Advice needed please 😁

[CookieM]

First a little background:

I graduated in January this year and was running around 3.5 - 4k in 30 minutes. The original plan was to keep running 2-3 times a week and gradually increase until I got to the magic 5k. However, with various health things this hasn't happened! 🙁

I am now back out and running every 2 or 3 days. Have done a few runs which were 10 mins run + 3 mins walk x 2. I tried a longer run, but this broke the 10% rule and caused hip pain which, fortunately, settled after an extra days rest. So last time ran for 18 mins non-stop with no consequences! 🏃‍♀️

So I have a question. I was aiming to do a parkrun at the end of this month, as I have signed up for a virtual 5k medal 🏅 (which can be any combination of walking and running). Do I just run what I should be (if I go back to the C25k program around week 6, which seems to be where I am comfortable at the moment) on that day and walk the rest? Or do I run/walk the whole 5k? Or?!

Thank you in advance for your expertise! 😁

[Hidden]

I would do whatever C25k run you are up to and then walk the rest. I've not done a park run yet but I gather lots of people do them like that as they do C25k.

[CookieM Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks

[Noomes]

My mother in law is the event director at our local parkrun, and as she would always say, you're welcome no matter how fast or slow, running or walking.

Our parkrun is really hilly, so for beginners, run/walk is best. I would say go with an open mind, if you can manage week 6 then fab, but if not, run/walk is just as fab 😊

The community spirit will soon make you forget! 😂

[CookieM Graduate in reply to Noomes]

Thanks

I know I'm just worrying over nothing about the actual Parkrun itself - I have friends who do them regularly (just not near where I live!). I just don't want to push myself too far with regards to my running!

[Noomes in reply to CookieM]

There are marshalls all around and all runners/walkers are supportive, and a tail runner to make sure no-ones left behind. Take it as slow as you need, plus the more events you do and get better at, you see your progress on your parkrun page! You'll probably surprise yourself with how well you do.

The faster runners will usually loop back once finished and run with people 😊

We have a lady who is in her 60s, and walked at first, she comes every week and runs with tail runner and now she runs the majority! We even have brews and cake afterwards 😂😊

[CookieM Graduate in reply to Noomes]

The one I'm looking at doing uses the local rugby club grounds, so has coffee at the club house afterwards! (and there is a new one which started last weekend which does the same) I can see I'm going to have to try a few different ones to find my favourite!!

[damienair Graduate]

Parkruns a very easy going events. You can walk it all, run/walk or run the full 5k. I have done 8 so far and only managed to run the full 5k without walking twice. Do the Parkrun, you will love it. There is no pressure.

[CookieM Graduate in reply to damienair]

Thanks - it's useful to know that there are people who don't run the whole 5k!!

[Pc59 Graduate in reply to CookieM]

I understand where you are as i am stilling planning a parkrun & always said i would do it when I could run all of it but i was off with an injury & just built up to 26mins running again & walk run the rest to get to 5k so i think im going to challenge myself to just get out & do it best i can just to get me into it!! I have something on next 2 Saturdays but can maybe aim for 5/8😊we can motivate each other but trust me im slow!!! X

[CookieM Graduate in reply to Pc59]

Good to know someone else is in a similar position to me!

I don't know if I can do this Saturday - but I'm going to aim to go on the 29th July. I can't do 5/8 as I'm away, but once I've done one, I hope to be able to do one or two each month!! There - I've put it in writing now!!!

[Pc59 Graduate in reply to CookieM]

Ah i would do 29th but i think my family organising something for my birthday on the 30th the big 60😉honestly you would think I would know better starting running at my age 😂😂😂 but i live a challenge & you & i will be at park run il be looking out for you🏃👍then one sat we will do it together 😊

[CookieM Graduate in reply to Pc59]

You're on!!!

[Pc59 Graduate in reply to CookieM]

👍😊il be keeping an eye out for you😊😉

[CookieM Graduate in reply to Pc59]

👀

[ju-ju- Graduate]

I would carry on as you are and consider taking the 5k in two chunks with a 2 minute walk in the middle.... just a thought but that would break it up... good luck

[CookieM Graduate in reply to ju-ju-]

Thanks 😊

[Maddee_6333 Graduate]

I'd do whatever Week you're on by the time, and walk the rest, but maybe jog over the line as your version of a sprint finish 😉

[CookieM Graduate in reply to Maddee_6333]

I would definitely try and jog over the finish!!

[Maddee_6333 Graduate in reply to CookieM]

Somehow it feels so much better that way 🙂