New Contributor: Darragh Murray

Name: Darragh Murray
Home parkrun: New Farm
Date of first parkun: 09/06/2012
Total number of parkruns: 9
Number of other parkrun locations run: 2 – South Bank, Wynnum
Number of times volunteered: 1
My parkrun history: View my parkrun history here.

I always loved distance running in high school and had some ability, but my love of distance running was eventually challenged and temporarily beaten by a then newfound love of beer throughout the majority of my twenties. Unfortunately, when beer took over, it failed to mention to me that it was going to dump pounds and pounds of weight on my feeble frame, and after coming to realise this sobering reality as I entered my thirties, I sheepishly had to return to running and ask for a second chance. 2012 saw me return to running and parkrun has played a significant role in keeping me motivated.

A friend of mine recommended parkrun last year and I haven’t looked back since. I live in Brisbane, Australia and we’re fortunate to have five parkrun events in and around the city. For a while there, New Farm was the only event, and consistently was the most popular parkrun in Australia. Since then Wynnum, South Bank, North Lakes and Sandgate have come on board and helped spread the parkrun brand and philosophy. I plan to run all the local events in due course.

While I’m still a relative newbie to the scene, I’ve used parkrun as a springboard for other running achievements. In 2012, I managed to cut my 10K time from 56 minutes to 49, rip apart my 5k time for 30 down to 23, and also complete a half marathon in an hour and 56 minutes. Parkrun has played a big role in keeping me motivated. I factor parkrun into my training schedule, and it’s going to play an integral part in my training for my first marathon in July.

In 2013 I plan to add at least another 23 parkrun events to my athlete history and get my PB down under 21 minutes. Of course, I also hope to volunteer a bit more and give back to the community. I’ll be chasing that 50 shirt, but don’t imagine I’ll get there until 2014. I also hope to visit Bushy Park when I’m in the UK later in 2013.

In the meantime, I hope to write a bit about parkrun, particularly about its phenomenal growth in Australia. I also blog here on running and other subjects of interest on my own personal site as well as use runkeeper and you're welcome to follow my progress on there.

New Contributor: Suze Rodger

Name: Suzanne Rodger
Home parkrun: Norwich
Date of first parkrun: 07/08/2010 (inaugural)
Total Number of parkruns: 59
Number of other parkrun locations run: 0

Number of times volunteered: 4

My name’s Suze, and I am one of those people. The ones who only talk about running, and when the conversation isn’t about running, I’ll try to steer it back to running. Well, not all of the time, but maybe more than some people like!

I wasn’t very sporty when I was younger, although I did have a bike and didn’t have a problem doing PE (even with brown gym knickers to wear with a netball skirt!)

While I was studying at university I walked everywhere, probably around 6 miles a day and usually pretty quickly as I was either late or rushing to get to one of my two jobs or classes.

Once I’d graduated though, I walked less and less. My new boyfriend had a car which came in handy to cut down on the rushing in the morning.

Four years later, and I realised that not only did none of my old clothes fit, none of the new ones did either. Drastic action had to be taken. This involved going to Slimming World, where I bought a couple of cookbooks, and joining a beginner’s running club.

I’d like to say that I carried on with the running club and managed to run the whole couch to 5k programme. Unfortunately, I didn’t, but I carried on running alone whenever I could. A job working away from home meant resorting to the gym (essential when you eat out every night) but less running.

When I found a job closer to home, I took up running again, right at the start. I found it a real struggle and it was difficult to see any real improvements. In June 2009 I got a nike+ for my birthday, so I could track the basics. Later that year, a few of us from work began running together as I was still finding it hard to run more than a mile without needing to walk.

Slowly, milestones began to be ticked off. I could run 5k without stopping. I could run and ‘talk’ at the same time (jn very short sentences!). Near the end of 2010, parkrun started in Norwich and my friend, who lives in the North, recommended that we go. That first parkrun my time was 32:20.

Nearly 60 later, I have a PB of 25:28 and regularly achieve sub 26 minutes, something I thought I’d never do. On top of that, last year I did 3 half marathons and a 10k race. This year I’m doing the National Lottery Olympic Park Run (no relation), London Marathon, Edinburgh half marathon, Great North Run and Royal Parks half marathon.

Not only that, but looking back at my nike+ stats, I ran more kilometers in January of this year than I did in the whole of 2009.

If you’d told the 5 stone heavier me that not only would I be running five or six times a week in training for races, but I’d enjoy it to the point where I miss it when I don’t run for more than 24 hours, I would have laughed.

