To run or not to run?

[Dhiny]

Me & First Born have signed up for our town Mayor's annual charity 5k on May 1st. I have been looking forward to it but read yesterday that they now have time chips for the first time. I am not fast & am a tad anxious that I will be too slow & am thinking of pulling out. Am K just being daft & worrying over nothing?

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

You are being silly, and loads of folk will tell you that, and there will be loads of support for you here.

I cannot comment, because I felt, still feel a bit the same and I still two and a half years on have not done a park run. I said I would.. then I got Bronchitis again, and lost the confidence. I am very much a lone runner and the thought of a lot of folk... eeek...

They are so friendly though.... ( I have been along and sussed out the route) and no one minds about speed, all speeds or not are there; many folk walk it... so if you want to.. then go for it.. and let us know how you fare

[Dhiny in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Floss - I am really a solo runner too. I went out with a local running group last week where everyone was faster than me - they were a great bunch but I felt I had to keep up with the group & then it got me thinking about Monday. Pre-run nerves I expect. The time chips will be no different to the time scan at Parkrun. Whether I run will really depend on my knee -will see how it goes in the Rainbow Run tomorrow xx

[LordLuton Graduate]

I think you should go for it. You'll love it. Parkruns and charity 5ks are very inclusive and you'll enjoy the experience for sure. For the vast majority, pace is not a factor. I'd be surprised if there aren't a few who walk most of it.

Good luck, whatever you decide!

[Rignold]

What is "too slow?" The time chip is not going to zap you if you don't reach a certain speed. The charity will not refuse donations because you don't meet their speed criteria.

Run and enjoy it, whatever your pace, because that is your pace. Anyone else's pace is their pace.

[Dhiny in reply to Rignold]

You are quite right, it is just my over active imagination running riot. I am running with my daughter who has assured me that she will be running on Monday regardless of pace - it is usually me reassuring her! Cheers everyone , you are an awesome team xx

[davelinks Graduate]

Doesn't matter about chips!( but I do like a little salt & vinegar on them!) Seriously though, don't worry about timing chips, I think you've done a Parkrun, so is similar. Although it may be called a race, just do your best and which is comfortable for you, your well capable of 5k, now get out there and get some bling! And put a photo on of the medal! Enjoy the moment!😊

[Dhiny in reply to davelinks]

Thanks Dave, i think it is the word race that has got me twitching - I will just do it as a run & yes, I have done a Parkrun. Photos soon 😊😊

[Nervousnewbie Graduate]

My friend has signed me up for a Race for Life 5k in June and I am having similar misgivings but am trying to tell myself that it's the taking part that counts. I am at week 8 (28 mins) and am nowhere near 5k distance even including warm up and cool down walks. I haven't tried running with people yet but I suspect I too am a lone runner.

[Dhiny in reply to Nervousnewbie]

You will love it - I did it a few years back with a friend who walked/ ran it. I have only recently started running with others to push me out of my comfort zone because I am in a comfy groove & need a swift kick up the backside to move up a notch. Don't worry about the distance, that will come, just focus on running for 30 minutes & enjoying that. Graduation is not far off now - whoo hoo 😁😁