“From beginners to Olympians…
Parkrun is for everyone.”
Several years ago, when I first heard about Parkrun, I remember thinking it was a great idea, but not really for me. I thought, naively, that a regular 5K run was pointless for half marathon and marathon training. When Worsley Woods Parkrun started and I became more involved with taking part in it and helping out, I began to see Parkrun in a whole new (and more positive) light. 5K really does provide something for everyone – those who are marathon training included.
Spring marathons are popular and they involve a lot of training over the winter months. For me, marathon training includes 3-4 good quality runs each week, one of which has to be the ‘Long Slow Run’ – no prizes for guessing what that entails. The ‘LSR’ has always been my favourite run of the week – some precious ‘me’ time (let’s face it; we don’t get much of that!) But I have to admit, by the end of the run, when I’m feeling tired physically and mentally, I could do with a boost of encouragement. Cue Parkrun…
Parkrun Event 91
23.11.13
On probably the coldest day of 2013, I was up bright and early to pound the pavements of Kearsley, Agecroft, Irlams o’th Height and Monton on my LSR. I timed my run so that I could join in Worsley Woods Parkrun to make up my last 3.1 miles.
As ever, there were numerous people already assembled, warming up (and they sure needed to) and generally chatting and preparing to run. There was a great atmosphere and ‘buzz’ amongst the runners despite the bitterly cold elements. I chose to run with my son, Patrick, and we set off mid-pack, enjoying talking to different runners along the way. At times it was difficult to believe we were running in the middle of Salford; the autumn colours were still striking, not yet having given in to the grip of winter. The sunshine was bright and beamed down on us, making it a spectacular day to be outdoors.
And so, Patrick and I made our way steadily around the familiar course, thus clocking up a 53rd Parkrun for him and completing my LSR in a friendly, civilised way. You see, Parkrun can be incorporated in marathon training – I know quite a few runners who ‘throw in’ a Parkrun part way round, or at the end of their LSR. It does help immensely, and it keeps your Parkrun tally increasing!
The marshals at Parkrun are always fabulous, and today was no exception. There was so much encouragement from them all and the poor things must have been freezing. A huge thank you to all who gave up their time – without you, Parkrun would not happen; you did an outstanding job. If you haven’t marshalled yet, what are you waiting for? Sign up for one of the posts – maybe you could write the next race report? Helping out is rewarding and appreciated.
This week there were 193 runners, of whom 24 were first timers and 40 recorded new Personal Bests. Representatives of 15 different athletics clubs took part. Fantastic performances – well done everyone!
Lauren Marsden (Swinton RC)
This week’s statistics:
Men's placings:
Rob J HUGHES (SM30-34) of Salford Harriers and AC, was first over the line in 16:51 - first appearance.
Mark Stephen RUSSELL (VM45-49) of Burnden Road Runners, was second over the line in 17:04 - was first to finish once before.
Simon James ATKIN (SM35-39) of Swinton RC, was third over the line in 18:23 - has been first to finish on 3 previous occasions.
Current standing in the Men's annual points competition:
Nigel BURKE (Salford Metropolitan AC) 3112 pts.
Peter BROWN (Unattached) 2938 pts.
Ian TAYLOR (Salford Metropolitan AC) 2672 pts.
Women's placings:
Sinead BENT (JW15-19) of Salford Metropolitan AC, was first (22nd overall) over the line in 21:14 - 5th time in 9 appearances.
Ruby BELL (JW14) of Sale Harriers Manchester, was second (40th overall) over the line in 22:38.
Jane GRANEY (SW30-34) (Unattached) was third (51st overall) over the line in 23:22 - has been first to finish on 2 previous occasions.
Current standing in the Women's annual points competition:
Olivia BIRCHALL (Unattached) 3358 pts.
Jane GRANEY (Unattached) 3051 pts.
Jitka COWGILL (Unattached) 1974 pts.
The following runners recorded the best Age Grade scores:
Mark Stephen RUSSELL (VM45-49) was graded 83.11% for the time 17:04 (second overall).
Rob J HUGHES (SM30-34) was graded 77.84% for the time 16:51 (first overall).
Ruby BELL (JW14) was graded 75.41% for the time 22:38 (40th overall).