I went to what was then my local parkrun and I enjoyed it but I wasn’t going to be a runner and there was absolutely no way way I would join a running club or road run. Anyway, I’m now on over 130 parkruns at over 40 different events. I’m a run leader and social secretary at a local running club and have ran 6 marathons, one ultra and loads of other races. parkrun honestly changed my life.
That’s an amazing journey James! It’s incredible what parkrun can unlock within people. We really have no idea what potential lies underneath. Congrats on your achievements mate 👏👏
great story! thank you so much for sharing it! I live in the Netherlands but heard about parkrun from British friends, so I signed up for a parkrun in Glasgow on a weekend I was visiting! Over the next almost 4 years I only did parkrun when I was travelling somewhere that happened to have a parkrun! But I absolutely loved it!! I love how inclusive it is and I love the sense of community and camaraderie! In fact, I loved it so much that when parkrun said they were coming to the Netherlands and was there anyone who was interested in starting one in their area...? I jumped at the chance! I started Sonsbeek parkrun with my husband and another couple and we just had event #111 this past Saturday. My passion for parkrun keeps growing! I am now also an ambassador for parkrun Netherlands collecting stories just like yours for our blog and newsletter. Again thank you for sharing, you've put a smile on my face today. :)
Thank you so much for your heartfelt comment! It's truly inspiring to hear about your own parkrun journey, from discovering it in Glasgow to now being a passionate parkrun ambassador in the Netherlands! You're the true inspiration - imagine how many people you've helped to create their own parkrun stories over the years! Congratulations on reaching event #111 for Sonsbeek parkrun! Your dedication and enthusiasm are shining through, and it's wonderful to know that my story brought a smile to your face. Here's to many more joyful parkrun adventures and the continued growth of this amazing community! 🌳🏃♂️ #parkrunFamily #Loveparkrun
Thanks for sharing, did my first parkrun (walk) today, and you are right. I'm already working out how to get quicker, how to not ache so much after, warming up and cooling down. Parkrun and strength training is my 60th birthday gift to myself. loving life.
That’s great to hear! Well done 👍 You will gradually get a little quicker most weeks as your fitness builds up and hopefully you won’t ache quite so much. And then who knows where it will take you! There are 60+ year olds running 16minute 5Ks at my parkrun….. so there’s your target! 😳😉
Park run is nice. Me and my gf do it every week, for a while, no other training involved just our raw basic fitness. I always do around 30 min. Never alone, there is always 10 or more people around me fighting for that sub 30min its fun to compete and push yourself and push others around u to keep going and the marshals on every corners are cheerful and enthusiastic for you and rly motivates u to go that 1% faster and dont walk! But out in the back, Out in the back is bad, every park run. when you do 45 min u are alone if you not naturally fit, have grownup doing sports every other day or you just on your 60+ years or even overweight enough to be hard for u to run. that is where the park run should shine on motivation and help and cheer people to be healthier and everything else. People in the back are alone. they walk in pain, they cry, thye want to quit, its a mental fight where u have to motivate urself to finish no matter what. The marshals dont clap their hands or cheer for u any more, its been 45 min they must be tired. You rly feel the difference between the 1st lap and all the subsequent ones. Only sad part of the parkruns. In the back, is lonely and painful.
That's awesome that you and your girlfriend participate in park runs every week! It's great to hear how much fun and motivation you experience while competing with others and pushing yourself to improve. The marshals are usually a wonderful source of cheer and enthusiasm. While it's unfortunate that the atmosphere changes for those at the back who may be facing more challenges, remember that you're not alone in feeling this way. Your determination to finish and the mental fight you go through are truly admirable. Keep focusing on your progress and remember that every step counts. Stay positive and continue to enjoy your park runs with your girlfriend!
