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Original poster

Parkrun - has anyone walked it?

91 replies

Sofiria · 01/01/2016 12:10

Hi! I'm looking for ways to be more active and shift a bit of weight this year. Parkrun looks like good fun, and on their website it says that it's fine to jog or walk the course, but I'm curious as to whether many people actually do this.

I'm very unfit and can't run or jog but I've got a steady walking pace and usually walk 5k in 55 minutes or thereabouts. I know I wouldn't be stopped from doing this but I'd feel very embarrassed about finishing last, on my own after having been lapped a few times by all the serious runners (memories of school cross-country, ugh) and would be put off trying again.

If it makes a difference I'd be looking at one of the courses in London - probably Highbury Fields, but I'd travel a bit further if there's a course that's particularly walker-friendly.

Anyone have any experiences to share, positive or negative?

OP posts:
Veterinari · 01/01/2016 14:04

I am 2 stone overweight and pale so get red VERY quickly. C25k is definitely the way forward. The early weeks are developed exactly so that you increase your activity steadily, and you can repeat weeks if you need to acclimatise more slowly.

The truth is that if you're unfit you'll get red regardless - that's ok - at least you're doing something, and anything is better than nothing.
If you don't start then nothing will change

Samantha28 · 01/01/2016 13:37

Once you have done the C25k you will probably be running at least 35-40 mins, you'll be amazed how quickly your time will improve

Samantha28 · 01/01/2016 13:36

I also recommend the C25k programme . It's only 8 weeks, but if you complete it , you would have a good change of not being last .

The results are published online, so you could have a look and see the typical time for the last person at your local run , who is usually a volunteer tail runner . At our parkrun , the last person is usually 40-45 mins.

The volunteers are out for about 30 mins before the run starts, and then another 15 mins or so clearing away afterwards , so thats 1.5 hours out in the cold / rain at this time of year .

So yes, while no one would stop you walk in the whole way , it's really designed for people who are at least trying to walk / jog, rather than walk the whole way .

Most people who run get out of breath and / or red in the face . I look like I'm dying ! Most other people who are in parks are walking , cycling or running themselves and are most unlikely to make any nasty comments. Especially at this time of year .

Please don't let fear of a comment from some random stop you getting out there and improving your health .

Original poster
Sofiria · 01/01/2016 13:28

Just checked the local times and the slowest seem to be around 30-35 mins, so definitely not right for me just now. I think I misjudged the nature of the event a bit! Very glad now that I posted and asked. :)

OP posts:
Original poster
Sofiria · 01/01/2016 13:24

That's fair enough - 40mins is long enough to be standing waiting for people to finish!

Couch to 5k - I love the idea, but because I'm so unfit I'd be embarrassed to attempt to jog or run. I'm self-conscious and one nasty comment would be too much for me. I'm not extremely overweight (could do with losing 20lbs or so) but have health issues that make exercise difficult and I'd look ridiculous being red-faced and out of breath after 30 seconds or so! I'm totally aware that 99% of people in the park or wherever will have zero interest in me or what I'm doing, but all it'd take would be one asshole making a remark to make my anxiety skyrocket.

OP posts:
WhoKn0wsWhereTheMistletoes · 01/01/2016 13:18

I just wish there were some Sunday ones, I have other commitments on Saturdays so can't do it.

megletthesecond · 01/01/2016 13:16

I don't think you'll have a problem walking it. We have a lady who walks it, around the 55 min mark iirc (she's behind us when I do it with my 7yo). The walker often ends up chatting to the marshalls.

Lots of little kids walk with a bit of running and end up near 50 mins.

I bet you start some very gentle running after a couple of weeks anyway to beat your pb Smile.

WhoKn0wsWhereTheMistletoes · 01/01/2016 13:15

If you look at the website for your local one the times are published, so you can get an idea of how you would fit in. I can see both sides of this, they should be open to all abilities, but it is meant to be a run and a bit unfair on the organisers (volunteers) if one or two people are walking and taking much longer than everyone else. I would like a power walking equivalent.

FoxesSitOnBoxes · 01/01/2016 13:13

Couch to 5K is great! I couldn't run at all and within a year had done the Great North Run after starting with couch to 5K

Veterinari · 01/01/2016 13:11

OP head over to the couch to 5 k (c25k) thread
You could be jogging the parkrun in 8 weeks!

AIN · 01/01/2016 13:08

At my park run there's a lady who's been walking it for a long time. Apparently she has lost lots of weight by walking and now does it in 45 mins. She isn't the only one walking but does always come in last.

countingdown · 01/01/2016 13:04

It could be a good idea to complete the couch to 5k programme and make completing a Park Run your goal.

nephrofox · 01/01/2016 13:02

Hmm. Definitely in theory allowed to walk, but in reality the marshals are (quite rightly) getting a bit cold and bored by 40 mins or so, so you might feel a bit under pressure

ProfYaffle · 01/01/2016 13:01

I've seen people walking it. Not very many, admittedly, but there have been a handful.

Original poster
Sofiria · 01/01/2016 13:00

Ah. That's what I thought it might be - that theoretically they're open to people walking it but nobody actually does.

Not the right thing for me, then - thanks for letting me know! :)

OP posts:
kerpob · 01/01/2016 12:25

I've done about 25 parkruns (not in London ). I've never seen anyone walking it. Some courses have a tail runner who comes in last deliberately. You might need to tell them you're going to walk but I don't see how it would be a problem.

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