My first Parkrun.

[orcadia]

I graduated from C25K in February and have managed a few consolidation runs. Struggling a bit for motivation and time lately. My dad died in February and I just went back to work 3 weeks ago and immediately caught a horrible fluey bug and cough which just floored me. So I haven’t been out running for the last 3 weeks. In Aviemore on holiday and decided to try the Parkrun. What a great experience!

Yesterday was lovely and sunny with stunning views of the snow covered Cairngorms and I was looking forward to great views from the run. However this morning was grey - and wet!! Undaunted, we headed off. The whole experience was great - lots of friendly people and lots of encouragement from people who were on the way the way back as I was still heading for the turn. I wasn’t sure how much fitness I’d have lost and how much the cough and tight chest would affect me so I just popped on the C25K app set at week 9 and planned to do the 5 minute warm up walk then start jogging and see how I got on, with a vague plan to aim for 25 mins running.

Everyone else ran off at the start and I walked, seeing them head off into the distance. I was enjoying being out in the fresh air and in the forest, despite the lack of wider views. 10 minutes into the run I was really enjoying myself and didn’t even hit the ‘toxic ten’ today - and I got to ‘the turn’ before the app told me to turn. That gave me real encouragement to keep going so I continued running when I got to 25 mins into the run. The last couple of hills nearly finished me off but with 1 minute to run I’d conquered a hill and could see another one ahead. I walked for about 20 seconds near the end of it - running time 29 mins 49 seconds, more than I thought I’d do today and I was quite happy to walk The rest. Then I thought I might jog another minute as it was downhill - then I saw the finish line ahead so kept going!!

Total time (including my 5 min warm up walk) 37 mins 11. Not only did I do it, but it was my fastest 5k ever!!! 😀 And I only had 2 coughing fits on the way and only one of them was so bad I had to stop! Feeing very chuffed right now - as the target I set myself after graduating was to try to get to 5k.

[molly1973 Graduate]

What a great run! Good for the soul x

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Congratulations on completing this mornings Parkrun, well done. 😊

[Madge50 Graduate]

Very well done on getting out there, and welcome to the fabulous parkrun family, 👍👏

You did great! 💪😎

Mx

[damienair Graduate]

Congratulations and very well done to you for your first Parkrun.

Damien

[Granspeed Graduate]

Congratulations 🎉👏🏼🎉 That was fabulous, and especially after being laid low by the coughing lurgy (which I have been fighting too.) brilliant that you turned out and were so successful!

[Dexy5 Graduate]

Well done on completing your first parkrun. It’s my favourite run of the week and you find that your Saturday mornings have changed forever.