I run because I love pushing myself and achieving goals I never thought possible. I run because it clears my head and boosts my energy levels. I may also run so I can have a biscuit without feeling guilty or panicky.

I’ve also found that the community of runners is brilliant. In parkrun especially, the fact that there are thousands of people all over the world pushing for the same goal – to complete a 5k – is amazing. No matter how fast or slow we are, we all share this common focus and it is that that binds us together.

New Contributor: Roger Rowe

What is a life-long athlete doing running just 5k each Saturday morning? Surely there are more important training sessions to be completed? It's just for beginners, or is it?

Funny the comments that one gets when someone who has been racing and training for 50 years (yes, fifty) turns up at his first parkrun in mid-January 2012. What are you doing here Rog? Been injured again? I thought you did your long-run on a Saturday?

The week before I arrived at Killerton parkrun I had hit 49,000 training miles, spread over the past 30 years. For 20 years before that I had been training for rugby -- and playing each week -- turning up for the occasional race on the back of that. My first race, a 6 mile cross country, I won -- just a little matter of 50 years ago in the autumn of 1961. So you can see that I am not exactly the normal 'parkrun rookie', even though I am looking forward to my 67th birthday at the end of March.

But run I did, running a PB (OK, yes I know it was my first)... but in the process taking some 1:20 off the V65 Killerton parkrun record (running 21:50). Now to many 65-year-olds that might seem rather quick, but to a 50-years-experienced 5,000 metre athlete it is not exactly earth shattering. After all I have a 60+ PB of 18:00 and 65+ PB of 19:10 (both SW Vets Records). But I was pleased to be amid the bunch of pleasant folk, and I got a real buzz from all the children giving it their all!

SO... 4 parkruns later (all Killerton), I have reduced the V65+ record 3 times in all, last week recording 21:18 (but injuring myself in the process)! Rats!!

Why am I now committed to parkrun? Easy, the people. No pressure, just a happy bunch of runners 'doing their thing' -- and of course, there's the rest of the day to do all those sessions that have (for now) been on the back-burner.

Now for a bit of parkrun tourism. Pity there is nothing closer than Bristol, Trowbridge and Poole... but I will turn up at one of those one of these Saturday mornings.

Keep on running... no matter what.

Roger

New Contributor: Graham Fisher - Why I started doing parkrun

Name:Graham Fisher
Home parkrun: Leeds
Date of first parkrun: 16/07/2011
Total Number of parkruns: 2
Number of other parkrun locations run: 3 – Roundhay (Leeds) Bradford Harrogate
Number of times volunteered: 7 or 8, I think!

When I was younger I hated doing exercise as I was quite shy, also being overweight. Back in 2005 I first joined a gym and I loved it makingnew friends that’s when I tackled my first Half Marathon in Leeds weighing inat 25 stone I managed to complete the course in 2hours 49minutes. When Ifinished I was really chuffed as I managed to complete something which I neverthought I could.

The following year I managed to combine my running withindoor rowing and with a 2 stone weight loss I managed to beat my Leeds HalfMarathon time by a massive ten minutes which was pleasing again but that’s whenother problems started.

I got ill through depression and I lost all interest in all exercisingand my weight went upto a massive 27stone 7lbs and I felt very uncomfortable Icould not walk hardly and I had big problems with circulation in my right leg.

February 2011 I had an operation to reduce my weight loss Ihad the Rou-en-Y procedure known as (Gastric Bypass) after the first six monthsI had lost 50% of my excess body weight that’s when I needed to get back intoexercising again.

Leeds Park Run (Hyde Park)

I heard about the parkrun on facebook and I thought I wouldregister and have a go at it.

When I first went to do the Leeds parkrun I thought to myself what am I doing here I was standing at the back makingsure that I was not seen. When we started I thought oh what the hell am hereand I will give it ago and to my surprise I finished in a reasonable time of 33:59.

I have worked hard on the parkrun and my current time forthe Leeds parkrun is at 29:00.

Doing the park run means a lot to me as I have made quite afew friends from my old running club and now my current club the Pudsey Pacers.What got to me was how friendly people were and when finishing near the lastthere are always people at the encouraging you.

I would admit that I am now addicted to doing the parkrun every week.

