Christmas Parkrun anyone?

[Millsie-J]

Morning all. I have been reading other posts this morning regarding taking the step to completing a first Parkrun. I know many graduates on this site run PR regularly. I have done only one PR myself, last week running virtually with Hidden for the additional support. This is the second virtual run we have done, and I have found them great for support and motivation.

So it got me thinking. Are any graduates up for a group virtual PR on Christmas Eve? You can run/walk, PR is really welcoming to all. It doesn't have to be your first PR but will support in particular those who are first timers.

If you are interested let us know on this forum. Make sure you register with PR if you haven't already done so, and print off your barcode to take with you. If you register NHS C25k as your club we will promote the programme too👍🏼😃 .

Post edit: all you do is commit to running any Parkrun on that day, whichever time zone you are in, run it, and tell us you've done it! Then you can celebrate with a mince pie or two. 🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏻👍🏼😃

RunaroundSue has provided the photo above that you can print off and have a photo with on the day, even pin on your shirt if you wish. She has also been in touch with Parkrun to try to arrange that we can get a piece and photos in their bulletin! I will let all know numbers expected shortly, thanks for all those who have responded below 😀

[RunaroundSue]

That's a really good idea. I have put it in my diary.

I also volunteer to write/consolidate a report to send to the Park Run newsletter if you post updates on here

[Millsie-J Graduate in reply to RunaroundSue]

Brill Sue! Maybe if we get a fair group we can write something about it with numbers etc😃🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏻

[RunaroundSue in reply to Millsie-J]

That's what I was thinking . Also a photo or two

[Kmcm66]

Great idea. Count me in. I will register with park run as I havent done one before. What a way to start the Xmas celebrations 😊

[Millsie-J Graduate in reply to Kmcm66]

Brilliant, we will all be able to have an extra mince pie 😉

[Pc59 Graduate]

See what you started Flossie 22 lol😂😂😂 great idea il work on my courage & at the moment im saying yes😊Not sure how you go about a virtual run!! Bit niave in technology 😀But I'm sure you lovely people on here will keep me right😀🎅🏻 Phyllis x

[Millsie-J Graduate in reply to Pc59]

Hi Phyllis. All you do for a virtual run is commit and run. In this particular run we will all run at the same time but in many different places. I've found that once I've said I'll do it, it gives me added motivation. Welcome on board, it's in writing now 😃🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️

[runswithdogs Graduate in reply to Millsie-J]

Can we say same time +7 hours?

[Millsie-J Graduate in reply to runswithdogs]

Let's say, your local PR time wherever you are, and we will look for everyone's posts xx

[Pc59 Graduate in reply to Millsie-J]

😊😀😊very true! & it might keep me motivated to work on keeping to 3runs a week!! Got to try to get 1 in today yet but itl be after babysitting duties😀😀x

[runswithdogs Graduate]

What is involved in a virtual Parkrun? If it's running our local one and writing into the forum and supporting, count me in (though hours behind the rest of you)! I'll be tail-running at my local one that day.

[Millsie-J Graduate in reply to runswithdogs]

We will count you in then runswithdogs . Yes running your own PR and writing into this forum to let us know. It means first timers really do feel they are not running alone! It will be great to have people running in different times zones too👍🏼🏃🏻🏃🏼‍♀️

[Flossie22 Graduate]

Great idea Millsie-J , Count me in. I'm going to have a go at my local PR on Christmas Eve, so is Pc59 and Von99 . We shall all be in our santa hats and will be singing "We Three Kings of Orient Are" LOL

[Pc59 Graduate in reply to Flossie22]

Singing as well flossie 22😂😂 now that might be pushing it!! my breathing needed for run😀😀mind you if singing il nae be thinking of how long it takes me😂😂🏃🏃🎅🎅x

[Flossie22 Graduate in reply to Pc59]

That's the spirit Phylis I don't think I could manage to sing whilst running either, but perhaps a bit of choir practice beforehand would be a good idea, get our lungs warmed up!

[Pc59 Graduate in reply to Flossie22]

O excellent idea remind me of my Sunday school choir days😂😂x

[Flossie22 Graduate in reply to Pc59]

Then that's sorted, choir rehearsal at 8am on Christmas Eve, warm up with a few carols, a little water for the vocal chords and some mince pies and sherry afterwards or perhaps some mulled wine to keep us warm? By the way, I've just noticed my local PR had someone running at 44:12 last week.

