Parkrun - timings

[preschoolprimadonna]

I have finally finished the couch to 5K program I have been doing. However, I still can't run the full 5K continuously without dropping to a walk.

I would love to do my local 5k parkrun, but I'm concerned about how long it might take me. How long does it last for? Does anyone know? If it took me 50 minutes, would that be OK?

50 minutes will be fine. Every parkrun now has to have a tail runner so you won't be last and there'll be someone around if you need support or motivation. Some people at my old parkrun used to walk the whole way. Give it a go, everyone is so friendly, you'll love it. Just don't forget your barcode!

Thank you!

Yes, some people walk the whole thing. At ours the last person is generally 45-60 mins, there will be a tail runner behind (or with!) You and packing up doesn't start till the tail runner's gone through

Oh God, I don't want to be last though! Might have a practice run tonight or tomorrow to see what realistic timing I'm coming in at.

I loved the Zombies 5k app though, I have to say.

At my local ones the last person is usually around 47-47 minutes. Don't forget you'll probably run faster surrounded by other people and the adrenaline will kick in

Oops 46-47 minutes!

No-one wants to come last, but really its not that bad. You're still lapping everyone on the couch.

Why dont you volunteer for the first time? Then you can decide before having a go that you do want to do it. Once you look at it from another view point (ie the point of the volunteer) you will see that there will be plenty of others like you. Yes there will be club runners, yes there will be people who take it really serious, but there will be a lot of people who will be ambling along happy with the knowledge that they are getting out there on a Saturday morning and doing something more useful with their time.

Give it a go or you'll never know

parkrun hq have recently done a huge amount of promotion of the idea that it's fine to walk the whole thing. Do not worry at all about being slow. If you want to blend in, choose a venue with a big turnout. Last week the smallest parkrun had 9 finishers (Stonehaven) and the biggest had over 900. (Bushy Park). That's actually a small turnout for Bushy which usually has 1000 - 1200. Have fun on Saturday morning and dfyb!

You can check the times on your local park run. But don't worry about being last - DS and I were last on our first one and the tail runner ( well walker really) was enormously supportive.

Good for you at having done c25k I accidentally did my first park run long before I could do 5k. Because I'd seen dh go I knew it was really friendly so one day the whole family did it and I stumbled round walk running very slowly! I'm really glad I did it before I'd started training because then I had a time to beat. It's really motivating to have that first slower time to improve upon. It's always more fun at the back BTW much friendlier and more Cheers when you finish. Go for it!

Definitely agree with checking the times on your local parkruns - they are all available online. Most Parkruns have times up to 45 to 50 plus minutes but there are a few where most times are sub 45 min.

The times are usually published online you can check what other people are doing for yourself.

All the PRs local to me, 90%+ of runners will finish within 37 minutes or so.

About once a month I volunteer as tail runner - or rather tail walker as we are now officially called.

My Parkrun has a reputation for being quite fast, and I would expect to come in at around +/- 46 minutes at the back. And I'll happily chat or leave you alone in your zone, whatever it looks as if you prefer. Even though the racing snakes finish under 18, and most of the field under 30, it's quite jolly at the back. Because it's nor a race!

I run as a tourist at a different run near a family member. They have a more mixed field and Nordic walkers, and their times typically go to about 75 minutes.

Great, thanks all. Just did a practice 5k and came in at about 42 minutes, so hopefully should be ok, but thanks for the tip to check local times, will do that now.

Hmm, slowest finisher was 43 minutes, so think I'll be right at the back, just like school all over again!

My experience of various parkruns is that it's usually a friendly bunch and very welcoming. 42 minutes is not shabby at all and even if you are towards the back people will be encouraging. You may also find that if you go along it will attract others of a similar speed to give it a go as well - once one or two slower people started at my local one the number of walkers and slow runners has grown massively. I volunteered as tail 'runner' last week and the person at the back of the field took 1hr15! I love that's it is so inclusive

I'm jealous that you have a Park Run to go to! I would love to try a Park Run.
I live in a large town with no less than 5 parks. Yes 5
and yet No park run.

I think we must be the only shit town in the country that doesn't have one

My "local" PR is a good 20-25 mine drive. I have to stay myself to do it (I've only done it a couple of times). I liked the ambience so do give it a try! Oh and children are welcome to tag along!

Yes, I can't run it all - tend to run for 15 mins and then walk/run the rest. I imagine I won't be the only person doing this though. I was more worried about keeping the tail runner from his or her cup of tea!

Nah don't worry about that. Give it a go and let us know how you get on

I though of you preschoolprimadonna last night when I read this article in Runners World

www.runnersworld.co.uk/training/motivation/if-only-id-known-then...-top-tips-for-beginners-from-the-runners-of-twitter

because it includes: "Start parkrun sooner, you are never too slow"

Standing at the start line. Wish me luck!

Awesome!!!!
You will be awesome!
Parkrun is amazing
And it's raining here and you've gotten there.
And now I will go to mine - (scotland starts at 9.30)

Good luck