Graham

New contributor: Kassia Gardner

Name: Kassia Gardner
Home parkrun: Milton Keynes
Date of first parkrun: 26/06/2010
Total Number of parkruns: 42
Number of other parkrun locations run: Conkers parkrun is my 2nd home, but I’ve also done Sunderland, Newcastle and Braunstone.
Number of times volunteered: Erm, not sure. I’ll update this when I get the next email. But I think it’s about 12 times
My parkrun history

Twitter: @mumthatruns
My Blog: Daily Dash Running Blog

I first discovered parkrun when I was trying to come back from an injury whilst training for the Great North Run. It was a great way of getting me out and running on a Saturday, and feeling smug that by 10am I’d done my run for the weekend (in those days I did long runs during the week).  Six months later I was still doing parkruns and I’d brought my 5k time from 31:05 to 28:20. I got to 26:05 in 2011 before spending most of the autum with a knee injury. Currently I can get round in about 26:40 so my next goal is to get below 26 mins and eventually go sub-25 mins.

At the start of 2011 I became one of the MK parkrun Race Directors, which whilst sometimes a little nerve-racking is good fun as you also get to encourage the runners over the finish line. I’ve also done several other volunteer roles as well.

I run because I love running, and I love the fact that with parkrun you can choose to race yourself, just go for a steady run or go round with friends and family. It’s whatever you want it to be that particular week.

I often run with my 7 year old daughter, who usually takes between 30 and 38 minutes depending on whether she wants to go fast or have fun. The other runners might think we’re mad as we race down the hills pretending to be aeroplanes (yes, I do stick my arms out and make a nee-owing noise) but we don’t care.

It might sound cheesy but I can honestly say that since joining the parkrun family I’ve met, and become friends with, more people in 18 months than in several years of living in MK.




Happy running parkrunners!

New Contributor: David Hamilton

My name is David Hamilton

I have done 24 parkruns at Edinburgh.

I have volunteered 4 times

my parkrun barcode number is A159019.

What’s the attraction of parkrun? I can only answer personally. I think its the challenge of pitting yourself against the clock, striving to improve your performance. Although I’m 55 and relatively slow I’m a very competitive person.

I started doing the Edinburgh parkrun in June 2011 and since September I’ve been running most weeks. We have a beautiful flat course along the tarmacadamed foreshore at Cramond round a loop and back the way we came to finish opposite the start. The views across the water to Fife are beautiful – if you spare the time and energy to appreciate them when you’re flat out. The run back is into the prevailing wind and the lack of shelter poses a big problem on windy days.

I set my personal best on 1 October 2011 and since I’d been trying everything I knew to improve it – without success until last Saturday. I’m not a runner and used to think there was nothing to running but I’ve come to appreciate that are a huge number of factors which affect your performance - stride, pace action, breathing, weight, diet, preparation to mention just a few. Conditions vary too as we discovered in November – strong winds, ice, snow all wreaked havoc with my times.

So to last Saturday. Running conditions were perfect. My preparation had been good throughout the week and I started telling myself that I could improve my time. I got a watch for Christmas which has been a big help – telling me my time for each kilometre. During the week I worked out the time I needed to be at for each stage. My struggle is always between the 1 and 4km stage so I worked out the time I needed to be at the 4km marker. On the day I reached it 6 seconds ahead of target so knew that it was in the bag if I could keep going. My body was rebelling but I forced my legs on. The glorious sight of the trees that herald the start of the final stretch spurred me on. I pushed on to the finish line stretching my legs as much as I physically could. What a feeling when I glanced at the watch to see a new personal best – by 11 seconds. That’s what parkrun means to me!

Posted on behalf of David Hamilton.

New Contributor: Kevin Tomkinson

Name: Kevin Tomkinson
Home parkrun: Brueton Park,Solihull
Date of first parkrun:01/10/2011
Total Number of parkruns: 14
Number of other parkrunlocations run: 0
Number of times volunteered: 0(yet)
My parkrun history: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/brueton/results/athletehistory?AthleteNumber=190125

Me, I’m 31 years and I must admit I didn’t like the idea ofdistance running at school, 200 metres in games was enough for me at school (howeverthrow a football in and I will try and run all day!) A few years ago whilst ona Boys Brigade holiday, which I was helping to run 3 or 4 of us decided 1 nightto make an effort to raise some money and take on a half marathon! This seemedlike a great idea at the time and we all signed up for the Great North Run in2005. Not knowing much about distance running or how to train, 4 of us steppedover the start line and got to South Shields eventually (2:38:56). As soon asthe run was over, we all decided to do it again the next year as we werehooked!

