First Parkrun tomorrow

[Aelinandme]

Hello,

Do they have anywhere to leave bags etc at the parkruns? Do people have to carry a bag whilst they run?

At ours, belongings can be left in big plastic buckets. I wouldn’t leave anything valuable.

What are you planning on taking in a bag?

Just a jacket, bottle of water and my asthma inhaler. I'll leave money at home.

I would take your inhaler with you, you might not be close to the bags all the time.

I usually take my inhaler and water with me. If you’re walking there then you’ll warm up enough without a jacket I’d imagine, and if you’re driving/cycling can you leave it there?

The start point and the finish funnel will be near each other, and somewhere near them will be the designated point for leaving bags. This might be just in the ground, or on a piece of tarpaulin (usually blue) or whatever. It's not closely policed, but there will be marshalls nearby, so people who do not look like runners behaving normally for dropping/picking up should be challenged. Run Directors will scoop up items left behind, so if you forget something there's a fair chance you'll be reunited.

But it would be unwise to leave high value items, but money/keys/phone should fit in a belt.

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

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.

Have fun!

(And don't forget your barcode)

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?

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.

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?

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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

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.

Thanks.
I'm doing c25k and due for week 6 run 3 tomorrow. As I managed 4km in total on Wednesday on my week 6 run 2 in 33 minutes I am going to combine my next run with my first parkrun. Hoping to get around in about 45 minutes. Then after finishing c25k I will go back and see whether I can improve my times.

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

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!

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)

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.

Haven't done Lincoln, yet!

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