Parkrun warm-up

[simonwilliamstutor]

How do people warm-up when they go for a parkrun?

I'm doing my first one this Saturday and I'm a bit concerned that I'm just going to be standing round, feeling cold until it gets underway. The forecast for Saturday is for light rain at the moment.

[goonkeepgoing Graduate]

At my local Parkrun every area between (and including) the car park to the start line is full of people warming up in all manner of different ways. Don't worry - you won't feel self conscious. I even do my warm up that is 75% junior parkrun warm up routine!

Good luck and enjoy

[davelinks Graduate]

You could light a fire to keep warm! Ha Ha... just keep limbering up, some gentle stretching, jogging around, you'll see others warming up, but don't go mad before you start running..

[misswobble Graduate]

Don't stand around then. Maybe they have a pavilion where you can stay under cover til it's five mins before start time. Then you can go out there and warm up. You should have been warming up anyway so know the drill. If you don't want to be seen doing jumping jacks and skaters etc you could just do some slow jogging and then sprint back. Just keep moving so you don't get cold. Everyone else will be doing it. Don't worry, just have fun. It's what it's all about

Good luck with it. I'm sure you'll have a good time. Don't forget your cool down.

[goonkeepgoing Graduate in reply to misswobble]

Ah yes - my first time i forgot post run stretching because of all the excitement. Blimey did I pay for it! Stick a sign somewhere you'll see to remind you ☺☺☺

[JoolieB1 Graduate]

Everyone is different but warming up is a good idea. Usually there is a new runner briefing so that you have a few ideas about what to expect. Just get there a little early, visit the toilet if you can. Lots of people just do a slow jog for a few minutes. If you can't do that, even some leg stretches are helpful. Remember too to start breathing more deeply, get the oxygen pumping round before you take off. I would suggest placing yourself towards the back of the group as people gather, then you can set a nice steady pace because 5k is a challenge for everyone and you want to get round. You can always creep past people if you feel it is too slow! Don't forget your barcode LOL.

Before my first parkrun, I had three bad dreams: (1) turned up in flip flops (2) forgot my bar code (3) was chased by a dog!

None of that came true and remember parkrunners are friendly people who encourage everyone and it is not a race, enjoy it. Julie 😀

[MarkyD Graduate]

I park about 1km from the start, and very gently jog to the start. For the last few events I've jogged in my Hilly running jacket, but taken it off at the start-line. Newbury parkrun has a groundsheet near the start for us to leave bags and gear. I'm sure other venues will be the same. But try and keep in the middle of the huddle and you'll stay warm. If you get cold, just run faster once you've started

[no-excuse Graduate]

Hopefully there will be somewhere to leave a bag and top layer while you run. That way you can keep a hoodie on till the last minute. I usually jog around a bit and do a few 'high knees, fast feet , windmill arms' type things to warm up. Trouble is I usually bring all the worms out of the ground with my feet stomping! Loads of people are busy doing their own thing. Enjoy your first parkrun- I've never looked back x

[ju-ju- Graduate]

Something I always struggle with.... However people do all sorts of weird and freaky stuff so you could just join in??

[Coddfish Graduate]

People usually jog around the area close to the start and/or do their stretches. A lot of it is about timing your arrival so you are not there too early.