Park Run! Tips for speed anyone?

[Bridger]

So today, Daddy Bridger and I ran the Park Run down here in sunny Poole, and it was delightful! Absolutely loved it, and managed 33 mins, which is down 4 mins from the Race For Life the week before - huzzah! Only problem is, we were last! There were obviously some grown-up runners there, how do I improve my speed? Is anyone else planning on the Bridge(r) to 10k?

For those just starting out, Couch to 5k has helped me; have more energy, lose weight, tone up (just in time for my holiday!), helped me get over my scumbag ex, and improved my performance at work! Keep at it, it's changed my life for the better.

[AliB1 Graduate]

Wow I think that's a fab time so well done to you both! .i'm striving to get down to 35 mins as my first milestone! Wouldn't worry about being last / back of the pack the ethos of the Park Run is that it's not a race you are running against yourself. You've already improved massively if you've knocked off 4 mins in 1 week!

As I'm struggling to improve my speed I'll leave it for others to respond on how best to improve.

[TJFlute]

33 minutes is a fab time! And a huge improvement, you must be so pleased. It sounds like you had a great time too

Where are all these grown-up runners coming from?

[Greg_M Graduate]

Wow tough crowd - last with 33 mins! Good time.

You can do speed sessions and all that malarkey but another solid way to make inroads into your time is to increase your distance. My 5k time started to drop off quite nicely when I started to run 10k, and my 10k is improving as I move up to 15 - 20k.

You will also find experience helps, the more you do the better you know how much energy you have left in your legs so how much harder you can push your pace.

[Bridger Graduate in reply to Greg_M]

I know, grown up runners! Am definitely going to be taking on the Bridge(r) to 10k, hopefully I will be able to get my 5k time up! I got beaten by an 8 year old... and my 67 year old dad! Never mind, it's all motivation!

[tygfuz Graduate]

Dont forget you can now change your Parkrun running club details to show 'NHS Couch to 5Km'. It will help to promote the program.