I’m off to spectate and walk the dog as my husband runs at Parkrun this morning. He thinks I should give it a go but I want to go and see what it’s all about first.
My next run is W6r3. He thinks I’m ready but I’m not sure as I think perhaps I should wait until graduation. I’m not sure my C25k run would get me round the course and what should I do when that happens? Part of me also thinks this is my procrastinating inner voice talking delaying tactics to me 🙄.
It got me wondering at what stage others started Parkrun and if you began before graduation how it suited the C25k week you were on?
Hi DDJ. It was worthwhile going down to Parkrun to see how it is set up and to cheer on my hubby. A great mixture of runners of all ages and abilities running in a very supportive atmosphere. I'm going to wait a few more weeks and then see how I'm getting on.
Hello Delly-dot, I didn't do my first parkrun until 24/08/19 only because there was no parkruns near me then this was a new one.
You could do a parkrun and just stop at the end of whatever run you are on then brisk walk the rest. It's up to you and I'm sure you'll really enjoy it 🤗🤗
Thanks Buddy. I thought the atmosphere down at Parkrun this morning was great - a really supportive bunch of people. I could tell straight away that I'd be welcomed at the stage I'm at, but at the moment I think I'll wait a few more weeks and see how I'm going in my longer runs.
Most people who have started C25K don't run a parkrun until they have completed run 3 of week 5, no harm on going to spectate at a parkrun before you take part, that's what I did last year before my first parkrun, I told the run director I would be running my first parkrun in two weeks time, the following Friday I ran the course myself and 9 days later I ran my first full 5k Parkrun.
Hi Al. It's a really good idea to do a trial run of the course first. I could do that for one of my upcoming C25k runs and just see how I get on. It was a great atmosphere down there today, despite the weather! It's as wet and windy down here as it was in Scotland during the week!
I did not get to parkrun this morning, at the time I would have had to leave the weather was wet, windy, hail and snow showers, later it did clear up enabling me to run, run 2 of week 4 of Ju Ju's Magic 10, which is a 30 minute run, I ran that OK, got home just before the next hail shower came on.
By all means get registered for Parkrun as soon as possible, you can either run or walk with the tailwalker if you want to.
It’s up to you. If you go, do your usual C25K routine & walk the rest.
- don’t run lots more minutes than usual & risk injury.
Me E keeps encouraging me to go, but I’m waiting until I have built up to 5k so I can feel confident. (I keep being delayed on the IC). Other people will encourage you to go sooner- it’s your choice. 😄
Yes, I don't want to risk injury either so would definitely stick to my C25k routine. I'm going to get some of the longer runs under my belt and see how I am doing in a few weeks time. I might wait till after graduation but it was a great atmosphere down there today and I'd love to be part of it!
Do it when you feel you’re ready D-d! I did my first as my C25K graduation run and I stuck to the 30 minutes and walked the rest. There’s a great temptation as the Pr pack shoots off to try and keep up and possibly do more than we are really ready for, so be warned - but the nice thing is that if you want to walk it you can, it’s for everyone. I had also done a fair amount of volunteering at my local Pr before ran it and that’s a great way of learning all about it - especially if your husband goes every time anyway. Enjoy!
Hi OGR. What a great idea to do it for your graduation run - two celebrations in one! I noticed today that no-one began by walking though people did walk later on, so I guess the 5 minute warm up walk would be done before hand if you are in a C25k routine. I'm glad I went down to watch it though as it has made me realise I would like to get some longer runs under my belt first. Despite the supportive atmosphere, I'd have felt a bit intimidated today being the only walker at the start!
Yes, you could definitely do your warm up walk as part of Pr. Choose your graduation day carefully - mine coincided with 40 mph winds! Which is great when it’s behind you but not so much fun when you’re a newbie runner and it’s smacking you right in the face!
Agreed. Walking the course is fine. Also volunteering is a good way to get to know the set up. I’m about 6 Parkrun’s in now and starting to volunteer next week too. Love it. By the way Oldgirlruns, I am in Brighton next week for work and plan to joffle along the seafront 😁
I did my first Parkrun after graduation. However I fell into the trap of trying to keep up with people around me and struggled to run all the way. Lessons learnt! I now start need the back (it will reflect on your official time, but not much) and try to keep to my own pace. I get overtaken by some and overtake others. You will see that there'll be people of all abilities . There's no shame in walking all or part of the course. I still do sometimes. Give it a go and enjoy it 🏃♀️🏃♂️
Thank you Zebadee1. You are right - there's a big mixture of abilities and ages, but they all started off running and that would have caught me out if I had gone today, not having seen it in action before. I suppose any C25k runners in the pack will have done their warm up walk first? I will run w6r3 this weekend and get into some of the longer runs and see how I'm doing in a few weeks time.
