Slowest Parkrunner, feeling demoralised

I used to be able to do a parkrun in 23 minutes. Then I developed a chronic illness and could barely walk 100m. I would be ecstatic to manage a 5k at any time whatsoever. You're moving, you're doing more than SO many people- feel proud of that

You went out today? That’s incredible given the weather. When I feel like that, I tell myself that the only bad run is the one I didn’t do.

I am doing couch to 5k. My dream is to run for 30mins without stopping, but i definitely wont be completing 5k in that time. You're running 5k thats amazing, more than many can manage.

It’s a perfectly respectable time! I was volunteering this morning and we were beginning to wonder where the tail walkers were, but when they arrived we realised they were behind someone walking with a stick. They came in at 75 minutes and we all gave them a big cheer! It doesn’t matter how fast you do it, the important thing is taking part. Keep going!

Have you done any running outside of those park runs? Do you actually want to do running?

If you don’t enjoy it there’s no shame in just not doing it, running isn’t for everyone. Personally I’ve come to enjoy putting headphones in and running on my own, but there are plenty of other activities out there if running isn’t the right fit.

That's really not very slow at all, you'd be well ahead of the tail walker at most of my locals. I volunteer at parkrun and we are always very happy to have a wide range of people at ours, I know some places can feel a bit speedy but usually the volunteers themselves are keen to support everyone. It is hard when it's cold, wet and muddy but the work you do now is absolutely going to pay off.

Do you have trail shoes? If not I'd get yourself a pair to help give you some traction in the mud. And maybe volunteer as tail walker one week to see what it's like at the very back!

Also, unless those hardcore runners were dickheads, I bet they weren't having any negative thoughts about your speed. Plenty of them will have started just like you, and they probably understand that the whole value of this hobby is about challenging yourself at whatever level you are at.
And plenty of the the sub-30 types are prob feeling as embarrassed as you because they aren't sub-25, etc.

I don't do parkrun that often because I frequently work on the weekend. However when I do go, I go because I enjoy running. I say running, but it's more of a steady plod. I don't care what time I do it in, I don't care what time other people do it in. I'd say stop fixating on the times. Enjoy being outside, if it's a muddy one it's probably in a scenic location, a parkland, woodland? I just enjoy being outside in nature.
There are two parkruns near me. A 'faster' one on tarmac around a park, and a 'slower' muddy one in a country park. I pick the slower muddy one over the other because it's a prettier location through woods.

You went out and did a park run on a cold, wet and muddy Saturday in February; millions of us didn't. Be proud that you turned up at all! I understand you're demoralised at the time it took but in a few weeks you'll be zipping along with the best of 'em. Go you!

You’re doing amazing. Don’t beat yourself up! I’m a runner and have been running for a while now. I’ve done quite a few parkruns at my local one. Over the years I’ve had different focuses in running, for example last year I did a half marathon so my focus was running long distances. After I’d done that last September I focused on short distances and building on my times. I’m sort of still there now but building on longer distances. What I’m trying to say is think about what’s important to you in your runs. Some people there will be focused on their times/where they finish. Others will be just as pleased to know that they’re going home for 10.30 on a Saturday morning and have done more than most! Different focuses could be completing the parkrun by jeffing, it could be finishing within a time limit or just completing it regardless of times/walking.

I recently listened to a women’s running podcast and Lisa Jackson was talking on it. She’s so inspirational. She’s known for embracing her position at the back of races. Have a google of her. What stood out in your post was that you’re not enjoying it. Don’t force it if you’re not enjoying it, maybe change things up a bit. I’ve been where you are and just want you to know that you’re brilliant for even going there!

Don't stress about it. You went out on a wet February morning and did 5k in the mud. Faster than 99.9% of the population! And you didn't fall over. I was watching the "macho" blokes doing all the falling today, they couldn't bear to slow down on the corners. Numpties.

It's always grim in the winter. If you go very careful and keep going over feb and march you will get a bit quicker in the good weather.
I've been doing it for over a decade and don't enjoy it that much. But I know running is good for me in the long run and I only have to put aside 2hrs a week for it. Hang in there.

Yeah, I also haven’t got out of bed yet so you’re doing amazing!

But you're not the slowest - I am (because I didn't go!!). You went and you did it. Well done.

Totally agree with this!

Please don’t feel demoralised! It’s not about PBs, it’s about community, being together and in a supportive environment.
I go sometimes with the dog, I stop so she can sniff, catch up with the walkers, I’m all over the place, see a friend and chat, it really isn’t about the time it takes you!
Come and tell us how it went next week, I’ll be cheering you on!

Mate, you ran 5k! Most people can’t run 5k so you’re already doing great things. The speed comes the more you run as you build your fitness base. Gradually it will feel easier and your speed will naturally increase. But you’ve only done three of them!

God, those speeds aren't shamefully slow at all! Parkrun is meant to be for people who aren't hardcore. It is unfortunate that your local one is like this.

Getting out running, navigating the mud, is a fantastic way to honour and improve your mental and physical health in this awful February gloom. You are a star!!

Ah you would defo not be the slowest at the ones where I live (city but lots of parks). Also the mud won’t be there in the summer. Keep going, please don’t let this put you off being active, it’s such a great thing to have started.

My first run was just under 42 minutes. When I can cope with my Long Covid and manage 5 or 6 in a row I can get down to 37 minutes. Keep at it and try a few different venues.

You're awesome OP. Be proud of yourself.

You did it in good time - well done! Although I get where you're coming from - our local one is very competitive with lots of local running clubs taking part and the times are very definitely important judging by the amount of stopwatch checking that goes on. I stopped going after a while. I've seen other posts on here though where people have tried other Parkruns and found them a lot less competitive - are there any others you could try?

You’re so much better than me! I do it once, nearly die because I’ve run like a pillock, then can’t be arsed for 5 years then think ‘yes, I’ll do it again’ Do it again, spend a month recovering and don’t go back for another 5 years at least you’re sensible! And you will improve because of it

Be bloody proud! It’s all about participating and you are doing that.

Although it does sound like the first one you did suited you better? But this one will be easier when the ground dries up a bit. And you will probably find the non-hard core runners like yourself will be more likely to be there.

I started off parkrun at around 45 mins and I couldn’t walk properly for the rest of the week. Today I did it in 39 mins but I don’t ache at all. I’m still near the end, I was number 430 ish today but the difference to my health and fitness is noticeable. I have done 25 park runs now. The Marshalls are so encouraging and I love it when the speedy finishers cheer me on too! Such a lovely atmosphere.