I have a love-hate relationship with parkrun...there I’ve finally admitted it...
There are so many things that I absolutely LOVE about parkrun. It's open to literally all abilities from walkers, to new runners, to seasoned athletes and the parkrun community embraces everyone. I love how they are located in so many different places, that even when I go on holiday I can usually find one nearby so I can still get my parkrun fix. Plus, I love that they continue no matter what is happening with the weather!
Speed-work is an important aspect of training, but it can be difficult to fit it in. Ok, ok, so that's not entirely true. What I mean is, I would much rather go out for a long steady trail run for several hours, than to blast out 30 minutes of speed training. So, problem solved, I do parkrun! A timed 5k, and I know that - once I've finished - then I've done my training for the day so I go as fast as I can to try and get a PB.
So...what's my problem?
Well. Me.
I would love to say that I go and just enjoy the atmosphere and a nice Saturday morning run. But, as soon as there is a 'starting line' and a timer something happens inside me and I can't help but want to push myself that little bit faster. The adrenaline of trying to get a new PB is amazing. It doesn't matter what everyone else is doing, I love to try and push it to see if I can shave another few seconds off.
That is all well and good, but it means I get really nervous on the morning of a parkrun, which is ridiculous, I know, but it happens. Every. Single. Time.
So, what am I going to do?
Easy. Continue doing parkrun - I love it! :D
Claire
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