This happens so often! I had rubbish runs just before doing a 10k event and a half marathon-both went fine. I bet if you were just going out for a 5k run on the weekend, you’d have had no issues. It’s pre “race” nerves, although parkrun obviously isn’t a race.
You’re going to have a great time on Saturday. You’ll have people around you. You’ll have that barcode. It’ll be a totally different run. Honestly, it’s totally normal to get gremlins like this and and it absolutely doesn’t mean you’re not going to make it round. Think of all the runs you have finished, not just this one that didn’t go to plan.
It’s conmon to get swept up with the crowd and run a bit fast so it’s worth keeping it super steady to start with. You can walk as much as you’d like to and nobody will judge you. It’s your run. You’re going to get a PB by default!
You might like to join us over on Bridge where there’s loads of chat about 10k plans and there’ll be a oarkrun thread there on Saturday for you to share how it went and get lots of cheers.
Thank you so much and yes I've been telling myself this too - I should have continued on the bridge to 10K from the 5k originally and so shall take your advice and most definately join the group bridgeto10k - I just need to find time to read info., digest and action! Thank you again.
I went round my local Parkrun course a few days before my first ‘official’ run. And it was mostly a really brisk walk. I’ve now done 15 runs and taken 7 minutes off that first attempt.
I’d echo the don’t get caught up in going too fast from the start comment as you need to pace yourself.
And if I can do it anyone can after all not everyone is doing Parkrun at the age of 71 having had a heart attack last May. I did my first run ever just 3 months after my open heart surgery!
Wow and triple wow that has put my fears to shame. THANK YOU so very much Survivor 1952 you have made me pull up my big baggy knickers and given me the heave ho to just go and do it! 😊 thank you so much xx
Parkruns are really supportive. If you've never done one before then take it easy and enjoy yourself. The good news is that you will never be last as there are always tailwalkers at the back. Of course there will be some super speedy runners but it is fine to walk or combine walking and jogging. Just remember to take your barcode so you can get an official time. Hope it goes well.
Thank you 00marks - the barcode arrived yesterday and so I've no excuse now other than the report on the news about the common attack - but NO I'm ready for a 7am start on Sat to get to common by 8.30am for a relaxed and paced start - now I must go as suddenly I need the loo 🙄!!
Don't forget to put your hand up and bathe in the limelight of the First Timers welcome! You will hear that when everyone gathers together to listen to the Run Director's event announcements before the start. This Saturday will have a special focus on MacMillan cancer support. Your nerves will subside almost immediately once you start. Enjoy the run!
Good look JOP! I remember feeling those nerves my first time. I have just come back to running after injury, and am feeling similar trepidation as I contemplate going on a Parkrun again. I’m not sure if it’s a legacy of old ideas about racing/trying to go faster, or the internal voices having a go (in my case, what will people think, this fit looking woman running so slowly and laboriously?). What I do know is that when you do to go to Parkrun, people are so supportive and friendly, and the voices really are just your own. Be proud!
Ah thank you ktsok - I'm now trying to block out everything until the morning and am worried about the loos 🙄 I wish I looked fit - although I do try and smile as I jog at the s l o w e s t rate I know. I may get asked to leave due to going too slowly and I suppose that is another concern I just go at one pace slow and stop!! BUT I'm determined in such a nervous way to get there and just try - my code is on the back of my mobile so I'm prepared and I shall be proud whatever the outcome as it will be a lesson in many things😊 All the best to you and thank you again.
Nobody is going to ask you to leave for going too slowly! You can put that fear right out of your mind. Parkrun doesn’t come with a cut off. If you’re still moving, the tail walker will still be behind you. You can walk as much as you like!
lol. I took a look at the times that people did the 5k in at my local Parkrun (I think they all have a link to a spreadsheet somewhere) and the slowest person was over 1 hour, so I think you’ll be ok, even if it is s l o w.
Good luck! Look forward to hearing about your experience
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and yes I've been telling myself this too - I should have continued on the bridge to 10K from the 5k originally and so shall take your advice and most definately join the group bridgeto10k - I just need to find time to read info., digest and action! Thank you again. 
First Park Run tomorrow
First Park Run tomorrow
First park run, first 5k
Sheepish first park run
First Park Run! 🏃♂️
