Parkrun PB?: To celebrate my first anniversary... - Couch to 5K

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Parkrun PB?

Beads profile image
BeadsGraduate
17 Replies

To celebrate my first anniversary of running (see previous post) I decided I was going to do a PB at this morning's parkrun.

My previous PB was set on the 100th Riddlesdown parkrun a couple of months ago, I was being pulled round in the slipstream of all the other runners, caught up with the adrenaline leaking out of everyone's pores and knocked a huge chunk off my previous PB. But it was such a huge chunk that I didn't think they'd got my time right, could I go from 28½ minutes one run to 26 minutes the next? No, something went wrong, surely; a mix up of barcodes somewhere or something.

Anyway I've continued running there every now and then, once I got a lift there and ran home, the last two weeks I've run there, run the parkrun and then run home again (and the second time I did this I wasn't as absolutely shattered so went a longer way home, clocking up my longest ever run). I got a phone call a couple of days ago, Grace (my occasional running partner) wanted to know if I was going, I said yes but I was aiming for a PB so was going to go fast, not a problem she'd run at her own speed. Then I started to get the collywobbles. 26 minutes is such a fast time, was it really my time? Am I setting myself up for a disappointment (any run's a good run, there is no 'failing' so long as I get out there)? Should I just pootle round the course with Grace?

Nope, I went for it. I made sure I set out a bit fast (I could always slow later if I needed to) so I didn't get stuck tripping over people going slower than I wanted to as the first 1k or so seems quite a narrow path if you're trying to get past. Not only did I not need to slow down but I think I improved my pace over the run. At about the halfway point I went past a chap who looked like he was barely out of a walk, his 'eat the miles' pace being a lot faster than mine (quick chat between us), I was practically at a sprinting pace (for me anyway). At about 3k I caught up with (and passed :D ) a couple of chaps who also seemed to be ambling along, one went past at a great rate of knots soon after and I commented to the other that it wasn't fair that he didn't sound like a steam train like the rest of us did. Coming round into the last corner for the final couple of 100m home where you'd normally give that final sprint push there wasn't anything left for extra effort, I was going at this pace for the rest of the run. Until that is I heard footsteps rapidly gaining: not bloody likely, you're not getting past! It wasn't a great spurt, but it did the trick!

So did I do it? Well my Garmin certainly indicated that I did, but it also maps the course as about 200m short of the full 5k and I didn't stop it there, I clutched my barcode in my hot sweaty little fist, turned around and jogged back round the wrong way looking for Grace! Now I'm 'patiently' waiting for my email with my official time and trying to avoid uploading my Garmin to get a sneak preview. :D :D :D

I'll let you know!

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Beads profile image
Beads
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17 Replies
NineChooks profile image
NineChooksGraduate

Go you Beads! I'm really going to have to try a Park Run :)

OldNed profile image
OldNedGraduate

Sounds good! I'm looking forward to hearing the official time.

in reply toOldNed

I second OldNed - waiting in suspense to hear, although it sounds like you've smashed it from your glance at the Garmin!

ju-ju- profile image
ju-ju-Graduate

Well done... Go Beads!!!!!! Fingers crossed ....

Beads profile image
BeadsGraduate

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

24.30!!!!!

WOOOHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Beads profile image
BeadsGraduate in reply toBeads

51st out of 110 runners, the first time I've finished in the top half, apart from the 100th run, but there were 174 runners then so almost 100 of us did).

7th lady to finish.

The chap behind me got the same time as me and it was a PB for him as well.

Age graded thingy of 66.12%!!!!

It was a fast course today, there were 30 new PBs.

Beads profile image
BeadsGraduate in reply toBeads

I've just realised; it's now an even harder target to beat this time next year!

DeliaItaly profile image
DeliaItalyGraduate in reply toBeads

Brilliant, YOU ARE A STAR!

Anniemurph profile image
AnniemurphGraduate in reply toBeads

That's amazing - well done, you superstar!

ju-ju- profile image
ju-ju-Graduate in reply toBeads

Amazing that's a fantastic time... That was a sprint!!!!! Time to celebrate !!

in reply toBeads

WOW that is quick! Well done, you nailed it!!!! I was expecting 34 minutes but got 30:22, so I'm delighted! Gotta love park run :)

Jefna profile image
JefnaGraduate

Get in there Beads!!!! Well done!!

I'm so chuffed for you!

katee1958 profile image
katee1958Graduate

well done, still waiting for my time!!

OldNed profile image
OldNedGraduate

That is a BRILLIANT time. Really well done you; you must be so pleased (it sort of zings out of the screen at me!)

dottiemay profile image
dottiemayGraduate

Brilliant Beads! What a time - and a great place too! Hope you did a happy dance!! :-)

SBG356 profile image
SBG356Graduate

Absolutely fantastic!!! What a difference a year makes eh?! :)

Sue

BettyJane profile image
BettyJaneGraduate

Well done, fantastic time.

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