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

[bikergirl]

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.

[ashton46 Graduate]

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 Graduate in reply to ashton46]

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 Graduate in reply to bikergirl]

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 Graduate]

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 Graduate]

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 Graduate in reply to bikergirl]

Fantastic! Well done.

Let us know how it goes!

[Hidden]

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 Graduate]

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]

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]

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 Graduate]

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 Graduate]

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 Graduate]

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