First Parkrun today - in the rain!

My very first Parkrun this morning - 10 weeks after my training started and I couldn't run a bath. Back then I set myself a personal goal of being able to run 5K in under 30 minutes, not knowing if I could ever achieve it. I've just received my official time from Parkrun and I managed it this morning (in the wet and mud) in 29:19.

I can recommend Parkrun to all of you. I had a great time today and there were over 600 runners out there in the wet... I took off far to fast to begin with so I suggest people watch that, but I managed my way around without walking or stopping and it was fantastic to be running with other people - it was a great sense of community.

Now I have a time to improve on if I want to! I also got my 3rd run of the week done with over 600 other people...

I had a cheer squad with me this morning and they are the reason I run and keep myself fit nowadays - I need to be around for them and to be able to chase after them!

[BettysbOps Graduate]

Oh my god, 600 runners?? That's insane, we only had about 55 today!

Popped my Parkrun cherry this morning too, will DEFFO be going next week

[Hidden in reply to BettysbOps]

Was great fun. Having 600 runners meant finishing almost 500th didn't feel too bad...

[no-excuse Graduate]

Fantastic! So glad you had a good first Parkrun and your cheerleaders with you too! Well done with your time, that's great. You must feel very proud and rightly so. We had a chase the pacer day at our Parkrun today and I shaved a bit off my PB, so I'm well pleased with that. Its good this running init! x

[GettingFitter Graduate]

Well done! A great achievement - I think I might try the same for my graduation (if I get there)

[Hidden in reply to GettingFitter]

Of course you'll get there! If I can - anyone can!

[c4ts Graduate]

Well done - great result, do you know what you have let yourself into - one's competitive streak comes out now as it is always about seeing a new PB on the Parkrun result. Luckily I managed a new one today so in a great mood now.

[Hidden in reply to c4ts]

I know - I'm already working out how next week I should stand closer to the front but to the side at the start to gain a few seconds there..

[Laurae Graduate]

Well done, what an achievement. I think that cheering squad would definately have increased your speed.

[Hidden]

That's really good news. Great time too. 600 is a LOT of other runners.

[Hidden]

Well done on your first Parkrun. It's a lovely photo - no wonder you wanted to get fit. Good luck with your next run and best wishes.

[PandaRunner Graduate]

Brilliant! Glad you enjoyed it! I have signed up already even though I have just finished W3 this morning - wanted it to be something to aim for along with my R4L in July. It's great that there is somewhere you can go and run with other like minded people without joining a club. Hull has over runners now - I remember when my son started 100 was an achievement! It has caught on so much over the last few years!

[carerof Graduate]

what a joyful picture, how lucky your daughters are to have such a wonderful dad!!!!

[notbad Graduate]

Well done and a gorgeous pic, bet they are proud of their dad.

[ju-ju- Graduate]

awww well done you, and what beauties you have there...how wonderful

[Fitfor60 Graduate]

Congratulations and great time Your daughters will be so proud of you Hate to tell you but your sat mornings won't be the same again

[AncientMum Graduate]

Well done Aussiegtc, sounds like an amazing run -600 runners! AND sub 30 minutes!

[Treemouse Graduate]

What cute girls, how fantastic to have them cheering you on! Well done, and what a fantastic time too. I did my first one today and came 193rd out of 210. Not very fst, but the time is coming down and was 35 mins today Keep up the good work

[Hidden in reply to Treemouse]

You too! That's a great time! I can see why they're addictive...

[Hidden]

The pain train leaves on Monday alright.. Wish me luck! I've entered the Richmond riverside run 10k on the 26th July so need to start training! Good to know I'm not alone in B210K....

[I_will Graduate]

Great time! Well done

[TurboTortoise Graduate]

Brilliant! And how lovely to have your family cheering you on. Is that Bushy Park? It took me all of 8 months to do my first parkrun after graduating - you're doing so well. I've got my eye on that that 10k riverside run too - I did the same organisers' Richmond Park 10k in April and it was great fun and a really nice event, so I may see you there!

[Hidden in reply to TurboTortoise]

Yes - that's Bushy Park. I decided to join a larger event to begin with - easier to blend in!

The riverside run is 9 weeks away now - scary!