Discussion
Thanks all for the positive comments 
I think the hard part was actually getting up off the sofa to do it in the first place. Now i have done (and survived) i can see that, providing i do take it easy and avoid injury, there are gains to be made as well as enjoying it all.
The Parkrun was certainly not what i expected - i'd always thought of runners as being a bit cliquey, but the lot i met last saturday were all really friendly, and made it less of an issue that i was starting out as a plodder.
I think the hard part was actually getting up off the sofa to do it in the first place. Now i have done (and survived) i can see that, providing i do take it easy and avoid injury, there are gains to be made as well as enjoying it all.
The Parkrun was certainly not what i expected - i'd always thought of runners as being a bit cliquey, but the lot i met last saturday were all really friendly, and made it less of an issue that i was starting out as a plodder.
I ran the Crissy Field Parkrun in San Francisco on 6th October. A lovely flat, single lap course in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge. Lovely sunny morning, and what might just be the most internationally touristed Parkrun: there were runners from Australia, South Africa, Poland, Germany, Ireland, Scotland, England and visitors from elsewhere in the US in the field of 125.
IMG_1780 by Jolie Ringneck, on Flickr
My partner won her age category and I was fourth in mine, but we are old.
IMG_1780 by Jolie Ringneck, on FlickrMy partner won her age category and I was fourth in mine, but we are old.
jeremyc said:
I ran the Crissy Field Parkrun in San Francisco on 6th October. A lovely flat, single lap course in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge. Lovely sunny morning, and what might just be the most internationally touristed Parkrun: there were runners from Australia, South Africa, Poland, Germany, Ireland, Scotland, England and visitors from elsewhere in the US in the field of 125.
IMG_1780 by Jolie Ringneck, on Flickr
My partner won her age category and I was fourth in mine, but we are old.
How cool is that!! nice one IMG_1780 by Jolie Ringneck, on FlickrMy partner won her age category and I was fourth in mine, but we are old.
I was very pleased to have completed my 50th Parkrun last Saturday, 14 months after my first. I've never considered myself a runner (not very good at it in my school days and a knee injury in my 20s have always put me off), but thoroughly enjoy Parkrun.
I have my wife to thank for getting me into it (she wasn't a runner before Parkrun either) and she has progressed on to doing a few 10k events too. She has entered one for this coming Sunday and unfortunately an injury means she cannot do it, so I have taken her entry. Now, I've never run more than 5k, don't run other than Parkrun and whilst I'm reasonably confident of getting around somehow, I am somewhat apprehensive.
Given 2 days to prepare is there anything I can do!? Should I run Parkrun tomorrow? Do something today? Any views greatly appreciated.
I have my wife to thank for getting me into it (she wasn't a runner before Parkrun either) and she has progressed on to doing a few 10k events too. She has entered one for this coming Sunday and unfortunately an injury means she cannot do it, so I have taken her entry. Now, I've never run more than 5k, don't run other than Parkrun and whilst I'm reasonably confident of getting around somehow, I am somewhat apprehensive.
Given 2 days to prepare is there anything I can do!? Should I run Parkrun tomorrow? Do something today? Any views greatly appreciated.
Smitters said:
5pen said:
Given 2 days to prepare is there anything I can do!?
Official hat on - don't take someone else's number. Especially if it has an F on it...But yeah - rest, and go out easy.
Rest it is then, and yes, I will be taking it easy. The entry has been updated to my name through the official channel.
I can do sub-26 for 5k. Is under an hour a reasonable aim?
Crasher242 said:
Hi all. As a bit of a newboy to PH I did wonder whether I should chip in on an established forum thread, but hey nothing ventured…
Last Saturday I did my first ever Parkrun (Stratford-upon-Avon).
I’m effectively 2 weeks into the Couch-to-5k plan, having never run before in my life (I’m 51!).
Used to do a lot of cycling in my teens/early 20’s, and then spent 20 years being a lard-arsed counsultant, travelling the world drinking beer and eating crap! Took up cycling again in my 40’s; did a few challenges and 2 years doing time-trialling with my local club before a knee injury forced me to quit.
Anyway, my wife took up the C25K challenge a few weeks back, did her first Parkrun 4 weeks ago and encouraged me to give it a try. I’m glad I did now.
I may not set the world alight with my time (39:37) but the fact I finished it, and didn’t die of heart failure in the process, means I should keep at it.
It's okay we don't bite! Well done on getting out there.Last Saturday I did my first ever Parkrun (Stratford-upon-Avon).
I’m effectively 2 weeks into the Couch-to-5k plan, having never run before in my life (I’m 51!).
Used to do a lot of cycling in my teens/early 20’s, and then spent 20 years being a lard-arsed counsultant, travelling the world drinking beer and eating crap! Took up cycling again in my 40’s; did a few challenges and 2 years doing time-trialling with my local club before a knee injury forced me to quit.
Anyway, my wife took up the C25K challenge a few weeks back, did her first Parkrun 4 weeks ago and encouraged me to give it a try. I’m glad I did now.
