Are you thinking – could I do parkrun? It seems popular but I don’t run, but could I? Could I help out?
Many people who come to parkrun each week had the same questions as did Patsy Naylor. On Saturday, at Penrith’s Frenchfield, Patsy completed a parkrun for the 100th time. Here is Patsy’s story:
I have never considered myself a fast runner. At school I was slowest in my year at 100m. I could shuffle round the cross country better than most girls but they could have won medals for walking and talking. My biggest memory was of our legs turning red as they were blasted by hailstones driven horizontally on the bleak moorland. Running was not for me.
In 2008 I turned 50 and a colleague persuaded many of our staff to do the Great North Run. I set about training with a purpose and I was proud and elated to survive the run. Unfortunately, I developed injuries (minor) which meant I gave up running, believing that running was not for me.
Friends encouraged me to start parkrun and I did my first one in Penrith in 2015 in a time of 33:05. Enjoying tea and cake afterwards, whilst meeting sociable people gave me quite a buzz. My times started to drop and my motivation increased. I would turn up in all weathers because it was a regular fixture. As I look out of the window on Saturday morning, debating whether to go, I know that I would never be disappointed if I went to parkrun.
I have done parkruns in other locations. I especially liked the ones at Fountains Abbey and Druridge Bay. It means I don’t miss my regular sport whilst away and people are always friendly.
It is almost four years since I ran my current personal best (PB) of 28.45. I wonder if I will ever reach it again. Last week my personal target was to get under 32 mins, which I did. But it doesn’t matter. I am always proud to turn out and run the best I can at that moment.
I am a member of Eden Runners and really grateful for their support and training sessions. Daytime sessions run by Paul and Petrina suit me and they are very encouraging. Also, thanks to all the generous, amazing parkrun volunteers. Today I enjoyed my 100th parkrun, and I’m aware how much I owe to these people. They have made me realise that although I will never be a fast runner. Running is for me.
Syd’s milestone
If running really isn’t for you, you could help out which can also be addictive. Just ask Syd Burns (83 years young) who today volunteered at parkrun for the 300th time.
Syd told me he volunteered for the first time in 2015 encouraged by his son Nick. Syd is usually at Frenchfield before 8am each Saturday helping set out and make the course safe. He then adopts the position of marshal where he will encourage the runners and walkers, usually quite loud, as they pass his yellow gate. Syd tells me he wouldn’t miss his parkrun Saturday mornings. “The people are wonderful and it gives a feeling of great community spirit,” he said.
