Park run

[BrokeyNotSoBusted]

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 🙂👍

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

That was a great run for you AND your dad, if you run at many parkruns in the future you can report your runs on Damienair's weekly parkrun report post which is on The Bridge 210K forum

[BrokeyNotSoBusted Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks Al. Had avoided the Bridge 210K forum as still doing the 3x30 runs but will check it out 👍

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

How good is that? first seeing your dad there and then your mum to meet up with you. Brilliant time too and great your dad got round

[BrokeyNotSoBusted Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Yes, quite a surprise. Had spoken to him earlier in the morning but he only mentioned going to dump to get rid of some stuff. Sneaky so n so. Had me smiling ear to ear each time I saw him in passing round the course 😀

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to BrokeyNotSoBusted]

Yes must have done

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Congratulations.

Great to run with family.

I bet it was as special for him as it was for you.

If he went through C25k and took on board the message about development being more effective at an easy conversational pace, then he will be considerably safer and probably a whole lot fitter.

Old dogs can be taught new tricks.

[BrokeyNotSoBusted Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks 🙂

He often had remarked on missing watching us running or taking part in other activities in our younger days so being out with so many of all shapes and sizes enjoying being active has certainly lifted him. He had mentioned wanting to run some time back as he's never been a runner and guess it was a bucket list kind of thing so had him jog between 2 lamp posts on occasion while out walking. He has been vague at best about whether he has continued but that was before I'd started C25K and learnt so much here so hopefully he'll take some of the advice on board to do it more safely and start his own c25k journey.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Go dad and GO you... very well done.

[davelinks Graduate]

Well done to you and your dad.. I remember in my early days at Parkrun at Bushey Parkrun my running buddy wanted to start at the front, he was a more advanced runner than me, so faster, it was a mistake for me to join him at the front as being Bushy Parkrun about the biggest in the country there were around 1200 participants! 😲 and I felt like a cardboard cutout figure as they rushed by me nearly getting stamped on! 😲😂 never mind, I survived to tell the tale... 😊

[Running-nana Graduate]

Impressive time, well done 👏

[Brixcos Graduate]

What a story! Well done to you and your dad! And brilliant time for a 5k too 👏👍😊

[Trainers2022 Graduate]

What a fantastic achievement 🎉 a local park run is my ambition and hearing what the experience was like for you is inspirational😀. By the way, your mum and dad sound lovely x

[MrsLydiaWickham Graduate]

Aah, Dad and son ❤ what a lovely post.

[Sidmouth203 Graduate]

Sounds fun fair play to your dad too🏃👏

[ArthurJG Graduate]

Well done. That’ll be a Scottish or Irish parkrun then with the 9.30 start? 👍

[BrokeyNotSoBusted Graduate]

Thanks. Yeah, Northern Ireland - I'm glad of that extra 30 mins before starting 🥱😁