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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:
NomNomNominativeDeterminism · 08/02/2026 21:57

A) I think you’re awesome!

B) Do not stop, it is a whole lot better to do something rather than nothing. I should know, I have tried and given up on couch to 5k three times over the years and now I do arse all.

C) Being overtaken by an old man with a limp is comedy gold and this is in fact what would clinch it for me. I would be dining out on that and going back each week expectantly.

Esthai · 08/02/2026 22:02

You're there, and getting the benefit of that exercise. That's more than most of us manage.

Ne incredibly proud of yourself everytime you show up. If you must compare, make it with those of us who could hardly walk a full park run, even if we did get there!

SemiRetiredLoveGoddeess · 08/02/2026 22:05

Dont think this park running caper is really your thing. Sounds awful to me.

Look foe something which os more fum tnat you enjoy. That is not judgemental or competitive

Have some fun Hon.
,😻

Justgorgeous · 08/02/2026 22:13

OP, I tried to run round the block. It’s less than a mile and I had to stop twice. I’m going to keep going if you do.

KarriTreeSullivan · 08/02/2026 22:15

Ansjovis · 08/02/2026 20:16

@KarriTreeSullivan Jeffing refers to the run/walk/run method of running developed by Jeff Galloway. He's got a table where you take your mile pace and it gives you a recommendation for how many seconds/minutes to run and walk. I prefer continuous running at a slower pace but people have completed marathons using his method. I'd recommend that everyone new to running try it and see how they find it.

Ah I see, thank you. I always preferred to just keep going at a slower pace too, if I ever started walking (massive hills aside) I might not get going again! I could never be arsed with the science behind it all and pacing and methods, I just wanted to be vaguely fit! If I do start running again I think I'd do it tech-less. (Obviously we should all do what's best for us individually as we are all different and some people love all that and it works for them, before anyone shouts at me!).

MeouwKing · 08/02/2026 22:18

Brilliant, keep going, you will get faster

JG24 · 08/02/2026 22:27

You're faster than me! Well done

Fends · 08/02/2026 22:37

Mate, you did parkrun! In a great time. I take my kid along and he’s getting his PBs etc, while I sit in the car reading 😅. Seriously impressed with everyone getting out there in the fresh air, especially those who aren’t “proper” runners. Keep going, you are in the spirit of what park run is all about!

RubyFlax · 08/02/2026 22:46

Can really relate to your post OP as I was exactly the same at Parkrun. Definitely try some other courses occasionally, eg flatter / on tarmac / 2 laps instead of 3 etc as you’ll find ones you enjoy more and might be quicker, plus it’s nice to change route. Also some will have very large attendance & will have some people who walk the whole thing.

Ignore what everyone else is doing & focus on you. The thing I liked about parkrun was that it was timed & gradually you will see your time get better, it’s lovely to get that email and see a new PB even if it’s only a few seconds faster. You WILL gradually get quicker the more you go. One day you’ll find the weather & your clothing and the course all feel good & bam! You’ll knock a whole minute off your time & be so proud of yourself. (If you’re anything like me, on other days you’ll feel like shite, you’ll get a stitch or your keg will hurt or your leggings will annoy you, and you’ll walk loads… just forget about it… you still exercised & got fresh air, move on & next time will be better)

And finally, think of it like this: the club runner who wizzed round & came in fastest probably did it in about 15 mins. They still covered 5k, exactly the same as you, but they only exercised for 15 mins. You exercised for 3 times as long as they did!! Be proud of yourself.

QuickPeachPoet · 08/02/2026 23:13

I am a runner and I hate park run.
It is meant to be 'a bit of fun' but the atmosphere is often anything but. The compulsive nature, the watches, the obsession with Strava.
If you want to keep fit running, set yourself a 5 K route, forget the stop watch and just go.

Bowies · 09/02/2026 00:41

It’s my ideal of hell, don’t do it if you hate it, but I wouldn’t be worried about speed.

As you said you are up against some competitive runners and or others more used to the site. Compare and despair!

mathanxiety · 09/02/2026 01:13

Keep at it!

You are a lot faster than me.

Comparison is the thief of joy - not sure if joy applies to beginning running, but comparison is a killer of mojo, so don't do it.

Rottweilermummy · 09/02/2026 06:44

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?

If you enjoy running keep at it, Im very impressed you do it if you aren't really enjoying it then theres no law you have to run and find a more enjoyable exercise/ pastime.
I Thought i would give running a go just last week due to work i missed out on first few sessions ( they are working on couch to 5 k ) but came on week 4 , i managed the 3 minute runs but doing it on my own and having to do 5 mins I found tough maybe because first bit of run is uphill that and the horrendous weather , was planning to run round a field but too boggy. I think I am not meant to be a runner and it is what I said all along overrated 🤣 . Dont be tough on yourself

ResusciAnnie · 09/02/2026 09:12

Same here OP - they say ‘no one is last’ but that’s patronising bullshit - of course someone is last. The volunteers’ claps get more condescending the slower you are too - I know because people who lapped me were in front of me, finishing, getting proper encouragement and then they turned to me all simpering and were like ‘oh well done you’re doing alright for a fatty! One more lap! You’re amazing’ 😂
Did my first one the other day - 41 mins, not too bad IMO. On the stats there were like 20 people behind me but they must not have finished. I’ll do it again but I can’t see myself getting culty about it! The fantatical aspect of anything is always such a turn off for me.

Ansjovis · 09/02/2026 09:21

@ResusciAnnie did someone actually say those words? If they did that's appalling and something that should definitely be reported to the run director.

