The FastDay Forum

I got into running recently. I started a couple of years ago just running on my own then I discovered something called PARKRUN. Parkrun in the UK is a timed run over a distance of 5k ( 3.1 miles) It starts at 09:00 every Saturday morning. To join all you need to do is visit the website http://www.parkrun.org.uk

sign up and download a barcode.
print the barcode and take it along to your local parkrun at 09:00 on a Saturday morning and just join in.

At the end of the run you get given a token that corresponds to your position in the run and hand it in with your barcode.

They then publish your time on their results page and they send you a text and/or Email.

I think it's great and you can measure any improvement against your personal best.

We don't have park runs in France, sadly, but I just wanted to say thankyou for posting this as I think park runs are a great idea. I have friends in the UK who do them regularly and it is a good way to run with other people and be timed properly as well.

WE don't have anything like that in Finland too, just run with friends or sometimes people from gyms. Though in the winter I only run on crosstrainers and treadmills =)

Great that you have people to run with I find that the best, I don't like outside running alone, maybe as i love talking all the time! =)

Hi Itadakimasu, I run Braunstone parkrun every Saturday, have now done 85 I think. I have also mentioned it on this forum but so far only rachel1968 has admitted to also doing one!
I had hoped that enough dieters would also be using parkrun as a way of recording performance improvements to match weight reduction but it does not seem to be popular here yet - maybe this thread will help.
My first run after a week on 5:2 was my best performance for 9 months, since then I have settled back to merely average times but I believe there is still a good run to be had in the near future with my 8 lb loss!

Hi there, I'm a runner, well I used to be until an injury (not caused by running I should add before all the anti running people throw their arms in the air with horror) sidelined me for the last 8 months. Anyway I'm just starting back slowly and carefully. I've never done a park run although there are two very close to me.

I'm hoping being on 5:2 will improve my running, although thinking back I've run fasted more often than not over the years. I've never had a problem running without having eaten, I did the great north run every year having eaten nothing since the evening before, (never been a breakfast person)

CreakyPete you've got the tee-shirt then after 85 runs, well done. I've got 20 runs to go before I get mine. I do Swindon parkrun and we get around 300 most weeks.

Willowy, sorry to hear about your injury. Once you get back into running give parkrun a go. It's not all elite runners there are many who finish in 40, 45 or even 50 minutes. It's ideal for anyone recovering from an injury because you can get a bit of support and advice from other runners.

I got as far as getting a barcode and then moved to a part of the UK where there aren't any!

However, I'm getting into more minimalist/barefoot running as I do now have a proper beach! Yay, so far up to about 100m! No staying power.

I just registered for Parkrun this week, and will be trying my first one tomorrow. I've done a few 10k races in the past, and have signed up for my first half marathon in June, but I really need to work on my speed. The barcode idea seems brilliant - I'll report back tomorrow on how I managed.

At last - the parkrun ball has started rolling! Good luck tomorrow all who are running. I have got a doctor's appointment and will miss the official run, maybe do a Freedom run if the rain stops...

Melanie - which parkrun?, original poster - what are your real initials? Just want to keep an eye on you via the results system. I'm PM at Braunstone with 85 runs behind me, if you want to reciprocate!

I'll be at Wallace Park in Lisburn, Norn Irn. There's a few as well in Belfast, which is only 10 miles away, so I might try some of those for variety in the future.

Happy running everyone!

Oh, and my name will be Linda Harley on that, lol!

Melanie, good luck with parkrun tomorrow. I'm sure you'll love it. I started parkrun last June and now I look forward to it every week.

Let us know what time you did. My pb is 27:21 What's your PB CreakyPete?

22:03, 2 years ago before I got really old! Now averaging 24:00 +/-

I guess you must be Mark...

Good luck tomorrow.

well spotted Pete, I am Mark. 22:03 is pretty damn good and 24:00+/- is pretty good too.

parkrun - yay. I've done 45 so far, not long till I get my 50 T Shirt. I do Conkers parkrun my pb is 29.29 but I have started to run pushing my 3 yr old in her buggy so my times have slipped a bit. I've recently joined a running club and have done a few other races.