graduate run, but have decided against it on the grounds that it's likely to be emotional hitting such a significant goal - plus I have promised Laura that I'm sticking with her until the very end.

Good luck - enjoy your last week & see you at the graduation party this weekend!!

Happy Running

Crismatlotta profile image
CrismatlottaGraduate

Ooh, I hadn't thought of doing anything special for my graduate run. Problem is i run first thing in the morning as it's the only time I have in house childcare (my husband!) but maybe I should do a Saturday run. Right, am off to look at park run in Auckland now! :)

Mp63 profile image
Mp63

Very friendly supportive they encourge you great people.go for it i did it is a great feeling when you finish. GOOD LUCK ENJOY

Janeymiddlewife profile image
Janeymiddlewife

I came last :) Teamed up with another slow runner and let her finish ahead of me so she wasn't last for the first time ;) Came in about 45 minutes whcih seems to be the time a lot of people do to start with. Start near the back so you don't get mown down, no one minds, I got lots of "well dones" and "keep going" as I trudged round and the sense of achievement at the end was great.

lola465 profile image
lola465Graduate

I must admit that I fully expect to come last a few times if/when I start doing parkruns. I did 5k on Monday but couldn't manage it today so I'm not ready for it yet.....but I will be, one day soon.

Maybe it's an age thing? I'm in my 40s and you do develop a sense of "so what" at the thought of making an idiot of myself. Makes life a lot more enjoyable!

greenlegs profile image
greenlegsGraduate

I came last in my first parkrun (I was expecting to, so it was ok). 203rd! But it was a really good experience, unlike all my previous experiences of races (at primary school). Friendly and supportive, just like here.

Hope you have a great time, irrespective of where you end up. :)

bikergirl profile image
bikergirlGraduate

Thanks for your comments folks. It all helps the nerves of trying something new :-)

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Park run - for anyone too shy to go!

Today a gazelle, sorry friend that completes ironman competitions for fun (!) told me i should go...
Jogunlikely profile image
Graduate

What Week to Try a 5k Park Run

I have been on Cloud 9 since completed Week 5 run 3 on Saturday just gone (20min solid run). I...
TryinHard profile image
Graduate

Achieved my goal of a park run before Christmas

Having competed C25K 4 weeks ago I ran my first park run on Saturday. I'd run 5K 3 times since...
Mum22boys profile image
Graduate

My First Park Run: A Humbling Triumph

I ran in my first park run today. That is the triumph. It has been about three and a half weeks...
IronMatt profile image
Graduate

What a plonker !, but a new personal best at park run

I did the park run today in 34.09 last week 35.00 so I'm definitely improving on them park run...
Rockette profile image

Moderation team

See all
MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministrator
Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministrator
Yesletsgo profile image
YesletsgoAdministrator

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.