That said, with the cheering I think it helps to take the most positive interpretation if you can. My first 5k was 47 minutes so when I cheer I'm cheering with the full knowledge of exactly what that 47 minutes takes out of a person and how much it hurts. I was once volunteering and a lady thanked us for staying for her even though she was slow and I had to turn away because those words hit me in the gut and I started tearing up. Obviously not all parkruns are created equally but I can say that there are a lot of caring volunteers at mine who would be so upset to think that people were being put off.

ResusciAnnie · 09/02/2026 09:26

Ansjovis · 09/02/2026 09:21

@ResusciAnnie did someone actually say those words? If they did that's appalling and something that should definitely be reported to the run director.

That said, with the cheering I think it helps to take the most positive interpretation if you can. My first 5k was 47 minutes so when I cheer I'm cheering with the full knowledge of exactly what that 47 minutes takes out of a person and how much it hurts. I was once volunteering and a lady thanked us for staying for her even though she was slow and I had to turn away because those words hit me in the gut and I started tearing up. Obviously not all parkruns are created equally but I can say that there are a lot of caring volunteers at mine who would be so upset to think that people were being put off.

Nooooo of course not, definitely some projection there but also definite change in vibe between the fast ones and the slow ones!

Whataninterestinglookingpotato · 09/02/2026 10:43

ResusciAnnie · 09/02/2026 09:12

Same here OP - they say ‘no one is last’ but that’s patronising bullshit - of course someone is last. The volunteers’ claps get more condescending the slower you are too - I know because people who lapped me were in front of me, finishing, getting proper encouragement and then they turned to me all simpering and were like ‘oh well done you’re doing alright for a fatty! One more lap! You’re amazing’ 😂
Did my first one the other day - 41 mins, not too bad IMO. On the stats there were like 20 people behind me but they must not have finished. I’ll do it again but I can’t see myself getting culty about it! The fantatical aspect of anything is always such a turn off for me.

The volunteers at our local parks runs would hate to think that was the impression that people got. Many of them are slower runners themselves and give everyone genuine encouragement.

park run is just about getting out to do some exercise on a Saturday morning. There are a few men at one of our local ones who take it very seriously and will bellow keep left!!! At people as they storm past them, they even do it to me and I’m not a slow runner, average about a 23 min parkrun. I’d much rather see people taking 40+ mins and getting out there for some community based exercise in the true spirit of parkrun than those guys who think they’re at the Olympics or something (I have no issue with them being fast it’s the shouting at others to move that gets me).

GhoulWithADragonTattoo · 09/02/2026 10:53

I’m doing couch to 5k and 45 minutes sounds fast to me! I would be so happy when I could do that!

RunningAndSinging · 09/02/2026 11:37

You say they bellow keep left but the alternative is that they don’t let you know they are about to pass you and, worst case scenario, brush past if the path is narrow and you aren’t on one side. What do you think would be the polite way of passing? parkrun should be inclusive of everyone including the fast runners.

I am not at all fast but I see you are. What do you do when you come up behind some people you are going to lap to let them know you are about to come past them?

ImPamDoove · 09/02/2026 11:43

The slowest one on the results page at my local Parkrun on Sat was 1:07, so you’re positively flying!

EnchantedDaytime · 09/02/2026 12:05

I find it helpful that they call out "keep left" or "coming through", even though I try and listen out, when I'm walking I often walk with someone and chat, and you can forget to listen out and move over. I have never felt patronised either (I finish around 50 mins and am significantly overweight). In fact that's one thing I like is that the fast runners shout out encouragement as they fly past you and the volunteers are lovely and encouraging too. I have to say when I volunteer, it can be tricky to call out sincere sounding encouragement non-stop for an hour as it is repetitive, but I really do try, it is very rewarding seeing all the different people, all ages, shapes, sizes, fitness levels all just doing it their way and being part of that.

Whataninterestinglookingpotato · 09/02/2026 12:06

RunningAndSinging · 09/02/2026 11:37

You say they bellow keep left but the alternative is that they don’t let you know they are about to pass you and, worst case scenario, brush past if the path is narrow and you aren’t on one side. What do you think would be the polite way of passing? parkrun should be inclusive of everyone including the fast runners.

I am not at all fast but I see you are. What do you do when you come up behind some people you are going to lap to let them know you are about to come past them?

Edited

Honestly. I just go round them when I’m able to. It’s park run not a race. Or I say excuse me can I get by. I have no issue with someone politely saying “coming past on your right” but bellowing at people to “keep left” just seems too much. It’s parkrun and no one is more important than anyone else and so shouldn’t be shouting at them to move one way or the other.

DaffyDuckz · 09/02/2026 12:08

I don’t think anyone would shame you for having a go. I’m impressed you’re trying. There are millions and millions of Britishpeople lying in bed or on a sofa while you’re running. You’re faster than all of them.

ElizabethVonArnim · 09/02/2026 12:32

I feel your pain in being demoralised. If it makes you feel any better, during the last park run I attempted (and didn’t finish) I was lapped by the following:

an older lady (I think in her early 70s) who was holding the hand of a five year old

a man pushing a double buggy with twins who must have been at least two

a young teen with five dogs on a lead, including two Yorkshire terriers.

The fact that you get to the end at all is impressive. However, if you hate it, you don’t actually HAVE to do it!

MyThreeWords · 09/02/2026 13:32

This lovely thread is making me feel I should do a park run. I never have, but when much younger I did participate in quite a few running events. They tended to be called fun runs in those days.

If my treadmill time were to translate into real-world running time , it would make me 366th out of 474. I'm guessing I am significantly slower in the real world, so will aim at around 420th -- if I have the nerve to go!

The local course route looks a bit complicated. Are the organisers good at having volunteers in place to shoo numpties in the right direction?