(PGW5) First parkrun...and hills lol... :-)

[Samarika]

I was due a catchup with my friend (who was actually responsible for my whole running journey) -and he suggested 'parkrun'. I'm not going to lie; the thought of it filled me with a mixture of excitement and terror! I'd heard rumours of 'hills'...

I've been mostly running on the flatness of canal towpaths. 3 weeks ago (PGW3), I ventured onto a new route and encountered: -a hill! Not the biggest but bearing in mind I'd only just been managing slight undulations. My legs gave out -and for the first time since beginning C25K, -I had to come back to a walk. That was also the week of my first treadmill run -I figured incorporating 'inclines' might help... The following week (PGW4) was hit with a bug and for the first time since starting was unable to run -much to my dismay (but even walking the dogs was challenging)...

PGW5 and a return to running (easy does it) -back on the towpaths.

My 3rd run of the week was today at parkrun. Bloody freezing -but what a lovely atmosphere ☺. Very welcoming and in beautiful surroundings. I stuck to my friend like glue 😆 I even managed to conquer the... -hills. A lengthy incline, lovely descent, hairpin bend then a little number referred to as 'The Hill' -then nice gravitationally assisted pace to the finish 👟. Not the fastest 40.35 -but I had a ball (and will definitely be back) 😊.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Glad you enjoyed your parkrun today Samarika despite the cold, nice photo above, it's you in the blue cardigan, note the little girl running along with mom, nice atmosphere.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Hills? Dreadmills? What’s going to stop you? Ah, yes, you’re right, my bad, nothing... that’s what! Great job... fastest or most fun? I’d choose fun every time... keep loving it.

Oh, and thank your friend for giving you to us.

[Dragonflies Graduate]

Such a lovely picture, and it’s great to hear how you have tackled the post-graduation challenges thrown at you and come out the other side as a happy runner 🏃‍♀️, 😍