Parkrun PB 🏅

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! 💪

#Parkrun #ParkrunPB #Running #Couchto5K #Covid #Running and Movement Hub

The Goalposts Have Shifted: Embracing New Challenges

I recently received an email announcing a significant change to my challenge: the distance has been increased to just shy of 50 miles, with a cut-off time of 14 hours. Initially, I was thrown off by the jump from 35.7 miles to nearly 50 - it felt huge and, frankly, impossible. But after taking a step back, I'm starting to see the bigger picture. This change has opened up new possibilities and has given me a fresh sense of purpose.

The Mental Shift

At first, I couldn't help but feel disappointed. The jump from 35.7 miles to 50 miles seemed like an insurmountable leap. My training so far has been working towards a challenging distance but one that felt achievable to me, so the idea of stretching that goal even further made me question if that was even possible.

However, after a bit of reflection, I realised that this has freed me to explore new opportunities and other event formats or distances I hadn’t considered before. I've recently discovered the Ultra Challenge series which offers a variety of events, that are designed for participants of all abilities - you can choose to walk, jog, or run. These events include a 50 km distance (31.07 miles), which is close to the distance I was already training for, but also 100km and multi-day events.

A Change of Pace: Focus on Parkrun

So I’m still keeping my long-term ultra goal in mind, but I’ve decided to switch things up for a bit. Throughout November, I’ll be focusing on improving my Parkrun time.

For those who aren't familiar, Parkrun is a weekly 5K event that’s free, and open to everyone with runs all around the world. It’s a fantastic community initiative that brings people together and promotes fitness in a relaxed, non-competitive environment. My current PB (personal best) is 31:55 at Clumber Park, and I’m determined to chip away at that time over the next few weeks.

I’ve always enjoyed Parkrun for its community feel, and having a “quick win” goal like improving my 5K time will give me a nice break from the long, slow runs that are often required for ultra training. It's a chance to work on my speed, stamina, and overall fitness. After all, being able to maintain a quicker pace over shorter distances will undoubtedly help when the time comes to tackle longer ultra events.

Looking Ahead: The 20-Miler Milestone

I’m also aiming for a big milestone in June next year: a 20-mile run. Specifically, I’ve signed up for the Rasselbock Running Hardwick Hobble on June 14th, 2025. It’s a looped course with each loop being 6.3 km (3.91 miles), so five loops will total 31.5 km (or 19.57 miles). This will be a perfect stepping stone toward the ultra distances I’ll be training for later on, and I'm excited to see how I handle the loops and manage my pacing over a long distance.

It's not just about increasing distance but also about building endurance, learning how to fuel efficiently, and practicing mental toughness. I’ll be working on all of this in the lead-up to June 2025.

The Work Begins

With all of these new goals and changes on the horizon, there’s plenty of work ahead. Whether it's improving my 5K Parkrun time, ramping up my training for the 20-mile race, or preparing for the 50-mile ultra distance, it’s going to be a long journey. But I’m embracing the process, and I’m ready for whatever comes next. The goalposts may have shifted, but I’m excited to keep moving forward.

Thanks for following along with me on this journey. I’ll be sure to keep you updated as I hit new milestones and face new challenges. It’s going to be an exciting ride!

Until next time, keep running, keep moving, and remember—every step counts!

#ultrarunning #ultraambition #parkrunPB #endurancetraining #ultrachallenge #runningcommunity #distance running #mentaltoughness