The next year we all promised to train more and go again andin 2006 I took part again chopping 12 minutes off my previous years’ time. A coupleof weeks later (which included a week’s all inclusive holiday) I ran the StroudHalf marathon with a few colleagues from work and recorded 2:11 which remainsmy best half marathon time to date! In total I have run 10 half marathons (including1 dressed as a thunderbird) and 1 full marathon (in Disney World, Florida) runningand mainly walking round the course in 7:02:25 in the freezing cold in 2010.This year, I’m planning to run 4 half marathons including Blackpool, Stratfordand the Great North Run.

Although football will always be my 1^st sportinglove (both watching Birmingham City and playing the game with good friends),since that 1^st Great North Run experience I have been hooked onrunning and I’m always looking out for the next chance to challenge myself torun!

And so to parkrun and what it means to me......

I had read about parkrun around a year ago but decided togive it a go after a period of non running due to the recurrence of an old kneeinjury in October 2011. When I arrived on for my 1^st parkrun I wasvery impressed with the setup with marshals and a finisher’s marquee. I wasalso very impressed by the fast club runners and everyone was very friendly andI felt welcome to parkrun. My 1^st run for 8 weeks was quite painfuland after 2 miles I had to walk for about 100 metres and then I started runningagain to the finish! A couple of weeks after this 1^st parkrun I ranthe Birmingham Half marathon running in the park the day before which I thinkhelped me on the day. This Saturday (21.1.12) I broke the 27 minute mark whichwas my target for 2012. I was very shocked with the time as I think this is thefastest I have run for years!

Even though I’m relatively new to parkrun, the weekly eventshave helped me get my love of running back which was waning towards the midpart of last year as I was training on the roads. I’m inspired to keep on runningand training to improve my overall fitness.

Is it an obsession now? Absolutely! I have neverreally enjoyed training for events but parkrun offers a regular training run ina great setting.

Rhodri Evans - My 1st ParkRun blogpost

My name is Rhodri Evans, and I am a keen runner of the ParkRun in Cardiff. I have been running since 1981, when I saw the first ever New York City marathon on TV. However, I did not learn about ParkRun until May of last year (2011). To date, I have done 12 ParkRuns. Until October of last year, I was only doing them when I felt like racing, but after Cardiff's ParkRun was threatened with closure by Cardiff City Council, I decided to turn up most weeks to show my support, and only really race it on the odd occasion, other times I would use it as a paced training run in the middle of a longer (8 mile) run.

My hope is to manage 50 by the end of 2012, so I have another 38 to go. It will be the hardest earned T-shirt I have ever had.

Tale of a Parkrun First Timer

Name :Steve Hyne
First Parkrun : 21/01/2012
Home Parkrun: PooleNumber of runs : 1

With the big six 0 rapidly approaching this year, I decided it was time to face some new challenges.

During my youth I was quite active, running 100metres, long jump, rugby and badminton but had never run more than 800 metres. Then along came a wife and children and there never seemed to be time for anything much more.

When the children were a bit older we started camping in the Swiss Alps and our love of the mountains grew to the extent that we spend most of our summers hiking there or sometimes the Canadian or Colorado Rockies.

When our children left home to start their own lives we joined our local Fitness First gym to improve our health and fitness and along the way have made some lovely friends. During last year we bought some bicycles and started to have weekend rides along our lovely beaches and country side.

During last year several of our friends started the Parkrun and on a Monday morning the chat would be about their run and who had done what and how much fun it had been meeting so many other people sharing the same interest.When they became aware of my aim to take part in the MacMillan Cancer Dorset Bike Ride later this year they said why don't you come and try the Parkrun but I was a bit unsure having not raced for so many years and wasn't sure my knees would be up to it ! After much encouragement in the new year I decided to try a few 5km runs on the treadmill and see how I felt.

This resulted in my first Parkrun today !

All they had said was true ! The atmosphere was great and it was not as intimidating as I had feared!At the start I was a bit apprehensive about going off too quick and burning out ! But I needn't Have worried as I soon found my pace and by the end of the first lap of the lake had settled into a comfortable stride. As I approached the final section it was great to experience my wife and several of our friends cheering me on to the finish.

Whilst the time it took was not important I had set myself a target time which I was amazed to find I had come in under ! This just added the final touch to the experience ! Which I have to say (as I have been told by many) is one Iwill enjoy repeating again.