Thank you for sending me the link about Parkrun. It answered many of my questions and the advice is really helpful. I missed it the first time round as I was on the IC. Had I run today without reading this or seeing a Parkrun in action first, I would have been caught out by everyone running from the start. I guess that the C25kers who take part do their 5 min warm up walk before the Parkrun starts. It would be easy to get swept up with everyone else, so the advice about being mindful to keep to your routine is really sound. The atmosphere was great though - really supportive and fun, despite the weather!
I did my first Parkrun a week after my Graduation but stuck to my well-learned C25K routine of walking the first 5 mins. Then I ran when Laura commanded and kept going till the end. For subsequent Parkruns I usually get dropped off about 5 mins walk away so that I can start running when the siren goes off! But there are plenty of folk who walk all the way round and seem happy to be there. I love the mix of ages and abilities and the chance to strike up random conversations at the start or at the end waiting for your barcode to be read. I’m amazed that week after week there are always 20-30 first timers and the Parkrun I do is pretty busy (averaging 400-500) runners every week. Learning how to pace myself and when/how to overtake other runners is a while new ballgame and one I’m enjoying learning about. Good grief ... less than 6 months ago I was a watcher and now I’m actually taking part. C25K - and now Parkrun - has had a remarkable effect on my life. Good luck with your efforts and revel in your achievements!! 😁👍🏻
Thank you Jiveblue for sharing your experience of Parkrun. It was really interesting to read you did your 5 minute warm up walk at the start of your run. Everyone started off running today, which I wasn't expecting. I thought there would be some c25k walkers at the start, but no, unless they did their 5 minutes warm up before running. There were plenty walkers during the run though 😊. I agree, I think pacing myself will be tricky as I have always run on my own. It must be hard not to get swept up with everyone else. It was a really friendly atmosphere at Parkrun today, despite the wind and the rain. I'll do a bit more watching and build up to taking part. Thank you 🙏🏻😊
Reply from a whimp...not yet. It works for others but I want to be able to do 5k a little nearer to 30 mins...maybe 35. Still on 40mins. Totally wimpy I realise. 🤔🤣👍
In a past life I used that avatar on a teaching forum, where it felt more appropriate. I was going to change it for something a bit more upbeat, but I've grown kinda attached to it.
I always run on my own so I don't know how I'd feel running within a group of people. Watching Parkrun this morning was good and it spaces out quite quickly though, so I guess I'd find myself a lone runner space if I wanted it! (at the back!). I'm glad I went to watch today though. The atmosphere was very friendly and encouraging.
I wouldn't worry about time. 40 minutes would see you somewhere in the second third of finishers at mine. I hadn't run 5k in under 39 minutes when I did my first one. You will find that running in a crowd will make you go quicker; the trick is not to let yourself get caught up and go too fast.
There were so many different abilities and ages of runners down there today and it was such a friendly atmosphere. I'll get some long runs under my belt first and see how I go.
Not wimpy, Enid's just not ready yet. I don't think I feel ready yet after watching Parkrun today, as everyone runs from the start, but I guess they do their warm up walks first? I'll get some of the longer runs under my belt first and see how I feel. It was a great atmosphere down there though, lots of support for runners of all abilities.
Not wimpy! You are running 5k that's brilliant. Not there yet, usually manage just over 4k. The park runs feel like too much pressure at the moment! Bit of a loner...
I still haven't done 1! Our closest is about an hour away, don't fancy getting up so early on a Saturday morning. I also run along the canal, so flat, not sure what to expect with gradients!
Oh I'd love a flat run. I ran a flat coastal path last week which made me realise my route is quite undulating. An hour's drive makes quite a lengthy round trip for a Parkrun for you. I'm glad I went to watch - it was a great atmosphere today.
I waited far too long! I had a printed barcode for over a year before I actually used it - madness! think how many I missed! Just do it. Whenever you want to. But do not be afraid of anything, because honestly there is nothing to fear. Lots of people walk the whole route, so include your warm up walk, whatever your next scheduled run is, and then walk the rest. Do not be tempted to deviate from plan, but there's no problem walking at the end. You will enjoy being a part of it.
Thank you Linda. It was a lovely atmosphere down there today and I know I'd love to be a part of it. I was a bit surprised that everyone ran from the start, no walkers - I looked out for them thinking that I'd be amongst them, but perhaps they do their warm up walk first before the start? I shall get some of the longer runs under my belt and see how I am going in a week or two, which will be me approaching graduation 🤞🏼- now there's a thought! Graduation at Parkrun?
Maybe everyone runs at the start and at the end but walks in between 🙂. Graduation at parkrun would indeed be special 🙂. Volunteering is is lovely too - I've volunteered exactly twice as many rimes as I have run 🤣
I did my first parkrun in week 2 of the programme and walked the whole lot. Took me 47 minutes. I then did the 3rd run of each week in parkrun. By week 7 I could compete the whole parkrun. Don't worry, it's completely inclusive. I just did my 99th today which I did in 2 years. 😁
Having your third run of each week at Parkrun must really help you to see your progress. You did brilliantly to make it all by week 7. Good luck for your 100th Parkrun!
