Finally - did a Parkrun

[ancientrunner]

I must have been more nervous than I realized as Friday night I dreamt I was volunteering at a Parkrun but at the time I was needed was somewhere else and couldn't get back!! At the back of the crowd so couldn't clearly hear what was said at the start but know we were clapping an 83 year old. At one point I was behind a couple chatting together as if they were out for a leisurely stroll and to my right were a mum and daughter of about 8 also laughing and joking. I was breathing hard. Half way and one of the volunteers said - you're looking good - which I took to mean my face was bright red. Still I enjoyed it, wasn't last and definitely plan to go back. Funny how you can start to run at the pace of other people's footsteps. Maybe could use this to try and speed up a bit. Linda

ps: the tags don't seem to be improving face, night and behind!!!

[derbydoc Graduate]

Glad you enjoyed it. Did my first post-graduation Parkrun on Saturday and really enjoyed it. Somewhat intimidated by the prospect of bring surrounded by serious runners but everyone was so friendly and encouraging. Think it's something I'll definitely do it again.

[ancientrunner Graduate in reply to derbydoc]

Thank you. May you have many happy future Parkruns!

[NineChooks Graduate]

Well done! I really want to try one as well, I'm a bit nervous tho

[crox Graduate in reply to NineChooks]

No need to be nervous, I've done several around the country now and I've never felt unwelcome yet. I'll admit some courses are harder than others, some a tad too busy, but all have been friendly with a very wide range of abilities. The last runner home gets as big a smile as the first

[ancientrunner Graduate in reply to NineChooks]

Do go. It was all very supportive. I went to watch one first just to see how it went. Good Luck.

[Canireallyrun Graduate]

Congratulations! I'm still working on plucking up the courage to enter but I will......soon..... Even with the stepping stone podcast I'm not sure I'm doing 5k yet.

[crox Graduate in reply to Canireallyrun]

I'd say ditch the podcast and do the parkrun, it doesn't matter if you walk a bit, come last or if it takes you an hour to finish (it won't by the way). I don't consider my self competitive, but there's always someone just in front that I can try and catch - it works wonders

[ancientrunner Graduate in reply to Canireallyrun]

Thank you . Definitely give it a go, I saw lots of people walking bits and somehow running with others does spur you on a bit so you may get to the 5k anyway. Good luck.

[ashton46 Graduate]

For me Parkruns are perfect for continuing after Graduation. As Derbydoc has said, really friendly and encouraging but giving you a little taste of an actual race environment at the same time.

Well done on your first one!

[ancientrunner Graduate in reply to ashton46]

Thank you - and I think it will be a good way of keeping that waning motivation going.