parkrun #7

I’m on a roll! I made it to the gym on Wednesday morning and for the first time ever, I ran a parkrun two weeks in a row. I must try to keep this roll going. Exercising twice a week is what I aim for, but I’ll see if I can increase this to three times a week soon.

I was very surprised to get up on Wednesday morning after a late night and only six hours sleep (I like at least eight hours!). I went straight down to the gym and completed 2km on the cross trainer. In a recent blog I mentioned how it was difficult to keep to speed with what I’m accustomed to, but it was much easier this time round. The last time I exercised prior to Wednesday was my sixth parkrun, so four days beforehand, not over 2 weeks! I pushed myself more as well by increasing the intensity to a higher level and working out intensely for longer periods of time. I completed 2km in 34 minutes and 16 seconds, which I think is pretty good .

Cross trainer result on Wednesday

This morning I ran my seventh parkrun and achieved my personal best: 32 minutes and 44 seconds! My previous personal best at the parkrun was 33 minutes and 11 seconds, so 27 seconds faster. I spoke to my dad about it and he said that 27 seconds is really good. It may not sound a lot, but he said that it is. When exercising, every second counts when you are trying to improve on your personal best. I am aiming to finish the parkrun in 30 minutes, so I’ve still got some work to do; I’m pleased though with today’s result.

I was hoping for my best time so far this morning as I really went for it, running a bit faster and even gently running up the difficult first slope at the halfway point at the Braunstone parkrun. At no point did I walk this morning. I came in 302nd place out of 388 runners, which I also think is my best result in terms of finish position.

It was great to see a couple of runners in fancy dress, since it’s Halloween on Monday. A few runners put up some Halloween decorations before the race started, which looked pretty cool.

Halloween decorations at the parkrun

I really enjoy doing the parkrun. It’s a great way to keep yourself active in a friendly environment where people of all ages and fitness levels run 5km. I am very tempted to buy a parkrun t-shirt, as I feel proud to be part of an event which takes place all over the world at 9am. It’s nice to know that I can participate in any run I like on Saturday mornings. Besides, I found out and completed my first parkrun in Guernsey!

 

Happy reading and blogging!

Clare Bear