1st Park run today - running in company for a change

[Whatsapp]

Ever since I started C25k I have run early mornings (pre-breakfast) and , save for a couple of early runs where my daughter came along, alone.

I like running on my own. It is my time. But many runners wax lyrical about park runs, and I had run out of reasons to say no.

I was nervous about my run, I even posted on here for some tips last night. Thank you to those who responded.

In the end my family came too. My wife and youngest daughter to act a cheerleaders, whilst my 10 year-old and I would be running.

It was amazing to arrive at the park and see just how many brightly dressed runners were there. The Eastbourne park run was an out and back route today, due to some building works to improve the pathway.

A short talk for the 1st timers, there were a good 20 or so of us, and it was off to the start line to join the pack.

The rush of runners was exhilarating. My daughter is a good pacer, and with her by my side I avoided the temptation to fly out too fast and burn-out early on.

At the halfway point the rest of our family met us. My daughter deciding 2.5k was enough left with her sister for the lure of the play-park.

So I ran the return leg alone, well apart from the other 300 or so runners also on my route.

What is great about running like this is how you move through the pack. Sometimes you get overtaken. Other times you are behind others and decide you are feeling good and shuffle past. It's more than running alone, where I am just running to myself.

A nice flat out finish and my first park run is done. I am pleased with my time and, although I won't be able to go every week, I am looking forward to returning soon.

If you are unsure, like I was, give it a go. A park full of like-minded runners is a very pleasant way to spend your morning.

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

Lovely post - well done!☺

[Whatsapp Graduate in reply to Sandraj39]

Thanks. I had to write about it. It was so much better than I expected.🏃🏃

[61trying Graduate]

Well done. Thanks for the post, it's given me the confidence to join a PR myself.

[Whatsapp Graduate in reply to 61trying]

Absolutely. It was very inspiring to see all those people there just for the joy of running.

[Runningraspberrydiva Graduate]

Thanks for the post, my plan is to do a park fun at some point but like you run alone so a little nervous. This post will inspire me to try one once back from my hols!!

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to Runningraspberrydiva]

You've said it on here, so now you've got to do it! 😉👍

Mx

[Runningraspberrydiva Graduate in reply to Madge50]

There about 3 near me so it's just a case of deciding on the easiest & registering!! 😂😂

[Whatsapp Graduate in reply to Runningraspberrydiva]

Runners there of all ages, shapes, sizes and running ability. The marshmallows are nicely placed and give encouraged claps and remarks to the runners.

[Madge50 Graduate]

Not arf!.....so glad you enjoyed it, there's also junior parkrun on Sundays for little legs, 2k......😉.......just in case......

The thing I love about it, is it expects nothing of you, other than to go along, be nice, join in and do what you can......and you get gifts for joining in....(free milestone t-shirts at 'big' (5k) parkrun and wristbands at junior parkrun - kids only )

It's great to have it as an option.

Well done Family Whatsapp! 👏👍

Mx

[Whatsapp Graduate in reply to Madge50]

I have now suggested it to my daughter, though I think she wants to run with me again.

You are so right. There's no obligations on you. Come as and when you want and just do your own thing. A few meet up in the local cafe afterwards too, which is nice.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Great post... glad you enjoyed it Well done you!

[damienair Graduate]

Fantastic. Lovely post. So glad you enjoyed your first Parkrun. Now you have a 5k PB to try and go back and beat. Very well done.👍

[Theziggy Graduate]

great - Parkrun is FUN !!!!

Next weekend Parkrun hope to have a lot of Olympians as tail-walkers !!!!

[Whatsapp Graduate in reply to Theziggy]

Yes I heard them mention that. As good a reason as any to get to one next week 👟👟

[Fatflabtofitfab Graduate]

How do you book a park run

[Whatsapp Graduate in reply to Fatflabtofitfab]

You don't book a park run. Its free to turn up whenever. You just need to register yourself on: parkrun.org.uk/

Once you are registered, you run the park run when you want to. If you want to go every week, great. If you want to turn up occasionally, thats fine too.

On you first time there will be a talk for new runners, which will explain everything. Just make sure you print off your barcode when you register and take it with you (I have taped mine to the back of my phone) as this will give you your finish time/ position.