After couch to 5k

[fionajuly27]

Did my first park run last Saturday - not sure its for me as I was at the back all the way through - and even got a bit lost and didnt quite do the full 5k!!! I think I prefer running on my own early in the morning. Did 4.4k this morning - but will try the park run again -

[Bazza1234 Graduate]

Just think of parkrun as a bit of a "social" event -- something just a bit different from your normal runs . We all need variety in our running to keep up our interest and motivation.

Also - don't worry about being at the "back of the pack"" - it is a lot more fun there than at the front!!

[fionajuly27 in reply to Bazza1234]

I guess I just found it a bit intimidating - and when I say at the back I mean I lost sight of veryone else!!!! - but I promised myself I would do it and I did - but will try again - it was friendly - just my own sense of embarrassment!!

[Bazza1234 Graduate in reply to fionajuly27]

It sounds like it might have been a small parkrun?? Are there any others nearby that attract a larger number of runners?? It is a lot easier to "hide" in a big group!!

[fionajuly27 in reply to Bazza1234]

It was at Stoke Park at Guildford so a biggie!!!! And it is good cos I can walk there and my 15 year old son came with me and wizzed round in a ridiculous time - was there to cheer me on at the end - thanks foryour support!!

[Hidden]

There should be a tail runner who stays at the back with the last person? I should know, I've been that tail runner.

[fionajuly27 in reply to Hidden]

Oh blimey - that might be even more embarassing!!!! There wasnt!!!

[gary_bart]

The nice thing about being at the back the first time is that the next time will probably be a PB for you. And so will the run after that. You'll be able to go to your profile page occasionally, and watch those times improving, and get some measure of just how effective c25k is being for you. I regret not signing up for Parkruns from the very beginning, now.

[Coddfish Graduate]

There's always a tail runner in a high vis jacket at mine (Southsea). I am usually towards the back, once I actually was at the back and tootled along having a pleasant conversation with him until we eventually reached someone who had stopped. He stayed with her, I carried on. It's not something to be embarrassed about, you are way ahead of those who don't get out to run.

[fionajuly27 in reply to Coddfish]

Thank you!!! I was following someone in bright orange as he was a first timer too - but I even lost sight of him!!!! I am going to give myself another couple of weeks running on my own - I am doing three times a week - and see if I can get to 5k myself then give it another go.

[Coddfish Graduate in reply to fionajuly27]

There are usually a few people run/walking at mine so I think it's ok to do one once you get to the point of being able to mostly run it. Good luck anyway.

[fionajuly27 in reply to Coddfish]

Thank you!!

[andrewleeone]

I looked at my local one today and the route around the local park looked incredibly complicated a folded figure of eight with a loop at the start! I'd have all on finding my way round! I'm going to look at a couple of neighbouring ones and if they are no different I'll stick to my own routes!

[fionajuly27 in reply to andrewleeone]

Glad I am not the only one!!