Fantastic story Lee 👍✌ When I wasn't able to run in 2018, I started volunteering and it has been amazing experience since, keeps me going... it is my weekly ritual 🏃♂️😊
Thanks George - when I’m injured I find it hard to stay in the loop and in contact with running - next time I’m going to follow your example and get volunteering. 👏👏
Good story, Lee. Of all the parkruns to choose for a gentle introduction you go to Parke... 😀 We did it once on holiday. If you've seen our recent Vlog featuring John running downhill you'll know what a challenge it was! Our parkrun journey is the converse of yours. You started from general base fitness and have progressed to the fine runner you are today. We started in 2008 when pretty much at the peak of our powers. In fact John's parkrun pb remains that first event. So parkrun for us has helped keep us motivated by intrinsic rewards such as the joy of touristing as well as the times we run. As us the case for many older runners, it offers so many more competitive and non competitive outlets in terms of age grading and county collecting than we would have had otherwise. Great concept and happy to be part of any future Vlogs you make on different parkrunners or parkruns.
Ha! Yeah it was a tough introduction, but having an interesting course on trail, kept us coming back for more. I think I've run at that course 85/154 parkruns! So fair to say we enjoyed it! It's so interesting how every journey to parkrun is that little bit different. In the early days of my running it was so important as the competitive hook grabbed me and it's evolved over the years to become a really useful tool for training, as well as the myriad of other benefits: community, tourism, challenges etc. Thanks for the comment on teaching too - you're 100% right - it was either go part-time, SLT or get out, and by the time I left, I'd had more than enough and wanted a clean break so I could focus on new loves! Hope the sideways step is working out for you!
An interesting listen Lee, thank you. I began jogging aged 64 and was bullied into doing my first parkrun in 2017, aged 65, and really enjoyed it, much to my surprise. The early Saturday mornings were a problem to start with, given I really enjoyed my Friday nights, but I had to get out of the habit after a particularly stupid idea that has seriously damaged my lively weekends in pubs: If I can do 5k, I reckoned, then I must be able to do a reasonable 10k? And if I can do that then, surely, I can do a half-marathon? I'm now running up to 40 miles a week. Sigh.
It’s a slippery slope to better choices! We were the same, enjoyed a few drinks on a Friday and Saturday night but parkrun and the long run on Sundays usually helps us to make better choices. Particularly if we have to travel far to film the next course. Most people are winding down at 71, it’s amazing that you’re going in the opposite direction! Respect ✊
@@TheVeganRunner I did my first parkrun at 71 while visiting Australia. Back in Boston I started running at Danehy Park in Cambridge and have logged 32 runs and 14 volunteer roles since that first run in January. I made a lot of friends quickly. Two women in their 30s and one in her 50s challenged me to try a 10k with them. We did two by mid-summer. Now I have two half-marathons coming up, one in a week's time, the other two weeks later. I think a marathon is in the cards for my 72nd orbit of the sun.
Thanks Lee for another great video. - Parkrun is such a fantastic success story I love sharing with other people. I have just done my 250th Parkrun in Canberra (Australia). Most Saturdays I can be seen as an Achilles Guide which means running or walking parkrun with vision impaired people. For my upcoming holiday in Switzerland, I was very quick to work out where the closest parkruns are located and Milan and Munich will be on the list. Glad to be a Parkrun Tragic!!!
👏👏👏👏👏 Massive congrats on the 250!! That’s my next milestone, but a fair way off for me; 96 to go! An even bigger well done on your role at parkrun. Occasionally, a parkrun over here will offer training to help the visually impaired and it’s something I’d love to do. How did you get into it?
@@TheVeganRunner How did I get into it? Back in 2013 I was riding to work and saw the yellow Achilles International tops out running and I got in touch with them. One of the better things I have done in my life!!
Thank you. Very nice to hear the story of your running evolution. May your journey continue, and bring with it great health and peace and satisfaction!
Sadly I have never had a park run experience. Although in retrospect all the running I did as a kid was park running lol!! I hope park running becomes more popular in the States soon!
It's a real shame it hasn't taken off in the States as it has over here and elsewhere in the world. I really hope it does; the benefit to the community is immeasurable. Although, I have friends who live in the states for part of the year and they love attending one of the few parkruns that are there... there are so few people on the course they usually win! ;D
Well done on escaping the teaching workhouse BTW. I often say there are only three ways to go once you reach your 30s and have to decide on long term work life balance. Up and devote your life to work in SLT. Sideways like I have into a niche specialism such as Autism. Or out as you have.
