On the Saturday before the St Albans half, our club had arranged a little outing to the local parkrun. One member had never been to a parkrun before, and after a few of us weighed up the pros and cons of the two closest ones, beautiful Panshanger was chosen.
It was drizzling quite a bit when we met up at 8.45am, but luckily it didn’t dampen spirits and everyone was keen to have a go at the course.
Some people had brought their children along, and a couple of those were very speedy! I didn’t run with anyone, although the lady who did her first sub 30 on my birthday was a bit ahead of me so it was good to try and keep her in my sights (but at the same time remind myself that I had a half tomorrow).
Credit to Carrie- thanks. Makes me realise I really need a haircut!
The leader of the club wasn’t running, so she looked after bags and took photos of us as we took on the final hill. I think this picture nearly shows how tough it is- the 3 mile point is at the bottom of this so you can see the finish at the top of the field and just have to try and keep going- a sprint finish is not easy!
We stayed and chatted and cheered everyone over the line- it was so lovely to see people that I knew, and also meet a few OH ladies. There are a few more parkruns popping up fairly near, so we might even go on tour!
After that I had to rush home as we were going to The Waffle House for brunch for Andy’s brothers birthday- very nice.
Then I picked up my new car- this is very exciting! I had had my old car for 12 1/2 years, and although it was still going fine, I had fancied a few more mod cons (height adjustable seat= I don’t need a cushion any more, air con= amazing, CD player is way better than the tape player I had). It was a bit nerve wracking driving it home, and putting it in the garage though.
I was meant to be picking up my new top and hoodie, but they had been forgotten, so our lovely leader kindly dropped them off for me later- the top is a perfect fit but the hoodie is huge- perfect for around the house when the weather was chilly and rainy.
It’s funny because the idea of a running club did not particularly appeal to me. I like running on my own, with my own thoughts or with podcasts, and at a time convenient to me, but actually having a run for a different reason (time to catch up, or encourage others, or share race stories with) has been brilliant, and I really love it. After doing Brighton I got so many messages on facebook from people in the club that I had never met- it really is so supportive and welcoming.
Do you like the idea of a club?
How many parkruns have you been to? I have only been to the two local ones, but there are a few newer ones around so I might add to them at some point.
We live in Virginia and drive through St Albans on our way to visit family in Ohio! Good for you for getting out there in the rain. I have ran with a few groups when I was training for races and they help a lot!
Oh right! I live in the UK, so it’s a different place, same name!
I joined a run club last year but I like having my evenings free and getting my runs done first thing in the morning. I’ve seen on Facebook they go on parkrun tours though, which sounds great fun!
Parkrun tours sound really fun- I am looking forward to our first outing!
I love the social side of my running club and they are such a supportive club. I did lots of training on my own during the first year I started running but now I enjoy a nice mix of thinking time on my own and catching up with friends!
I went to my fourth park run course last weekend but I’m hoping to fit in a few more courses over the Summer. I do love the parkrun concept for bringing everyone together.
Parkruns are brilliant ! 🙂
It’s funny because I didn’t want to run with others until I felt like I could keep up, but a lot of the people in the club only run with others as it keeps them going. They have starter groups and things so it’s really inclusive.
So envious you have a car with air con! Just what this girl needs right now!
I am totally loving the air con! It’s a revelation! 🙂
Ooh congrats on the new car I bet that is fab! When I do start parkrun, which I will (promise!) I have quite a choice as there are 4 really good ones all local to me, I’m going to be spoilt for choice!
That is so nice to be able to choose from so many- at least you can find a route you prefer or see which one is easiest to get to.
I actually do like the idea of a running club now that I’m really into running again. I bet it’s nice to have the encouragement of your fellow peers whilst your out. Although I do like running alone too as a kind of therapy. I hope you enjoyed your waffles. 🙂
Thanks- waffles are always good! 🙂
Joining a running club was one of the best things I’ve done. I’ve got so many friends now who ‘get’ the whole running thing and I love catching up with when running. We have a very local parkrun which most of the club go to so it’s very much dominated by us…but in a nice way! I haven’t been to training in ages tho because of work and wanting to focus on my marathon but lots of them are doing the Bournemouth marathon in Oct and I’m signed up so I’m looking forward to a much more relaxed training schedule as I have no time ambitious for this marathon.
Glad you’re enjoying being part of a club too 🙂
Our club is only little at the moment (only in its second year) so we could not really take over any parkrun at the moment! Give us time 😉
Exciting about Bournemouth- I was tempted by the half, or the 10k, but the hotel rooms were very expensive so we have not signed up for anything yet.
I have still never done a park run, but I have been seriously considering joining a running club. I actually had a dream last night that I joined one, so maybe that is a sign. There is a really good one not that far from me and I know a couple of people already in it, so there really isn’t any excuse.
Parkrun is fab- I hope you enjoy it if you go (and if you join a running club – go on…) 🙂
I haven’t been to parkrun in ages, and I miss it. I’ve been working Saturdays lately so I don’t get the chance to go 🙁
That’s a shame- hopefully you will get to go again soon.
I love the idea of parkrun but I have never gotten into running since first getting sick…kudos for you though girl!
Thanks 🙂
There are people who volunteer every week who don’t even run too- it really is brilliant and full of community spirit.