I may not set the world alight with my time (39:37) but the fact I finished it, and didn’t die of heart failure in the process, means I should keep at it.
This is how it begins, and was pretty much me just over two years ago. C25K done, then running three times a week for 30 minutes / 5k, then training for a 10k (just over a year ago), then entering several more 10ks and upping the weekly runs to 2 x 30 mins + 1 x 60 mins, took over 4.5 minutes off the first 10k event and PBd when I ran it again this year, now entered for six different trail 10ks over the Winter, planning to run a half marathon next year, and chasing a sub 25 minute Parkrun. Lost nearly 2.5 stone.
Best bit of advice I can give is to get some decent shoes. Hoka One One's (I've had Cliftons and Bondis) are really great for slightly old, slightly creaky and slightly overweight runners such as myself, revolutionised my running. It may seem a bit much to be spending over £100 on a pair of trainers but it will pay dividends in the long run (pardon the pun!).
Edited by C0ffin D0dger on Friday 19th October 12:53
Crasher242 said:
The parkrun was certainly not what i expected - i'd always thought of runners as being a bit cliquey, but the lot I met last Saturday were all really friendly, and made it less of an issue that i was starting out as a plodder.
The Event Director (person in charge) at Stratford is <cough> not as slim and athletic as he maybe once was 
so there's not going to be any bias from him towards slower people!39 mins might feel a bit slow if you compare yourself to the people at the front, but compared to the majority of the population it's not at all bad and if you can do that after 2 of the 9 weeks of C25K you aren't doing badly.
If you keep going regularly you'll get quicker - how much quicker just depends on how seriously you want to do it, some people are happy to take it easy and chat, others feel the need for speed, neither is right or wrong, just do as much or as little as you're happy with.
Evanivitch said:
5pen said:
She has entered one for this coming Sunday and unfortunately an injury means she cannot do it, so I have taken her entry.
Lad at my club did similar in past, only problem was he finished 3rd female.Didn't go down well with the organisers as you'd expect.
I took the advice of those who were kind enough to reply and rested for the 2 days before the run. I took the opportunity to volunteer at Parkrun on the Saturday and in glorious October weather, completed my first ever run of more than 5k. I was aiming to get around in under an hour and finished in 55:33, so was pleased with that. Back to Parkrun for now though!
jeremyc said:
I ran the Crissy Field Parkrun in San Francisco on 6th October. A lovely flat, single lap course in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge. Lovely sunny morning, and what might just be the most internationally touristed Parkrun: there were runners from Australia, South Africa, Poland, Germany, Ireland, Scotland, England and visitors from elsewhere in the US in the field of 125.
IMG_1780 by Jolie Ringneck, on Flickr
My partner won her age category and I was fourth in mine, but we are old.
I really want to do this one, last time I was in California, my tight schedule didn't allow it, I even looked at trains from LA, but there isn't a quickie, one is planned and under construction I think.IMG_1780 by Jolie Ringneck, on FlickrMy partner won her age category and I was fourth in mine, but we are old.
C0ffin D0dger said:
Best bit of advice I can give is to get some decent shoes. Hoka One One's (I've had Cliftons and Bondis) are really great for slightly old, slightly creaky and slightly overweight runners such as myself, revolutionised my running. It may seem a bit much to be spending over £100 on a pair of trainers but it will pay dividends in the long run (pardon the pun!).
better for the heavier runner?5pen said:
It was all above board - the entry was updated prior to the event with my name (and gender).
I took the advice of those who were kind enough to reply and rested for the 2 days before the run. I took the opportunity to volunteer at Parkrun on the Saturday and in glorious October weather, completed my first ever run of more than 5k. I was aiming to get around in under an hour and finished in 55:33, so was pleased with that. Back to Parkrun for now though!
Nice one - and kudos for switching the entry. Most wouldn't. I'd say you've got a sub 25 in you if you're at 55 mins for 10k.I took the advice of those who were kind enough to reply and rested for the 2 days before the run. I took the opportunity to volunteer at Parkrun on the Saturday and in glorious October weather, completed my first ever run of more than 5k. I was aiming to get around in under an hour and finished in 55:33, so was pleased with that. Back to Parkrun for now though!
Crasher242 said:
Hi all. As a bit of a newboy to PH I did wonder whether I should chip in on an established forum thread, but hey nothing ventured…
Last Saturday I did my first ever Parkrun (Stratford-upon-Avon).
I’m effectively 2 weeks into the Couch-to-5k plan, having never run before in my life (I’m 51!).
Used to do a lot of cycling in my teens/early 20’s, and then spent 20 years being a lard-arsed counsultant, travelling the world drinking beer and eating crap! Took up cycling again in my 40’s; did a few challenges and 2 years doing time-trialling with my local club before a knee injury forced me to quit.
Anyway, my wife took up the C25K challenge a few weeks back, did her first Parkrun 4 weeks ago and encouraged me to give it a try. I’m glad I did now.
