Park Run

Following on from my previous post about my disliking of running, I can be a bit more positive about it.

Just before Christmas I discovered Park Run (http://www.parkrun.org.uk/) and I can't quite believe I've never properly heard of it before (I vaguely have recalled the name, but never fully considered it as something I was truly interested in).

What is it?
Park Run is a free, 5k run at 9am on Saturday mornings at various locations across the country (and now indeed the world). You register on their website and print off your unique barcode, which you bring with you to each race (no barcode, no time). It is as simple as that. Each event is run by a team of volunteers and at some events there is a Junior Park Run on Sunday mornings.


Anyways, as I have begun to think about running more seriously and increasing my training, I signed myself up and decided to start after the busy period of Christmas and New Year.

I was really nervous before I went to my first Park Run at Colwick Country Park (http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/colwickCP), I was worried everyone would be really quick and I'd be left trailing in the dust whilst everyone waited for me to finish, looking at their watches, wanting to go home. I'm not really very good at running, I suffer with shoulder pains when running (a result of previous issues) and sustaining a pace is not my forte. But I'm determined to get better.

So the first Saturday after New Years I turned up at the start line at 8:50am on a Saturday morning (an already painful endeavour). Any first-timers get a health and safety briefing and a brief run-through of the course and how the event works. Then before the run starts, the race director gives the first timers a shout out (via a megaphone) and the runners applaud. The crowd also applauds tourists (i.e. those who don't frequent Colwick park as their main park run) and special mentions are given to those who are completing their 10th, 50th or 100th park run (you get a free t-shirt when you complete these milestones). There is a real, friendly atmosphere about the whole event and I assume it is like that at every Park run.

The run consists of those at the front of the pack, who race off ahead, people running with dogs (oh the shame about being overtaken by a sausage dog), families, people looking to improve each week and people new to running. Times range on average from 17 minutes to 50 minutes.

I love a good view and Colwick park is beautiful, stunning lakes and a good mix of pathways and trails.

At the end of the course you end through a funnel where 2 volunteers clock your time with a stopwatch and you have your barcode and finish token (numbered according to the order of finish) scanned. A couple of hours later you receive a text and email (depending on your sign up preferences) with your time and position.

I have definitely fallen for Park Run, it's such a brilliantly simple concept and there is such a good atmosphere every Saturday morning. All my worries about being left behind or it being a horridly, competitive environment were unfounded, everyone is so friendly and there is no pushing or shoving to get in front of each other, even at the start line.

A couple of weeks ago I signed up to volunteer as I'm a great believer in paying back. I signed up to be one of two timekeepers (just in case something goes wrong- and in my case, it did when the timer didn't start properly!), a role which I was told, is not one a first-time volunteer wants to do, but as this blog says, I never make life easy for myself! I had a brilliant time volunteering, despite the freezing cold and the rain. It is such a well-organised sleek operation and I loved cheering all the runners over the finish line whilst operating the stopwatch. I've decided to do 3 runs and 1 volunteer shift on rotation as I enjoy doing both.


I would wholeheartedly recommend doing a Park Run, whether you are a first timer or experienced runner.
But remember, don't forget your barcode!