Parkrun

[Punkmummy]

I signed up for a parkrun today, it is a regular Saturday event in my city. I am in the consolidation phase of my running, but I want to run outside and I think this is a perfect opportunity for me to do that. Any advice?

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Congratulations to you Punkmummy on signing up for parkrun, I am sure you will enjoy it, get there about 15 minutes before the start, you will see many volunteers, then you will get a first timers briefing telling you about the course, after that the run director will brief all the people taking part, congratulating anyone running a milestone run such as 25,50 or 100+parkruns, finally one big reminder, don't forget your barcode, good luck.

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Well done on signing up for parkrun !I'm sure you will enjoy it .

If this is your first time off the treadmill then you may find it a little different 😊

Just do your own run !

Try not to get swept along in the crowd and walk if you want/need to !

Most of all , just enjoy 😊

[Chinkoflight]

Hi Punkmummy, glad you're joining in. AlMorr gives good advice re timing, don't forget to warm up and do whatever routines that suit you. You may feel a little self conscious with your personal style stretches especially as there will be some very experienced athletes there, but just do them, everyone is wrapped up in themselves. Look out for someone to chat with briefly at the first timers briefing. You can walk from the start to allow the masses to depart until you see some running at your pace and join in. Clothing and or bags. At this time of year you might want to wear an extra top/jacket while waiting for the start and warming up. My local Parkrun doesn't have a facility for bags but there is a trolley or similar for the PR set up and people leave bags in this area because it's always watched. At another PR they had a big tarpaulin laid out for people to leave stuff on. I will suggest this when I feel the time is right for my local PR.

Do try and take it all in and enjoy it, run slow and steady at your comfortable pace. Save a little energy for a sprint to the finish (25metres!) for a cheer.

Thank all the Marshalls as you go round.

Have a great run, can't wait for your post and a picture with the PR sign!

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

Lots of good advice already given Punkmummy so I’ll just say - don’t forget your barcode; listen to the first timers brief; don’t go off too fast and do your own thing! Walk if you need to, many parkruns have a number of walkers and is perfectly acceptable! Parkrun doesn’t suit everyone, and that’s fine, but just be aware that it can be addictive and you may find your Saturday mornings change forever!

[HeavyFoot Graduate]

Simply enjoy it. Run at your own pace and don’t be influenced by those running faster than you’re happy with. Remember there’s no shame in slowing down or walking.