A friend of mine introduced me to the existence of this thing called “Parkrun”. Every Saturday morning, rain, or shine, people get up and out, put their shoes on and go run run/walk, walk, 5k at a local park / nature area.
I’d been inspired to start running, mainly doing the C25K (Couch to 5k) programme initially, but I thought a little run/walk followed by more of a walk wouldn’t harm.
In my previous post (Ch-ch-ch-changes) I mentioned that the first event didn’t quite go to plan. The one I went to was in two laps to make up the 5k distance. At the end of the first lap I had a massive confidence wobble and ducked out. Then got so annoyed with myself I walked nearly halfway home – more than doing the 5k for the day anyway!
Friday night came around, and I felt – excited?? Surely not!? Anticapatory anyway. I was up at 6:30 (on a SATURDAY?) and got myself and the Littlest little one ready. The OH arrived downstairs and in a short while the Eldest Little one was ready.
Off we went. Myself and Littlest one was dropped off. We loitered around where things were happening. And eventually the race started.
I’d said all along that I wouldn’t run this one, I’d walk it and push the buggy around the course. Just to do the first one. I was on my own. Well – the littlest one doesn’t count as he’d gone to sleep at this point. The two ladies marking the end of the race were behind me, and although they were very friendly and amenable, I felt I was holding things up.
You can tell me that I’m not,etc etc, doesn’t change how I feel. And at this point all the old demons regarding school PE days, any kind of exercise etc were surfacing one after another.
I forgot that feeling of after that last 5k RaceforLife I did – of enjoying having a 6 pack for a few days after accidentally running more of it than walking.
The end point/loop around was there. I saw people waiting at the finish line. I had a massive wobble and couldn’t go round again. I just didn’t want to be last. I also didn’t want to be last with loads of people stood waiting for the last one(s) through. (You so know that’s gonig to happen right??).
At least I was out wasn’t I? That it was 2.5k more than the nothing I’ve done so far (not counting the little attempts at the C25k program anyway.
I didn’t feel I deserved anyone to stand and wait for me as I walked it round. Yes I know – that’s what I said I was going to do. Walk.
So, here I sit. I’m kinda preparing for tomorrow. There is washing in the washer. That needs drying. Stuff for tomorrow. There’s more stuff to wash. And Dry.
I’m definitely not feeling this preparation time.
I’m really not looking forward to tomorrow.
But I shall go. And I shall greet every sodding demon that raises its head on the way with a lovely smile. Or some other recognised form of greeting.
So here I go. Mad washing / drying / prep time. And I will get a finish time tomorrow.