I had to replay that bit again, I was playing netball 😂 I miss the Saturday ritual of doing a Parkrun really bad Lee, I’ve only done one in the last 5 months, I’ve seen a physio 3 times this month and I’m determined to get back, not sure if I will ever get back to gotchas Rachel 😂 too many injuries 😔 hopefully 🤞 I can get on the Parkrun scene again and meet up with some of the brilliant and lovely runners we have met, i had kudos yesterday from a fellow TH-cam legend like yourself, DGR 😂😂 BTBY
Ah Steve, I know how painful it is to miss parkrun. I really hope that’s it for you now and you can make a gradual come back. And don’t forget there’s parkwalk now, so even if you can’t run it for a bit, you can still inch your way to that next milestone. Oh yeah I’ve heard of that DGR… he’s got a couple more subscribers than me 😂😉
nice video. I never did a parkrun in my life even though I allays wanted to. doesn't rally fit my running schedule and in Germany there a way less participants than in the UK and mostly slow people. I run almost every morning at 5 a.m. and do my longrun at Sunday. Saturday is my only consistent non running day. what I could do is run a parkrun instead of my friday tempo run @ Halfmarathon pace. an all out 5k the day before a long run wouldn't make much sense anyway.
Thank you for watching the video and for sharing your thoughts! I understand that it can be tough to fit a parkrun into a busy running schedule, especially if there aren't as many in your area. However, I think it's great that you're considering incorporating a parkrun into your training plan. Running a parkrun instead of your Friday tempo run could be a great way to mix things up and challenge yourself in a different way. Keep up the great work with your early morning runs and Sunday long runs! Thanks again for your comment.
I went to what was then my local parkrun and I enjoyed it but I wasn’t going to be a runner and there was absolutely no way way I would join a running club or road run. Anyway, I’m now on over 130 parkruns at over 40 different events. I’m a run leader and social secretary at a local running club and have ran 6 marathons, one ultra and loads of other races. parkrun honestly changed my life.
That’s an amazing journey James! It’s incredible what parkrun can unlock within people. We really have no idea what potential lies underneath. Congrats on your achievements mate 👏👏
love Parkrun, i use to work Saturday mornings but this year changed job & now i can get there. Hitting 25 milestone next week 😎👍
That’s great news Tony - congrats on the milestone too! I didn’t apply for any jobs that would have me working every Saturday - it was a big no no!
great story! thank you so much for sharing it! I live in the Netherlands but heard about parkrun from British friends, so I signed up for a parkrun in Glasgow on a weekend I was visiting! Over the next almost 4 years I only did parkrun when I was travelling somewhere that happened to have a parkrun! But I absolutely loved it!! I love how inclusive it is and I love the sense of community and camaraderie! In fact, I loved it so much that when parkrun said they were coming to the Netherlands and was there anyone who was interested in starting one in their area...? I jumped at the chance! I started Sonsbeek parkrun with my husband and another couple and we just had event #111 this past Saturday. My passion for parkrun keeps growing! I am now also an ambassador for parkrun Netherlands collecting stories just like yours for our blog and newsletter. Again thank you for sharing, you've put a smile on my face today. :)
Thank you so much for your heartfelt comment! It's truly inspiring to hear about your own parkrun journey, from discovering it in Glasgow to now being a passionate parkrun ambassador in the Netherlands! You're the true inspiration - imagine how many people you've helped to create their own parkrun stories over the years! Congratulations on reaching event #111 for Sonsbeek parkrun! Your dedication and enthusiasm are shining through, and it's wonderful to know that my story brought a smile to your face. Here's to many more joyful parkrun adventures and the continued growth of this amazing community! 🌳🏃♂️ #parkrunFamily #Loveparkrun
Thanks for sharing, did my first parkrun (walk) today, and you are right. I'm already working out how to get quicker, how to not ache so much after, warming up and cooling down. Parkrun and strength training is my 60th birthday gift to myself. loving life.
That’s great to hear! Well done 👍 You will gradually get a little quicker most weeks as your fitness builds up and hopefully you won’t ache quite so much. And then who knows where it will take you! There are 60+ year olds running 16minute 5Ks at my parkrun….. so there’s your target! 😳😉
Park run is nice. Me and my gf do it every week, for a while, no other training involved just our raw basic fitness.
I always do around 30 min. Never alone, there is always 10 or more people around me fighting for that sub 30min its fun to compete and push yourself and push others around u to keep going and the marshals on every corners are cheerful and enthusiastic for you and rly motivates u to go that 1% faster and dont walk!
