By Reb
My first parkrun was on 14/4/2018 at Braunstone Parkrun. I was inspired to run by my cousin Ash Payne who ran London in 2hrs 48 minutes and got into the Guinness book of world records, as he happened to be dressed as a Christmas elf while doing it. I got persuaded (booze may have been involved) at my great aunt’s 80th birthday party to sign up and was given a date to be able to run 5k and me, Ash, his sister, and his dad Nick would run it together. Never one to turn down a challenge, I started a version of couch to 5k on my own around the streets. I completed the 5K in a time of 35.53. I haven’t looked back since that day.
My 100th Parkrun was on 15/7/2023 at Watermead Country Park Parkrun. I completed in a time of 29.53. It would have happened sooner were in not for Covid stopping play. I have been quicker by some 2 minutes. But I need to be kinder to myself, remember it is summer and my breathing doesn’t like summer. A small, but select group of Wreakies turned out to support me, the fact that it was the first day of the school holidays reduced the number. But the beauty of parkrun is that it is a family and community so when RD Dave announced my 100th, I got the biggest cheer in the park. Just as with my first, I ran with Nick and that meant so much to me as without him I wouldn’t be on the line for my 100th, as I would never have started. I was bedecked in banner, badge, and tiara I collected well dones as I ran. While it wasn’t a spectacular time by my standards, I loved it.
I love running parkrun. I love everything it has given to me. New friends, in fact a while new community. Runners I see once a week on Saturday morning, to friends I have made at my running club. Travelling to new places to run a parkrun to complete the alphabet challenge and seeing new parts of the world. Building holidays around parkrun. The fitness it has given me. When I started, I was an overweight ex rugby player with a busted knee who could barely run to the end of my street, this year I completed my first and only marathon. But what I love the most is that parkrun is for everyone, fast or slow, fat or thin, man or woman. Parkrun is a place for everyone and everyone is welcome.