Park run - I'm hooked!!!

[SANDI_runs]

Just back from my first park run and have to say I loved it! A lovely cool, crisp and fresh but sunny morning; running around lakes and through woodlands with hundreds of the friendliest, most supportive people you would ever wish to meet.

I ran on my own for the first couple of km, just finding my pace, listening to music and enjoying the scenery. Towards the end of the run I had the pleasure of running with a couple of ladies who are park run regulars and also have run 1/2 and full marathons. They were so lovely and helped me along the way.

I finished 278th not sure yet how many runners there were but there was loads and best of all - I have only run a full 5k once before at 43 minutes but today I did around 36 minutes - official time yet to be confirmed.

All I can say is if you are considering a park run, but unsure whether to do it - go and enjoy the experience.

I will definitely be back - fairly regularly I expect!!

[Hidden]

That's brilliant Sandi so glad you had a good time and a great time too

A great start to your weekend 😀 Enjoy the rest of your weekend

[SANDI_runs Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Rob. Enjoy your weekend too x

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to SANDI_runs]

Well done to you SANDI, so glad that you enjoyed your first parkrun with a great time and good company with regards to the music and the two ladies you met. I do believe that anyone can run a little faster when there are with someone than when they are on their own. This morning I reran week 8 run 1 at a moderate pace, on the last 3 minutes another runner passed me and I thought to myself 'I'll try and up my pace to the same pace as is he going', so for the final few minutes I did go at his pace and like you felt very happy about that.

[SANDI_runs Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

It was great running with others, all my other runs have been on my lonesome ownsome. I've never really tested whether I can talk and run until today and I found i could!

Also as I was flagging around 3.5km they kept me going - not thinking about the run just chatting about their experiences. I even managed a sprint to finish which I never managed in c25k!

Feeling so pleased with myself 😁😁😁

[antonioa Graduate]

Wow...Go you!! And a very good time. Running with others is so inspiring and helps you achieve good times. I'll get round to Parkruns eventually. Reading your post, I can see myself signing up a lot earlier!! Well done

[SANDI_runs Graduate in reply to antonioa]

Do it, do it, do it!!!! It's great, you will love it.

Complete your registration on line and get your bar code - so when you feel you are ready all you have to do is just turn up.

[antonioa Graduate in reply to SANDI_runs]

Lol, it's all in hand!!!

[Madge50 Graduate]

Yes, yes, yes! Fantastic, so pleased you enjoyed it, and what a fab time, well done you! 👏🏃‍♀️........now then.....I see a milestone t-shirt on the horizon....just another 49 parkruns to go......👍😄🏃‍♀️......and if you feel inclined, do consider having a go at volunteering........you get just as much of a buzz from that...

You’ll be smiling all weekend 😄....nice one, welcome to the parkrun family 🤗

Mx

[SANDI_runs Graduate in reply to Madge50]

Thanks Madge. My grin is literally from ear to ear!

I didn't want the run to end this morning, it was such a good experience

[Crawlhome Graduate]

Brilliant SANDI_runs! Isn't parkrun such an amazing event 😁 sounds like you're already addicted!

Well done on a great time too.

[SANDI_runs Graduate in reply to Crawlhome]

Yes my name is Sandi and I'm an addict!!! Haha!

[Crawlhome Graduate in reply to SANDI_runs]

The atmosphere and support is amazing isn't it? I'm sure there's a psychological effect if increasing speed running with others, I had such an intense high when I did my first one that I burst into tears when I finished!😂

Did my 5th today, unfortunately work prevents me from doing it every week 🙁 but I love it!

[SANDI_runs Graduate in reply to Crawlhome]

Yes I really enjoyed running with others. Wasn't sure I would as I've done every previous run on my own.

I work Mon to Fri so theres a good chance i could be there every weekend 😁

[ArthurJG Graduate]

Yep, volunteering is good - my local one encourages everyone to volunteer three times a year, which doesn’t seem a lot to ask if you’re participating regularly.

[SANDI_runs Graduate in reply to ArthurJG]

Yes Arthur they asked the same at mine today. Will get another couple of runs there under my belt and then offer my services as voluteer

[ArthurJG Graduate in reply to SANDI_runs]

I was tailwalking today. They count that as both a run credit and a volunteer credit so win win! Last Saturday of the month is pacer week at Montrose so I thought it was a good one to volunteer for as they obviously need more volunteers than other weeks.

