So after a week of consolidation runs decided it was time to try a different venue and went along to a park run in neighbouring town. There are usually over 200 runners so arrived early to get a parking space and used the time to walk around parts of the course and warm up. I see a familiar looking fella wandering aimlessly around playing about on his phone - it's my dad - he's come along to walk the course. By 9am there were a few others running laps of the course... We just continue round at a leisurely walk not wanting to drain ourselves before it even begins. By 9.15 we are standing near the start point with around 25 runners, doing my stretches and amazed at the different stretching rituals that others are doing. Taking mental notes of a few stretches that I should maybe be implementing and others that I should be doing more correctly.
Had a bit of banter with a few runners as the organisers start to gather and start their briefing... There must be a magic portal or something... Within minutes the path is filled to overflowing with runners ... Where did they all come from!?
My dad sneaks off to the back of the pack, laughing at the thought of a stampede with me in the middle and at 9.30 and we're off. I started about ¾ of way back not wanting to slow anyone up at the start but very soon realised this wasn't a good place to be and it was not a comfortable pace. It took almost half a lap for the group to start stretching out and was able to get around others to get into my stride. Fantastic atmosphere and course involves a few loops around the duck pond so found myself distracted watching geese waddling about with their young ones. Occasional waves and nods of encouragement across the pond with some of the runners I'd met at the start, some way out in front and some behind then I shake my head in dismay, I spot my dad jogging along - clearly he has got caught up with the occasion.
Sweat was dripping off me by the final lap, was quite warm and I was regretting wearing a zip up top instead of just a tee shirt (but needed something to keep my keys etc in) and I never really noticed the slopes while walking round beforehand. With last 5 minute reminder on the podcast, increased pace to the finish, it should be close.
All finished and beaming at completing it I set off back down the course looking for my dad and take his coat that has now been tied around his shoulders flapping about like a cape. I hear a shout and my mum is wandering over with their dogs. Quite a surprise, hadn't mentioned I was going to run this weekend but she took a gamble and didn't want to miss first one after so long getting to this point. She joins me in shaking heads at my dad as he's looking a bit worse for wear on the last stretch and asking if there is a short cut 🤦♂️
Dad in his wisdom decided to remain anonymous at the finish despite being registered - didn't want his name near end of the list - He really didn't get that parkrun isn't a competition and just completing it is more than enough (some runners didn't finish due to pushing too hard anyway) 🙄. He finished in 45mins... He obviously ran on more occasions than I saw him. Think I'll have to start him on C25K just so he learns to slow his pace and build gradually before he does himself an injury 😬
30.27 for my time, delighted though I'm more pleased for my dad at this moment. Something special about sharing an occasion.
Have a great weekend whatever you're all up to 🙂👍
Park Run tourist 😀🐶🐾🏃🏻♀️👏!
First Park Run - Pap17 
First park run done!!
Last but two in the Park Run!