But out in the back, Out in the back is bad, every park run. when you do 45 min u are alone if you not naturally fit, have grownup doing sports every other day or you just on your 60+ years or even overweight enough to be hard for u to run. that is where the park run should shine on motivation and help and cheer people to be healthier and everything else. People in the back are alone. they walk in pain, they cry, thye want to quit, its a mental fight where u have to motivate urself to finish no matter what. The marshals dont clap their hands or cheer for u any more, its been 45 min they must be tired. You rly feel the difference between the 1st lap and all the subsequent ones. Only sad part of the parkruns. In the back, is lonely and painful.
That's awesome that you and your girlfriend participate in park runs every week! It's great to hear how much fun and motivation you experience while competing with others and pushing yourself to improve. The marshals are usually a wonderful source of cheer and enthusiasm. While it's unfortunate that the atmosphere changes for those at the back who may be facing more challenges, remember that you're not alone in feeling this way. Your determination to finish and the mental fight you go through are truly admirable. Keep focusing on your progress and remember that every step counts. Stay positive and continue to enjoy your park runs with your girlfriend!
Fantastic story Lee 👍✌
When I wasn't able to run in 2018, I started volunteering and it has been amazing experience since, keeps me going... it is my weekly ritual 🏃♂️😊
Thanks George - when I’m injured I find it hard to stay in the loop and in contact with running - next time I’m going to follow your example and get volunteering. 👏👏
OK OK you've sold me Lee! 😊 my new job should mean Saturday mornings free! You make a really good case for Parkrun!
Go for it!! You won’t regret it and you have to tell me how you get on ☺️
Love this. What an incredible journey it has been for you. If you’re ever down the Midlands, please do come along to Leicester Victoria Parkrun.
Thank you Mubarak! I've made a note of Leicester Victoria - if I'm ever up that way, hope to see you there!
Good story, Lee. Of all the parkruns to choose for a gentle introduction you go to Parke... 😀
We did it once on holiday. If you've seen our recent Vlog featuring John running downhill you'll know what a challenge it was!
Our parkrun journey is the converse of yours. You started from general base fitness and have progressed to the fine runner you are today.
We started in 2008 when pretty much at the peak of our powers. In fact John's parkrun pb remains that first event.
So parkrun for us has helped keep us motivated by intrinsic rewards such as the joy of touristing as well as the times we run.
As us the case for many older runners, it offers so many more competitive and non competitive outlets in terms of age grading and county collecting than we would have had otherwise.
Great concept and happy to be part of any future Vlogs you make on different parkrunners or parkruns.
Ha! Yeah it was a tough introduction, but having an interesting course on trail, kept us coming back for more. I think I've run at that course 85/154 parkruns! So fair to say we enjoyed it!
It's so interesting how every journey to parkrun is that little bit different. In the early days of my running it was so important as the competitive hook grabbed me and it's evolved over the years to become a really useful tool for training, as well as the myriad of other benefits: community, tourism, challenges etc.
Thanks for the comment on teaching too - you're 100% right - it was either go part-time, SLT or get out, and by the time I left, I'd had more than enough and wanted a clean break so I could focus on new loves! Hope the sideways step is working out for you!
An interesting listen Lee, thank you.
I began jogging aged 64 and was bullied into doing my first parkrun in 2017, aged 65, and really enjoyed it, much to my surprise.
The early Saturday mornings were a problem to start with, given I really enjoyed my Friday nights, but I had to get out of the habit after a particularly stupid idea that has seriously damaged my lively weekends in pubs: If I can do 5k, I reckoned, then I must be able to do a reasonable 10k? And if I can do that then, surely, I can do a half-marathon?
I'm now running up to 40 miles a week. Sigh.
It’s a slippery slope to better choices! We were the same, enjoyed a few drinks on a Friday and Saturday night but parkrun and the long run on Sundays usually helps us to make better choices. Particularly if we have to travel far to film the next course. Most people are winding down at 71, it’s amazing that you’re going in the opposite direction! Respect ✊
@@TheVeganRunner I did my first parkrun at 71 while visiting Australia. Back in Boston I started running at Danehy Park in Cambridge and have logged 32 runs and 14 volunteer roles since that first run in January. I made a lot of friends quickly. Two women in their 30s and one in her 50s challenged me to try a 10k with them. We did two by mid-summer. Now I have two half-marathons coming up, one in a week's time, the other two weeks later. I think a marathon is in the cards for my 72nd orbit of the sun.
