First Parkrun

[Frank-ntj]

Took part in my first parkrun today, the organisers were very welcoming and explained the layout of the course and the procedure. There was a good turnout of runners with two runners identified as tourists, (a new term to me) a lady from Australia and a man from Cambridge, that's what I call dedication, my hats off to them.

Being my first parkrun I felt a bit hemmed in at the start, but after a little while gaps started appear with a little more room to move. My usual runs take place on roads around where I live, today was what it said on the label a park run going past a lake and through the woods and not a car in sight, shear heaven! A little muddy in places but I expected that, the course had a gradual incline on the return which made me puff a bit. There was a nice area for a warm up and the course was well marked out with plenty of volunteers on hand.

The atmosphere was very friendly, I should imagine all parkruns are like this. I could well become a tourist myself in the future. (I'm showing off now) 😊 I had only just arrived home when I received an email with my time, how's that for service! My time was 00:30:12 for 5k very pleased with that, I was 132nd out off 237 runnersv and 6th in my age group of VM60-64. I throughly enjoyed this mornings experience and will definitely attend more parkruns, roll on next Saturday.

Happy running everyone 😊.

[Rob_and_his_westie Graduate]

Where was it? sounds like a good run!

[Frank-ntj in reply to Rob_and_his_westie]

It is at Staunton Country Park in Havant, Hampshire. Hope to see you there at some point.

[danzargo Graduate]

That is BRILLIANT. Well done. Parkruns are really well organised aren't they? There'll be no stopping you now!

[Frank-ntj in reply to danzargo]

Thanks Dan, it was good and the people were great.

[Irishprincess Graduate]

That's a brilliant time for your first parkrun. Well done!

[Frank-ntj in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you IP, I did enjoy it.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Don't forget to check out your age graded score. It puts your run into some kind of perspective with those speedy youngsters who zap round in under 20mins, and let's face it, us oldies are never going to catch them. Well done and a great time to chase.

[Frank-ntj in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks for that, I just had a look and it is 54.53%, don't mean to much to me yet but will get my head around it. Something to aim for next week.

[Hidden]

Really good time New-to-jogging ! Only one thing to do now....try and beat it ! Well done.

[Frank-ntj in reply to Hidden]

Thank you HP, I will certainly give it a go.

[Toonlou24 Graduate]

Well done!! That's great. It will be a regular thing now!!!

[Frank-ntj in reply to Toonlou24]

Thank you Lou, the running bug has bitten me, now it seems the parkruns have got a hold. Here goes!

[Toonlou24 Graduate in reply to Frank-ntj]

You've just inspired me to have a look at them again!! Well there's worse things you could be doing!!!!

[Frank-ntj in reply to Toonlou24]

Go on go for it you know you want too. 😊

[Toonlou24 Graduate in reply to Frank-ntj]

I do and I don't. I tried one a few months back and was awful. I went off far too fast and had to stop. Really knocked my confidence. But that was a long time ago now. I wouldn't go back to that one but maybe try another. Prob is I'm a snail!!! I'd be at the back and I just don't want to feel rubbish again. I know where the next nearest one is and the route. May run it a few times alone first!!! Build up to it!!!!!

[Frank-ntj in reply to Toonlou24]

Don't let speed put you off, completing the course was my goal and enjoy the run. That may be the way to go by having a chance to run it first,

[Toonlou24 Graduate in reply to Frank-ntj]

Completing it is a great goal as I didn't the last time!!! Thanks. You have inspired me!!! I may go there and run this week. It's a drive away and then give it a try soon. Thanks lots!!!

[Frank-ntj]

Sorry finger trouble, it won't do what it should. I look forward to reading your triumphant parkrun some time soon. Happy running. 😊

[Vixchile Graduate]

Great post and fab time - Good to hear your park run was enjoyable and it Sounds like a good one!!!

[Frank-ntj in reply to Vixchile]

Thank you, it certainly was enjoyable and not having to worry about cars was great.

[Buffy007 Graduate]

Fantastic - they are an amazing event (says she having completed all of one). Well done on the result.

[Frank-ntj in reply to Buffy007]

Thank you, I hope you had the same experience as me. I will be there again on Saturday.

[YvetteK Graduate]

Great work. Glad you enjoyed it

[Frank-ntj in reply to YvetteK]

Thank you, looking forward to next Saturday now.

[poppypug Graduate]

Well done ! Glad you enjoyed it and what a brilliant time too ! Amazing xxx

[Frank-ntj]

Thanks PP, how is your recovery coming along? I hope everything ok. x

[poppypug Graduate in reply to Frank-ntj]

It's going great thank you xxx I managed 3 runs last week , very short and slow , but the comeback is definitely ON ! xxx