So, I was full of confidence after graduating this week. I thought I would take a run at the local Parkrun. Wow, I was not prepared. The hilly nature of the course and the mud!!
Also, I was a shambles - I arrived late, so didn't warm up before hand, didn't have the money to pay for the parking...
I needed to have 2 - 20 second walks.
Not too disappointed though, not after the bad prep
Don’t worry! The same has happened to me! I have two runs left until graduation and have been running/walking parkruns for the last month. Last week I was so pleased because I managed to run the whole way. My ‘home’ parkrun is mostly flat and a lovely course. However it was cancelled today because of how sodden part of the course was so I went to another one nearby, which had some horrible hills! I felt a bit disappointed because I had to have several walking breaks but keep trying to remind myself how far I have come since the start of week 1, and that endurance for running up hills will come with time 😆 I think I also got a bit stressed because I didn’t know the course well and probably started off running faster than I normally would to keep up with the crowd - will try to stick to my own pace next time!
Congrats on your first parkrun! 🥳
Wow, glad to hear you’re not too disappointed because you’ve done amazing from your start point. My nearest park run is very tough, huge hills so I’m going to try a flatter one for my first attempt in a few weeks time.
Same with me I dropped my phone and got in a right mess! Thats a great time though, good job !!!
There is such a variety of parkrun courses out there! Have to admit, my warmup in the past has been the dash from carpark to start line, not recommended 😬 (just made it! ) That's a very respectable time for a hilly course, especially in those circumstances, and now you've got a pb time to beat! 😁
For anyone who doesn't know, if you go on the parkrun website, each parkrun has got a map and a course description which will give you an idea of how hilly or muddy etc it is, where to park, where they meet for coffee afterwards etc. They will also give updates if conditions are tricky or of cancellations.
And if you manage to get there before the start (😳) there is a talk for first-timers.
Sorry Layz, that's not much help to you now, but congratulations on your graduation and your first parkrun!
Well done on completing the course. Welcome to the parkrun family.
I hope you become a regular.
Enjoy the run/ walk /jog and don't worry about the time.
Warm up is important so lets get organised.
Kit must be set out the night before.
Aim to arrive 8.45am at the latest
Suggest you make a point of chatting to others afterwards. It's good to see a few familiar faces each week.
Well done again
Well done for getting though, you did very well 👍🏃♂️💪
My 3 consolidation runs 
Consolidation 2 and 3
Week 3 consolidation 
3 weeks of consolidation, summary