Thanks Lee for another great video. - Parkrun is such a fantastic success story I love sharing with other people. I have just done my 250th Parkrun in Canberra (Australia). Most Saturdays I can be seen as an Achilles Guide which means running or walking parkrun with vision impaired people.
For my upcoming holiday in Switzerland, I was very quick to work out where the closest parkruns are located and Milan and Munich will be on the list. Glad to be a Parkrun Tragic!!!
👏👏👏👏👏 Massive congrats on the 250!! That’s my next milestone, but a fair way off for me; 96 to go! An even bigger well done on your role at parkrun. Occasionally, a parkrun over here will offer training to help the visually impaired and it’s something I’d love to do. How did you get into it?
@@TheVeganRunner How did I get into it? Back in 2013 I was riding to work and saw the yellow Achilles International tops out running and I got in touch with them. One of the better things I have done in my life!!
Excellent video Lee!
Thanks Craig ☺️👍
Thank you. Very nice to hear the story of your running evolution. May your journey continue, and bring with it great health and peace and satisfaction!
Same to you brother! ✌️ Thanks for the continued support ☺️
Sadly I have never had a park run experience. Although in retrospect all the running I did as a kid was park running lol!! I hope park running becomes more popular in the States soon!
It's a real shame it hasn't taken off in the States as it has over here and elsewhere in the world. I really hope it does; the benefit to the community is immeasurable. Although, I have friends who live in the states for part of the year and they love attending one of the few parkruns that are there... there are so few people on the course they usually win! ;D
Parkrun changed my life to the point that i travel with road and trail shoes 😂😉
This made me laugh - I also have trail and road shoes in the car… you never know!! 😅
@@TheVeganRunner exactly 💯 ❤️🏃🏾♀️
Well done on escaping the teaching workhouse BTW. I often say there are only three ways to go once you reach your 30s and have to decide on long term work life balance. Up and devote your life to work in SLT. Sideways like I have into a niche specialism such as Autism. Or out as you have.
Great to hear your parkrun story Lee. It's such an amazing thing we have, love the spirit of it and how inclusive it is. Thanks for sharing
Cheers Ben - owe so much to parkrun and it’s such a simple, but genius idea.
I had to replay that bit again, I was playing netball 😂 I miss the Saturday ritual of doing a Parkrun really bad Lee, I’ve only done one in the last 5 months, I’ve seen a physio 3 times this month and I’m determined to get back, not sure if I will ever get back to gotchas Rachel 😂 too many injuries 😔 hopefully 🤞 I can get on the Parkrun scene again and meet up with some of the brilliant and lovely runners we have met, i had kudos yesterday from a fellow TH-cam legend like yourself, DGR 😂😂 BTBY
Ah Steve, I know how painful it is to miss parkrun. I really hope that’s it for you now and you can make a gradual come back. And don’t forget there’s parkwalk now, so even if you can’t run it for a bit, you can still inch your way to that next milestone.
Oh yeah I’ve heard of that DGR… he’s got a couple more subscribers than me 😂😉
nice video. I never did a parkrun in my life even though I allays wanted to. doesn't rally fit my running schedule and in Germany there a way less participants than in the UK and mostly slow people. I run almost every morning at 5 a.m. and do my longrun at Sunday. Saturday is my only consistent non running day.
what I could do is run a parkrun instead of my friday tempo run @ Halfmarathon pace. an all out 5k the day before a long run wouldn't make much sense anyway.
Thank you for watching the video and for sharing your thoughts! I understand that it can be tough to fit a parkrun into a busy running schedule, especially if there aren't as many in your area. However, I think it's great that you're considering incorporating a parkrun into your training plan. Running a parkrun instead of your Friday tempo run could be a great way to mix things up and challenge yourself in a different way. Keep up the great work with your early morning runs and Sunday long runs! Thanks again for your comment.
I like steak
Call it what it is: you like chopped up body parts of beings that didn’t want to die.
@@TheVeganRunner I like steak too