Parkrun Virgin.....

[Margoxx]

Im doing my first parkrun this weekend and already the nerves are getting the better of me. What should I expect? what's it like?

Any advice and therapy(!) will be greatly received

[crox Graduate]

if it's anything like my local run, it's just a big group of people running round a park for the sake of it

Relax and enjoy it, it's friendly and non competitive (at least it is at the back where I run)

[crox Graduate]

don't forget your barcode

[Cazvs Graduate]

Ooh, I'm doing my first this weekend too! It's a new one so I expect there will be others there that don't know what they're doing, I'll just blend in.

I've been told to watch my pace and not just run off with the really fast people. They have tail runners so if you get stuck at the back you won't be alone.

Good luck!

[AliB1 Graduate in reply to Cazvs]

From experience doing the first one is fab. There are always more runners on the first one...lots of Parkrun tourists

[Cazvs Graduate in reply to AliB1]

I'm going to have to get there early to get a parking space!

[Margoxx Graduate]

Thanks Crox and good luck Cazvs on saturday... ill defo be at the back but really want to do this

[Malcy Graduate]

I'm sure you'll enjoy the different format - a little bit of unstated competition (:->)

One thing o watch is your barcode - wheen you get your email, the link takes you to a page that says "This is your bar code". It's not! If you print that page, the code will be too small and it won't register. You need to click on another link (on the web page under the "not the bar code", and you then see a bigger version. This is the one you print and take along with you. It should be abpout the size of a credit card.

I'm sure you don't nneed to ask how I found this out ...

couchto5k.healthunlocked.co...

Good luck, and let us know how you get on.

[Malcy Graduate in reply to Malcy]

sorry about the bloopers in my typong

[petal51 Graduate]

Hey Margo! How's it going?? Good luck with your first parkrun, let us know how it goes as I'm considering doing one myself. Glad you are still out there and hooked! I haven't done 3 runs a week (only 2), as kids off school and harder to fit in, but looking forward to next week when can get stuck into the next stage!

[AliB1 Graduate in reply to petal51]

I only manage 2.. Trying to up to 3... But 2 is way better than none!!!!!

Give Parkrun a go

[bonnie68 Graduate]

Do Enjoy! I remember the thrill of the first time checking the Park Run site to find out my official time! Really friendly, loads of encouragement and a big grin at the end! Do let us all know how it went!

[AliB1 Graduate]

You will love it! Top tips...

Remember your barcode

If you are worried justo speak to one of the volunteers..they will have a high viz vest on and will want to help/ reassure you

Don't set off to fast (easier said than done)

You are not racing anyone but yourself so ENJOY it

Stop for a coffee after...the Parkrun community is fab!

Let us know how you get on.

[wilmacgh Graduate]

At our Parkrun (Edinburgh) they do a briefing for newbies about 10 minutes before the start.

Enjoy it.

Remember you can set your club as "NHS Couch to 5k" so your result can be picked up and posted here.

[Barbyk Graduate]

Good luck. I marshall them and it is my aim to actually do one, so will be very interested to hear how you get on...Well done!

[Anniemurph Graduate]

I'll look forward to hearing how you get on, because I'm thinking about going to one near here. Very good luck for it - enjoy!