My first Parkrun

Prior to my first Parkrun I had only heard about it through work. We worked closely with a company who was running a social media campaign in partnership with Parkrun. So I never really felt the community aspect that this event brings, until my first run.

5KM

A couple of days before the Parkrun I signed up online which was super easy for anyone to understand. Logging my personal information and locating the closest run. For me this was Lydiard Park in Swindon.

Don’t forget to print your barcode, and take it on the day.

Arriving at Lydiard Park we were greeted by a large congregation of people all eagerly anticipating the starting horn. With a brief introduction from one of the amazing volunteers we were off. I placed myself behind the 20 minute pacer and in front of the 25 minute pacer, knowing I could manage something in between. As we set off the pace was fast, along with my heart rate. As I ran I could feel my heart rate monitor slipping down my chest. (Possibly from the deep breathing)

The route is an easy 5KM on a gravel track, with the slightest of hills towards the final section. 2 laps in total.

As I ran, I could hear the breathing of others over my shoulders, as we played cat and mouse for the duration of the run, I could only think of one thing. Speed up, and shrug these people off. The idea worked, after putting in a short 30 second burst I lost the others. And onwards with the run I went.

Upon crossing the finish line your cheered on from a few spectators which is nice, and handed a finishing barcode. You then take this to a Parkrun official who will record your final time in and the run is done.

My data above – pretty happy with those times…

5KM — 20.25 — funny how theres a difference in Strava and Garmin eh!

I recommend you take part in a Parkrun, a great community atmosphere for anyone wanting to run with others.

Info below:

http://www.parkrun.org.uk
@parkrun

// thanks for viewing, Dan