My first park run!

[CrimsonMama]

So I finally did it! I must admit it isn't really for me and I am unlikely to go again.

There was a total of 511 people! I found the start very difficult as you are so hemmed in by people and it felt weird running so closely in a group. However once everyone spreads out a bit it was much better.

I can't see how the timings are very accurate in terms of the people at the front of the starting line will get a big head start! I was pretty much at the back! However my timing was pretty good. 33 minutes for the 5k and it said - for my age group (I'm 40) I came in 15th so that was interesting.

Haha as I was going around I was pretending in my head that we was running from a zombie apocalypse so when I passed someone I could think they would be zombie bait instead of me! It was interesting seeing so many different styles of running and all shapes, sizes and types of people! I liked seeing children running with their parents. They somehow make it look so effortless! Even if they get tired with the duration I notice they soon recover enough to zoom again!

So very interesting. But I prefer the headspace - and just space - of running solo me thinks!

[Stephen_UK Graduate]

That’s a fast time! Well done. I would give it another go. What you lose in terms of personal space you surely gain in terms of community. And of course all your other runs can be run alone if you like.

[BaddieThePirate Graduate]

You could try a run where you don't start off in a funnel, such as Brabyns Park, Marple. There the start line in really long so it never takes long to get over the line. I suppose if you always do the same one and always start at the back/middle then your time compared to your previous times would be indicative of how you're improving. I have to admit I love Parkrun tourism and today only discovered Bramall Hall due to Parkrun. I've had a lovely day eating ice-cream and wondering round somewhere I didn't know existed!

[damienair Graduate]

Try a different one. Some can be quieter. I’m a big fan of Parkrun and as a result of it I have made new friendships and feel part of an amazing community. Well done for giving it a go.

Damien

[Redblackhorse Graduate]

Well done for such a successful run. I loved your zombie bait thought and I'm going to remember that when I get to my first parkrun (currently week 8 run 2). I'm not sure parkrun will be for me but the idea of zombies may just work!

[Glistener Graduate]

I’m not a natural runner and neither do I like group running so have no interest in joining a club but I’m now approaching my 30th Parkrun since September. I was over whelmed the first week but I kept returning as it is a fixed event that motivates me to keeping running 3 times a week. Without that to aim for, I would have given up over the winter, I know. I still haven’t got my time down to 30 minutes which is my overall aspiration (a good job I’m not into rapid results ) but I don’t find my run time as much a motivation as seeing the wealth of diverse people all achieving something. That gives me a real buzz. As others have said, may be give it another go, perhaps elsewhere and see how you feel...........

[Suzi1000 Graduate]

I too, am not sure about Park Runs. I have my graduation run coming up (one more run) and I thought about finishing on a park run but I love running alone in my own space so I think too many people would not be good for me. I run out of our village to the next one so I barely see anyone or have to navigate any obstacles. Maybe when I get a few more 5ks under my belt I'll give it a go.

[CrimsonMama in reply to Suzi1000]

Hey and whoop on one more run to go!

I would say it's still worth giving it a go. I mainly did it as I wanted to be able to compare my time with other people and with parkrun it gives you all the stats of all the runners, ages, times, numbers of runs etc. Which is interesting!