First Park Run 5K

[futurefit]

Rather spontaneously I decided to turn one of my runs into a Park Run. I had intended on waiting a bit longer but decided I’d go for it and if anything run 30 mins then walk the rest. I graduated C25K last week. It was actually great fun (and of course challenging!). I ended up running 35 mins then walked up the last hilly bit before a final mini sprint to the end. So I did it in 38 mins but was very careful to not go too fast the whole time (was not doing it for speed) as really wanted to get to the end - plus it was about 22 degrees at 9am already here in London. Felt tired but great after and such a wonderful feeling, with all those other people too. It’s such a great thing to do after graduation, when you feel ready . I found just taking it at my speed and not getting caught up in the speed of the mass helped.

The only thing is I’m not sure what to do for my runs now this week, should I stick to 30 mins or could I mix it up somehow? Is it ok to do say, 1 x 30 interval training and then 2 x 30 min runs? Or even could I do a 20, 25, 5K Park run week? Basically I’m trying to work out if I have to keep doing 30 mins x 3 every week or is it ok not too. I don’t want to go backwards I guess but also I find it hard to just keep doing the same thing.

Thanks 🙏

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Go you..well done!!!You can choose how to move on...loads of advice..the main being, certainly from me...keep it slow and steady, and don't push too hard ,too soon. These are new legs

I always have advised shaking it up..some short runs, some 30 minutes and after a while..when you're ready...( and you'll know), some longer relaxed, see where I get to, runs.

They build up strength, stamina and distance and speed too...eventually!

When you're ready too; the C25K+ podcasts are fun; challenging but fun..teaching us a fair bit of the dislike in our runs.

So...off you go...get your yourself organised and see how it goes! X

[futurefit Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you so much this is really helpful! Haha - new legs, I like that! X

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Oh well done, that sounds great fun.

[Pugwash Graduate]

I can't comment on your training plans - mine is a somewhat less scientific approach!I'm glad you've found Parkrun though - it's a fantastic event and I'm a huge fan. Encouraging, non-judgemental, friendly and motivational. I used/use it as a high point of my week's training - a sort of calibration. Don't fall in to the 'improve every week' trap is all I'd say; running, like life, isn't like that😉. Doing it at all is enough.

[futurefit Graduate in reply to Pugwash]

Thanks for this - wise words and very true. Glad you really enjoy park runs too, all the things you mention are exactly what makes it so great indeed. Happy running 😃

[Hedgehogs123 Graduate]

Id say mix it up a bit, however, you do need to make sure you don't over do it. There is so much advice on here and also you need to look at the consolidation runs which follow on from the C25K app. They are really useful in introducing you to how to advance your runs and practice with speed and building stamina.

There are lots more experienced people on here than me, but that's what I did when I graduated, 3 years ago, just gradually built it up a bit.

I love ParkRun, that's why I originally did C25K so I could do them, I registered then covid struck! Then when they came back in July 21, I went along thinking I might go once or twice a month, but that was it, I was hooked. Ours is so friendly, Ive met so many like minded people, some of whom I definately now call friends and I joined a running club through them. Ive done a few other ParkRuns at various venues and most are really friendly and welcoming. Im sure you will love going.