Wk9/park run?

[Fenellawny]

Those of you who have done a park run as a wk 9 run or as a next run after your graduation run did you do this because you were running 5k in your wk9 30mins or you just thought you were close enough to that distance and thought you could push that little bit further?

I'm wk8 R3 and covering 4.4k inc warm up and wondering if I could manage a park run for my birthday on 7th Nov? Thanks for your advice.

[Martin_Rose Graduate]

I did my first park run two weeks ago, I graduated on the Monday before, I did it because I liked the idea of running with lots of other runners, you can do it on Nov 5th no problem, just take it slow and steady, take no notice of the speed of others. Good luck and enjoy, make sure you post about it.

[davelinks Graduate]

Yes you can, I did, and actually started Parkrun on w6. Do the c25k graduation run on it, then you can do run/walk till the finish line, what ever you feel comfy with, just make sure you run over the line! Which looks good!😊

[DriedVegan Graduate]

I graduated with a Parkrun, despite not having covered 5k in my previous two 30 minute runs. I thought that running with others in a slightly competitive environment would give me an extra lift. I managed to complete the run (without stopping) in 30:23. Within 2 weeks, I reduced my time to 28:02.

Parkruns are great for graduating - there are all levels of runners taking part & as other posters have commented - don't try & keep up with others who will pass you, just stick to your own pace & take the odd walking break if needed & you'll be fine.

Good luck & don't overdue the birthday celebrations!!

[jaxxmal2]

Glad u asked that, I’ve struggled with week7 25min runs (on treadmill) -finally managed to achieve the 3rd run without a walk and was thinking of doing a Park Run for week 8.

Like others mention, the group run appeals to me and I won’t worry about faster runners but I am worried about being the last across the line.

Now I just don’t know whether to wait until I graduate or just go for it and hope it “buoys me along”🙈

[MrsT82 in reply to jaxxmal2]

Honestly don’t worry about being last. I love the fact that those who finish quicker head back up the course to cheer on this of us who are slower. It’s really motivating. It’s not about positioning, it’s crossing that finish line whether it takes you 30 minutes or 60 😊

[rolysmate Graduate]

What a great way to celebrate your birthday and if you have to walk a little way it doesn't matter, just enjoy after all it's your birthday

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

There will be loads of replies to this for you.. you decide what is right for you!

[MrsT82]

I did my first Park Run as week 8 Run 3. I wasn’t close to 5km but felt like I wanted to have a go. I did the 28 mins then did a mix of running and walking to the finish. I then did it the following week as my graduation run. I was so happy with the euphoria of it all o ran the full 5km in 34:17 but then ended up injured. Could be coincidence or it could be because I had increased my running by more than the recommended 10%. But tbh I loved it and was glad I did it that way.

Park runs are very friendly. They encourage any pace from people who speed off to those who walk the whole thing.

[Fenellawny Graduate]

Thanks everyone. I've registered now so no excuses come my Birthday.

[Gwibiwyr51 Graduate]

It’s entirely up to you; only you can tell how comfortable you are after 30 mins of running. What are your aspirations ? all of us have had different goals after graduation; the lucky fittest ones run 5k in a good time; from previous posts the majority consolidate the 30 mins runs after graduating before embarking on parkruns. Being ME, my thinking was that I could walk 5k easily 7 days a week, but for me a parkrun was a Run and I only went to my first one knowing that I could complete and also enjoy the experience.