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Original poster

Parkrun...talk to me

114 replies

Plantsandpuddlesuits · 10/01/2022 17:25

I'm debating doing parkrun. Never done it before. I used to go the gym and loved it but am looking for outdoor exercise at the moment.

I'm not that fit and substantially overweight (BMI 37) can I just waddle along at the back? Will everyone else be fit runners?!

I saw online you need a barcode do you just take a printout or do you need to buy one of the card or wristband things?

Bit nervous!

Any advice? Also how long can I expect it to take? It says they go for a coffee after but if everyone is miles ahead i won't be finished in time for coffee!

Also what do you wear, I presume gym clothes got plenty of those but what about layers for the top half? Also do people take a bumbag type thing for keys / phone / purse etc?

Thanks!

OP posts:

Brushteethwashface · 10/01/2022 17:50

Parkrun really is for everyone and all the ones I’ve been to have been really friendly and a complete mix of abilities.
You only need to worry about a barcode if you want your results, I forget mine most of the time so just walk through the tunnel grab a token and then give it back to a scanner. If you remember the number you can work out your approx time when the results are published if you want.
They do a intro at the start where they remind everyone of the rules but I would email the organisers of the one you want to go to and ask this. I’ve never seen anyone wear masks although at mine they have a loudspeaker. It’s simple stuff - usually just about keeping dogs on a short lead, under 11’s stay with an adult, respect other park users.
I wear leggings and a T-shirt having just rolled out of bed and stick my keys in my pocket. People turn up in all sorts though. Good luck, it’s a lovely community thing to do!

lljkk · 10/01/2022 17:50

I've just been looking at several PkRuns & not finding even one person with time > 50 minutes.

Prove me wrong, post links to 3 PkRuns each with >= 5 people with times > 60 minutes.

TrophyWinner · 10/01/2022 17:53

@lljkk

I've just been looking at several PkRuns & not finding even one person with time > 50 minutes.

Prove me wrong, post links to 3 PkRuns each with >= 5 people with times > 60 minutes.

Were you looking at this weekend's results, when it rained all morning? The walkers tend not to turn up so much in the rain so the run is finished a bit earlier on wet days than on drier days.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Exercise & fitness Fitness

TableSetting · 10/01/2022 17:54

If you are on FBook there is a group called ‘Walking at Parkrun’ and you’ll see lots of encouraging stories there.

Go for it and please come back to update.

DFYB Don’t forget your barcode

Original poster

Plantsandpuddlesuits · 10/01/2022 17:54

Thanks all. It sounds good!

OP posts:

roarfeckingroarr · 10/01/2022 17:54

Can you run with a pram? I have a mountain buggy so designed for it.

PashleyB · 10/01/2022 17:56

Yes - you can run with a pram!

TrophyWinner · 10/01/2022 17:56

@roarfeckingroarr

Can you run with a pram? I have a mountain buggy so designed for it.

Yes. Lots of people do and the children become celebrities.

RichardMarxisinnocent · 10/01/2022 17:57

Make sure you have a warm jacket to wear once you have finished and dry socks and shoes if it is wet.
I've been pondering doing my local Parkrun once I get through a few more weeks of couch to 5k, but I'd be walking to and from the course (30 mins each way) as I don't have a car, so if I brought a warm jacket and spare shoes and socks I'd have to bring them in a rucksack. Would there be others with rucksacks or would I look odd? I'm also not sure how much impact carrying weight on my back while running would have - I have in the words of my physio "ropey" calves and I'd be concerned that carrying weight on Parkrun might be too much for them. Maybe I should wait until spring/summer/dry weather.

I do have a bum bag which I keep phone, gloves, flashing LED light, tissues and housekeys in on runs so would happily wear that on a Parkrun.

mrscee · 10/01/2022 17:57

Go for it, I started doing my local park run late last year and I was worried that I would be last so I emailed them and they explained that I wouldn't be last as their was always a tail walker / runner I printed off my barcode and laminated it and then keep one in my car ready for Saturday. I have invested in a wrist band now.

girlsyearapart · 10/01/2022 17:58

Also don’t be put off if you go to a parkrun where the faster runners end up coming back toward you !!

TrophyWinner · 10/01/2022 17:58

@RichardMarxisinnocent

Make sure you have a warm jacket to wear once you have finished and dry socks and shoes if it is wet. I've been pondering doing my local Parkrun once I get through a few more weeks of couch to 5k, but I'd be walking to and from the course (30 mins each way) as I don't have a car, so if I brought a warm jacket and spare shoes and socks I'd have to bring them in a rucksack. Would there be others with rucksacks or would I look odd? I'm also not sure how much impact carrying weight on my back while running would have - I have in the words of my physio "ropey" calves and I'd be concerned that carrying weight on Parkrun might be too much for them. Maybe I should wait until spring/summer/dry weather.

