Parkrun

[Elles78]

Just signed up and hoping to do my first one next Saturday! Any tips I’m a bit scared 😬

[AnnieW55]

1. Don’t forget to take your barcode

2. Don’t start off too fast. It’s easy to get carried away. Let the speedies go

3. Don’t forget your barcode

4. After the Dont’s 😀 DO enjoy yourself and have FUN

🍀

[Elles78 Graduate in reply to AnnieW55]

Thank you!!! Yes my concern is that it might make me go too quickly but I’m going to try and stick to my usual pace to make sure I finish!!!

[AgingMetalHead Graduate in reply to Elles78]

I've found it impossible to! I've been caught up in the moment both runs. Broke my PB both times but paid for it by having to walk for a minute yesterday which I was annoyed with.

[MatildasPb Graduate]

Another Don't to add to AnnieW55's list

Don't be scared - Park runners are a fantastic group of happy, smiley, friendly, supportive people.

You'll love it - I did.

oh and Don't forget your barcode

[Elles78 Graduate in reply to MatildasPb]

I’m really getting the importance of the barcode!!! 🤭😂 Thank you

[AgingMetalHead Graduate]

Definitely don't be nervous. I did my 2nd one yesterday. It's a fantastic thing to do. All the volunteers are friendly and helpful and ready to answer any questions you have.

Remember your warm up! There's plenty of time and space for stretches or a walk beforehand. Also get there in time to hear the first timers briefing where they will tell you about the course etc.

And... I've just bought some credit card / key ring plastic barcodes. Left one in each car so no chance of ever going without one!

[Elles78 Graduate in reply to AgingMetalHead]

I will walk to my local parkrun which should be enough of a warm up with some stretches. The run starts at 9 so should I aim to get there earlier than that? Thanks for the advice 😊

[AgingMetalHead Graduate in reply to Elles78]

Yes definitely aim to get there for 0845. That way you should be able hear the first timers briefing and the talk from the run director.

[Elles78 Graduate in reply to AgingMetalHead]

Thanks!

[peaplodder in reply to Elles78]

Definitely get there for 8.45 in time for the new runner's briefing, then you will get to see the other new runners and you'll feel included straight away before you even start ! The run director may also have important information to impart about the course conditions for the day so don't miss it. Above all have fun, all the volunteers really want you to succeed no matter how long it takes you to get round, so take your time and enjoy....

[Elles78 Graduate in reply to peaplodder]

Thank you😊

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

Have fun, it’s awesome!

Barcode

Fun

Run

🐌

More fun

Be proud

Can’t wait for my next one, and looking forward to hearing how yours goes! 👏👏😀😀

[Elles78 Graduate in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thank you 😊

[Fabulous450 Graduate]

Elles, I felt the same. It is such great fun and everyone is so very welcoming! They give advice to everyone before you start, which is great for those who haven’t done it before. That helps to calm the nerves. The buzz is there before you even start and the encouragement is phenomenal! I didn’t stop smiling all the way! I’m sure you will enjoy it! 😁😁

Charity run for me next Saturday!! So I’ll be out there with you!! 🏃🏾‍♀️🌈

It’s only the second time I’ve run with a group. I’m sure I’ll have a touch of nerves, but I’m really excited about it. ❤️

[Ang33333 Graduate]

I'll be reading the tips. Going to be doing my first one on 22nd. 😁👟👟

[Kimterry Graduate]

I echo everything that has been said. I did my first parkrun on Saturday, my first run with other people! I enjoyed it - my only aim was to get round! I did learn a few things though: 1. Don’t start too fast! I did and I ended up having to walk occasionally, 2. Do a proper warm up - I thought my walk from the car to the park would be enough but it wasn’t. However, I enjoyed it and achieved my best 5K time (42mins - am a bit of a slow coach!). I will definitely do it again! Enjoy 😀

[Elles78 Graduate in reply to Kimterry]

Fab thank you and well done! I live about a ten minute walk from the park so panning on walking there. Going off too fast is my concern but hopefully Strava will keep me at my usual pace!

[Hericus Graduate]

It's addictive.

I started Cto5k in April and I did my first Parkrun at the end of May.

Since then, I haven't missed a week - 15 runs at 8 different venues.

Then last week, I really DID forget my barcode. It struck me when the Run Director said, as usual, in the pre-run annoucements: "No barcode, no time."

What should I do?

The barcode was in my car, and I had followed my son-in-law's car to his favourite on-road parking spot at a venue that I'd never attended before.

We'd approached the run across pathless parkland, and I was only vaguely aware of the right direction to the car.

I set off with the run, then when the course swung left, I carried straight on until I saw a road ahead. I stopped some people in the street and asked them if they knew the location of a pub that I could remember. They didn't, but the next couple did.

I raced off along the road, spotted the car, grabbed my bar code, locked the car and hurtled back.

The end of the run came into sight, so I ran up to the Tail-Walker, explained what had happened, and joined the run at the back.

I managed to pass just over 80 runners, and finished with my second-slowest time, after probably the longest 5k on record!

DON'T FORGET TO TAKE YOUR BARCODE!

[StigOhara]

I’m doing my first Parkrun since September, tomorrow. It’s only marshalling though this time. Am 8 weeks post bypass so not rushing things yet 😀. Park run is brilliant though 👍