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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:
Original poster
slet · 15/03/2026 13:07

ACynicalDad · 15/03/2026 08:25

I’m a parkrun Event Director (kind of head run director who set up the venue) and we really don’t care if someone is slow, I want as many people there as possible. I get mildly excited when we hit 300 runners in a week, because more people are participating. I loved it when the guy who hadn’t run for years hit 100 runs all at the event I started. When the lady ‘confesed’ our parkrun helped her mental health having miscarried on a friday night that wad why we’re out cycling the course at 7.30. We’re here to make lives better, be that for someone that’s racing to win (but generally that’s boring) to someone getting out of bed and getting fresh air and social interaction, you’re what parkrun is for and be really proud of yourself. Spring is springing, summer will be better and by the time your son completes his DofE (I presume) you’ll be an addict in a milestone shirt! Just don’t stop when he does!

Thank you for all of your volunteering. Yes I’m determined to continue even after he has done his d of e. In fact I’m looking forward to trying different ones then rather than being tied to this particular one.

OP posts:
QuickBlueKoala · 15/03/2026 13:55

@SirChenjins ours us the same. thr children’s one much worse than the adult one, but both unpleasant

HappyTalkingAndLaughing · 15/03/2026 14:54

slet · 15/03/2026 13:05

well, I’m very much a beginner. I am told that you have to keep at it to develop a love for it. I know it can be addictive and I’m hoping it will get me and I will get it at some point. I didn’t go yesterday as I was on a full day out but I sort of missed it.

Show quote history

Ooohhh.... see...now by missing it... that's the slippery slope to maybe enjoying it 😅.

I tend to tourist a lot and do the parkrun app challenges to make it more interesting

Benvenuto · 15/03/2026 15:52

@rookiemere- that’s my experience too. I’m aware that we have club runners at my local runs - but that’s mainly because they give up their time to volunteer. Sometimes the whole club is there for a “takeover” but there are also regular volunteers who are very good runners and want to give something back to the sport. Like all of the other volunteers they are generally lovely & I’m very grateful to them for giving up their time. My local runs (adult & junior) are lovely - as are the ones I’ve visited as a tourist.

Also on that note thanks to @ACynicalDad(& all other event directors) - being an event director is a lot to take on!

@SirChenjins- out and back courses like ones with multiple laps can be a bit challenging as you have different speeds of runners sharing the same space. Single laps are better as the fast people just run ahead & don’t really have much contact with slower runners (you can’t even see them if it’s a route with trees). It is worth bearing in mind that the Event Director and team might not have had much control over the route as they have to negotiate with the local council about where they can route the run & there may also be fairly limited space in the park.

@slet- it’s really lovely to hear about your progress. Pleased to hear you hope to continue!

SirChenjins · 15/03/2026 15:59

@Benvenuto that's a good point about the possible lack of control over the route - I hadn't thought of that but it would make sense. Definitely put me off though, it felt like a school cross country run with the fast ones way up ahead while I was puffing along at the back! <shudder>

Thewonderfuleveryday · 15/03/2026 18:23

Councils and landowners don't want the grass churned up too much which can limit the course map. Add in excess water and uneven ground (can't see the bumpy bits when there's a giant puddle) and they have to plot a route around all that.

Look at the facebook for poor Exeter Riverside parkrun. The excess rain has totally messed up their winter. I think they've had to tweak the course a bit as well as cancelling several events.

Original poster
slet · 28/03/2026 11:21

Just to update this thread, I have now done 8 park runs, and I have got a PB or event PB everytime, which I think just reflects the extremely slow starting point. I’m determined to get under to 40 mins, I’m just a few Seconds off now. It’s a great way to start the weekend and the people are so friendly and supportive.

OP posts:
suki1964 · 28/03/2026 13:49

@slet Bloody brilliant

Thewonderfuleveryday · 28/03/2026 13:55

That is amazing work! Well done.
You'll get under 40 before long.

Little bit more practice and milder weather helps. While no one wants to run in heat, a warm April or May does seem to bring out the quicker times. We just have to plod through the miserable winter months for it to pay off.

RubieChewsDay · 28/03/2026 22:07

Well done for keeping at it!

Undercovers · 28/03/2026 22:27

You're doing brilliantly and setting a fantastic example to your child. Good on them for volunteering too 👏

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