[Flossie22 Graduate in reply to Flossie22]

Now I've just seen that the fastest time at my PR is 16 minutes something. That's just absurd, are they flying? Or do they have some jet-propelled rocket pack that we don't have Pc59 LOL x

[RunaroundSue in reply to Flossie22]

But they don't have time to enjoy the views!

What are the views? Oh yes the soles of other people's feet

Anyway, my claim to fame is that I ran past Ron Hill MBE at the beginning of my second PR. He soon overtook me, never to be seen again (well not by me, anyway)

[Flossie22 Graduate in reply to RunaroundSue]

Oh LOL! RunaroundSue I thought you were going to say the political views for a moment! Yes, my views will be of runners' backs, only because I remember Laura saying you have to keep your head up and look so far ahead. I don't think I'm very good at the "cycling" motion yet with my legs/feet. I think I probably look more like John Cleese in the Ministry of Funny Walks!

[Flossie22 Graduate in reply to RunaroundSue]

Oh and what a claim to fame! You ran past Ron Hill MBE, can I have your autograph? Respect RunaroundSue big respect! He only overtook you because he had one of those jet-propelled backpacks LOL

[RunaroundSue in reply to Flossie22]

Apparently he always starts off slowly . And I certainly set off too fast that time! it took me a while to settle down to a sensible speed (for me)

[Pc59 Graduate in reply to Flossie22]

I want one of them!!!! Imagine I could be first in the ancient veteran class😂😂mince pies & sherry il be running to the finish line double quick!!! Well Flossie22 that's ME got my "barcode" I take it I just use it on the day I go!!!! Hope my legs still working by then😂😂🎅🎅🏃🏃🎅x I'm holding you Flossie22 responsible if anything happens to me 😂😂😂☺️X

[Flossie22 Graduate in reply to Pc59]

I don't think you'll be allowed in the Ancient Veteran Class Phylis! You're too young my dear, however a jet-propelled backpack would mean we would be first in the queue for the sherry and mince pies! Well done getting your barcode. Do you feel as grown up as me? Or do you feel a bit like a product with a price tag like I do? Either way, I think it is rather funny to have a barcode, but I am embracing it, along with everything else! My sides mostly, reading all these hilarious posts! Happy to take responsibility for you my dear Phylis, see you at the finish line for the drinky poos and nosh! x

[Pc59 Graduate in reply to Flossie22]

Here my grandson told me about trainers with wheels I could get a pair for the 24th😂😂x

[Flossie22 Graduate in reply to Pc59]

Now your Grandson is a gem. What a clever boy he is. Fabulous idea, why don't we get a pair of them instead? LOL I am sure we can get ones that light up too, especially as it will be Christmas. Should we run with tinsel too, or is that a bit OTT? LOL x

[Flossie22 Graduate in reply to Pc59]

Ha, but are they "wheelie" trainers, Phylis? LOL Would we get chucked out of PR for not wear wing the co wect attire? LOLx

[Pc59 Graduate in reply to Flossie22]

Aye it wouldn't look good us getting chucked out of our first park run for cheating😂😂x

[Flossie22 Graduate in reply to Pc59]

LOL LOL Phylis. We must set a good example to the younger generation and run in our proper trainers with no wheelies or jet-propelled backpacks. Santa hats are fine, but we have to bring a little decorum to the event. After all, we are the choristers! 😉🎅🏻🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️🎤🎶

[Pc59 Graduate in reply to Flossie22]

Exactly I'm working on our "carols"as we speak!! O come all you faithful.....here we could see how many songs we can sing in the 5k!! Might keep us going!! 🎅🏃🏃🎅 I'm getting real excited about this! Haven't told my family yet they will think I've gone mad!!!! Or senile😀x

[Flossie22 Graduate in reply to Pc59]

Ooh yes, good point, I'll think of some other carols for us to sing in our medley. We Three Kings, (could be We Three Hills for some PRs), Away in a Parkrun, Ding Dong Merrily on Hill, Go tell it on the Mountain . . .

