Wow...I've just done my first Parkrun :) :)

[AbracaDeborah]

W8R1 at Parkrun

Was really nervous and got there too early, but meant I could have another trip to the toilet!

Bumped into fellow C25Ker Dawn, which was great as we could be nervous together

Some of the lovely ladies from running club volunteer at parkrun, they ran and chatted with us, so neither of us were on our own.

Feeling so proud now, as I kept going and ran the distance

Think I was about 41 mins, just waiting for my result text better than I thought I could do, as further than I usually manage.

This is such a great forum, with so much info and support, I'm so glad I started this 7 weeks ago, it's going to help me physically and mentally.

Parkrun was really welcoming, supportive and well organised...so if you are worrying about doing one...don't be!

[dawncoates34 Graduate]

Well done. It feels so good doesn't it 😆 enjoy xxx

[AbracaDeborah Graduate in reply to dawncoates34]

Thanks Dawn, looking forward to officially graduating soon

[W1KSP Graduate]

Well done you! I was going to go this morning but chickened out 🐥

Now I wish I'd gone, I think the forum keeps me going its full of great info and encouragement.

[AbracaDeborah Graduate in reply to W1KSP]

Go next week, I was really scared but it was worth it

[Hidden]

FANTASTIC ! Very well done for being brave enough to give it a go and a great result. Something to beat for next week now

[AbracaDeborah Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks HenPen, yep, something else to aim for

[Hidden]

really well done, so glad parkrun has been a very positive experience

[AbracaDeborah Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Rob, everyone seems so supportive - looking forward to next week

[amateurwriter Graduate]

Well done, it's an amazing feeling and the first one is always the hardest mentally so well done for taking that first step, because you don't know what to expect, I've just completed my 13th parkrun in a row and when I went I didn't think I'd ever be confident enough to volunteer I now volunteer in the morning before the run and today I was a tail runner for the first time, it's such a fantastic feeling isn't it, I'm sure you've done great, let us know what your time is and well done again

Take care,

Siobhan x

[AbracaDeborah Graduate in reply to amateurwriter]

Hi, thanks AW, volunteers were great, all round wonderful set up got my time as 40:17 so happy with that

[Hidden]

Well done Deborah! Sounds like you had a great experience and great time you ran. I had my first experience at a very wet and rainy Parkrun this morning as well. Great experience. I found the last 1k tiring I have to say, but the feeling afterwards beat any discomfort. My phone tells me I did it in 43 minutes, just waiting on the official time now!

[AbracaDeborah Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Mim, both of us newbies then had some lovely ladies running with me which really helped. Lucky with the weather here, rain had finished when we started...here's to us next week

[Hidden in reply to AbracaDeborah]

Yes I'm definitely going next week again. Got to see if I can beat my time...

[Rhedwr Graduate]

Well done! By the time you graduate, you'll be managing 5k easily!

[AbracaDeborah Graduate in reply to Rhedwr]

Gave me extra confidence today, as I know my body can do it

[richardvc Graduate]

Brilliant, great effort.

I am looking at doing a parkrun post graduation and have only heard great things.

[AbracaDeborah Graduate in reply to richardvc]

Thanks Richard, think I may be a bit stiff tomorrow...been keeping moving about and stretching. Is your dog a labrador? We've got a lab and a lab cross...lovely natures

[Noaky12 Graduate]

Fantastic, well done you! ☺

[AbracaDeborah Graduate in reply to Noaky12]

Thanks Noaky

[gary_bart]

Good for you, taking the plunge like that. Now you've got yet another running goal to keep your interest alive when you graduate in the near future.

[AbracaDeborah Graduate in reply to gary_bart]

Thanks Gary, I'm really looking forward to earning my shiny badge soon

[goonkeepgoing Graduate]

Brilliant

Love Parkrun

[AbracaDeborah Graduate in reply to goonkeepgoing]

Thanks Goon

[AvatheGardener Graduate]

Well done you! I think you're incredibly brave running the whole distance at W8R1- brilliant!

[AbracaDeborah Graduate in reply to AvatheGardener]

Thanks Rainshine, just felt I had to complete it, and the girls running with me spurred me on

[AvatheGardener Graduate in reply to AbracaDeborah]

the awesome thing is, that you were able to physically and mentally you took it on

[AdamB Graduate]

That's great to hear. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

How do we persuade all those forumites who believe that they aren't good enough for parkrun that they really are?

[AvatheGardener Graduate in reply to AdamB]

I don't know- but my goodness it's a great feeling when you break out of the 'I can't !' bubble into the 'what the heck, I'm scared but I'll give it a go!' bubble... I KNOW that posting yesterday about my worries and getting everyone's support was a huge part of why I was there at the start line. What a great support group, and virtual running group this is. We need C25K / parkrun combined !

[AbracaDeborah Graduate in reply to AdamB]

It's a confidence thing and fear of the unknown! I've only read good things about parkrun, which was why I thought I'd just have to get on with it and give it a go. I was worried, and everyone made a real effort to be welcoming and supportive. I was 183 out of 189...and everyone was cheered in

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Well done. Glad you enjoyed it. First of many I'm sure!

[AbracaDeborah Graduate in reply to Ullyrunner]

Yes, I hope to become a regular (and I would love to earn a t-shirt!)

[mcgurranhouse Graduate]

Nothing like Parkrun to give your Saturday a good wee boost - congratulations on your first one - I found the first one very scary!

Keep up the good work!