First Parkrun - yikes it was cold

[LexMis]

Having completed the first part of the challenge, which was to run, I decided it was time to run an actual 5k. So on Saturday I did my first Parkrun. I was freezing cold. I'd checked out the route which was 3 laps of the playing field, I had my barcode ready and I was warmed up ready to run. Mind you the frost underfoot meant that you had keep moving anyway to stay above frozen to the spot.

The tips on the Parkrun website were invaluable. I decided to start at the back. There were runners/walkers at the back too so I was in good company. As everyone bolted off at 9am and I pressed play on the stamina podcast run and keep to the programme.

I was slow and steady at the back of the pack but I was running. At one point I was running at the same speed as the walkers (!). Three laps later and after being lapped by everyone I sprinted (ok ran a little faster, it was probably all in my head) to the finish and clocked a time of 44 minutes and 27 seconds.

Even the walkers/runners were faster than me. I didn't mind. I have run 5k. Me. I have run 5k.

As I ran round the marshals were very encouraging. As I was lapped the runners were also giving words of encouragement. What a wonderful place to run and be encouraged.

There are loads of runs in my area. My new challenge to myself is to run them all at least once.

The C25K not only prepared me for this run but has given me a buzz for running and improved my fitness.

Thank you everyone for the support, encouragement, advice and for sharing your stories.

[Razouski]

What a lovely post, and well done for completing your first park run. It sounds like you've definitely got the bug... And the time to run doesn't matter, what matters is that you DID IT!!!

[LexMis in reply to Razouski]

Yee haa I did it I knew my time would be around the 45 minute mark so I'm very happy with that

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Very well done!

[LexMis in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you

[Anthie Graduate]

Congratulations!! I'm admirative of your determination to park run as I'm not sure I would enjoy it. Keep on enjoying yourself!

[LexMis in reply to Anthie]

It is different to running by your self and its not a race either. It was a good experience of running etiquette, running with like minded people, dogs, walkers and runners. I added a new level to my running experience.

[runswithdogs Graduate]

Ahhhh so good to hear! Congratulations! For me the important number is the number of times I make it out to run. I love seeing the super fast runners lap me it's amazing stuff to have so many abilities out and enjoying a 5km -be it run, walk, roll or anything in between.

[LexMis in reply to runswithdogs]

Thank you it feels really good. I'm still smiling.

[Wantorun2013 Graduate]

Well done congratulations great achievement park runs are very motivating glad you enjoyed 🏃‍♀️👍

[Gillma Graduate]

Well done - I would have been a minute or so behind you or maybe you’d have motivated me to keep up and we’d have crossed the line together. Brave work in the freezing cold.

[SunnyMummy Graduate]

Love this ❤ Well done you!