Look out Parkrun ;-)

Parkrun. A view from the rear

Name: Alison Clark
Home parkrun: Coventry
Date of first parkrun: 10/12/1
Total Number of parkruns: 6
Number of other parkrun locations run: 0
Number of times volunteered: 0 but I have emailed to be put ont the rota!
My parkrun history: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/coventry/results/athletehistory?AthleteNumber=210673


I started runnning about 3 years ago. I'm on the wrong side of 40 and never did any exercise before. To say I was unfit when I started was an understatement! I started at the gym where it was nice and warm on the treadmill at the back. It was boring and tedious and I just wasn't making any progress. Someone suggested running outside. The thought terrified me. An unfit, slightly overweight middle aged woman running round the streets of Nuneaton? In Lycra? That first outside run (well, more of a walk/ jog) was the turning point. Early in the morning the only people you see are dog walkers and other runners. No one pays any attention to anyone else out at that time. It was exhilarating. It was the start of the slippery slope. This coincided with a challenging time in my personal life. Running gave me an escape. I did a couple of 5Ks, a 10K (disaster - cross country and totally unprepared), and then the Run to the Beat Half marathon. I finished it, ran all the way and didn't come last. In 2011 I was ill. Running took a back seat. I had surgery in June and entered another Half for the October. This was the incentive to fully recover in 5 months. It worked.
My nephew told me about Parkrun. He runs at Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham. I can't believe that I had never heard of it before. I signed up that week but didn't make it on the Saturday. I could say I had a good reason. The truth is, it was cold and my bed was warm. The following week though I had kit and bag ready the night before. I ran it. Now I am hooked!
I love that fact that anyone can take part.
I love the park. Its so beautiful on cold frosty mornings
I love that there are toilets and a cafe
I love that it is free
I love that it is brilliantly organised
I love that everyone is so friendly
I love that it doesn't matter how long everyone lese takes. Its you against the clock.

I'm not a fast runner. I finish in the bottom third. But the view at the rear is just as good. You still get cheered into the finishing tunnel. Yoy still get that sense of achievement when that text arrives telling you that another PB has been set.

Newbie

New Contributor: Kimmzi

Name: Kim Kaur
Home Parkrun: Cannon Hill, Birminghm
Date of first parkrun: 20/08/11
Total Number of parkruns: 04

My parkrun history: I have beaten my PB every time I've took part in Parkrun..Not sure how long this will continue.

I began running last year May because I wanted to take part in my local Birmingham half. I must admit I developed the so called "running bug". Surprisingly from never having time for myself , since running I have managed to find time for "me".

I've had past two months off due to a "runners toe". Now I'm ready to rock n roll.

I came across Parkrun by random engine search. I remember my first run at Cannon Hill;I absolutely loved the whole experience. It was so well organised with lovely people around me. However, my problem is I work shifts so I am not able to attend as often as I would like to. But I've signed up for Silverstone Half in March and need to get training.

I would like to work on my speed, though I'm always happy to run past the finishing line regardless of the time.

Races ran: Race for Life 5k, The Baggeridge 5k, RNLI Gwithian Beach 10k, BHF Blenheim 10k, Great Run Birmingham Half.

Plans: to take part in as many Parkruns as possible because I want my first t shirt :-)

So I am looking forward to sharing my progress with you and very happy to receive advice & tips.

Thank you

New Contributor: Aileen Elsbury

Name: Aileen Elsbury
Home parkrun: Leeds Hyde Park
Date of first parkrun: 03/09/2011
Total Number of parkruns: 10
Number of other parkrun locations run: 0
Number of times volunteered: 1
My parkrun history: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/athleteresultshistory?athleteNumber=180576

I have NEVER been a runner; never. I couldn't run at school, I didn't run in University and I wouldn't run in my early 20s. I have no idea why I chose to run in my late 20s; I think it was because I knew that running was a heavy calorie burning activity, and if you've met me, you'd know I have a lot to burn!

I had tried Couch to 5k, but every time I got to level 3 I ended up with an injury, a cold or a holiday and had to revert back a week! I have no idea what made me skip straight to the 5k parkrun but I'm so glad I did! I've found a group of genuinely nice people who are positive about my effort and proud of my achievements and are vocal about it!

I now have found I work my holidays around parkrun! I am going to visit my parents in two weeks, but I have booked the train ticket with enough time to go running beforehand and then go down. When I was away at a folk festival in December, I went to the gym and ran my first 5k on a treadmill! It was an absolutely shocking experience and I hated every second of it (give me outdoor running any day), but I felt virtuous as hell as I walked back to the chalet!

I'm very glad to be contributing to this blog, I hope that my amateur slant on everything will amuse the seasoned veterans and encourage anyone who, like me, thought there wasn't a chance in hell of running 5k.

