Running, and talking, with... (gulp)... other people...

[TurboTortoise]

At parkrun last weekend I got talking to some of the volunteers. And to cut a long story short, they very kindly invited me to join their unofficial running group next Sunday and do a circuit of Richmond Park (about 7 miles). And I have accepted the invitation! I am really chuffed that they've asked me but also a little nervous as I have only ever run on my own before.

The whole premise is that this is a 'gossip while running' circuit, done slowly, at a conversational pace. This, in light of the recent 'slow running' posts from various folk including IannodaT, RNB, Dan 'frilly knickers' zargo and Bazza, is really interesting and something I want to try out. I have never attempted to talk and run at the same time (apart from occasionally muttering to myself and at passing wildlife) but I have JUST reached a point where I think this might be doable, and I think I will learn a lot from the experience.

Does anyone else talk and run? And what will everyone talk about? Running, perhaps?

[Bazza1234 Graduate]

I have also been invited ( well, actually, everyone is) to what they call a "freedom run" on Thursdays at my local Parkrun. I know these people a little as I have become involved a little in the volunteering side . However, I am unsure of whether I want to ( or or even could) run with others. I know that at the Parkrun itself, I have to be very careful not to be swept along in the tide of enthusiasm shown by most at the start

[TurboTortoise Graduate in reply to Bazza1234]

Well, people do try to go as fast as possible at parkruns, me included, I admit. But if no-one is trying to race, and everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet, pace-wise (what a fantastically unsuitable metaphor I've used there!) I think running with other people could work.

[runningnearbeirut Graduate in reply to TurboTortoise]

Maybe you *should* all go round singing - that way you don't have to think of anything to talk about and it would make sure the pace was REALLY slow!

Have fun

[Bazza1234 Graduate in reply to runningnearbeirut]

NAH!!!! Do this instead youtube.com/watch?v=Ib3Duz_...(Not working as expected?)

[runningnearbeirut Graduate in reply to Bazza1234]

I think singing might be less conspicuous!

[TurboTortoise Graduate in reply to runningnearbeirut]

There's an idea... C25K: The Musical.

[kickibro Graduate]

You won't know until you give it a go. I dare you! Then please report back and tell me all about it xxx

[TurboTortoise Graduate in reply to kickibro]

I will!

[CrazyKitty Graduate]

Give it a go! There's only one way to see if its for you. If anything it will give you a chance to meet more runners plus running 7 miles - wow! What a great opportunity! And fantastic to be considering 7 miles! I'm sure you'll have fun.

[TurboTortoise Graduate in reply to CrazyKitty]

It's a new challenge. I've run 6.2 miles, perhaps a tad more, but never 7... I think at the right pace it will be OK!