Anyone from Essex?

[wicket2961]

Hi,

I'm going to start running along the beach soon because I'm bored of my local area. But I was wondering if any of you from Essex get involved in park runs as it's something I'd be interested in as soon as I have the skills haha.

[Rob_and_his_westie Graduate]

I'm from Essex, but I'm a fair way from the coast (Brentwood-ish). It's a big county! I've never done a park run and I know they do one in Chelmsford, but I've heard mixed reviews locally, so I've avoided it to be honest. What did you have in mind?

[wicket2961 in reply to Rob_and_his_westie]

I was looking at the Garons park, park run in Shoebury.

[rolphie2 Graduate]

Hi I've done Southend parkrun and I think it is fab. There are runners of all abilities and everyone is very friendly and supportive. Would recommend it. Not sure about running on the beach though that is really tough!!

[wicket2961 in reply to rolphie2]

Thanks for the reply. When I say running along the beach, I don't mean on the sand... On the pavement up the Chalkwell end. How many people go to the Park run in Southend?

[rolphie2 Graduate in reply to wicket2961]

There are normally around 170 to 200 I think. It is 3 loops round a fairly flat course but you do run along the sea wall in gunners park so the wind can be interesting!! The quickest people do it in about 17 to 18 minutes ( they always lap me) the tail Enders do it in about 48 minutes but sometimes longer. It really doesn't matter if you finish first or last or in middle you will get a big cheer and a well done. Whilst I hate lap 3 it is a brilliant feeling when you finish

[joolsp Graduate]

Hi, I'm near Braintree and have been building up to Parkrun for ages - was going to brave the (300+ runners a week) Chelmsford one, then went and broke my toe and have only just started back running. This was bad timing as they've just started a Parkrun I can walk to at Great Notley Country Park!! It's only about 3 weeks old, and they seem to be having around 90 runners a week since the inaugural run. It's two laps, the second of which does involve a big hill, but it looks like a nice bunch of people so have promised myself will go as soon as I'm comfortably back up to 5k. Might be worth a try, then you can let me know how you got on before I brave it.........lol!

[spoonierunning Graduate in reply to joolsp]

Hello *waves* I'm from silver end though I am now a displaced southerner in Nottinghamshire.

[joolsp Graduate in reply to spoonierunning]

Hi Spoonie, I'm actually a displaced Welsh lady now living in Rayne! Nice to "meet" you!

[spoonierunning Graduate in reply to joolsp]

It's always nice when 'home' pops up in random places

[SunnyAnnie Graduate]

I'm in Benfleet. Never done any of the parkruns, but I might consider it when I've graduated from the programme.