Celebrating parkrun

[Spannerz20]

Today was parkrun’s 14th Birthday which seemed like the perfect excuse for me to finally get out and try it myself for the first time.

I really wasn’t feeling it this morning when the alarm went off. I was seriously considering going back to sleep but somehow the little voice inside defeated the snooze gremlins.

Running gear on and I open the front door to be met by a blast of arctic air, no rain yet but my new running jacket was going to be put to good use today.

Rushing through town having left a little later than planned we arrived at the park with 20 minutes to spare. We set off across the park towards the cafe that I thought was the meeting point, funny that there didn't seem to be anyone there? I turned to Mrs spannerz with a puzzled look and when I mention the name of the cafe I’m looking for she informs me that its located on the other side of the park!

I leg it off through an avenue of trees in search of cafe number two (seriously how big is this park that it needs two cafes?). I reach the start just in time for the first timers briefing which is followed by the race director then it’s 3,2,1 and we’re off 🏃‍♂️

Surrounded by 300 other runners charging off at the start is quite a different experience for somebody who’s only ever run by themselves. The pack soon spreads out though as everybody begins to find their own pace. I find the volunteers and spectators offering encouragement and clapping really motivating and soon complete the first 3/4 of a lap, only two more to go.

I settle in behind a couple of ladies who look like they’re on a similar pace to me except on the front straight they accelerate and disappear off into the distance!

Another lap gone and I'm getting used to being passed by kids, parents pushing buggies and being lapped by the front runners, it doesn’t matter I’m enjoying my run.

Onto the back straight now and it’s a downhill section which allows me to catch up with two ladies who were pacing me earlier on. I follow them as they make the final turn round the cones and press on up the final straight. A short sprint through the last downhill section and I’m through the finish line 🏁 collecting my token.

I get my barcode scanned and grab a drink of water, pleased that I’ve finally completed a park run. When I get my result it’s a new PB 36:32 and I came in at number 286 of 325 definitely glad I didn’t stay in bed today!

[Languid_Lil Graduate]

Sounds fantastic, well done! Fab time too & I know what you mean about being overtaken by buggies, dogs, kids etc! Sounds like you've got the Parkrun bug!

[Spannerz20 Graduate in reply to Languid_Lil]

Maybe so, roll on next Saturday!

[pianoteacher Graduate]

Really well done Spannerz20! Sounds like you had a great time. Hope you enjoy many more parkruns x

[Spannerz20 Graduate in reply to pianoteacher]

Thanks, I’m sure that I will

[Katnap Graduate]

Kudos from me. I also did my first parkrun yesterday.

Are you planning on doing it again?

[Spannerz20 Graduate in reply to Katnap]

Well done Katnap, how did you find it? I’m definitely thinking of doing it again, I’m using it as the 5K run in the bridge to 10K plan.

[Katnap Graduate in reply to Spannerz20]

Good move.

Mrs Katnap is doing the same.

But I'm back on the C25k tomorrow.

W5R1 😸

[Spannerz20 Graduate in reply to Katnap]

Good luck, week 5 is where it all comes together and you feel like a proper runner 🏃‍♂️

[Katnap Graduate in reply to Spannerz20]

Thanks Spannerz20😸

[Dexy5 Graduate]

Well done spannerz, the first parkrun is special. I am a great fan and am running or volunteering most weeks. I often have a chat with people if I am matching their pace. Amazing how many c25k graduates there are out there. Whenever I’ve worn my running jacket it’s ended up tied round my waist!

[Spannerz20 Graduate in reply to Dexy5]

Kudos to the volunteers, must put it in the todo list to give something back. I did thank the two ladies who’d been pacing me after we’d crossed the line and yes the jacket very nearly ended up tied round my waist!

[Dexy5 Graduate in reply to Spannerz20]

Our parkrun asks for people to volunteer once for every 15 runs, so it’s not too difficult but sadly some people never do. I’m on the IC at the moment so I will do it each week I can’t run as I get a lot of pleasure in helping out. It’s lovely when people thank the marshalls too.

[Spannerz20 Graduate in reply to Dexy5]

I really don’t think that’s too much to ask for to volunteer for 1 in 15 runs, shame not everyone is willing to give a little back. After I got my breath back I did get a chance to thank some of the marshals as I headed off. I may even see if mrs spannerz would like to help out one weekend .

[Dexy5 Graduate in reply to Spannerz20]

25 volunteer slots equal a purple T-shirt 😁👚

[Spannerz20 Graduate in reply to Dexy5]

Hope your stint on the IC is over soon and you can get back to 🏃‍♀️

[Dexy5 Graduate in reply to Spannerz20]

Many thanks spannerz.

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate]

Great post spannerz, and a decent time too, you've got to be chuffed with that. Until you run a park run you can't appreciate how much the friendly atmosphere and support helps you along to that finish line. Looking snazzy in the new jacket too! I'm currently borrowing Mr Grumpy's jacket, it might be time I coughed up for one of my own 😁

[Spannerz20 Graduate in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

Thanks grumpyoldgirl, I was quite happy with the time as at the moment I’m looking to increase distance which hopefully will help the 5K time a bit. You should definitely treat yourself to some new gear the change in season is a perfect excuse!

[seaspaniel Graduate]

286th out of 325? More like 286th out of 60 million. That puts you in the top 1%!

[Spannerz20 Graduate in reply to seaspaniel]

I’m liking the sound of your maths there seaspaniel! As one of my friends commented it doesn’t matter what time you get, you’re still lapping everyone sitting on the couch 🛋