My first Park Run. I finished C5K last Saturday and did two solo runs during the week so I decided to go to Conkers as we were camping just about 1km away at Moira Furnace Folk Festival.
I said all along that this run was dependent on two things. Not a very late night (Blackbeards Tea Party started about an hour late, at 11pm, so that was scuppered) and not being too wet (I awoke just before my alarm to very heavy rain). So not an auspicious start. However, we were awake so we got up and had breakfast and I decided to go for it.
Light rain as we walked along the river to the start, but looking brighter. Very heavy rain again as the volunteers arrived to set up (we were very early)
Everyone was very friendly and encouraging. At about 8.50 all the new runners were gathered together for a little talk and explanation of rules, where to go, what to do at the beginning and end. Then all runners were summoned for a less detailed talk. New runners were given a cheer. The only tourist (me) was given another cheer then we walked to the start. I decided I wouldn't be one of the fastest so I didn't stand at the front. I hoped I wouldn't be the last and was encouraged to stand in the middle. The aim apparently is to try to avoid being trampled or having to weave around buggies and walkers.
And we were off, some passed me, I even passed a few, plenty of space for every one. I settled down just behind a couple of men pushing a buggy but walking about the same speed as me, so that helped me and stopped me going to fast. I used the same playlist that worked so well on Monday and it did the trick.
Oh yes, the rain had stopped and it just got better. The sun came out but it was not too hot. I took advice from one of the organisers and didn't attempt to run up "Cheeky Hill", a short but steep stretch. I ran most of the way, just had a couple for short walks after halfway, but for a total of about 10 minutes, including the hill.
I really enjoyed it, it was a bit hard but not difficult. Everyone was so encouraging all the way round and those I had spoken to before the start came to ask how I did when I got back. Very well organised.
The only downer was passing someone who had fallen or collapsed but he was being well looked after and there was a doctor with him. I found out later that he had recovered enough to walk to the ambulance, so that was good to hear.
It was a lovely run and I will certainly be back next year.
Oh yes, I hear you ask! How did I do?
A very respectable 41 minutes (exactly) , female number 100 out of 117, overall 262 out of 287.
Very, very pleased indeed.
What a fantastic achievement! You must be prouder than proud - and rightly so. Brilliant! Well done you!😃🌟👍🌟👍🌟👍🌟😃
First Park Run
week 3 - park run
My Park Run in Brighton and Hove Park..
First Park Run
First Park Run 
