New Parkrun - new PB!

[iain-strachan]

I'm still buzzing after doing the Didcot Parkrun for the first time.

I've not done a Parkrun for a few weeks due to the treacherous nature of Abingdon Parkrun in the wet, and have been doing my 5ks on the roads as part of the plan to get to 10k. (I do a short run, a 5k and a longer one on JuJu's magic plan).

This weekend my son was up for the weekend and I asked him if he fancied doing a Parkrun and he was up for it.

However, Abingdon Parkrun was actually cancelled due to the high water level on the Thames (part of the course goes along the towpath). So it was Didcot this week - three laps part path and part a sports field, followed by a long path to the end.

And .. according to Strava I got a PB in 34:59! (Always nice to get the minute digit changed!). My previous best (on the road) was 35:52 and previous Parkrun best 36:13.

I am now waiting for the official time on the website. There were considerably more people taking part in Didcot than usual this week, given there was a large contingent who usually go to Abingdon.

There were a couple of hairy moments. The field got a bit muddy by the third lap with all the people stampeding around it. And then on the long path at the end, which is on tarmac, I got stuck behind a slow-running mum and daughter. The moment I chose to overtake them was on just about the slipperiest piece of grass along the route, and I felt my foot slip at one point. So I legged it to get past as soon as possible.

So glad I did this, though! A new PB. My son did it in 31 mins, but then at 61 I'm old enough to be his father ... wait a minute ... I AM his father, lol!

[Thisoneistrying Graduate]

Well done. My friend is trying to convince me to do a park run. Not sure I'm quite ready to run with others yet though. Keep up the good work x

[iain-strachan Graduate in reply to Thisoneistrying]

Seriously - it's a wonderful experience. Everyone is so supportive. As the race director reminded us before the start - it's not a race, it's a run. Everyone is doing it for their own benefit.

It doesn't matter if you walk bits of it (or even all of it!). There's someone I know (actually an ex-girlfriend) who has done Parkrun over 150 times, and walked every single one!

Do give it a go - you won't regret it!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Well done to you and your son on running Ditcote Parkrun, yes that was a tricky moment overtaking that mum and daughter, apart from that I am glad that you enjoyed your run today Ditcote. 😊

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Yes you are👨‍👦. Congratulations on your parkrun PB 😊😊😊👏👏

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Lol...sounds like a great morning Iain.

Well done on your PB!😊xx