Tackled my first Parkrun this morning.๐ It was to be a morning of firsts - first time Iโd run as late as 9am (thankfully Birkenhead Park turned out to have a course mostly shaded by trees, as well as flat, and with a bit of a breeze the heat didnโt seem too bad) and first time Iโd eaten before running (oats 2 hours before didnโt cause any bad issues). ๐
Everyone was very friendly and welcoming, but it felt weird being surrounded by over 400 other runners. I should also never have trusted my husband when he said heโd stay with me for my first run - that didnโt last long before he got too competitive and shot off! ๐
I didnโt need to worry about getting left behind on my own, though, or getting lost. As the current route for this Parkrun is 3 laps of the park (apparently they are changing it soon), we found ourselves getting lapped at speed by the top end of the field. Managed to keep things steady, and pleased to finish in 29min 21sec. Not at all surprised to see my phone & Runkeeper only gave me a 4.91km distance. Come on Runkeeper, this is supposed to be an โaccurately measured 5kโ - why do you always have to be so stingy! ๐๐๐
Written by
mountaindreamer
Graduate
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Not sure if thatโs a real smile...more of an โIโve finished, and I wanted the loo before we even started...now weโve got to drive home again before I get to go!!!โ๐๐คฃ๐คฃ๐
To be honest, the nice volunteer we met at the start did tell me to go and find a secluded tree when I asked if there were any loos open yet nearby - but that somehow seems more acceptable out in the countryside than in a public park! ๐โค๏ธ
Well Done on your first Parkrun mountaindreamer. An excellent time too. Not sure if Iโd like to be overtaken several times by the whippets though. ๐โโ๏ธ๐โโ๏ธ๐โโ๏ธ๐โโ๏ธ๐โโ๏ธ๐โโ๏ธ
Thanks Dexy5 - they overtook us all only once at least, itโs just the speed difference that comes as a shock... These guys run the whole course in 16mins!!! ๐ฒ๐ฒThankfully they have the finishing โfunnelโ off a path to the side of the main circuit, though, otherwise I think it would be chaos! ๐
I can't do it next week, I'm away at a conference, but I plan to join the parkrun the week after - I'm hoping it will be a bit cooler by then but, knowing my luck, the Monsoon will arrive.
Thanks - if itโs still hot then hopefully your course will have good tree coverage too. The shade made a big difference. I did carry a bit of water in case, but didnโt need it. Iโve already got my lightweight waterproof ready for if Monsoons hit! (I learnt that getting soaked weeks ago, when I was terrified my phone and Fitbit wouldnโt survive the drenching...) ๐โค๏ธ
It was good fun, so Iโd recommend trying one. Having read Jay66UKโs account of his first (very hilly!) go, I deliberately looked for our nearest flat one. Was a bit taken aback when a volunteer chatting to us started referring to โthe hillโ, though! ๐ณ Thankfully โthe hillโ turned out to be so gradual that we didnโt notice it until the easier downhill bit after it. ๐ Shady trees were also a big benefit in this heat, if you have different nearby courses to choose from.
Thanks - I was more worried it was so late in the morning and Iโd overheat! (This running lark seems to have got me eagerly getting up just to run at silly hours...๐ฏ)
Thanks - I know itโs all about us just getting out there and running, but as the only entrant today sporting โNHS C25kโ as my running club, I was glad to feel Iโd not disgraced us all! ๐โค๏ธ๐โโ๏ธ
Yay Birkenhead Park. I grew up there and used to work at Barclays Park branch, sadly not there now, (couldnโt cope when I left to move down south๐) opposite the scented garden for the blind. What a brilliant place for a long run xx
Donโt laugh, but Iโve lived at the other end of The Wirral for 20 years now, and this was the first time Iโd been to Birkenhead Park! Nice place. Havenโt seen a scented garden yet, but we plan to return next Saturday, and Iโm guessing thatโs in the other half of the park. The Parkrun goes around the lake end. ๐โค๏ธ
Youโll hopefully be back out again before too long. Injuries stink, but be gentle with yourself and let yourself heal first. Running will be waiting for you again when youโre ready. โค๏ธโค๏ธ
Looks like you had a great day! Minus the abandonment and pee-pee dance! Loved this post ๐
It was fun, so weโll hopefully be back next week. No real answer to my need for toilets before the 9am start - shame the park cafe (with loos) doesnโt open until 9am! ๐โค๏ธ
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.