Second Parkrun since graduation

[Chinkoflight]

For those about to graduate and looking for motivation to continue do think about Parkrun. Today was Parkrun two and although I go alone and run at the back alone (!) at the finish I had plenty of encouragement and a bit of chat and mutual photo taking. Today it was hot and my heart rate went up,probably a sign of not properly hydrated although I felt comfortable throughout so I slowed for the last km. It's such a beautiful concept and all the motivation one needs to do the weekly 5-10k training as a follow on. I'm hooked. Chinksoflight in every direction. (M70 post-stroke health improvement regime)

[Liono Graduate]

Well done for completing your second. I'm very much looking forward to doing my first but also rather intimidated by the thought, even though I've read lots of good things about how friendly they are! It doesn't help that my local one seems to be quite fast, with a 30 min average time last time I looked. I might go up one week and do a reccy. I've still not managed 5k yet, although I'm not far off now so hope to run one soon 🙂

[Chinkoflight in reply to Liono]

Well you must do it. Run 1 I deliberately started last so nobody overtook me!!! I tried to find my pace but also I found the two runners just about my pace ahead of me by 20 metres or so had targets on their back and an invisible rope! They dragged me round the full distance 5 minutes faster than my target of 45 minutes, and complained at the end (it was you on the rope holding us back!) 😁 This week, being hot and not sure about hydration, I went back to my slow jog(!) not bothering about targets just get round. Apart from the last Km when I deliberately slowed I ran at a slightly faster pace (4 weeks more consolidation but no 5ks) than my first run and ended up sub 40minutes (just) which I am more than chuffed. On the age comparison stuff done by orangeguy I realised that my slow time was actually not bad. I will be quite happy to keep doing this time from now on in. I'm comfortable, can respond to the many many words of encouragement and enjoy the run. It's a brilliant experience. There are a group of walkers and walk/runners but I've set my target to run however slowly. One speedwalker stayed ahead of me today!😂 Many runners were visitors and say the happy positive atmosphere is in all the runs they have done. And you could always volunteer to course Marshall, joining Parkrun is free, to get a feel for it and be helpful at the same time. It has really made doing C25K worthwhile which was exactly the same motivation as a person I talked to on the way back who has now done 80 odd runs after C25K and now is a race director.

[Liono Graduate in reply to Chinkoflight]

That's an excellent time! I'll just be very happy to keep running and finish. I'm worried I won't be able to pace myself well with all the people and distractions. Your Parkrun sounds very friendly and an all round great atmosphere.

[nowster Graduate]

I always start near the back of the pack at my local one. I'm never fully warmed up at the start point anyway, so use the first couple of minutes of the run to get my act together.

[PurpleChrissie]

This is so encouraging to hear. I am about to start week 6 of C25K and it’s my dearest wish to go on parkruns when I’m ready. Congratulations on your achievements. Seems you’ve been on quite the journey 😊

[Chinkoflight in reply to PurpleChrissie]

You must.

[59er Graduate]

You sound like you had fun! I have completed C25K twice now and have never done a park run! I did the NOT a park run during Covid. I am on week 5 again after an injury - (finding it harder) but have decided this time once I've graduated for the third time I am definitely going to do a park run. I think I'll enjoy the camaraderie and it will encourage me to keep running regularly.

[Chinkoflight in reply to 59er]

You must, if C25K is part of your health well being then Parkrun will be the icing on the cake! You may be passed on your first lap (if the course requires laps) by a fast young thing finishing in 16, yes 16, minutes who gasped well done as he passed me and there may be a few behind you who you clap in to the finish. Everyone is running for themselves but with a group of happy smiling things getting the same satisfaction.

[59er Graduate in reply to Chinkoflight]

Aaaw, you've convinced me! I could do with some of ALL that stuff. No competition, no one-upmanship just a lot of niceness. I'm actually looking forward to it 😁