First Parkrun-Not

[Pemberly]

I've been working towards this - one of my challenges. Finished C25K three weeks ago and have been completing consolidating runs 3 times a week since. So, couldn't get my head round this experience - at all! Stopped after 2 1/2 K. Feel a bit despondent at the moment. it's the first run I've not achieved. Will try again but next time will take Michael Johnson and my audiobook with me. Didn't enjoy having other people around me or being called 'Madam' tho' my mum used to say I was one. Running is so much 'in the head'; the gremlins won today.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Go you..PR is not for everyone..maybe you started a little quickly?

Don't feel despondent..feel proud.. look how far you've come!!

Try some mixing up of your consolidation..short runs.. 5Ks and some long slow runs...all helping with stamina and strength. The more runs you do..the more those legs build up.

Well done!!

[Pemberly Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you. Kind words. Running is always in my head . I manage it physically . I was able to stick to my usual slow pace, that's one thing. Onwards and onwards.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Pemberly]

Slow is perfect..onward and upward..as ever x

[Millsie-J Graduate]

I remember my first PR, I was a little overwhelmed by it all. I completed the course slowly, and everyone was so encouraging, so Im not sure why I felt this way. I think it may have been because I didnt know the route and I wasnt used to running with others. I ran the route a few times as freedom runs......you do it anytime you like. Went back to PR and felt so much more relaxed, I love it now!

As Floss says, PR isnt for everyone, but it might be worth another try to try to overcome those gremlins. 🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻

[Pemberly Graduate in reply to Millsie-J]

You've sort of summed it up. Yes, I think a few early morning practice runs on the route will help- freedom runs as you call them. I'll put the PR challenge on the back burner for a while.

Appreciate the support.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Well done getting out there and having a go at parkrun. Were there a lot of runners there? Maybe try to find one with a smaller average number of runners (bottom of a parkruns page) near you next time? We have one established one near us that has 30-40 runners and yet 2 miles away is one that’s 300-400 every week. Strangely the bigger one is hillier?! I know a woman who goes to the smaller events as she’s not comfortable yet running the busy ones.

[Pemberly Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thank you. I think I can do this one- it's delightfully flat and along the beach. Lots of experienced and competent runners there today. Guess I'm just not quite ready yet.

[KazMac2020]

Don’t worry Pem I went today my 2nd park run and walked off half way too. I just couldn’t get into my head to finish. I had a complete mental block. But I will win next Saturday. Keep going you will get there.

[Pemberly Graduate in reply to KazMac2020]

Thank you KazMac. I like your determination. I felt very flat yesterday but am resolved to keep doing my regular runs and try again in the NY. All the best for next Sat.

[BarbieW Graduate]

I found my first one very strange as I had always run alone before and all of a sudden I was with 400 other people!

But slow and steady is the mantra! Start at the back of the field and don’t worry if you stay there. At ours there is always at least a couple of people who just walk it, so don’t be afraid to stop and walk for a little if you find the thing a bit overwhelming.

I am now a total convert (after only 4!) and am planning to join the Christmas Day one in a silly Santa hat too

But no, it’s not for everyone, so if you can’t do it, don’t beat yourself up about it and just enjoy your runs, which is the important bit after all, elsewhere.

[Pemberly Graduate in reply to BarbieW]

It's still my aim. Just not yet. Thank you.

[Razouski]

Don’t worry about it. Not everyone loves Parkrun. I’ve done a few but really don’t enjoy it at all. I’m much more of a lone runner and find all the hustle and bustle too much. Even having run a couple of half marathons this year, I would still rather run on my own.

But maybe if you practice the route you’ll find it easier next time.

Either way, happy running.

[Pemberly Graduate in reply to Razouski]

Yes. I like the solitary bit too. Won't give up on PR. Just want to conquer it.

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

You gave it a go!! I can't even imagine getting that far, seriously! The desire to run with others just isn't really there for me.

Good luck with it. 👍

[Pemberly Graduate]

Thank you GG-JJ

There were a couple behind me on the run having a loud intrusive conversation- I think I'll stick to being a miserable old git and put on the headphones next time.

[peaplodder]

I guess its about managing expectations. If you usually enjoy the solitary experience just do the same at parkrun, take your audiobook, trot along at our usual pace and don't be distracted by what's going on around you, after all the point of it is it's you against the clock. Not anyone else. Well done for getting out and giving it a go.

[Pemberly Graduate in reply to peaplodder]

Thank you. I think you are right , I'm more of a solitary. Enjoyed my quiet early morning run today. So, plan B it is!