I may not set the world alight with my time (39:37) but the fact I finished it, and didn’t die of heart failure in the process, means I should keep at it.
I did my first parkrun 2 and a bit years ago, my first time was also 39 minsLast Saturday I did my first ever Parkrun (Stratford-upon-Avon).
I’m effectively 2 weeks into the Couch-to-5k plan, having never run before in my life (I’m 51!).
Used to do a lot of cycling in my teens/early 20’s, and then spent 20 years being a lard-arsed counsultant, travelling the world drinking beer and eating crap! Took up cycling again in my 40’s; did a few challenges and 2 years doing time-trialling with my local club before a knee injury forced me to quit.
Anyway, my wife took up the C25K challenge a few weeks back, did her first Parkrun 4 weeks ago and encouraged me to give it a try. I’m glad I did now.
I may not set the world alight with my time (39:37) but the fact I finished it, and didn’t die of heart failure in the process, means I should keep at it.
Now regularly around 26-28 mins and 3 stone lighter, including some cycling in the past 6 months
All you have to do is keep doing it regularly
Smitters said:
5pen said:
It was all above board - the entry was updated prior to the event with my name (and gender).
I took the advice of those who were kind enough to reply and rested for the 2 days before the run. I took the opportunity to volunteer at Parkrun on the Saturday and in glorious October weather, completed my first ever run of more than 5k. I was aiming to get around in under an hour and finished in 55:33, so was pleased with that. Back to Parkrun for now though!
Nice one - and kudos for switching the entry. Most wouldn't. I'd say you've got a sub 25 in you if you're at 55 mins for 10k.I took the advice of those who were kind enough to reply and rested for the 2 days before the run. I took the opportunity to volunteer at Parkrun on the Saturday and in glorious October weather, completed my first ever run of more than 5k. I was aiming to get around in under an hour and finished in 55:33, so was pleased with that. Back to Parkrun for now though!
john2443 said:
Crasher242 said:
The parkrun was certainly not what i expected - i'd always thought of runners as being a bit cliquey, but the lot I met last Saturday were all really friendly, and made it less of an issue that i was starting out as a plodder.
The Event Director (person in charge) at Stratford is <cough> not as slim and athletic as he maybe once was so there's not going to be any bias from him towards slower people!39 mins might feel a bit slow if you compare yourself to the people at the front, but compared to the majority of the population it's not at all bad and if you can do that after 2 of the 9 weeks of C25K you aren't doing badly.
If you keep going regularly you'll get quicker - how much quicker just depends on how seriously you want to do it, some people are happy to take it easy and chat, others feel the need for speed, neither is right or wrong, just do as much or as little as you're happy with.
I certainly didn't run all the way - broke it up into 1-2 minute "runs" followed by the same as a "recovery" fast walk.
Week 3 of the C25K is a step up, but not in a bad way, so I am aiming for Parkrun #2 this coming weekend.
Happy to keep chipping a few seconds here and there, with an outside aim (this side of christmas at least) to try keeping the 35-minute paceman in sight.
C0ffin D0dger said:
It's okay we don't bite! Well done on getting out there.
This is how it begins, and was pretty much me just over two years ago. C25K done, then running three times a week for 30 minutes / 5k, then training for a 10k (just over a year ago), then entering several more 10ks and upping the weekly runs to 2 x 30 mins + 1 x 60 mins, took over 4.5 minutes off the first 10k event and PBd when I ran it again this year, now entered for six different trail 10ks over the Winter, planning to run a half marathon next year, and chasing a sub 25 minute Parkrun. Lost nearly 2.5 stone.
Best bit of advice I can give is to get some decent shoes. Hoka One One's (I've had Cliftons and Bondis) are really great for slightly old, slightly creaky and slightly overweight runners such as myself, revolutionised my running. It may seem a bit much to be spending over £100 on a pair of trainers but it will pay dividends in the long run (pardon the pun!).
Through my wife i have Vitality Health Insurance, so got a deal on new trainers - its a bit of a random pick to start with (I went with Saucony Ride) , but if I stick with it and enjoy it then i will certainly hit one of the local running sports shops to get some advice on a "proper" pair of shoes.This is how it begins, and was pretty much me just over two years ago. C25K done, then running three times a week for 30 minutes / 5k, then training for a 10k (just over a year ago), then entering several more 10ks and upping the weekly runs to 2 x 30 mins + 1 x 60 mins, took over 4.5 minutes off the first 10k event and PBd when I ran it again this year, now entered for six different trail 10ks over the Winter, planning to run a half marathon next year, and chasing a sub 25 minute Parkrun. Lost nearly 2.5 stone.
Best bit of advice I can give is to get some decent shoes. Hoka One One's (I've had Cliftons and Bondis) are really great for slightly old, slightly creaky and slightly overweight runners such as myself, revolutionised my running. It may seem a bit much to be spending over £100 on a pair of trainers but it will pay dividends in the long run (pardon the pun!).
Edited by Crasher242 on Wednesday 24th October 11:47
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