First Parkrun experience

I must admit that I was very apprehensive about taking part in such an event, especially when some of the runners arrived wearing shirts with 50, 100, 250 logos on them which tells you their experience level at Parkruns. I felt intimidated as everyone started their warm up routines, sprints and stretches and ended up just jogging in circles not having the faintest clue what to do.

I needn't have worried though. Ten minutes prior to the run the Race Director called all the newbies together and went through what to expect prior to addressing the whole pack. This was really well done.

As for the run itself, i was determined to go at my own pace and so started off towards the back. I was going along nicely in a "pack" of people and realised after the first km that I was breathing heavily. A quick glance at my watch indicated we were running at 6 min per km. This set off alarm bells as it was way faster than anything i had done previously.

I tried to slow down but my legs just wouldn't co-operate and by 2.5km i was huffing and puffing like an old train - still at a rate of 6 min per km.

As we went up the incline the gremlins started telling me i could stop for a breather - absolutely no way gremlin - ive not come to do this to stop, forget it. I also needed a pee, could i nip into the bushes for a quick one?

I was absolutely shattered by the time i crossed the finish line but felt really proud to have taken part and enjoyed a cup of tea afterwards. In all the excitement i completely forgot to stop my Fitbit, Strava and NRC app so had no idea of the time.

When the results were published i was astounded to find out i had completed the run in 30:15. Holey Moley. I have been doing 34 - 35 mins on my consolidation runs.

I still feel on a high this morning, although my legs are really really stiff.

It ended up being a fantastic experience and im now looking forward to the next one.

PS Thank you to the lady who picked up my Airpod as it fell out of my ear and handed it back to me. I really appreciate it.

[Mrsrun Graduate]

Well done to you. Sounds as if your first experience of a Park Run was very good, my son did his first Park Run yesterday and said the same as you ... Which for people like me , who are not ready yet for a Park Run makes us feel it will be a good experience. I know it is not all about time but you must be really proud of your time and as a bonus that lovely lady saved the day with the Airpod. Enjoy your next run.

[Hidden in reply to Mrsrun]

Thank you Mrsrun.

As you said, its not about the time. I have been watching your journey through C25K and i am willing you through to graduation. I know you will smash it. If you take the feeling of satisfaction and well being you feel at the end of each C25K run - multiply that by 100 which is how i think you will feel after your first Parkrun.

[Mrsrun Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you and I do need all the encouragement possible , which is why this forum for me is brilliant. I think that feeling after a run cannot be beaten. I think I will plan a Park Run for the end of September , even though I should all being well finished by early September , I have a walking holiday coming up and think I should respect my body . Good luck for your future running.

[Jericho2332 Graduate]

Well done, I still havnt plucked up the courage to attend yet 👍🏻 great improvement on your time too 👌🏻

[Hidden in reply to Jericho2332]

I think I just got carried away with adrenalin despite setting a goal of following my own pace.

Now I have done it, I feel as though I will be more able to control myself in the future.

I was like a puppy running wild off its leash 🤣🤣🤣

[nowster Graduate]

On my first two parkruns I got swept along too and had to walk part of the course. Yesterday was my third and I found a good pace and kept to it, ignoring the pack. I was slower than the previous two runs, but I ran all the way and I felt much better at the end than I had those previous weeks.

It's all a learning process.

[Hidden in reply to nowster]

Thats the way to do it. Well done nowster.

Hopefully I have learned 🤣

My legs are still complaining this morning.

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

Awesome, that's a brilliant time xx

[Hidden in reply to Curlygurly2]

I think i would have preferred a slower time and less painful legs lol. For some reason my thighs are really tender today.

I definitely need an additional rest day before I head out again.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Congratulations on completing your first parkrun, many runners run faster in a pack than when they are running alone, you will be looking forward to parkrun No. 2.

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate]

Well done Alan99, I did my first Parkrun last week. Completely understand running faster than planned and totally sympathise with the aching legs. I managed to pull a ligament and probably won't be running for a few weeks so make sure you take it easy!

[Hidden in reply to Yesletsgo]

Ooooh. I'm so sorry about your ligament. Here's hoping for a swift recovery.

I was so stiff today I could barely move so decided the only way to loosen up was to do a slow run. I managed 19 minutes and was completely worn out. I think the Parkrun really took it out of me.

I hope you can recover as quickly as possible and get back out there. 👍

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate]

Thanks, when the run was over but before it became obvious that running wasn't going to happen for a while I'd decided to leave it a couple of days before setting off again. Well done for managing 19 minutes, sounds pretty good to me 😁