Oh my goodness, I just ran a 5km Park Run....and LOVED it 😃

[Corarun]

Wow. I graduated last week and just did my first park run this morning.

I was v apprehensive as I haven’t run that far yet, I knew I could walk if I needed to but was also anxious about running with a load of people for the first time instead of solo and being so much slower than the majority of others.

I really needn’t have worried. It was an inclusive and friendly event - great marshals and was nice to be around other runners (I can’t believe I’m even calling myself a runner 😬) even if most of them were running past me on their way back as I headed out, there were still plenty of people around me, families, dogs and pushchairs as well as solo runners of all ages and abilities.

It’s the most enjoyable run I’ve done so far - probably the one I’ve ‘thought’ about least while doing it as no time checks or time to hit, just running until I got to the finish. It made me more relaxed and my pace was actually fairly quick for me and I had plenty in the tank to speed up at the end. I was very conscious to start at the back of the crowd and go at my own steady pace to begin with tho and it helped it was a v flat route. I was thrilled to do it in 37’30 but my main goal was to do it and to be honest that’s what I’m most pleased about 😊

I’m so pleased - partly posting because it helped me to read others posts on this. I was not a runner at the start of October this year and struggled to do the 5 min runs near the start of the C25K programme. If I can do it anyone can. Now I’m going to have a long hot shower!

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Congratulations on completing your first parkrun Corarun. Your post is very positive and hopefully will encourage others who haven't tried it yet.

Excellent time also for your first parkrun.

😊😊👏👏👏

[Corarun Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

Thanks Buddy 👍🏻

[Hidden]

Thank you for posting. It's great to see your diary entries leading up to this point. You did it! Another milestone with many more to follow.

[Corarun Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Fingers crossed!

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Woo hoo that’s really great to read and a good time too

[Thisoneistrying Graduate]

Fantastic. Graduated today and my friend keeps asking me to do a park run. Your post has really inspired me. Well done x

[Corarun Graduate in reply to Thisoneistrying]

Thank you and I recommend it - definitely go with your friend and let us know how you get on!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Excellent first parkrun for you today Corarun, great sub 40 minute time as well, you are quite right to be thrilled with yourself, a most enjoyable run, enjoy your shower then go and celebrate your run today. 😊 🏃🏾

[Corarun Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks Al!

[Debston Graduate]

Well done, Corarun! Your first Parkrun of many, I bet! Glad you enjoyed it. ☺

[Sparkey5000 Graduate]

Congratulations....love reading positive posts. Graduated in Sept but not made a parkrun yet. Good to know you settled in well.....I have similar fears. I am a solo runner and didn’t enjoy running the one time with my better half. I know I should stop stressing and just do it!!

[Corarun Graduate in reply to Sparkey5000]

I enjoyed this because it was nice to have the atmosphere of other runners around...but also still kinda running on my own iyswim as at my own pace and not trying to keep up with anyone or feeling any pressure. I definitely recommend giving it a try - if you don’t like it you don’t have to go back...but you might love it! You and your other half could both go along but don’t have to run it together!

[RunawayBetty Graduate]

That sounds like a wonderful experience, well done you! 👍 5 k in 37’30 is something I wouldn't even dream of at the moment. But then again, a couple of months ago I wouldn't have dreamed of running for five minutes, and now I run for 28. 😉 Very encouraging post!

[Corarun Graduate in reply to RunawayBetty]

Thank you! 28mins is fab...that’s not far off! I kept reminding myself to trust the plan and ‘slow and steady’ on the runs.

[Rungranny Graduate]

That's brilliant Corarun, Parkrun is a great resource for every variety of runner.

You will most likely find a new PB each time you go out now .

I've done 2 Parkruns and the 5k are getting faster even though it feels so tough at the time.