OK to park run?

[Potty]

Hi all, chatting with a colleague who did the Bristol HM at the weekend. He encouraged me to get Park Running - said no need to wait 'till I can do full 5k - just do what I can and enjoy the experience. The more I think about it, the more I like the idea. I could make it my Saturday run. I'm only on week 6 though, so Saturday will be my 25 min run - assuming I were to make it and run for 25 mins - how does an intervals strategy for the rest of the distance sound? Run when (if) I can, plus recovery walks to the end? Would it be ok? (Assuming I could do it that is!)

I'd welcome some advice/opinions

Thanks - Potts

[agedsnailspace Graduate]

Definitely! Go for it. Be strict with yourself at the start and start with your warm up walk, otherwise you will likely get caught up in the initial dash and go off too fast! Concentrate on your pacing, not everyone else's. At our parkrun, we have a fair contingent of people who walk all the way around as well as large numbers who run/walk intervals. The atmosphere is great and there are many C25k graduates. So join up, have a great run, then come back and tell us how it went!

[Hidden]

YES ! Do it ! Your plan sounds good and will get you round the distance, as aged snail says beware of going off too fast at the start but otherwise....have fun !

[JohnBlake Graduate]

Hi Potty, go for it, but do pace yourself. Start toward the back of the field, and you'll probably find someone doing a similar pace. You need to be able to conduct a conversation, otherwise you're going too fast. The companionship is pleasant, and really helps you get round. Don't forget to register on line and take your bar code with you! And choose a relatively flat ParkRun, some are quite hilly, which you may not appreciate at this point in your training. Descriptions are on line.

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Hi Potts - say go for it. As others have said, try to pace yourself so you are not exhausted after the first few minutes. I look forward to reading you Parkrun post!

[helcl Graduate]

Go for it! Do your podcast, then whatever feels right for the rest of it. I started parkruns in week 3 or 4 and used to then run/ walk the rest of the way round

[Janglyshe Graduate]

I did parkrun every week while on C25K. It was amazing to see a new PB weekly! My 5 minutes warm up was my walk to the start so I always started running even if only for 30 seconds. I followed the program for 30 minutes and from them until finish I tried to continue the intervals as best ad I could or cool down walk. At my parkrun there are plenty of people who do intervals. Enjoy it.

[Mp63]

go for it

[Topo Graduate]

Hi I did Parkrun before I started C25k - running a bit and walking a bit. Can't wait to go back now I can run more. Don't worry about running and walking some bits - no one cares, they're just glad you're there.