New Contributor: Gina Walters

I was introduced to parkrun by a few boys at work after I banged on about taking up running one shift. The whole idea of running with these guys in particular made me slightly uneasy - I'd hate for them to see me in a complete mess!


So I ran the route a couple of times around Endcliffe Park and found that, you know what, this isn't so bad and my first time clocked in at 31 minutes.

Saturday morning comes and I think it is about time I just got up and did it, but I didn't bank on the the whole of Sheffield looking and definitely feeling like a freezer. Why didn't I bring gloves?!


Not knowing what to expect I nervously stood around until I noticed a couple of girls doing the same thing, so I approached them and we had a chat and it turned out none of us had done this before. A welcoming bit of knowledge! I'm not on my own! (And no sight of the boys from work either...sneaky).

Before I knew it I was in the midst of 250+ other people raring to get started on this 5K. As we set off I was trying desperately not to be put off by the hordes of people flying past me and to stick to my own pace. It wasn't long before I was happy with my pace and settled in really quickly and if anything, the people flying past me on their 2nd lap just motivated me to keep going.

Oh and you know I said I'd practiced the lap? Well I had...but only 4.5K of it! I thought I was about to finish and then NOOOO! An extra bit of the park I hadn't seen on the map! I was gutted but persevered and crossed the line feeling absolutely brilliant. I'd just run my first ever FULL 5K! And it turns out I'd done it in 32:31 which I was pretty pleased with. Yeah yeah I came 227th out of 267 people but I was only the 8th person aged 20-24 which sounds sooo much better!

I'm genuinely excited at the challenge of beating my time and introducing my friends to parkrun if only to prove that YES you actually CAN do this!

New Contributor: Dave Robertson

Name: Dave 'Robbo' Robertson
Home parkrun: Main Beach, Gold Coast, Australia

Date of first parkrun: 24/12/2011
Total Number of parkruns: 2

Number of other parkrun locations run: 0

Number of times volunteered: 0

My parkrun history: AthleteNumber 214975


Background: As one of the many thousands of Aussies living in the UK from 2005 to 2008, it may seem odd that it wasn't until returning home that I first heard about parkrun. It was via listening to the now famous running podcast 'Marthon Talk' that I came to learn of this growing fitness phenomenon.

Having lived for a year in London and close to 3 years in Edinburgh I have enjoyed hearing about the rapid rise in parkrun participation & was eager to see whether it would spread to the former convict colony Down Under.

Since hearing about the launch of Australia's first parkrun event at Main Beach on Queensland's Gold Coast in April 2011, I was excited to get involved.

On Christmas Eve these dreams were turned into reality as I made my parkrun debut alongside my Wife, my Dad & my dog ( (and numerous other runners in Santa hats). From the minute we started until the final bar code was scanned, I loved it. The simplicity of the event, the slick organisation, the friendly vibe amongst participants. All packed up and done in an hour, off for a coffee & breakfast nearby. I was hooked!

My next endeavour was to find out what it would take to set a parkrun up in my home area of Newcastle, NSW. I had a good chat with parkrun Australia Chief of Operations, Tim Oberg and am excited to be working on launching a new event later this year.

My updates will include details of what is involved with starting a parkrun event from scratch.

Happy parkrunning!

New Contributor: Lord Smythe

Name: Lord Smythe
Home parkrun: Durham
Date of first parkrun: 15/01/2011
Total Number of parkruns: 46
Number of other parkrun locations run: 2 - Newcastle & Princes Parkrun Liverpool
Number of times volunteered: 3
My parkrun history: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/athleteresultshistory?athleteNumber=96112

Fell in love with Parkrun the very first time I took part on Newcastle Town Moor. It just so happened to be The Toon's 1st birthday run so I had the honour of actually meeting Mr and Mrs Parkrun aka Paul and Joanne Sinton-Hewitt who had travelled to the North East to join the celebrations and enjoy the wonderful Geordie hospitality. Religiously I travelled early Saturday morning's from my Durham home to join the Newcastle Parkrun fraternity eager to chip away at my PB and enjoy the friendship and banter.

On August 13th 2011 Durham Parkrun was born and with regret I moved my allegiance from Newcastle to a Parkrun just down the road from Smythe Mansions, however I still keep in touch with many of my Toon Parkrunners. I'm proud to have been a part of Durham's success been there from it's inception, taking part on several of the trial runs. It is close to my heart as I now strive to chip away at PB's on home soil, pick up Male Points League points all presided over by the majestic Cathedral and Castle along the scenic riverbanks and most importantly enjoy the craic and banter with my fellow Durham Parkrunners, warming down with a cuppa and a bite to eat after the 5k exertions.