I do have a bum bag which I keep phone, gloves, flashing LED light, tissues and housekeys in on runs so would happily wear that on a Parkrun.

There'll be a pile of left bags and coats somewhere. I wouldn't bring anything you'd be devastated to lose but I don't know of anything ever going missing.

MakeUsACuppa · 10/01/2022 18:01

Do it!!!!!

I used to then stopped when Covid hit and intend to start again this week. I also used to volunteer and the last runners/walkers/joggers got the biggest cheer, it really is quite emotional. I'm at a funny age

There are volunteers all the way round and there is also a tail walker so you'll never be last

TableSetting · 10/01/2022 18:04

The tail walker volunteer will usually wear a high viz jacket so you can always have a chat with them before the start and explain it is your first time. They will look after you.

Splodgerbodgerbadger · 10/01/2022 18:07

You don’t need to buy your barcode, you just need to register online and you can print it off. I started going to parkrun at the end of 2018 when a local one started.

I love it, there are genuinely people of all shapes and sizes and speeds. It really is welcoming everyone is friendly and supportive.

Just wear what clothes you feel comfortable in, you don’t need anything fancy. Once you’ve been a few times you will get to know people and it’s a really good way of getting some exercise.

TwoBrownSugars · 10/01/2022 18:08

Please do it! The Park Run I participate in has a range of abilities. Of course, there are some very good runners that lead from the front. Over a few weeks you'll probably meet some people of your own ability, see a few familiar faces, etc.

MushroomHunter · 10/01/2022 18:09

I’ve just started going to my local park run and it’s a fab atmosphere for everyone. I walked/jogged the 1st one and came in around 48mins. The tail Walker came in at 58mins so I wasn’t the last person but I was very slow compared to others.

I am very new to running and find it difficult to breath but went and enjoyed it anyway.

ReviewingTheSituation · 10/01/2022 18:09

@lljkk - all my local parkruns from last Saturday. Plenty of people over 50 mins, and all have people at/around 60min. Granted not 5 people over 60 mins, but does it matter how many people are at that time? No-one at parkrun will care.

Leamington parkrun - 16 people at 50min +, longest time 60min
Warwick parkrun - 6 people at 50min+, longest time 59 min
Banbury parkrun - 7 people at 50+min, longest time 61 min
Solihull parkrun - 6 people at 50min+, longest time 59 min

TrophyWinner · 10/01/2022 18:10

People who are very anxious about being too slow (you won't be) could always find one that's two or three laps with the idea that you can drop out after one lap on your first time, if you want/need to.

lljkk · 10/01/2022 18:15

I drop out after one lap... this is only 2-3 minutes before DS finishes two laps so good timing to pick up & go.

lastqueenofscotland · 10/01/2022 18:17

You cab run or walk at your pace
Tbh with the exception of the core team (a group of 4/5 people who run it) and groups of pre established mates no one really goes for coffee.
If you want to get a feel for the event why not sign up to volunteer first, have a chat with the RD about and worries and meet a few people first! Then you might feel more confident on day 1.

jgw1 · 10/01/2022 18:18

@roarfeckingroarr

Can you run with a pram? I have a mountain buggy so designed for it.

Certainly. Although some parkruns are more suitable than others.

Skipton and Plymvalley for example wouldn't work well with a pram, although I have tried.

Rrrob · 10/01/2022 18:18

On the off chance you’re coming to Bromley parkrun, the run briefing is signed too :)

StoopitAutocarrot · 10/01/2022 18:21

Do it! I was due to run my 300th this weekend, but I’ve just tested positive, so I am totally gutted!

I was tail-walker last week at a very fast 42 mins, we agreed that the rain keeps the usual walkers away, and I’d normally expect to take an hour when tail walking.

You can scan your barcode from your phone now, or print one off. You do get milestone t shirts, so it’s worth recording your time properly. Plus it’s lovely to get a PB ( personal best) each time you go a bit faster.

Masks not needed outdoors, though that might vary depending where you are. Parkrun’s not on in wales currently.

Lacedwithgrace · 10/01/2022 18:23

No experience as I can't run but I know lots of ladies doing parkrun having never run before for recreation or otherwise. You'll see people there of most abilities, all ages, sizes, shapes.

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