I managed to rally together a few mates and instead of doing W6R3 and running 25 minutes by myself, we joined 300+ others at our local Parkrun.
All three of us were first timers and absolutely loved it. Brilliant weather made it all the better and I have to admit running with people is so much easier and more fun than running alone. The fun supportive community spirit of Parkrun was awesome, so we're all looking forward to doing it again.
I do have a small confession mind, my official Parkrun time was 26:20, which means I ran a little longer the C25K plan's 25mins.
On to week 7 now, and if all goes to plan I'll be back for a Parkrun instead of W7R3 next week.
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I love your post- really good time too so massive well done.
I want to try a park run when I'm a little further into the program... just a little nervous about not knowing anyone or the process... may just need to put some big girls pants on and sort it out.
Would highly recommend a Parkrun. It really is a brilliant community and very welcoming (well my local one is). Don't worry about not knowing anyone, I'm sure it won't be long before you start making new friends. And you never know, you may even bump into a few friends you didn't even know we're runners!
I'd recommend waiting til week 7 mind, get yourself used to running without the walking intervals, but it's such a laid back atmosphere of you need to walk it's fine.
So get those big girl pants on and give it a whirl!
I'm only on week 3 run 2 so will definitely be waiting until around week 7 before giving it ago. I've got my first charity run around that time so will gage whether the big girl pants go on then depending upon if I cough up a lung or not.
Good luck o your next park run lovely, hopefully drop you a message when I'm brave enough x
My parkrun is 3 laps and I can only run half a lap in one go. My times are about 45 minutes on average and I have a 5 year old with me most weeks. Even though sometimes I just want to cry because I feel it is pointless I always feel better for doing it. I regret the times I miss it.
Sign up to Park run and print your barcode off. If you are dedicated you can get silicone bands to wear instead.
The volunteers are usually setting up 30 minutes before. And if you are not sure where the start line is just ask someone in running gear until you find the Volunteers. Park runs begin with the Run Director asking for first timers and tourists to "head towards the first timers briefing", normally under the parkrun flag. They welcome you, tell you the course etc. This is then followed by the main briefing by the Run Director (white and blue jacket) who will welcome the group, applaud first timers and do shout outs for birthdays, milestones etc.
Courses are clearly marked out with arrows and cones and generally well marshalled. You won't get lost.
Once you have completed the course you go through the finish line, grab a token and get both of these scanned in. Just follow others or someone will point you in the right direction.
Oh and don't worry about being last! Park runs have tailwalkers. This is someone at the back who will notify the marshals that everyone is through and to begin packing up. They are normally quite chatty too! They normally come in about the 50 minute to 60 minute mark. My parkrun has an elderly couple that just walk it, they come in last but its inspirational to see them. You will see all shapes, ages and abilities t parkrun. Parkrun is for everyone.
And as for everyone who finished before you or run past. They might give you a "well done"or "keep going!" It really helps.
Wow that’s quick! Well done. Resist all temptation to go fast every run now while you close the plan out... don’t want you getting injured, and you’ve nothing to prove. Cheers 🍻
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