Parkrun fun

[uncle_wiggy]

So, after my extremely happy, sub 5k graduation earlier this week, I thought a fitting reward would be to do my first parkrun.

After getting to the venue in plenty of time I wondered how many people would turn up considering this week was registering only 2°C. I was thinking that I must be mad at this point, it was a bit nippy in the wind!

I casually followed a couple of other runners who were making their way towards the start point but became aware of several other people in a variety of fancy dress clothing.....At the congregation point there was music playing from a local radio station van.... This wasn't exactly what I had expected!

Turns out it was their 3rd birthday celebration this week, and they ended up with a record turn out 👍

As a newbie or visitor we were welcomed, a few regulars gained a special mention for number of participations or volunteers, it was all very very friendly!

After reluctantly removing my jacket to the communal pile, we got started. I stayed near the back & did get stuck in a bit of congestion, but as the group spread out I found enough space to settle into my pace. It all felt a bit alien to my solo runs!

After the first lap I stopped feeling the cold at all. By the second I was well through the toxic 10 & quite happy 😊

By the time I checked my phone I was at 30mins exactly, my normal finish time, having never run longer. With the feeling of plenty left in the tank & stepped up my pace slightly for the incline before the finishing line. All done at 33:32, and with my new PB!

Like other days along this journey, they could have been done faster....but not any happier!

Parkrun is full of crazy people...nice bunch!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Glad you enjoyed your first 5K parkrun uncle_wiggy, a good time as well of 33.32.

Interesting what you say regarding 30 minute runs. Once I started with week 9 of C25K I then ran altogether 8/30 minute runs and in some cases could have ran longer but stopped at exactly 30 minutes. After a short break due to a sore hip I reran some of the runs and eventually got back to a full 30 minutes of running, however, although I have ran a few sub 35 minute 5K's I do feel very tired once the 30 minutes have passed, it does put me off the idea of running🏃 a longer distance than 5K😊

[uncle_wiggy Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

I'm quite happy at 5k distance for now! If I do no more than consolidate 5k over the winter months that'll do me just fine. I'd prefer to finish with a spring in my step than be pushing too hard, too soon and struggling towards a finish line!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

Whoa Uncle, congratulations, and what a fabulous time! 👏👏👏🏃🏃🏃

So glad you loved your first parkrun (told you you would, didn’t we?! 😅)

Now I bet you’re hooked. Brilliant isn’t it? You’ll meet plenty of bonkers friendly souls, all with the common love of running. 👍🏃🏃‍♀️🐕

Going next week? 😀

[uncle_wiggy Graduate in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Won't be able to go every week due to other commitments but it certainly won't be my one & only! So yes, you were absolutely right 👍

[Katnap Graduate]

Always happy running at parkrun and its nice to get all the encouragement from the marshals doing their jobs and then some! 😸👏👏👟👟👟🏆

Good PB for your first parkrun 😸

[uncle_wiggy Graduate in reply to Katnap]

Marshalls were brillant..... Makes a huge difference... Great fun!

[Katnap Graduate in reply to uncle_wiggy]

Enjoy your next one!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Congratulations on the 5k, PB and first parkrun. Great time too! Happy running is the way to do this... the event is a celebration of the journey... and what a journey you’ve been on. Very well done.

[uncle_wiggy Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thanks UNM, totally agree, and was a perfect reward for my 9weeks work. Just can't believe the difference between those 60sec runs and today was only 9wks....such a change!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to uncle_wiggy]

Much as I’m a positive thinker, I was sceptical before run one, and after run one I was pretty sure it wasn’t possible! Only this place made me see that it was.

[uncle_wiggy Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

It is strange....the effect this forum can have.... Strange but wonderful!

[Dragonflies Graduate]

That is such a lovely description UW of your first park run experience. It’s something I really want to do in the near future after a couple of weeks of consolidation runs, but feeling a little apprehensive. You have reassured me.

[uncle_wiggy Graduate in reply to Dragonflies]

Hey Dragonflies, thank you, but don't be in any doubt, like the runs you've nailed this far, you'll be fine. I just love daring to step into the unknown or trying things I think I can't do.... nothing major to some, but big to me. I'm just loving the smiles this all gives me!

Happy running as always 😉

[Dragonflies Graduate in reply to uncle_wiggy]

You just hit the nail on the head there, the scary unknown.

[uncle_wiggy Graduate in reply to Dragonflies]

Dragonflies my friend, I don't believe that you're scared of anything anymore... 💪

[Hidden]

Great post UncleWiggy! Well done on another super 5k & for park running too! Sounds like an awesome morning 🙌🤩👌

[uncle_wiggy Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you dreams, it was fab. Look at you going into your graduation week on a real high, enjoy your week 9,look forward to seeing your well earned badge 😉 happy running as always

[Hidden in reply to uncle_wiggy]

Glad you enjoyed it so much! 🙌👌

Ah, thank you! 1 down, 2 runs left to go, then week 9 will be done! I still can’t quite believe it! 😆🎉

Happy running to you too! 🙌