[SANDI_runs Graduate in reply to ArthurJG]

Excuse my ignorance what are run and volunteer credits?

[ArthurJG Graduate in reply to SANDI_runs]

Basically your parkrun record shows how many times you've run and how many times you've volunteered. You can also apply for a red milestone T-shirt (you only pay for postage) for 50 runs and a purple one for volunteering 25 times. Tailwalking is a role where you complete the course while volunteering so as long as you get your barcode scanned it counts for both. (And you should get your barcode scanned because part of the tailwalker's role is to finish last. You may have heard the slogan 'nobody finishes last at parkrun' which is a reassurance for some new participants. The reason they know they won't be last is because the tailwalker will always be behind them.)

[ArthurJG Graduate in reply to SANDI_runs]

Today I walked with someone who has done 5k in under 20 minutes but today he took an hour because he was doing the whole course on crutches having broken his ankle some days ago. He wasn't last, because it was my job to make sure he wasn't last by crossing the line behind him.

[SANDI_runs Graduate in reply to ArthurJG]

Aha, now that makes sense. Thanks for the explanation Arthur. I should imagine of all the volunteer roles at a park run then being the tail walker is quite a desired position.

And amazing story about the bloke on crutches. He is a real park run addict!!

[ArthurJG Graduate in reply to SANDI_runs]

Well - different people have different preferences. Maybe some people don't like a slow time on their record, I don't know. There are other roles that allow you to run (actually run, not walk) because they take place before or after the run itself, for example the first timers' briefing or the pre-event set-up.

[SANDI_runs Graduate]

Official time is in 36.16 😊

[ArthurJG Graduate in reply to SANDI_runs]

Well done! Big improvement in time but also, you know your way round parkrun now. Lots of people are wary of their first parkrun but nobody ever seems hesitant about going to their second! I wish everybody knew what it was like.

[SANDI_runs Graduate in reply to ArthurJG]

I've read about people who have really enjoyed them and others that haven't. I guess they are not for everyone, but I can't wait to do another, I have the bug!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Well done Sandi... it’s a great experience and looks like you’re making some new running friends already. 7 minutes off your first 5k is pretty spectacular, great job there.

[SANDI_runs Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thanks UNM. Yes I was amazed at my time, well chuffed

[Languid_Lil Graduate]

I completely agree with you - it's wonderful isn't it. Well done on a great time as well. 👏👏👏

[SANDI_runs Graduate in reply to Languid_Lil]

Thanks Lill 😁😁

[Karen376 Graduate]

Well done you xxx

[SANDI_runs Graduate in reply to Karen376]

Thanks Karen x

[Mayanow]

Woohoo sandi!!! Well done!!! You see? You don't even realize but the atmosphere and other runners get you going further! 43m and today 36m?!!! Amazing! 💪🍾😁 good for you. I am very happy for you!

[SANDI_runs Graduate]

Thanks. It was great, a real joy. A beautiful place to run and great atmosphere. I ran the whole way round and didn't once feel the need to stop. Loved it.

How was yours?

[SailingGirl]

You are an inspiration!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

Oh yessss Sandi! I can tell you that’s a fabulous time too! 🏃‍♀️👍🏃‍♀️

So glad you enjoyed it. I love the running community. People on here and at parkrun are the friendliest I’ve come across in a long time. ❤️

[SANDI_runs Graduate in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Yes, i was chatting about how amazingly friendly and supportive the running community is to the lovely ladies I ran with yesterday.

[Agelesslass]

Nice work Sandi, I sense a parkrun addiction coming up.

[SANDI_runs Graduate in reply to Agelesslass]

I have a feeling you could be right!!! 😆😆😆

[60sgirl Graduate]

Well done Sandi, that’s brilliant. I really enjoyed my first park run too, and it has given me the direction I was looking for post C25K. Here’s to many more great park runs!

[SANDI_runs Graduate in reply to 60sgirl]

Yes I have a few that are quite local to me, will have to check them all out. Plus when away for a weekend will be good to check out other runs as a tourist.

[southlundon Graduate]

Oh I’d love to do one but unfortunately Saturday morning is spent ferrying the children all over the place! Perhaps one day 🤔

[SANDI_runs Graduate in reply to southlundon]

That's a real shame. Hopefully one day xx

[Cathkinboy]

Well done. Sounds great and may well join Park Run after graduation