First parkrun complete - sore legs

[WombatCreek]

Decided to finally give it a go yesterday morning (after running solo since I started), and was made very welcome by the volunteers. Was baffled by the large number of very rowdy dogs at the start, was not expecting that and it put me off a bit.

The run was fun, looping through woods and an overgrown old golf course where I heard the great spotted woodpeckers drumming on the trees.

I enjoyed the run, but my time was a few minutes off my normal pace - mainly due to the whopping 140 meters of height gain over the course!!! My leg muscles are tight today, despite the stretches after the run.... must do more inclines!

[AnnieW55]

Great that you enjoyed the run. Inclines and hills will help you get stronger even though they’re not that enjoyable at times. Maybe have a look at investing in that instrument of torture the foam roller and find a You Tube tutorial (There’s often instruction in fitness magazines too). They’re great for sorting out knots and aches. Or your could just use a rolling pin or a tennis ball

The other thing is having an Epsom Salts bath or putting some magnesium into one and having a relaxing soak.

[WombatCreek Graduate in reply to AnnieW55]

I haven't come across foam rollers, I'll have to look into that. A nice warm bath is always great though, with or without additives!

[untamed_parkrunner]

it's worth checking out which parkruns allow dogs if that is something you prefer not to deal with - though all parkrun dogs have to be on a short lead.

The more off road and green/lush/hilly/trail the parkrun, the likelier there are fewer people and more dogs.

The other thing to do is start nearer the back of a dog heavy parkrun as the dogs get all excited and then settle down at 3-2-1-go. At my local the tail walker often runs with a dog that suffers from anxiety and is very quiet and nervy while there are lots of people around.