First park run done - now I feel like a runner!

[BTX4]

Typical of me to do my first park run on a course that was longer than the usual one!

The organisers weren't able to use one side of the park because it was cordoned off by the police because of an incident last night. They had the forensic team there. I hate to think what goes on in that park under cover of darkness

So, instead they did the winter course which involved going 5 times round this enormous field and instead of being 5k was 5.3k! It was almost all in the sun and was boiling!

Not the most exciting course and hard running on the grass all the time but I finished it, ran all the way, albeit slowly and came 208th out of 220 in a time of 42 minutes

Doesn't sound terribly good but I am SO pleased with myself! At last I feel like I am a runner

If you are thinking of doing a park run then do. They are very friendly (the Marshall didn't take offence when I said as I passed him for the fifth time that I was glad I didn't have to see him again!) and the events are well organised. Planning on doing one next weekend too and maybe the special jubilee run they are doing on the bank holiday Tuesday. Hopefully not round that field again though...

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Congratulations BTX4 - that must have been some endurance test out there in all this heat! Kudos to you

[didntrunthat Graduate]

Well done! You should be pleased with yourself

[Oldgirl Graduate]

Well done BTX4, I did my first this morning too. 34.42 but we did run 5K unlike you. It was also very much in the open and very hot. My age Grade was 55.91% which someone was trying to explain is the grading for your age group the Oldgirl being a 'veteran runner', which has nothing to do with experience its all down to age!!!

They are holding an extra run on 5th here too so will go to it. Our run is really rather boring so won't do it every week.

[AliB1 Graduate in reply to Oldgirl]

what a fab time!!!

[AliB1 Graduate]

Well done BTX4, glad you enjoyed it (or survived it!). 5 times round does sound tough I found our course 2.5 laps tap...would much rather do one big loop!

Missed going this week so will definalty be out next week, well legs permitting

[BTX4 Graduate in reply to AliB1]

Yes 5 times round wasn't good. I actually lost count and had to rely on my trusty garmin to tell me when I had got to 3 miles and could go through the finish rather than past it. There was one poor lady who was just starting her last lap when I finished.

Everyone was saying how hard it was and I certainly saw a lot of people walking up ahead.

[Rose885 Graduate]

Oh dear that sounds tough! You did really well, it must've been mentally challenging knowing you had go round 5 times. Sounds like it didn't put you off and you're raring to go again.

[Gridlet Graduate]

Gosh that sounds hard, in the heat too! Just read your later post, I would stick to saying you came second in your age category! You did really well!

[sfb350 Graduate]

That must have been tough. I went for a run this morning with Laura, the Women in Motion running coach. I hadn't seen her for three weeks and she was impressed with how much further I can run now. We took quite a hilly route (unavoidable here, really) and it was very hot. I ended up feeling very light headed and had to walk for quite a stretch but did manage to finish with a run, we covered just under 5k. I'm not good with heat anyway but I was still surprised by how much tougher it made things.

Well done you !

[Tapira Graduate]

Well done! Haven't had the courage to jun a parkrun yet so love reading these posts for inspiration!

[BTX4 Graduate in reply to Tapira]

Do go and do one...look at your local web site to see what the times are like but everyone is very friendly and quite laid back really. If I can do it you certainly will be able to

[Shelwa77 Graduate]

Ooh your post is very timely as I did the 5k Race for Life today in my local park, where they hold the regular ParkRun and I have been weighing up the thought of giving it a go. Think I'll have a look on the website and check out the times! Well done to you, that's a fab time.

[BTX4 Graduate]

Go for it! If you have done the race for life then you will be fine

Good luck. Let us know how you get on.