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Original poster

Park run newbie - what do i need to know?

47 replies

Justme1981 · 08/10/2018 22:20

Hi All
I'm going to try parkrun this weekend, its been sometime since i last ran ( over 2 years prepregnancy with 20month old) i can definitely walk 5k & plan to add in some jog/run/wobbles! Will this be ok? Im worried about being last & looking like an idiot! Is parkrun full of v fit people? Is it ok to walk some of it? Is there anything else i need to know?
Thanks in advance

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Original poster

Justme1981 · 09/10/2018 00:24

Just checked out our latest parkrun results 157 entries slowest was 54mins ... hoping i can beat that!!

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Original poster

Justme1981 · 09/10/2018 00:27

Or just match it to be honest ..

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FetchezLaVache · 09/10/2018 09:51

Now leaveit has posted, I remember someone on the running forum I used to be on having a very similar experience... I was hoping it was going to be the same person, but this one was about ten years ago. Hopefully anomalous!

Original poster

Justme1981 · 09/10/2018 11:12

Yes I really hope they are anomalies!! Getting a bit nervous!

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AuntieStella · 09/10/2018 15:30

You could always introduce yourself to the tailwalker, so they know you're a new runner and don't want to get left behind.

They're easy to spot, as they are the one in the orange hi-viz (sometimes with added tail!)

If it's a multilap course in a busy park, and the person who was last drops out, it can be a bit difficult to work out who is the next last Parkrunner and who is just out for a stroll. I've accosted quite a lot of strangers when I've ever had to work that one out!

Original poster

Justme1981 · 09/10/2018 15:45

Ooh! Good thinking thank you

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RunnersTipple · 09/10/2018 16:38

As said previously, all parkruns have a tailwalker, so you will never be the last one over the line. At ours they usually come in at about an hour. People sprint, run, run/walk, jog and walk, some with dogs or buggies. As most of them a group will also get together for coffee nearby afterwards.

There will be a first timers briefing too who will explain the course.

You can always volunteer too - then you will see that it really is for everyone.

Don't forget your barcode, and do remember to enjoy it. It can be addictive.

cestlavielife · 09/10/2018 17:22

Last people my local were 1.07.
On my second I bumped into someone I knew who said they were "slow" and I said great I will see you as we go round this is new ro me....they finished in 32 minutes !!
I 've gone from.44 to under 40...yay....jog/walk on the hills.... it s more of an alone running thing really after first 200 metres as the majority have been and gone by time I am finishing but Marshalls always pleasant and encouraging.
.. I don't mind.
There are couple of parent/child combos going at my pace.
I went to one a bit further which lapped a park.x5..the issue was you could see the finish as you want round so highly demoralizing seeing others finish and still have 2 x laps to go!
Try and see ...maybe travel to see which one is a better feel.
The best thing is by 10 am or thereabouts you 've done 5k and feel fantastic sense of achievement whatever the time!

megletthesecond · 09/10/2018 20:28

5 laps would be torture cest.
My favourite is Exeter. One big lap with varied terrain even if the last 200 meters feels like it goes on for-bloody-ever.

Ihaventgottimeforthis · 09/10/2018 20:36

Yes good point about saying a quick hello to a volunteer.
But really OP even if you decide it’s not your thing after all, at least you’ve had a go at it which is more than most do! Good luck.

Original poster

Justme1981 · 09/10/2018 20:43

Thank you all so much for your support & encouragement, you are all giving me the courage to do this - thank you

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Threehoursfromhome · 12/10/2018 20:42

Have fun tomorrow, don't forget your barcode.

Original poster

Justme1981 · 13/10/2018 07:15

Thank you - hoping the weather improves!!

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Larasshadow · 13/10/2018 10:08

Our park run like you to let them know if you think you will take over an hour so they don't start packing up.

My over 70 year old dad can manage it in 45 minutes just walking :)

AuntieStella · 13/10/2018 11:33

Hope it went well!

CalmConfident · 13/10/2018 11:44

Hope it went well - horrid weather today in some places

Iblinkedandiamold · 13/10/2018 13:42

How did you go? I have just started doing park runs this was my 4th. I love them. Today was raining quite heavily and I still did it. Think I might be addicted.

Original poster

Justme1981 · 13/10/2018 18:03

Hi im sorry to say i didnt go the weather was absolutely horrific here i think it would only have been die hard runners today! Iblinkedandiamold - you must be addicted!!!
I have high hopes for next week though - with buggy in tow!!

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CalmConfident · 13/10/2018 20:14

No worries, sensibke decision! Also a great thing about parkrun...there is always next week!

Original poster

Justme1981 · 03/11/2018 13:27

Hi all
Just wanted to update, finally got organised enough to get to a park run with ds this morning, it was great! Everyone was v welcoming, other runners shouted encouragement as they lapped us lol, i did it in 46 mins which im v pleased with partly run mostly walked but still i thought id take an hour so well chuffed! Thank you for all encouragement

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Knitwit101 · 03/11/2018 13:41

Well done! Getting there for the first time is half the battle really.

PanGalaticGargleBlaster · 03/11/2018 13:49

I have participated in quite a few Park runs up and down the country and my experiences have been overwhelmingly positive. You will always get some freaky keen runners at the front who will zip around in under 20 mins but for the vast majority of us mortals we plod around in our own time with no pressure before grabbing a coffee afterwards. The whole ethos of parkrun is inclusivity, no one cares if you are massively unfit or come last. The fact that you dragged yourself out of bed is the main thing.

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