W8 Done! Is this a safe plan?

[Atalaya]

I finished Week 8 today and it was pretty comfortable. I got faster on each km and felt like I could have easily just carried on. I have absolutely no Gremlins about upping the time by 2 mins next week. Soooooo......the plan is to graduate with a Parkrun next Saturday (subject to fitting my other two runs in first with pending snow).

I've done the course for practice a couple of times but included warm up & cool down walks. I think once I start running I might be able to get to the end without walking. Bearing in mind my 28 min run section normally covers just under 3.5km would this be a safe increase if I did just get carried away?

Also I know every Parkrun is different but what time would you advise a First Timer to arrive at a Parkrun?

Thanks everyone!

[GettingFitter Graduate]

You would probably be okay that would put you around 40 mins for the 5k parkrun which if you are feeling okay you should manage. You could always change to run walks if it felt too much. Most people have avoided injury by only increasing distances or time by 10% per week which might indicate the park run would be a risk but everyone is different. Not much use I know but just listen to your body and see how you feel

[the_tea_fairy Graduate]

I think I'd go for it if it felt good, then have an extra rest day or two afterwards.

[Hidden]

I agree ,would certainly do the parkrun ,it is a great experience . Just take it very steady see how you feel and like they have said do run/walk if you need to

[Hidden]

Do you know what parking is like at your park run ? You need to be there about 15 mins before the start time of 9am for the New Runners briefing, plus allow parking /loo time....Good luck and hope you enjoy it !

[Atalaya Graduate]

Thanks everyone. Looks like I'll be giving it a whirl but I'll be careful to listen to my body. I'm very lucky that the park run is 10 mins drive from my house and parking is great. Registered and printed my barcode a while back so I'm all set. I was right about the pending snow though - it's coming down in huge flakes!

[agedsnailspace Graduate]

You will be fine - loads of people at my local Parkrun use it as one of their 3 runs a week while on c25k and then just walk/walk-jog to complete the course. If I were you, I would start close to the back for your first run - the very front runners are best avoided! I'm sure you will have a great time. It's a brilliant away to celebrate graduating!

[Atalaya Graduate in reply to agedsnailspace]

Ha ha - I'm definitely starting at the back! I went to watch & I've seen those scarily fast folk!

[agedsnailspace Graduate]

You will be fine - loads of people at my local Parkrun use it as one of their 3 runs a week while on c25k and then just walk/walk-jog to complete the course. If I were you, I would start close to the back for your first run - the very front runners are best avoided! I'm sure you will have a great time. It's a brilliant away to celebrate graduating!