Parkrun.

[TimB19]

First time Parkrun this morning. Did it, but hells bells, wasn't easy.

Have banked several 5Kruns in the fortnight since graduation (including a couple round the Parkrun course). Should be nice and easy I thought, and, checking the results page from last week, my own times have been respectable. Bluntly I wasn't going to collapse in a heap as legions of toned runners ran past me with pitying laughs (I know, I know..)

So why did I struggle? I do have an issue with morning runs. My three toughest runs since beginning this process have been in the morning. I think it's a fueling issue.

Woke up at seven. Coffee and bowl of cereal. Took a drink with me and had a few gulps before running. Need to rethink this. I don't like carrying anything, but feel I may be well advised to carry a small bottle of water with me. About halfway round on each morning run I struggle. It doesn't happen on my more regular late afternoon/evening runs.

Food for thought.

[TimB19 Graduate]

And the result has just come in. I'm gobsmacked. 37.32 min.

And I thought that was a rubbish run on which everything went wrong. So chuffed with the time.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate in reply to TimB19]

Ha, thats why it was hard work Tim..😊Well done on a great time...x

[Jenny1970 Graduate in reply to TimB19]

Great time well done. I struggle more with early runs as well, but they certainly wake me up!

[J9_54 Graduate]

You could be dehydrated. I find I have to have at least 2 pints of squash before I go out for a run in the mornings otherwise I struggle but I don't take any out with me just have a bottle in the car for after.

[TimB19 Graduate in reply to J9_54]

Good advice. I'm sure it's dehydration. Just need to make sure I have plenty to drink about half hour before running. Will take an energy bar for about half way

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to TimB19]

Have plenty to drink each and every day. I drink a pint of fluid before I go for any run, but it is the fluid that I drank the day before that is affecting the thickness of my blood on a morning run. Good hydration is crucial.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Maybe slow down next time..and really enjoy it 😄

[TimB19 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

The thing is, I thought I was really slow. My 5ks have all been round the 40 min mark. At the end, I thought I was nearer 42/43 mins. My surprise at my time was genuine.

[Sadeskin Graduate]

Firstly, well done to you on completing your first ParkRun!! This is my goal, and although you are feeling niggly about the 'struggle' please don't stray from the fact (and the achievement) that you did it!! I bet you didn't think you could before you started this programme? Well done. Your post interests me as I had a struggly run this morning and I am putting it down to the fact that I think I am better of later on in the day. I felt a bit wobbly and empty - so a fuelling issue I suspected too. I actually wondered if anybody else felt this way.. I guess they do. Please don't be put off, I am envious that you took part and would love to do the same one day. I registered this week, that's a start!! Keep us updated

[AnnieW55]

Nice surprise! Well done.

It may be that your "best" time for running is later in the day rather than mornings, some people are. I'm an early or late person. Hydration is important but you should do this continually, not only just before you run. In other words your pee should always be light in colour.

My early morning runs are always done without food (even my long ones although over 12k I do take something with me and water in my belt) but on a mug of tea. I only take "supplies" with me for runs of over an hour, or when it's really, really hot. Breakfast when Inget back. But everyone is different, working it out is all part of the process. Looks like you are well on your way with it, just didn't realise😀.

[TimB19 Graduate in reply to AnnieW55]

I did check my pee half way round. I'm no longer welcome....

[AnnieW55 in reply to TimB19]

😂