First Parkrun

[johnjc8]

Did my first Parkrun this morning. Everyone was friendly - from the very fastest, to those of us performing a rear guard action. Well organised (by volunteers) - it's free. One surprise: coming in 2nd and 4th were juniors in the 11 to 14 age group!! Being lapped by tiny people is a little daunting - I'll just concentrate on style for the time being.

[Hidden]

Oh I know ! There's one little girl at ours with legs scarcely bigger than twiglets, she can't be more than 6 or 7 and I can't keep up with her !! Well done for giving it a go and style is a good thing to concentrate on. You also have a time now to measure your future progress against.

[Bazza1234 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Yes - I HATE little girls too!!

[agedsnailspace Graduate]

Haha! I remember back last year when on the Easter run I pushed myself to the limit to make sure I "beat" a tiny little girl (seriously, I doubt if she was even 6!) who was dressed in a tutu and a beaked hat as an Easter chick. I'm sure if she'd realised I was racing her she would have left me standing, but as it was, I almost whooped with delight as I passed her just before the finish (she fresh as a daisy, me almost collapsing with the effort...). I know better now and just nod wisely as they all speed past me...

Glad you enjoyed it. I love parkrun.

[johnjc8 Graduate in reply to agedsnailspace]

Brilliant!!!

[poppypug Graduate]

Ha ha Well done JC ! xxx

[ju-ju- Graduate]

Brilliant, glad you enjoyed it, and yes those little ones can really go for it!!!

[old_git Graduate]

Well done John, aren't parkruns great!!

[johnjc8 Graduate in reply to old_git]

Certainly are. I'm definitely going back next week.

[baronblaze]

Little girls and boys are unfair competition as they get better every week. Last year i seemed to be always overtaking this small boy in the last 1k; when he was in my sight it was my goal to overtake him. This year he is running sub 20 minutes, i never ever see him now.

[johnjc8 Graduate in reply to baronblaze]

I tried following a small boy. Kept up with him for about 4.9K. He then left me for dead over the finishing straight. Only compensation was he also showed his parents a clean(ish) pair of heels.

[Hidden]

OMG, I just registered for our local parkrun. Hope to do it in a couple of weeks. I am busy for next two Saturdays. It sounds a bit daunting to be overtaken by small children. Must get some more training in. Kids do seem to have boundless energy.

[johnjc8 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Joking aside - no one seemed to care who overtook who. Very friendly atmosphere regardless of speed / age / ability. Running seems to attract the nicest of people.