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Original poster

Slowest Parkrunner, feeling demoralised

261 replies

slet · 07/02/2026 12:01

I’ve done 3 park runs. I know it’s early days. The first one I did in 42 minutes jeffing. Then I have done two at an another one local to me where ds is now volunteering, so I have to take him. It’s very small, very rural, and seems to attract v hardcore runners unlike bigger ones where there is more of an ability spread. I did it last week in 46 mins and today in 45. Parts of it are so muddy and im so scared of slipping, i have to walk very slowly not run.

im just so embarrassed at how terribly slow i am, i dont enjoy it at all and i can’t understand how people actually do this for pleasure and get addicted to it. A very elderly man with a limp was faster than me today and i just feel like giving up and thinking what is the point.

please can someone encourage me to keep at it?

OP posts:
PatsFishTank · 07/02/2026 12:11

You were faster today than all the people who stayed at home and sat on their arses (like me). Well done for getting out there.

cantpullthetrigger · 07/02/2026 12:10

You’re lapping everyone else who’s still sat on their sofa!

Hats off to you, I’m impressed.
Stick with it and be proud of your achievements!

BillieWiper · 07/02/2026 12:10

If I was there you'd probably have to give me a piggyback! If I didn't end up in an ambulance after 10 meters! 😂

It's great you're doing it and of course you'll be slower at first. Or some people always do it slow as that's just their pace. It's just meant to be a bit of fun.

Try and think about slightly improving your own time (or not) and forget about others. Just completing the bloody thing and doing so several times for me would be an absolutely massive achievement! So well done. X

HardworkSendHelp · 07/02/2026 12:09

It’s 12.06, I am sitting in bed eating two hash browns and sausages and scrolling on Mumsnet. My achievement today is I have hung out a wash. In your camp you are amazing that you have got up and completed a park run. Doesn’t matter how slow, you still did it!

Fodencat · 07/02/2026 12:08

You got up, you got ready and went. That’s amazing ❤️❤️

BogRollBOGOF · 07/02/2026 12:08

You got out on a grotty, muddy Saturday in February and completed a parkrun. Feel proud for getting out there.

Do it 22 more times and you can claim a 25 milestone t-shirt regardless of pace. The ethos is participation not times.

I've had a relatively slow one this morning as my body is tired. There seemed to be fewer walkers out today and there were 100 fewer attendees than last week.

My slowest is about 55 mins, and it's common for final finishers to take longer than that.

VenusInfers · 07/02/2026 12:07

Parkrun isn’t about speed, it’s about doing something for yourself as part of a supportive community. It’s okay to be last, it’s common to Jef, your times wouldn’t put you at the back at other Parkruns.
You are doing something brilliant- and it’s SO much less fun THIS time of year! 🙌

NightsweatNinja · 07/02/2026 12:06

Of course you’re slow if you’re having to carefully navigate slippery mud. Keep going, you’re doing brilliantly for even getting out there on a day like today 💐

Derbee · 07/02/2026 12:06

Think about how many millions of people DIDN’T do ParkRun today! You should be really proud that you went out, and finished.

Gizlotsmum · 07/02/2026 12:06

Ok so you might not be the fastest but you are doing it ( and walking some due to ground conditions) you will get faster. Do you enjoy it? I hate running so you are doing much better than me

cosimnotwhereitsat · 07/02/2026 12:01

its amazing that you can do it at all. You’re faster than me

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