Today should be Week 7 Run 3 but .......

[morningglory]

instead I did a 5k Parkrun - am I mad. Got up a bit later than needed too, hadn't printed out my barcode, had to hunt around for change for parking, spilt water all over myself and only vaguely could remember where the park was, not a good start.

Luckily when I got there I knew someone and she showed me the ropes, fantastic.

I didn't care about my time just wanted to get round without walking. It was a bit muddy and on the last 1k it chucked it down - but I didn't care as it cooled me down. Groins started aching between 3K - 4K but seem to ease off and before I knew I was at the finish line. I now know I can run 5K not got my time yet.

[AliB1 Graduate]

Well done

I think it's quite exciting when you get texted /emailed your 'official' time. Really does make you feel like a proper runner!!!!

[wilmacgh Graduate]

Well done. Did parkrun today too. Water pouring across the course but was just drizzling during the run and felt good.

There's a strange sense of shared madness!

[PienPeas Graduate]

Well done. Did you go on your own? I am aiming to take part in park runs after graduation, however I am nervous about turning up on my own.

[AliB1 Graduate in reply to PienPeas]

I go one my own margerine (still get a little nervous and i've done 5) but most people are very friendly and encouraging.

[morningglory Graduate in reply to PienPeas]

Yes went on my own but glad I knew someone there. She gave me a glucose tablet before I started and one for when I finished (hadn't thought about any of that). I also found out that you can take a bag and put it in a safe place (I locked mine in my boot but would have been good to have a drink and stuff at hand afterwards). Although I read on their website they prefer people not to have iPods loads of people did and to be quite honest I am not at a stage where I can run and chat, so will take mine with me next time.

The only other thing you need to know is that you need to take your barcode. You don't need it till the end so just turn up, warm up, stretch and get to the start. When you finish you are given a token with another barcode on it. They then use a little machine to read both barcodes and calculate your time. I saw that some people had laminated their barcodes (great idea) so came home and did that with mine.

Am now going to get a small ruck sack together with glucose tabs, laminated barcode, cereal bar, water bottle, change for car park etc. so I can just grab and run on a Saturday morning rather than going through the farce I did this morning.

[Oldgirl Graduate]

Don't worry about going on your own, most do. They are all like minded people just out there to enjoy the run and thats what its all about. I've run 3 now but volunteered 2 which I get just as much out of if not more. Over half the runners and volunteers went for tea/coffee this morning after getting soaked and cold but the warmth of the group soon makes you forget that your sitting in soaking wet jeans (volunteer today not running).

[PienPeas Graduate]

Thanks for taking the time to reply AliB1 and morningglory - I am on week 8 and will hopefully graduate in 2 weeks, at the end of term. A park run will be the next challenge for me!

[PienPeas Graduate]

Sounds like you really enjoyed it Oldgirl. i would definitely like to volunteer too. Quite excited at the prospect of getting involved in the park runs!

[Deryn61 Graduate]

Wow that is brilliant, I have only done one and that was a few weeks after graduating, so you have done brilliantly. I wish I had one nearer, its a 30 mile trip and I have a very hectic Saturday as a rule but definitely going back again soon..