First Prom (Park) Run with my daughter - also Week 5 Run 3....

[Duddles]

My first Park Run - in this case on sunny but windy Douglas Promenade. It was also supposed to be the dreaded 20 minute run of Week 5. It didn't quite work out. I set off with the five minute walk, actually overtaking a few runners, so was feeling good, but it was into a very strong headwind, almost a gale. When I set off on the 20 minute run I just couldn't get into it at all, and although I was passing a few runners I had to break into a walk now and again. On the way back, with the wind, was much easier. So I will need to try the 20 minute run again. I think running in a pack of other runners is not the best for concentration and getting into the mood and rhythm. The urge to overtake knackers the good intentions of Couch. I ran with my daughter - we have done a few 85 mile walking races together, but this is the first run together. The forty year age gap, for the first time told, and she kicked my arse.

She was three minutes quicker than my 31.10 minutes. If it wasn't for that pesky headwind who knows what glories would have awaited?

[Tasha99 Graduate]

You did a ParkRun in 31:10 and you’re only on week 5? That’s pretty amazing! I graduated and did ParkRun 10 today and I only just got sub 34?! Well done!

[Duddles Graduate in reply to Tasha99]

It's only amazing because of my age - in my head I am a) quicker and b) younger. All times are good - the thing is to be out there doing it.

[Theziggy Graduate in reply to Tasha99]

That's what I thought too - with only 20 minutes running! Must be a really speedy walker! Well done Duddles and daughter

[Duddles Graduate in reply to Theziggy]

Thanks - I do walk quicker than most, about 11.30 mile pace - the benefit of long gangly

legs!

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Wow, well done Duddles , that’s a fab time...lovely photo too...you’ll nail it next time, the wind can be fierce when it’s blowing right into your face...good luck 💪🏻

[Duddles Graduate]

I think my mistake was being tempted to overtake those ahead of me, rather than settling into the pace needed to survive for 20 minutes non-stop. It's hard not to be competitive in a 'race' situation. There is a lesson that maybe Couch to 5k needs to be separate from 'races'