Time for a Parkrun?

[Kitty08]

So I graduated back in May and have continued to run 3-4 times a week since then. Most runs have been about 30 minutes with the occasional 5k when I feel brave!

I enjoyed the challenge of being on the C25k programme and liked having something new to achieve each week. I’ve struggled a bit with motivation in recent weeks even though I have built up my time and distance gradually.

I’m now debating whether to join a Parkrun for a new challenge. I’m just nervous about whether I’ll be the slowest one there (5k takes me about 45 minutes) and running with other people feels a bit daunting after running on my own for so long.

Any advice from those who do Parkruns would be much appreciated.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

This FAQ post about parkrun may help you decide healthunlocked.com/couchto5....

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Having had the privilege of coming home with the tailwalker once, I’d highly recommend it! The reception for the last person home is the best one of the day as it’s the time that the most volunteers are there... the poor guy who finishes first may only have 4 people to cheer them home 🤣

You cannot be last on the results... that is the tailwalker’s job. You will be one of (if not the) newest runners there... they will welcome you... they will cheer you on... they will want you to come back week after week.

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

No you won’t be last Kitty08 - I’m so slow I expect to be last! Seriously, parkrun is not about how fast you can run and it’s not a race. Sure there are some who set off at a pace to try and get round first or do a Pb but the vast majority are there just to run (or walk!) it. And you can walk if you want to - or a run-walk if that’s what you want to do. There will be at least one Tailwalker whose role is to bring up the rear and make sure no-one’s left behind . If you’re doing 5k in 45 minutes you’ll be fine! Don’t forget to register yourself on the parkrun website to get your number and print off your barcode. Most importantly, take it with you because if you don’t your time won’t be counted which will be a waste! Good luck and enjoy yourself!

[nowster Graduate]

I did my first on Saturday. It was a larger event with 200+ attending, and with it being the first for 15 months it did seem a little cliquey. The atmosphere was friendly but there were a lot of groups who kept to themselves. I'm planning to go to my closest tomorrow, which usually attracts about 80 people max, to see how that one is. My next closest often attracts 800-1000!

You'll need your personal barcode and the laminated barcode tag they hand you at the finish line. A volunteer will scan both of them some distance from the finish area and then ask you to return the tag they gave you (into a bucket).

[David_G]

Hi Kitty08, it’s only natural that you might be a bit nervous trying Parkrun for the first time. Don’t worry though, you’ll be made welcome and everything is explained to you in the first-timers briefing before you start.

As others have said, it’s not a race. Just run (or walk) it your own way. You’ll never be the last one to finish as the tail walker will always been behind you.

I’m sure everyone will be supportive and the marshals will cheer you on.

Just give it a go, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!

[Rennur Graduate]

I haven't run with other people before. At my parkrun yesterday there were 373. I was 10th last and got under 43 minutes for the first time and 2 minutes faster than recent 5K runs on my own. Admittedly the lady who came last was walking with a baby in a sling in about 55 minutes. She was enjoying the occasion as were the other people I finished in front of. Having people in front of you and getting closer to them is a great inspiration. It is great fun. I'm doing it next week for sure.