Parkrun

Yesterday I took part in my first ever Parkrun, 5k around Brockwell park in Brixton. Before coming to London I was living in Portsmouth, and was a member of David Lloyd gym. I was gymming a lot and was probably at one of my most fittest times of my life so far, even finally doing a 10k race for life. Sure I know I'm not breaking any records here but it was good for me!

Since moving to London I have joined LA Fitness near work and have been to spin and a body condioning class, but I've been so busy catching up with friends, going for dinner, settling into life that I've neglected exercise a bit. I'm starting to feel a bit mehhh and need to get back in the game.

Being new to London I knew there are probably lots of possibilities I could join maybe a running club or something. But I really hate competitve running the pressure really puts me off, and in the end I know I won't end up going. However a friend who has been training for the Great South Run and who has been truely inspirational in her journey to get to the start line tweeted that she had joined Parkrun (www.longtallally.com). It's a free, non-competitive run each weekend and its run by volunteers which sounded just like the sort of thing I would like. They do record your time but its more just for your personal record unless you like that sort of thing I guess.

So along I went at 9am for my first run, when I got there there were only a few people milling around and I soon got chatting to a lady who it was also her first Parkrun. Getting to know each other and joking about how we hoped we would make it to the end, we soon noticed a lot of people starting to turn up. There was a wide range of people, even some with buggies and children in tow but it did have a very welcoming and relaxed atmosphere which was lovely.

I dragged myself round the park 5k in 33mins which isn't bad, and had a pretty good time doing it. Sure my fitness levels are down a bit but it was a great start to the day and who doesn't love the smug I've done a run before most people have had breakfast feeling?!

I'll be back next week for sure.

Check out www.parkrun.com