First Parkrun tomorrow

Well done OP. You've taken the first step.
Glad you enjoyed it. Now you can keep on going.
Time for a well done or

Yay, well done! Welcome to the best day of your life

And great work by your son, sub 30 is brilliant!

How did it go @Aelinandme?

Oh and please please please don’t take home your finish tokens.

Themouseinmypocket, I have done Lincoln park run a few times , make sure you have some money for coffee afterwards as they go to the Bowls club afterwards , I don't really like Lincoln as find the paths a bit narrow and busy . I really like Boston and Belton runs as not too busy at all , only bad bit about Boston is no toilets ! . Newark and Rutland are nice runs as well. Enjoy tomorrow , quite envious as I can't go to many as Dd has a sports club starting at 9am and Dh works every Saturday.

Haven't done Lincoln, yet!

Planning for my 50th different event in a few weeks :-)

My top tips for anyone going along to their first Parkrun...
England parkrun 9am, Scotland/N.Ireland 9.30am.

Laminate or at least sellotape your barcode to make it easier to scan.

Please turn up for the first timers brief as you will get all the info on the course and be able to ask questions.

Check the website/Facebook page of the parkrun you plan to go to so you can familiarise yourself with the course.

Check if there are toilets at or near the course.

Go along to the cafe afterwards, it’s the best way to meet everyone.

Most importantly go along, relax and have fun. Your Saturday’s will never be the same again.

I'll be at the Lincoln parkrun tomorrow, do you have any insider knowledge on that one, Melanie?
(Sorry to jump in on your thread, OP)

Can you say which one you are planning on doing? If you look on their parkrun page you will see details fo teh cpurse, and whether the start and finish are close. There's usually some volunteers hanging around those points.

I write a blog on the various parkruns I've visited, and the ability to leave keys and coat safely always features!

Good luck Aelinandme! It's my first parkrun tomorrow as well!

My local park run is an out and back so finish line is the start line.

A couple of the start or finish marshalls park their cars nearby (in line of sight) unlocked, everyone leaves their stuff in the boots.

Post on your local park run FB page asking the question someone will respond giving you info.

I can't remember my password for parkrun website so i'm now waiting for a reset password email.

Definitely look at volunteering. I've never run one, my 13yo daughter does and I volunteer. I really enjoy it.
There isn't anywhere to leave things at our local one, a lot gets left in trees and on benches - volunteers round it up if it's left and post lost and found items on the fb page.
Good luck!

Its really not intimidating. Maybe look at volunteering though if you’re apprehensive about running? It’ll give you an idea of how it all works and it’s harder to pull out/talk yourself out if you’re helping!

I've been running since doing C25k a few years ago. I tend to park run 2-3 times a month.

Just turn up and go for it. It doesn't matter how slow you are because you're lapping everyone sat on their sofa on a Saturday morning.

getup - don't re-register: you should be able to have access again to your existing registration through the website.

I agree with everything maisypops says. One thing about parkrun is that it's really not intimidating. Of course you'll be nervous, but I'm sure you'll love it! The atmosphere is great.

The 9th June one is the big celebration of the NHS parkrun (or at least it is at the ones near me) so that would be a great one to go to! There’ll be more people (and cake) than normal and even more of a festive atmosphere! If you’re still nervous have a look at the results from your local one - it’ll give you an idea of how many people walk it normally. I live between two, one tends to be quicker whereas the other one has more children and walkers. And if you’re still nervous, go and volunteer!

Thanks Maisypops. I am a bit nervous and tend to step back from doing things I want to do as I'm shy and won't know anyone. I can't do tomorrow but I've now decided I'm going to do the 9th June one. If I don't try I'll never find out. I'm not unfit, just not a runner. I find gyms and clubs intimidating. I have sports clothes and trainers. I'll get myself a sports belt for housekeys and my phone. I wonder if I'll need to register again. Better check the web site. Thank you for your encouragement. Have you run many park runs?

getup
Parkruns are so friendly. You don't have to run it all.

If you've never ran before then some gentle jogging is probably wise before but don't go off too quickly.

Or, turn up to park run. There's alway a volunteer tail runner who 'sweeps up' the back and keeps everyone motivated. You can jog and walk bits of it and everyone is very inclusive.

I'm little bit envious of you doing your first park run. I registered a long time ago. I don't run regularly. OK I don't 'run', but I want to. I'm lonely and putting on a bit of weight I would rather not gain. Would you advise I begin by running short distances in the local park to get up some stamina?

Have fun!

(And don't forget your barcode)

We don't have anywhere official. People can dump jackets near the finish line but no bags etc.

Buy a running belt. Mine holds my key, phone and inhaler with space. You can also get ones with stuff pockets for light waterproofs.

Slow typing - inhaler would fit in a belt, wouldn't it?

Loads of people carry water bottles and have their jackets tied round their waists on days when the weather can't make its mind up