Parkrun no3

[Dendev75]

I went alone again today and started near the back. Over 260 people took part this morning. I noticed a man who looked to be in his 70’s ahead of me, he was wearing a ‘250’ park run t-shirt - wow! I thought his pace looked similar to mine (maybe slightly faster) so I kept him in my sights and used him to keep me going. I then fell in pace with him and after around 3.5k he said ‘I’m only keeping going to keep pace with you’, I told him that I was doing exactly the same. We got to about 4.5k and I felt myself flagging - he was so supportive and kept me going to the end. At the end he let me go first and later on I found my new pb was so much faster than normal (usually 34 mins - did this in 31:46). So happy but I don’t think I’d do that pace again for a while, it was a bit too fast for me and I struggled at the end. Still extremely happy and proud though. What a great inspiration this man is ☺️

[M0use Graduate]

Well done, you seem to be really enjoying Parkrun I still haven't managed to get to one yet, one day. ☺️

[Dendev75 Graduate in reply to M0use]

I really look forward to it Mouse, have you got one close to where you live? I’d totally recommend it even if you need to walk part of it (loads do). It’s a really lovely atmosphere 😊

[M0use Graduate in reply to Dendev75]

There's one about 10 minutes from me by car so I'm planning to get there one day. The only problem is I would need to get my old Mum out of bed washed dressed and fed before I go and make sure someone's around to keep an eye on her while I'm out so getting there for 9 is a bit of a rush. I'm trying to get things organised so I can do it once a month. I've promised myself I'll get there before the end of the Summer.☺️

[Dendev75 Graduate in reply to M0use]

Ah it’s so hard when you’ve got caring commitments. You’ll get there soon and you’ll love it.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Well done to you Dendev75 on your PB time of 31.46, all my best times for running have been at parkruns, my average being around 32.30, PB 30:09 but when running alone around your time of 34 minutes, like you I think when running with others you tend to be faster, nice that you used that man as your pacemaker although at the end of the run you were a bit more tired than normal, congratulations.

[Dendev75 Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Thank you, I definitely couldn’t have done that without that lovely gent ☺️Yes there was no way I could have done the last part as a sprint (as many do), I was done 🤭

[nowster Graduate]

Well done! I had that running alongside a colleague in a 10km event last year. He was trying to keep up with me and I was trying to keep up with him. We only realised what was happening after about 5km.

[Dendev75 Graduate in reply to nowster]

Thanks, it was lovely but it was a bit too fast for me 😂

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Sounds great and didn’t you go fast?

[Dendev75 Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

A bit too fast really 🤭 trying to keep up with a pro park runner 🤣

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to Dendev75]

Good fun though

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Just super.... well done you. It is good to find someone who keeps you going... and gives you that little extra support when it is needed!Park Run is not for everyone, but it is such a friendly place to be !

Good to know you were supporting someone else too

[Dendev75 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks ☺️ It’s such a positive and supportive place to be - it really boosts my well-being.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Dendev75]

That is excellent... this running is about so much more than just running !

[Chinkoflight]

There you go, brilliant. You might be surprised about PB's. I ran faster than I expected but as I've continued the slow and slower training I'm keeping to 'my parkrun time' but each run is getting much easier.

[Dendev75 Graduate in reply to Chinkoflight]

I’m consciously going to slow back down to my usual pace next time - I think I got caught up in the moment 🤭 I would prefer to keep to my usual pace but find it comes easier as I really struggle when I get to about 4k.

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Well done Dendev75 , it’s so nice when you get chatting to people…and for him to keep you going, that’s amazing!

[Dendev75 Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

Thank you 😊 he said he only started running when he retired 🤩

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Dendev75]

Wow!

[ChannelRunner2 Graduate]

So cool! Thanks for sharing your experience of having a pacer! And congrats on making it on the faster pace...

As I am not in the U.K., can someone explain to me what a park run is? I've gathered that these are officially organized 5K runs - is that correct?

[Dendev75 Graduate in reply to ChannelRunner2]

Thank you 😊

Park runs are free events where runners can run/walk/jog/pushprams/run with dogs etc at different locations throughout the UK and rely on the lovely and supportive volunteers (Marshals) who guide, cheer and organise it all. Everyone just goes at their own pace (except me this week - I followed a lovely gent who kept me going ☺️).

What country are you living in?

[ChannelRunner2 Graduate in reply to Dendev75]

Thanks so much for the explanation, Dendev75 , and for the FAQ, IannodaTruffe ! I should've known there is one 😉. I continue to be amazed how much knowledge you've accumulated and shared here. It is very helpful 🙏 (though, admittedly sometimes a bit overwhelming...)

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to ChannelRunner2]

This explains parkrun healthunlocked.com/couchto5.... and parkruns are international, so there may well be one near you.

[ChannelRunner2 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

There's one in Cologne! 🥳 parkrun.com.de/aachenerweiher/

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to ChannelRunner2]

In my view, parkrun is people power at its best and is all inclusive and welcoming and well worth having a go.

Tell us how you get on if you decide to have a go.

[Dendev75 Graduate in reply to ChannelRunner2]

Oh fab, please post if you manage to take part 👍🏻😊

[ChannelRunner2 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Yes, I'll report! Won't be until 3 September the earliest...

And I did have to laugh seeing the map: In the UK, they're all over... In Germany, well, you might be lucky... (Now, I am sure we can philosophize why that might be 😉... )

Map of Parkruns UK, NL, and Germany. Lots of them in the UK - outside a few...

[Dendev75 Graduate in reply to ChannelRunner2]

Oh wow yes, the UK have squillions 🤣 good luck 😉

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Congratulations.

When you are chasing a PB you have permission to push as hard as you can!!!!!

Keep most of your training at an easy conversational pace, throw in the occasional fartlek or intervals session and then maybe once a month you will be ready to have another crack at that shiny PB.

[Dendev75 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you. I got completely caught up in the moment 🤣👍🏻🏃🏽‍♀️ Yes I think I’ll give it a few weeks before I do that again 🤭

[Dexy5 Graduate]

That’s what parkrun is all about.

[Dendev75 Graduate in reply to Dexy5]

I’m really enjoying them 👍🏻