Abingdon Parkrun!!

[iain-strachan]

I did it!!

Was a bit apprehensive about finishing, as I wasn't anywhere near 5k at end of C25K (around 3.7k in 30 mins).

I only did one Parkrun before, two years ago, and promptly put my back out, then due to personal circumstances didn't get back into running for 2 years, during which fitness disappeared and I put on huge amounts of weight.

A diabetes wake-up call in April prompted me to change diet and re-start C25K. I've lost 2 3/4 stone since then, and rediscovered the joys of running. (Much better than alcohol as a stress-reducer!!)

I wasn't sure I was ready to do a 5k, but a work colleague (who ran round with his little boy aged 6) just about talked me into it. My son was up for the weekend so I texted him and asked if he'd like to do it (has done about 6 Parkruns, including one at Abingdon, and also run a 10k). He said yes, so I couldn't back out!

Well, I kept plodding on. I was taking my pace from a father and son running together who were doing a nice pace, but then the little boy had to stop for a wee, and I never saw them again.

Finished in 40:29 according to my Garmin. Slower than the two year ago effort that was 37 and a half, so no PB today. But I was aiming for between 40 and 45, so very pleased!!

Couch to 5k is really amazing, and this forum so supportive.

It's great to know I can _actually_ do 5k, and also that I haven't wrecked my back in the process!

I wore this wristband on the run, which I picked up at the local gym. #thisismyhand is a campaign to raise mental health awareness for people working in our emergency services. Proceeds from the sale of the merchandise to the the Mind "Blue Light" campaign and the Samaritans (I've been a volunteer for 22 years now). I have read so much about the mental health benefits of running (and benefitted myself) that it seemed a very appropriate thing to wear.

Update: Official time 39:57!! Absolutely thrilled to get under 40 mins as I was expecting closer to 45. PB was the first one two years ago at 37:36, so that's the next challenge!

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What a great post to read on this beautiful summer's morning. Well done on your ParkRun time.

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Great. Hope you really enjoyed your parkrun . I did my very first today. Good luck 😊😊

[iain-strachan Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

How did yours go? Hope the weather was as beautiful as it was in Abingdon!

[Buddy34 Graduate in reply to iain-strachan]

It was warm but not too bad. It was strange running with people as I've always ran by myself . But I really enjoyed it . Running over the finish line felt so good . 😊😊

[iain-strachan Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

Looks like you got a very good time too! I think maybe running with people naturally makes you run faster.

[CookieM Graduate]

Well done you!

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

Well done i-s! A great reason to get up on a Saturday morning and it sounds as though you had some great support! Keep plodding!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

What a lovely upbeat post Iain! Very well done on your great time too. You did it! How amazing is that? 👏👏👏🏃🏃🏃

Fantastic work with the Samaritans too. ❤️

[BarbieW Graduate]

Well done, and a great time

[Coolcookingteacher Graduate]

Congratulations from a very warm Park Run in Chasewater Staffs! You did it, fantastic result, well done!

[iain-strachan Graduate in reply to Coolcookingteacher]

Yes it was pretty warm here too. Thought we were going to escape the heat at 8:30 when temp was 15 which seemed perfect. But by 9:30 ish it was really beating down. If it's like that next week I think a hat might be a good idea.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Super run Iain... welcome back to sub 40 parkruns... that PB is under serious threat by the looks of it.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Fantastic run and time for you today, sub 40 is wonderful, onwards and upwards to more parkruns for you

[Granspeed Graduate]

Congratulations. 🎉👏🏼🎉 A crowning run for your C25k Comeback. Well done! And the wrist band is a great reminder. 👍

[iain-strachan Graduate in reply to Granspeed]

It feels great to come back. The only other Parkrun I did in July 2017 was marred by my back hurting a lot after wards so that rather spoiled the endorphin buzz!

[Granspeed Graduate in reply to iain-strachan]

So glad this one was a success. No jinx for you! 😄👍

[Bass89 Graduate]

Well done! The Abingdon PR is a lovely route.

[Dalmorangie Graduate]

Great result 👍👏👏