[Pc59 Graduate in reply to Flossie22]

Lol😂😂😂flossie22you are a tonic & madder than me!!! I really can imagine singing round the park!!😂

[RunningGeek Graduate in reply to Flossie22]

Still faster than I am likely to be

[Irish-John Graduate in reply to Flossie22]

I whistle while running. I don't do it intentionally mind you - it's more a case of formerly nicotine-inflicted lungs protesting

[Flossie22 Graduate in reply to Irish-John]

LOL! But serious good news on that word "formerly" I thought you were going to say that you whistle while you work. Perhaps we could organise seven of us to be Snow White's dwarves on our Christmas Eve PR, I'll be "Dopey"! LOL

[Irish-John Graduate in reply to Flossie22]

I'm 'Wheezy'

[RunningGeek Graduate]

What a great idea, count me in. Parkrun is something on my to do list so this is ideal, knowing that I have committed to it will mean that I take the leap. RobD will you be doing the Lincoln one that day? Off to register now!

[RunningGeek Graduate in reply to RunningGeek]

Registered!

[Pc59 Graduate in reply to RunningGeek]

Can you register for a run in advance?? You can tell I'm new 😂😂x

[Flossie22 Graduate in reply to Pc59]

Yes, I didn't realise that either, I thought you just turned up on the day - with your barcode. I've got my barcode! Never realised that I would be so excited to have a barcode! LOL x

[Pc59 Graduate in reply to Flossie22]

O now that is commitment😱😱😱😱x

[Flossie22 Graduate in reply to Pc59]

LOL LOL LOL!!!

[roseabi in reply to Flossie22]

Yes you just turn up with your barcode. RunningGeek meant she has registered for parkrun

[Flossie22 Graduate in reply to roseabi]

Ahh, right, thank you roseabi for explaining. There was Phylis and I about to head to our local PRs on our computers to register the date!

[roseabi in reply to Flossie22]

Lol hope you have a fabulous time!

[Flossie22 Graduate in reply to roseabi]

Thank you. We don't mind if we're tail end charlies, do we Phylis! It just makes everyone else feel so much better

[Pc59 Graduate in reply to Flossie22]

Yes and if I make everyone else feel great that will be a bonus il be chuffed just to finish and see you Flossie pouring the mulled wine & serving the mince pies yummy... Il let you go first so you can be ready for me at the tail end😂😂

[Flossie22 Graduate in reply to Pc59]

Oh Phylis, I have only just noticed this response. I am more than happy to take on the rôle of mulled wine pourer and mince pie server. I did once, whilst still at school, perform silver service at a prestigious rowing club to earn a few pennies. So hopefully I won't disappoint. Off to find the white gloves, black skirt and white blouse as we speak.

Can't wait to see you at the finish line, dear Phylis. I'm sure that I can virtual flag wave and cheer you on as well all along the course. 👏🏻👏🏻🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️🇬🇧🇬🇧🎅🏻🎅🏻

[Pc59 Graduate in reply to Flossie22]

I'm counting on you Flossie🎅😊🏃🎅you are the only one who managed to talk me into this😂I've had a better idea il tie the mince pie onto the end of your Santa hat & that will speed me up carrot nae use to me😂😂Flossie! Popped my head out the door( in my pjs😀) & decided it might be a late night run!! ☔️x

[Flossie22 Graduate in reply to Pc59]

LOL, fab idea, but we shall have two mince pies, one tied to my Santa hat so that it dangles in front of my nose. Never know, I may post my fastest 5k! 😂 LOL

[Pc59 Graduate in reply to Flossie22]

Steady Flossie! We are talking first park run! Singing carols! 🎅🎅now personal bests!!!! Does that mean we have to do 1 park run before the 24th so that the 24th will be our best 😂😂🏃🏃🏃😂 you will be asked to be an Olympic coach soon ! Mrs Coach! 😂x

[Flossie22 Graduate in reply to Pc59]

LOL LOL. No it will be our first parkrun. And therefore, we shall both have a personal best, because it is our first! It's a win - win situation my wee bonny lassie, even if we are slow, it will be our PB!!

Carol singing we are doing to keep our morale up. Plus it is good for the soul.

