I completed C25K a couple of weeks ago and have run a 5K distance four times since then, but only on the treadmill. After dithering around for a bit I've finally made the decision to go to my first parkrun tomorrow, and it's all I've been thinking about since then! I'm so worried that I'm going to stress myself out about this when I know it should be something to look forward to and enjoy (everything I've read seems so positive about the parkrun experience). I tried doing week 3 day 1 with a local running club when I first started C25K and really struggled to run at the general pace, so since then I've stuck to the treadmill because it was quite an upsetting experience. I had an operation when I was a baby which has resulted in limited lung capacity - I'm so determined that it shouldn't hold me back but I can't help but worry and remember how hard that evening of running was with the club! I don't really know what I'm hoping for in terms of replies, but I think I just needed to get all of this off my chest so I have a small chance of some sleep tonight...! Sorry for rambling!
Parkrun nerves...: I completed C25K a couple of... - Couch to 5K
Parkrun nerves...
You'll be just fine. Just go your own pace, and don't run off like a bullet at the start, if anything start intentionally slow as it's very easy to begin too fast in the excitement.
And walk if you need to! I often do at mine. Everyone is there to run for themselves. And there should be a tailrunner whose job it is to come last. It's a coveted position and I adore it, because I'd love to see more people of all abilities and speeds running it. And they'll explain the process and welcome newcomers. You're in good hands
But it's normal to feel anxious, worried and excited. I still remember my first 5k race after graduation (we only recently got Parkrun). I thought I was going to throw up. And once it started I was hooked. All ages, shapes and abilities coming together to run their own race. Amazing stuff
Please report back once you're done.
Thank you, I'll definitely report back!
Stop worrying and try to think about how much you will enjoy this! Parkrun is for everyone, run, run/walk, walk..... anything you want!
Dont get drawn into starting off too fast. I am a slow runner so i generally tuck myself in at the back. I like to look around and enjoy the scenery. Run at your own pace.
I have visited several different parkruns. At the pre race first timers talk. (they do this at every parkrun just before the start), i generally catch the speaker at the end and say something like, ' I may take ??? minutes to finish, i hope this wont cause any problems for the volunteers'. Without fail I am always told its no problem at all, just enjoy.
Have a great time. Have you registered and dont forget your barcode😀👍🏼
I'm really determined not to get caught up in the initial rush! I'll mention to the speaker, thanks for the tip. 
Very best of luck to you! I run on a treadmill too so anything outdoors scares me. I like to set my pace and stay there. In fact I was just thinking last night that maybe I should try run up and down our road just to see if I can. On the treadmill you have to run when you up the speed or you fall on your face!
It'll be ok, please don't lose sleep about it.
Plan that you'll do a 5 minute warmup walk at the start of the run. That gets all the speedy folks out of the way, and when you're nicely ready, you can go off at your own pace. The biggest problem for first timers is getting caught up in the rush, going too fast at the beginning and running out of energy before the end.
Try and get there nice and early, get parked and find the volunteers (they'll be in fluorescent tabards). And have a little chat. Everyone will be welcoming and supportive, I promise.
That's really reassuring, thank you :). The 5 min walk at the beginning is a good idea, I'll give it a go! This will sound so silly but I'm a bit worried that I'll well up if people are kind to me beforehand! I'm not the most confident of people so I'll just have to pull myself together and enjoy the experience I think.
Well up all you want. Completing your first parkrun is a key milestone in your running life. Expect to be welcomed by the volunteers who operate the parkrun, expect a 'first-timers' briefing', expect to receive applause from all the runners as they welcome first-timers before the start, and expect to be cheered across the line (whether you finish in 20, 30 or 50 minutes).
And let us know how you get on.
Get all your bits and pieces together tonight, have your barcode ready, and get a good, peaceful night's sleep.
I've put my keys, water bottle and barcode on the table ready to go! I'm so pleased I posted in the first place, everyone's been so friendly and helpful. 😊
I fully cried during my first race and it still happens from time to time. You're not alone.
Thank you, that's one way this community has helped so much! I really don't feel as alone in my worries anymore.
You are going to be fabulous, have no fear about that. Find anyone in a high vis, they will help you find the run director and tail runner. There is usually a 'first timers' briefing, I bet you'll be surprised by how many others will be there for the first time.
If I was going to the same parkrun I'd arrange to meet you......I'm going to Cambridge (Milton Country Park) parkrun tomorrow.....I'll be thinking of you on my way round - so you've got to go now.....can't leave me on my own can you?😉
Go, join in, have fun, walk as and when you need, you will be cheered round I promise, and you will wonder why you worried in the first place.....🤗
Oh, and report back here afterwards....😉
Enjoy!
Mx
Aw that's lovely! Yes, I'll definitely have to go now! It's a rather reassuring thought that people are going to be running all over the country at the same time. I'll be at the Leicester Victoria Park one tomorrow (there we are, I think that sounds like commitment!). I can't wait to cross the finish line and wonder what the fuss was about.
You're going to be fabulous katielauren89 and Leicester Victoria Park will be all the more famous for you running there! Bless you if you get all emotional, but so what! It will be the inner joy spilling out and you won't be the first I'm sure. You go girl and do yourself and all of us proud ...xx
You're so kind, thank you :).
Don't be stressed about it, and just run at your pace, you don't have to do anything special..warm up beforehand and start off very slowly at or near the back, try and enjoy!😊
I'll try and bear that in mind, I'm terrible for putting pressure on myself! Thank you :).
Good Luck Katie ! Enjoy it and please let us know how you go on . We are all rooting for you , you will be fine xxx
I just got this in an email that may add a little to the excellent advice you've already had here. blog.parkrun.com/uk/2016/12...
So today's the day. Hope you are up and getting ready. As all have said. Walk and run. Walk and run. Treadmill running is very different than road running. You'll notice that. You're doing it. You will complete it. It's hard but you'll feel fantastic at the end and remember - no one judges you. Good luck.
Reporting back as promised! Made it through the parkrun in one piece 😊. I did the recommended walk run approach and was surprised to complete it in 45 minutes! Thank you so much everyone for your support, I can't tell you how much it helped me.
Whoop woop! 👏👍 excellent, well done you, great time too, what a star......now.......there's those gorgeous (free) milestone t-shirts to work towards......😉........you'll be back....!
Happy days! 🤗
Mx
Well done you! I almost cried when I did my first parkrun as I was so chuffed to have completed the 5k. That's a good time too! Congrats on getting out and doing it x
Well done. You need to be very brave to do your first one, but hopefully now you know what to expect you'll give it another go without the worry.
I hardly slept last night but I'm so pleased I did it 😊. Actually looking forward to the next one!
Brilliant Katie, the first of many i would guess!
I hope so! Do you tend to stick to the same parkrun or go further afield? I'm quite lucky to have a few within a 30-45 min drive's distance.
I have visited several , become a bit of a tourist teehee😀
I'm so glad to read that, well done!
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