Not only I am I Parkrunner, but now is the time to reveal my crazy streak.... yes I am one of those mad runners, who get's out there and runs every single day. It's a runstreak that I am very proud of and it started on January 1st 2007 today been consecutive running day number 1846 and fortunately my recent 5 year anniversary fell on a Parkrun day, I couldn't have thought of a better way to celebrate. To stay focussed on the streak it helps a great deal to set myself personal challenges and keep it fun as opposed to becoming a chore and people of the North East will testify that this has been the case as they've witnessed me running in various disguises and costumes, it has been known for Elvis Presley to run from Hartlepool to Seaton Carew, Max Wall to take part in the Blaydon Race and the least said about the Golden Mankini the better.

However, don't be fooled by the fool, hidden beneath the crazy capers there's a ruthless competitive streak, representing Crook & District AC completing, 11 marathons, countless half marathons, 10k's, 5k's, multi terrain of varied distances and of course The North East Harrier League Cross Country events will testify.

I regularly share my running exploits via Facebook and Twitter @LordSmythe and now I'm looking forward to sharing past, present and future running escapades via this wonderful forum.

Keep on running, keep on smiling and of course keep on Parkrunning! :)

New Contributor: Craig Smith

Name: Craig Smith
Home parkrun: Newcastle
Date of first parkrun: 06/02/2010
Total Number of parkruns: 78 (2nd in Male points table in 2010 and 3rd in 2011)
Number of other parkrun locations run: 2 - Edinburgh and Braunstone
Number of times volunteered: 9
My parkrun history: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/newcastle/results/athletehistory?AthleteNumber=56148


I started running in 2005 when I trained for and ran my first Great North Run (GNR) in 1h:56m. I have now run the GNR 7 times and it is still my favourite run of the year despite the snobbishness it sometimes attracts from some club runners. I have managed to bring my time down every year and last year ran a GNR PB of 1h:27m.


I am a club runner myself having been a member of Heaton Harriers since 2008. In 2008 I also ran my first Marathon (Edinburgh) and completed that in 3h37m. I was then lucky enough to get a place in the London Marathon in 2009 through my club which I completed in 3h:39m. The following year (2010) I again got a club place in London and set myself the target of beating 3h:30m which I did by 8 seconds! (3:29:52). In 2010 I also found parkrun and this was a revelation. I had not done many 5k runs before then and had only just cracked sub-20 minutes the previous year. I soon became a Newcastle parkrun regular getting a PB of 18:25 in 2011 and also getting my 50th run in the same year.


In 2011 I also decided that I wanted to run all of the 5 Marathon Majors (London, Boston, Berlin, New York and Chicago). I qualified for a good for age place for the 2011 New York Marathon via my 2010 GNR time in 2010 and I had already run London twice. I needed to get a Boston qualifying time which I managed in London 2011 (another club pace) by running it in 3h:19m:01s. I applied and got a place for Boston in April 2012 for which I am training at the moment. In Nov 2011 I ran New York in a time of 3h:29m after struggling with an injury.


I am signed up for Berlin in Sept 2012 where I will attempt to break 3 hours for the marathon. I have a place for London 2012 but will defer that until 2013 and will run Chicago in Autumn 2013 too. That will be 10 marathons in total and then I plan to retire to focus on shorter distances like 10k and halfs.


My training and PBs owe a lot to parkrun. Last year I used the weekly 5k to hone speed and this year I have been using it as a tempo session within a longer run (I run 3 miles from home to parkrun, run it and then run 3 miles home) which is a great session. I also volunteer as a 20-minute pacer once a month which is great as I love helping other parkrunners achieve their goals and targets.


It;s nice to contribute to the blog. I will keep you updated on my adventures. If you want to follow me on Twitter I'm @CraigAlSmith

New contributor: Sue Hobbs

Name: Sue Hobbs
Home parkrun: Cardiff
Date of first Parkrun: July 2010
Total number of Parkruns: 42
Yet to volunteer...

Hi!! I am certainly a Parkrun fan and caught the Parkrun "bug" when i signed up after enjoying my first "Race for Life" in May 2010 and wanted to continue with running.

