Yesterday, I bagged another Parkrun PB with a massive 30-second improvement! That’s a big jump for a 5k. I’m also really pleased that my heart rate stayed low right until the very end.
I started doing Parkrun's back in 2019 after following the Couch to 5k programme. On my first run, my only goal was to run without stopping, and I wasn’t too fussed about the time. I finished in 35:24. That year, I only managed 3 Parkruns – in May, June, and October – and didn’t return until after Covid in June 2022, when I ran 38:05. Clearly, the lockdowns had taken their toll on my fitness. By the end of 2022, I’d improved to 33:50.
In spring 2023, I decided to work with a running coach (@therunningandmovementhub), and I’ve been getting stronger and stronger with steady improvements every year. It’s been a tough journey, and I’ve definitely put in the effort – running doesn’t come naturally to me. Because it’s often such a struggle, I’ve never felt I could call myself a runner.
But you know what? I am a runner. I might not be the fastest, but I’m out there, improving every time, and that’s what matters. If you’re putting in the effort and making progress, you’re doing brilliantly. Let’s keep going! 💪
