Pace

[Segrie]

I'm a 68 year old graduate who has, lets say, not been very good at consistency! I'm planning to do my first park run in early Feb and would like to know what sort of pace I should be aiming for to ensure I don't come last

[roseabi]

Have a look at some of the recent results at your local parkrun to get an idea of how long people take to do it. Do you know what your pace is currently? You can work out your likely finishing time from that.

But most of all, know that parkrun isn't really a race, it's a community event that helps people improve their fitness, and their running technique. Don't worry about your finishing time, just stick to a comfortable pace and enjoy yourself!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

It is very generous to come last and nothing to be ashamed of.

[runswithdogs Graduate]

Whatever your pace is, you're fine. Our last person can range from 40 minutes to an hour. All are welcome. And there are many people (myself included) that have a few walk breaks.

[RunaroundSue]

Most importantly, from my experience, is try not to start off too fast and don't be tempted to keep up if you are not comfortable.

Take whatever time you need and enjoy it

[Millsie-J Graduate]

My husband and daughter walked the course last week. Both are recovering from surgery and over past weeks have built their walking distance but cannot yet run. They had a great time and had no qualms about time taken, they embraced the PR philosophy of access for all, regardless of ability and speed.

Get out there and enjoy, you will love it😃

[roseabi in reply to Millsie-J]

A walkers group recently started at my local parkrun to help encourage people who are worried about being too slow for whatever reason - they have a walking pacer.

facebook.com/Walkers-at-Hov...

[Hidden]

If your already running for 30 minutes I bet you won't be last ! I guess your doing already perhaps at least 4K and more. Some of the club runners and some others may treat it like a race but most are there to keep fit and have fun. Some part run and walk it.

I can't do parkruns regularly because of working Saturdays. But did one couple of weeks ago and think last person came in at about 50 minutes ! As others say the figures are published on the website so will give you an idea.

You'll find whole families running with buggies and dogs maybe. I'm doing one again News Years day because it falls on a Sunday. i'll be lucky to do same time until the mince pies and stuff wear off !

[Hidden]

I've done a fair amount of tail running at parkrun, its usually 50-55 mins but I once had to hoof it round at 38 mins. But honestly, whatever time you take you won't be last as the tail runner will be behind you.

[Segrie Graduate]

Thanks everyone for you helpful comments. As I said this will be the first park run I do as I live in a small mountain village in France full of people of a "certain" age who don't walk much let alone run. Keeping up motivation is a big challenge. it's good to have this goal to work towards

[mfamilias Graduate in reply to Segrie]

Have you found a park run in France? I'm near Montpellier and I can't find any park runs at all

As for your fear of coming last, don't worry about how you compare to others but how you compare with your own times. Next weekend Kiddo and I will be taking part in our first 10k trail event. It involves an uphill climb into the garrigue near Nîmes; I'm convinced that I will be amongst the last over the finishing line, but as long as I don't go arse over t*t into a ditch and end up being brought back by the broom wagon, I'll be chuffed.

[Curlygurly2 Graduate in reply to mfamilias]

There are at least 2 - one in Toulouse, the other in Bordeaux, I think there might be another in Paris...

[mfamilias Graduate in reply to Curlygurly2]

A bit far for me to go for a park run... meh. I discovered that the National Trust do 10k runs on some Sundays at certain places - I wish the French would come round to the park run philosophy.

[Curlygurly2 Graduate in reply to mfamilias]

Is there anywhere near you that would be suitable? You could always start one!

I was amazed at how many actually turned up for the race around Cordes. Where are these runners? I almost never see any...

[Flossie22 Graduate]

I don't think you should really worry about coming last, I think you should concentrate on the fact that you are getting fit and the enjoyment of it. Run at your pace, the pace that is right for you at the moment 😊

[ju-ju- Graduate]

If you go to your parkrun website you can see the results page to see the slowest time... However I would say that parkrun is not a race and its about enjoyment and participation so please do not worry about your pace!!