Olympic coach! What a laugh, however I do coach the young 'uns down at our local rowing club once a month . . . Anyway, I have done my run for the day Next one planned for Thursday. Check out my run report if you have the time. By the way, how do you create a montage? Could you message me? I would love to share a pic of my muddy trainers! LOL x

[RunaroundSue in reply to Pc59]

you don't need to register for the actual race but you do need to register as a runner and print off your barcode if you want to have your time registered. you can even sign up to receive your result by text!

parkrun.org.uk/register/

You only register once then you can go to any park run.

Don't forget to choose NHS Couch to 5K as your running team

[Flossie22 Graduate in reply to RunaroundSue]

Thank you RunaroundSue . Apparently my PR are very friendly, that's what they say on their website. Doubt they'll be happy if it is freezing cold on Christmas Eve and they've got to wait for me though! May have to take the volunteers some home made mince pies as a thank you for their patience

[Pc59 Graduate in reply to Flossie22]

Don't worry il be with you Flossie 22😀

[Flossie22 Graduate in reply to RunaroundSue]

Great advice. As I had registered for PR at the start of C25K (keen-o) I didn't realise that I could add it as my club. So up until now, my profile showed "unattached" which is really rather sad. It now says "NHS C25K" which is so much better! I did actually manage to set up to receive results by text too!

[Pc59 Graduate in reply to Flossie22]

I managed the club bit but forgot the txt bit!! Maybe too worried of results😂😂

[RobD Graduate in reply to RunningGeek]

Sadly not .. Xmas temp shift at Tesco

[RunningGeek Graduate in reply to RobD]

🙁

[Bay_girl Graduate]

I'm in!

[Cuig1975]

Would love to but I work Christmas Eve

[Flossie22 Graduate in reply to Cuig1975]

Run it on another day and pretend it's Christmas Eve

[Hidden]

I've always wanted to do a Parkrun. I work Saturday morning. I will try and wangle a day off. If can't do Xmas Eve i'll try to arrange another Saturday off.

I have a nice "Bah humbug" hat. But I do like mince pies , Scrooge probably did too ! So I can at least do the celebrating for you all !

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

May be worth checking to see of yours is doing one or more extra events over the Christmas period. Some do Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve AND New Year's Day. That way you can still play and earn !

[AnneDroid Graduate]

Count me in.

I love the idea, and I'm sure that the parkrun website would be interested in the story so well done RunaroundSue for volunteering to tell them about us.

Sofargoner I expect to see your name here by the end of tomorrow.

[Sofargoner Graduate in reply to AnneDroid]

ehhhhh, thinking....will go check where they are......

[Sofargoner Graduate in reply to AnneDroid]

oh Im not a graduate and its only graduates on this thread (phew)

(excuse)

[Millsie-J Graduate in reply to Sofargoner]

Or if you are a graduate by then and can manage 5k without being over ambishous .... we dont want anyone on the IC 😀🏃🏻‍♀️

[SassyAushie Graduate in reply to Sofargoner]

Uhm, hate to break it to you... lol.

[Mollydex Graduate]

Yayyyy. Sounds great

[Joy57 Graduate]

I think I'll do it. Love the idea of virtual (or very real) mince pie and mulled wine!

[Flossie22 Graduate in reply to Joy57]

Oh don't worry Joy57 I will make enough virtual mince pies and mulled wine to go round. 😉

[terrapin Graduate]

Sounds great. I started a C25K last Boxing Day and took over 3 months to get through the whole programme. Since then I have found parkrun a great way to keep me running and wouldn't be without it.

Months ago I set myself a target to complete my 50th parkrun to coincide with my 50th birthday in February. I've not posted in this forum for a while, but I'm still on target. I allowed myself 8 weeks overlap in case I missed weeks for any reason. I've actually only missed two weeks since I set the target, because I was on holiday abroad. My 50th parkrun is now on course to be Christmas Eve. I'll join this virtual run with pleasure, quite possibly in fancy dress!

For those just starting off on the C25K programme, keep going, don't worry how long it takes, and set your own targets to work towards. It is well worth it in the end. Targets after the 50th parkrun- plans to be a regular parkrun tourist for 2017, and a 10k in April to work towards. This time last year I wasn't up to running at all. I'm so pleased to be a C25K graduate, because it has helped with physical and mental health, and I've made so many new friends through the regular Saturday morning runs. I hope C25K can be as helpful to you.

