Parkrun

[backintime]

Hi

I usually run on a treadmill (children and spring allergies make it much easier) but I have signed up for a 5K parkrun in August when I'm back in the UK and my eldest (16) has said he will run with me (well, he'll be at the front and I'll be seeing his back no doubt). I am excited about doing this with him as I struggle to find common activities that we both genuinely like with a 16 year old adolescent and I don't want to not finish so that he may do this with me again at some point.

Any advice on getting ready and moving from treadmill to street (once the spring is over) to prepare?

I live on a horrid hill so it's either uphill to start or uphill to finish. Also, what do you do with your 'stuff' on a park run? Is there somewhere to leave a backpack or do we need bum bags or the like for bus passes etc?

Thanks for any advice

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

The transition to outdoors can seem different for many reasons..... gradients, uneven surfaces, weather and having to pace yourself are probably the major ones.

Be prepared for it to take you two or three runs to get used to all that and the wondrous fresh air and ever changing environment.

You can prepare for this by increasing the gradient on your treadmill for a few runs.

Parkrun is a brilliant event and we recommend that if still mid programme, that you just follow your C25K workout and walk the remainder, just to avoid doing too much too soon. Certainly make sure you have run outdoors before going to parkrun.

The parkrun organisation runs free 5ks on Saturday mornings worldwide, but it is not something that you sign up to on an individual run basis, so I wonder if your event is something other than parkrun....... perhaps just a run in the park.

You can check out your local parkrun here parkrun.org.uk/

Have a great time.

[backintime Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I double checked with my son and he said it was definitely parkrun, I will check when I get home - maybe he just registered us? Either way, we will do a 5K together in August (which will hopefully be after my graduation and consolidation (week 9 starts on Sunday).

I will start doing some outside runs as soon as the pollen count dies down a bit

[Debston Graduate]

Aw, that's a lovely thing to do with your son. One of my boys has started C25K and I'm hoping eventually we'll be able to run together regularly!

As for living on a hill, could you go uphill for your warm up walk, would that get you onto the flat for your run to start?

[Hatman Graduate]

Don’t worry about a park run. I just did my first today. I follow Tanaka speed, so 46’48”. Nowhere for a bag drop though. Take an interested bystander, wife? Or similar with you to hold your barcode, bus pass and water supply. We were only parked a few metres from the start. Could have left mine in car. You cannot be last! There is an end marker, who goes slower than the rest, so no entrant is last. The clapping and cheering as I shuffled round was unexpected but much appreciated. Ten minutes before start there is a briefing and chance for questions. Would son stay with you as a supporter? Or does he want a PB? Slowly enjoy the day.