I did my one and only PR at W6R2. I started it with the walk, and found myself alone for most of it after most people had run out of sight. When I’d finished the W6R2 I still had about 2k to go and had intended walking it, but ended up starting to run again (probably not the greatest idea). I finished it in about 55 mins - near the end, but not last, lol! There’s no reason why you can’t do it now, just take care not to get sucked in like I did 👍😁
I think I will wait until I have completed some of the longer runs and see how I'm doing then. Watching the Parkrun today was good because even though my husband had said that runners of all abilities take part, I didn't believe him! Everyone was so encouraging of each other, but I was still surprised nobody began with a walk - that would be me and I feel I'd stick out like a sore thumb. Who knows, if I start with a walk someone else might do too.....
Somebody on here suggested to me to do the walk before the start, but that leaves longer to walk at the end 🤔unless you can complete the 5k within the “run” time, and that ain’t gonna happen anytime soon for me, lol!
Hi Delly-dot, I did my first about 3 weeks after I graduated, wanted to make sure I could run 5k, but there's plenty of people who walk if they need to. I think you'll just know if you're ready. Good luck
Thank you. I think a lot of it is to do with confidence for me so I will wait until I get into the longer runs over the next couple of weeks and see how I am doing. It was lovely watching the Parkrun today, a really supportive and friendly bunch of people.
Everyone’s different. I just graduated and still fairly anxious about going to a park run - even though I desperately want to!
I think there’s people of all abilities at these events, some people walk, some run. So varying times. And I’ve heard they’re great atmosphere. So just whenever you feel ready
It was a great atmosphere today and I'm really glad I went to watch. I would recommend going along to see a Parkrun first for anyone like me who is unsure about what it is all about. It really is very inclusive and I will definitely be going along in the next few weeks.
You could always give it a go - run a bit and walk a bit. You will have a PB from the get go and you can chip away at your time once you run more. It will all count towards your 50 T-Shirt!
I started Couch in 2015 (get fit for 50), Im slow and steady. Worked up to York 10K by 2016. Had a knee injury so lay dormant. Came home at the end of Summer Term in 2019 (yes, Im a teacher) and I weighed the size of a whale and had to get back to Couch. I was entranced by Michael Johnson and now I am back running 3 times a week and hitting ParkRun when not on Saturday School. All good - find the right ParkRun - I prefer the ones without hills!
Hi. I’m also a teacher! Stepped out of the classroom exhausted though a couple of years ago and now do home tuition & haven’t looked back 😊. There seems to be a few of us on here! I’ve just turned 50 so it’s my mission to do a 5k in my 50th year. ParkRun seems a perfect way to work towards my goal. I went with my husband yesterday. He ran and I watched. He’s longing for me to do it too but I wanted to check it out first. It’s a great atmosphere.
Yes, a milestone birthday is a good time to set goals. My husband is 50 this Autumn and he just picked up his 100 milestone T-shirt so it something nice to do as a couple even though he does it in half the time to me! There is a tail walker that you could join but I am sure you would break into a little trot if you have already done some of the weeks training. ParkRun people are so supportive and we are always grateful to the volunteers who make it happen.
My next run is W6r1. I’ve decided to wait until I’ve graduated before I do a park run. It feels like an extra incentive to me to continue the C25K.
Check to see if your local park run has a Facebook page. Mine does and through reading their posts I discovered they have a C25K running group within their park run. They are a little behind me, but it is nice to know there will be others not running the whole PR. I’m a bit surprised no one started with a walk when you spectated! Maybe it was an odd week!
I’ve run my PR route alone three times now, logging my run with map my run. I then look up the results page for my PR online (they update each week) and give myself a finishing place 🤣😂🤣. Running strictly to the C25K program with a 5 min warm up at the start, I’m coming in in the second third group - so not too bad. I’m just about to start Wk8 and thinking about doing the PR for real next weekend or the weekend after.
Let us know how you get on when you do your first ParkRun
Thanks for the tip about Facebook - I will check it out. I was surprised nobody walked at the start. I was watching because that is what I’d want to do. I guess I’ll just tell the tail walkers my plan and chat with them for the first 5 mins! Then I’ll run as I will be into my longer runs in a couple of weeks and I’ll just see how far I get. 😊
Sounds like a very good plan - far better than being tempted to go off plan with C25K.
It might be interesting to have a look at the results page for your run. The times on mine range from about 55 mins to 20 mins (!) so there has got to be a wide range of speeds and some walkers.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
First post-grad run/first parkrun
I did it! I ran Wk9Run3 in my first Parkrun 😁 
What did you see today on your run?
When did you do your 1st park run?
I did it - Graduation and my first Parkrun! 