[AnneDroid Graduate in reply to terrapin]

Great post terrapin

Hope very much that your 50th is indeed the Christmas Eve run. That will be such an awesome way to mark what is obviously a great year for you! x

[Millsie-J Graduate in reply to terrapin]

Brilliant, What an inspirational post. A terrific way to celebrate too😀🏃🏻‍♀️

[runswithdogs Graduate in reply to terrapin]

Yea! Fancy dress!

[aliboo70]

Count me in, heres hoping i get a late shift start at work that week

[dipdab]

Ill register with park run but not due to graduate until December 16th so ill see what distances im doing nearing the time before i commit. Dont want a trip to the IC for Christmas by pushing too far.

If im not running ill be cheering you all on

[Millsie-J Graduate in reply to dipdab]

That sounds a brilliant plan! Don't forget you can also walk if need be 😃🏃🏻

[runswithdogs Graduate in reply to dipdab]

You can always run-walk the course as well. Hope to see you there!

[Sofargoner Graduate in reply to dipdab]

this comment kinda sums up how I feel too AnneDroid

[Irish-John Graduate]

No park runs here but wishing everyone well in it.

[Millsie-J Graduate in reply to Irish-John]

You can run with us though IJ, just do a 5k freedom run, 9am (ish) Xmas eve xxxx

[Irish-John Graduate in reply to Millsie-J]

I will! Do i have to take a photo or anything - not sure what freedom run is...

[Millsie-J Graduate in reply to Irish-John]

Freedom is, do your own thing! Right up your street I'm thinking! Parkrun use it to describe when you run their course but outside of race times 😃

Just post to say you have done it so we can add you into the numbers. It would be lovely to have a photo but it's not compulsory. RunaroundSue will be needing photos for her a Parkrun report😃👍🏼

[Irish-John Graduate in reply to Millsie-J]

Excellent! thank you

[Millsie-J Graduate in reply to Irish-John]

Good to have you along, wouldn't be the same without you😉

[Irish-John Graduate in reply to Millsie-J]

Thank you

[Sofargoner Graduate in reply to Millsie-J]

run with a Santa hat though!!

[Sofargoner Graduate in reply to Irish-John]

you run carrying a huge (pretend!!!! or imaginary!!!!) broadsword a la William Wallace and when you pass a walker you raise it high and shout FREEEEEEEDOM in a non-threatening way lol

[Scruffy64 Graduate]

Me too, I'll do parkrun on Christmas Eve!

[simonwilliamstutor Graduate in reply to Scruffy64]

Are you running this Saturday?

[Scruffy64 Graduate in reply to simonwilliamstutor]

Hopefully yes - it's about time as I've missed a few!

[Scruffy64 Graduate in reply to Scruffy64]

I've volunteered as tail runner at Stratford upon Avon parkrun on Christmas Eve, so no PB (ha ha) but I'll definitely be there

[tortoisegirl Graduate]

I am quite sad that I can't join this one...had a look on the parkrun website and there isn't one close to where I'll be. I shall cheer you on! Can I have a mince pie anyway?

[Millsie-J Graduate in reply to tortoisegirl]

Virtual mince pies available to all who cheer us on! How about joining in Rfc virtual xmas run when she launches it?

[MrsLis Graduate]

What a great idea! I'd love to join you but Christmas Eve comes with many family traditions (and DD over from Hong Kong) which I'd rather not break. I'll also be preparing lunch for 16 the next day.

I'll see if my local parkrun does New Years Eve instead. The thought of running in that will help to keep me off the mince pies in the meantime!

[SassyAushie Graduate]

I'll be the South African representative in our Christmas eve PR shenanigans.

You had me at mulled wine and mince pies.

[Millsie-J Graduate in reply to SassyAushie]

Your on our list , mince pies may be cooled off when they get to you I'm afraid 😃

[roseabi]

I'd like to do this if I can get there!

[simonwilliamstutor Graduate]

I should be running at Hanleyduck in Stoke-on-Trentduck