During 2011 we all received some worrying news from our main organiser (Phil Cook) to say that the Parkrun had to stop as he had received a request from Cardiff Council to say that the event had to stop (personally, I believe that the Council had received a complaint about us taking up too much path space). Fortunately, Phil spent much time negotiating with them and eventually an agreement was made that we could continue with our Parkrun but we must ensure that paths are always free for other park users. We are all very grateful to Phil for his success with Cardiff Council...however, every week we try our best to leave the centre of the path free for other park users, such as cyclists. Not an easy task as there were 330 runners last week!!

My husband, who recently completed Ironman Wales, enjoys the Parkrun as part of his training and we both have encouraged our daughter, aged 13, to have a go too. She has now completed 2 Parkruns...and luckily she has caught the bug too..

Lately, I am more than pleased with my time results, my PB was reached in January when I wasoverjoyed to get a time of 26:53. I have yet to get a time like that since and would love to by the time I reach my 50th run!?! last week was 29:23...so no pressure!!!

I have recently entered the Cardiff Half Marathon which takes place in October and entries open soon for the Cardiff 10k which takes place in September so I'm looking forward to plenty of training towards longer distances but much more importantly, running every week at the Parkrun for some very enjoyable timed speed workouts.

Long live Cardiff Parkrun....

New Contributor: Jenny McClelland

Name: Jenny McClelland
Home Parkrun: Wythenshawe
Date of first Parkrun: March 2010
Total Number of Parkruns: 24
Number of other Parkrun locations run: Bramhall

Number of times volunteered: 4+
My Parkrun history: click here


I started running in 2009 after entering a Cancer Research 5km Race for Life. After a couple of training runs in the three weeks leading up to it I was chuffed when I finished the race in 37:52mins. I was hooked and ready for more!

I started to get bored going out on my own and didn't feel confident enough to join a running club, but after browsing the internet for ideas I stumbled across Parkrun and have never looked back.

After a few emails back and forth to the organiser of the Bramhall Parkrun I was reassured that Parkrun was for everybody, fast and slow, younger and older, and it was the norm for 'newbies' to do a walk/run around the course at their own pace.

I now do a more local parkrun at Wythenshawe which was set up in July 2011. As it's still a fairly new venue the numbers can vary each week, but with the 'regulars' who turn up religiously every Saturday to either run or volunteer, there's a real community feel about the event and you never see anybody without a smile on their face.

Since starting the parkruns in 2010 I've seen my speed increase by over 11 minutes and I've made a lot of new friends of all ages. It's also given me the confidence to progress onto 10km races, join my local running club, and train for a half marathon.

If you've not done a Parkrun before then give it a go, I promise you'll get hooked too!!

Me and My first Parkrun

So here I am the night before my first parkrun and I am excited to say the least.I have been a recreational runner for the last 5 years, running the occasional 10k race a couple of Great South Runs and a half marathon chucked in. Then after a couple of unsuccessful ballot attempts to the London Marathon , I decided to run the 2011 London Marathon for a great local charity. This was an amazing experience and despite a slight knee kniggle between miles 15 and 19, all went well and I finished in 4:43:03. As soon as I crossed the line I knew that I truly did love to run and that I could continue to do this. So in December I decided that I would set myself a challenge to run at least 2 miles everyday in 2012 ( this will include my first parkrun on January 14th and the London Marathon again on April 22nd). I will try and blog every week after the parkrun and give some insight onto how the race has gone and also an update on the runstreet 365 challenge. Thanks for reading and speak to you soon !Chris.

New Contributor: Runnerbean

Name: Runnerbean
Home parkrun: Oxford
Date of first parkrun: Haven't done one yet - just signed up.
Total Number of parkruns: 0
Number of other parkrun locations run: 0
Number of times volunteered: 0

For me, signing up for Parkrun is as much about supporting a fantastic way to get people outside and running as it is about my eagerly anticipated reunion with running :) Parkrun has enticed me with it's warm community feel that I've heard snippets about through friends and colleagues around the country. Why aren't more people doing this?! I've been running for about 8 years now and have done a few 10ks and my first half-marathon in September last year. I also kayak (flat water racing), swim and cycle.

In early December I had surgery on my hip to repair some damage that had plagued all of my sporting activities and work with a literal pain in the back side for almost 3 years. I'm on the road to recovery now but itching to get back into my trainers and to the outdoors.

So I plan to start as a Parkrun volunteer and ease back into running as and when I can and in the mean time share my journey here on this blog and encourage other people to join Parkrun! Looking forward to reading everyone else's story here too!