5 things I learned from my first ever parkrun

Well people. I did it. My 1st ever Parkrun. It was exhilarating and for the record, I ran 37:22 which I think may be snail pace, but gives me a target to beat next time. I was super impressed with the organisation of it all, and also how many runners turned up. I had done some research on Parkrun the day before and was amazed to discover how many Countries it is being held in, and how truly global it is. There is this whole world out there I didn’t know a thing about until I started running. Loving all the discoveries. I learned a few things along the way I thought I would share.

1. Runners are truly supportive of each other. I got some positive comments along the way such as ‘doing well’ or ‘keep it up’ which was unexpected and really helpful.

2. Other runners are inspirational and aspirational. I was a bit slow today but saw so many quick and awesome runners, and got inspired to do better, and thought that I could get better and quicker and fitter.  No sooner had I finished that I was planning next week and how I would attack it differently.

3. When you plan to do something, at some stage you have to stop planning and just do it whether you think you are ready or not. The fear of failure can stop you in your tracks. I have been planning a 5km run for months, and if it wasn’t for a quote I read during the week, I would probably still be planning.  It popped up in Instagram and was the Nike logo “Just do it” but seemed to be somehow speaking to me and it did propel me to action.

4. How awesome it is to achieve something new and challenging. This is not be underestimated.  I think we go through life and there is a period we are doing lots of new things and kicking new goals, but as life moves on, it seems to happen less and less.  I think we need new challenges all the days of our lives, and we need to work out what they could be, and how to achieve them. It doesn’t have to be physical, it could be mental, learn a new language, do an art appreciation course, something.  It’s mighty good for the soul.

5.  How truly wonderful woman are (men too but this is particularly for all the women out there)  I am blessed to have a couple of daughters and a sisterhood of women around me who support me and are there for me whatever I do.   We laugh (sometimes uproariously or get the giggles) together, we cry, worry, share thoughts and feelings and events and without each other, life would not be as glorious as it is.  I am sure the women reading this will ‘get it’.  Nothing like your girlfriends to hold you up and validate the person you are.

Until next time.  Enjoy your running.

Anne

p.s. Thanks to Sheila for coming today and taking these photos.  You’re a treasure.