Park run advice.

[Jude1963]

Hi everyone. I just wondered what people’s opinions are on here about how to run a parkrun.

Firstly, I do understand that it is designed to be run or walked any way you like, with dogs, prams, little kids etc. It’s meant to be accessible to all of us and there lies its success.

But I’ve tried running it all at my own slow pace and had much slower times doing that than running, walking a bit, running which a lot of people seem to do. So I’m proudly plodding up the hill, past the walkers who have given up running, only to be trounced further on when they whizz past me refreshed and happy.

So, last week I used their method and came in a whole 2 minutes faster!!

🤷🏼‍♀️😂

Is it better for you one way or the other or should I just do what I thought I was supposed to do and run the whole thing and get slower times??

What do you do?

For the record I’m usually around the 38 to 39 minute mark for 5 km so pretty way down the field. But I’d like to be faster.

[Jay66UK Graduate]

I’ve not yet had the guts to try it. But I’ve now read so many good things that I will.

[Jude1963 Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

I’ve only done 3 so far. It took a lot of nerve the first time and I have to admit to feeling a bit intimidated by the club runners. But that’s my problem not theirs! But there are so many types of people there that we all fit in somewhere.

I don’t like running with people normally but since I don’t have friends that run I just happily run round on my own somewhere near the back end of the group. People say hello and are lovely. Made a couple of acquaintances but that was never my intention.

Do it. I would recommend it. 👍🏼

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Jude1963]

I will. I unexpectedly became single at the start of the year and could do with a low pressure way to widen my circle of friends plus have a way to slowly build up my speed once I’ve graduated this programme. Well done for having done 3 already!

[Jude1963 Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

I would say you got it in a nutshell....it most definitely would be a “low pressure” way to widen your horizons. It’s very much like the rapport on this forum, extremely friendly and supportive. I’ve had offer of cup of tea and a cake after with a group of 6 people (they asked me because I was on my own) , I’ve met a friend of a friend who’s now just asked to add me on Facebook and I’ve had one lovely chap who’s asked if he could run behind me as a pacemaker! All in 3 weeks! Have no expectations though, just do your own run and enjoy watching others.

All that and the health benefits too!

Keep it up Jay. 👍🏼

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Jude1963]

Will do - thanks!

[Millsie-J Graduate]

As a graduate you can do whatever you like! The programme has done its job of getting you to a point of being able to run for a constant 30 mins. Now its over to you😎 Many folk take a walking break, its absolutely fine to do so.

[Jude1963 Graduate in reply to Millsie-J]

Thanks Millsie. You’re right. This time last year I would have still been in bed at 9am on a Saturday. 😂

[Tbae]

Interesting post last week on Jeffing.👍

Personally only have done one,PARKRUN, lovely experience. My goal was to test my new stamina and endurance by completely running the 5k, just after completing the C25k and receive an official time.

Best tip I got was to start at the back and just find my happy pace, having warmed up before the start line.

I am attempting to improve my pace with Laura’s 5k+ podcasts before again doing a further continuous running 5k.

Experienced parkrunners recommended to me, just participate every Saturday,and your time will improve, but my nearest is 50 mile round trip.

Hope this helps.🌟👏👏

[Jude1963 Graduate in reply to Tbae]

Ahhhh... thanks Tbae....

I’ve never heard of Jeffing, but I’ve just looked it up and there’s some very interesting theories. Thankyou!

(I tried the 5k plus podcasts but I found I was happier just running without any headphones. )

[Tbae in reply to Jude1963]

Yes, and the PARKRUN dissuade you also.🤔

I am the original techie dinasaur and ran the C25k without music and without the fabulous Laura.

Cannot believe the treat this is now with Laura and the bpm music.👍👏👏

Enjoy Jeffing it is clever.

🏃‍♀️🌟👏👏

.

[dcmusic in reply to Tbae]

Need to look up jeffing?!

[Tbae in reply to dcmusic]

Yes👍and last weeks post.Interesting gives another option.👏👏

[antonioa Graduate]

Glad to see you're still keeping it up! I've not read all the replies, but just keep doing what you feel comfy with.

I've started doing some light interval running without any adverse reaction. I'll keep this up for now as I'm off on hols for the last two weeks in June. Then, I should be ready for a straight 9-week stint at C25k, hopefully. Take care

[Jude1963 Graduate in reply to antonioa]

It’s good to hear that you’re on the mend and doing a bit of light exercise.

I can’t believe I’ve stuck at something this long! It’s May and I’m still running after starting in January. I’ve been very lucky though not to get any injuries. I think that would have made me consider a different hobby.

I’m glad you’re determined to follow this through. You won’t regret it.

[antonioa Graduate in reply to Jude1963]

Haha....with all the "success" posts (including yours) that I've read, how can I fail?? Watch this space

[Jude1963 Graduate in reply to antonioa]

I will watch this space! I really want you help you through it like you helped me.

😊

[CatMo13 Graduate in reply to Jude1963]

Hi Jude , you’ve been really lucky. I’m just thinking about cycling now as it’s safer( well actually not sure it is !) it’s easier on the joints I guess 😁

[Jude1963 Graduate in reply to CatMo13]

I don’t know much about cycling but I do believe it’s moving from A to B using your own strength so it’s got to be good for you!

I met an older lady at parkrun who gave me sound advice. She said “Just keep moving” She was in her eighties and looked fabulous.

[Tbae in reply to Jude1963]

Good advise and your older friend is spot on,we were given muscles to use.🤔

This myth that running is tougher on your joints when the opposite is true,do not know if you saw on TV the Trust me I am a Doctor, comparison between running with correct running form and brisk walking, running kinder on your body providing you do everything to cushion the impact.It is a fact that over a given distance and you get there quicker you are making less movements.

Pleased I got that off my chest.🤔😂😂

[Jude1963 Graduate in reply to Tbae]

Interesting to know Tbae. I certainly have been very lucky though. Apart from a knee niggle that a gait analysis sorted I’ve been able to make slow but steady progress.

[Tbae in reply to Jude1963]

Brillant.

Take care of yourself and keep smiling.🌟👏👏