I am sure like many runners, I am proud to be a member of my local parkrun community in Lincoln. Going to parkrun has transformed my Saturday mornings, and I know many people say it – but what was life like before parkrun? However the huge success of my local parkrun, and indeed parkrun worldwide, is due to the dedicated volunteers who have helped create accessible, inclusive and friendly running events for communities to enjoy. It was not until I opted for my first turn as a volunteer that I was truly able to stand back and appreciate what an impact parkrun was having on so many people’s lives.

I like to write to encourage people to volunteer at parkrun so they too can see parkrun from the other side, and also appreciate even more the commitment given by some volunteers who are there week in, week out at parkrun events – they are the true core of parkrun. When I volunteer I always feel a little proud to be putting on my high viz vest, like I am doing my bit to make that run happen - which of course volunteers actually are!

The occasions I have volunteered have not impacted my own running or my love for trying to chase down my own parkrun PB. Often I have chosen to volunteer if I have a race the next day and want to rest my legs, whilst other times I have just simply wanted to help out. Recently I have also taken to running to parkrun, volunteering, and then running home. This way I still get any miles in I might have on a training plan, but can also help make parkrun happen.

I am now up to seven volunteer counts, not a huge amount but importantly enough to make difference. My volunteering has seen me handing out finish tokens, marshalling on course and scanning those precious barcodes; there is a role for everyone. Each time I have volunteered I have met someone new to chat to, or have been able to catch up with a familiar face. I have also never failed to be inspired by watching some of the performances from runners throughout the field, and there is nothing more I like than standing at the start and watching the crowd of runners huddled ready to go.

Volunteering at parkrun is simple. There are no prerequisites - just willingness and enthusiasm. It is not hard work, nor is it stressful; it is simply rewarding and fun! I encourage all parkrunners to have a turn - I will certainly be continuing to support Lincoln parkrun, and not just because I have my eye on the purple (my favourite colour) '25' volunteer milestone t-shirt! ​

parkrun on a Sunday!? 2017 started slightly unconventionally for me with a New Year’s Day trip to Clumber parkrun. Thanks to the wonderful commitment of hundreds of volunteers across the UK, many parkrun events were held outside of the usual Saturday morning routine in order to kick start the year. My friend and I headed to Clumber parkrun, our first visit to the event which is held on a National Trust country park. When we planned the trip we probably didn’t envisage the weather being quite so soggy; the rain was lashing, the skies were grey, and it was crisply chilly - but skin is waterproof after all!   

Being a parkrun tourist always fills me a little nervous excitement. You are not really sure what the course will throw at you, unlike when you run the more familiar route of your hometown event. As the Clumber parkrun director gave us a warm welcome he cheerily pre-warned us to expect mud, bumps, tree stumps and puddles. He was not wrong!

Despite the dampness and a number of runners undoubtedly suffering from lack of sleep and slightly raised alcohol intake levels, a crowd of over 200 hardly souls lined the start. Not knowing what to expect, I ran hard from the start; the course was two laps, so I thought if I struggled on the first I could adapt my strategy for the second. The route was as perfectly described by the run director; I splashed through puddles like a child, squelched across mud desperately trying to remain upright, and tried to skilfully navigate the unpredictable terrain.  It was a wonderful challenge.

​The huge success of my local parkrun in Lincoln, and indeed parkrun worldwide, is due to the dedicated volunteers who have helped create accessible, inclusive and friendly running events for communities to enjoy. I volunteered for the first time at Lincoln parkrun in April earlier this year (read more here), and I enjoyed the experience greatly. Volunteering that week gave me real sense of satisfaction and I felt pride that I had helped to make that week’s event a possibility.

Since my first stint in a yellow high viz volunteer bib I am now up to five volunteer counts, not a huge amount but importantly enough to make difference. My volunteering has seen me handing out finish tokens, marshalling on course and scanning those precious barcodes; and through all of these roles it’s been a fantastic way to fully appreciate the impact parkrun is having on people. Each time I have volunteered I have met someone new to chat to, or have been able to catch up with a familiar face. I have also never failed to be inspired by watching some of the performances from runners throughout the field, and there is nothing more I like than standing at the start and watching the crowd of runners huddled ready to go.

My five turns at volunteering have not impacted my own running or my love for trying to chase down my own parkrun PB. Often I have chosen to volunteer if I have a race the next day and want to rest my legs a bit, whilst other times I have just simply wanted to help out. I am still however amazed and grateful of the commitment given by some volunteers who are there week in week out at parkrun events – they are the true core of parkrun.

​All runners are encouraged to give back to their local parkrun event by having a turn at volunteering; through the sheer size of the parkrun movement, if every parkrunner can spare a few Saturday mornings a year I imagine those rosters would soon fill up! I thought about writing this blog as we enter the busy Christmas/New Year period when I know parkruns all around the country will be seeking those extra special people to stand out in the cold and ensure we all get to run. Volunteering at parkrun is simple, and in keeping with the parkrun ethos, anyone is welcome and there is a role to suit everyone. It’s not hard work and I promise you will enjoy it! So as we enter the season of goodwill I encourage all runners out there to think about giving back to their parkrun event - especially if you haven't yet done so - and be a part of spreading that parkrun cheer! ​

parkrun is a phenomenon. The free platform is encouraging and allowing thousands of people to take part in physical activity, with last weekend seeing 103,006 people running, walking or jogging a parkrun event and 10,580 volunteering - and that’s just in the UK! One of the things I Iove about parkrun is the fact that you can be almost anywhere in the UK on a Saturday and have a parkrun within reachable distance. A trip to visit my sister in Liverpool over the weekend therefore presented the perfect opportunity for me to try Princes parkrun and become a parkrun tourist for the morning (when you take part in an event at a different location to your home parkrun).

Despite my sister being a runner and living in Liverpool she had never been to Princes parkrun before, in fact her only parkrun experience to date was when she visited me in Lincoln and I took her to Boultham Park on a wet, cold Saturday morning – which she still enjoyed! We were both going to be new to it all. After a reasonable walk to the park (a good warm up!) we were able to locate the starting area by spotting people in the distance sporting the distinct runners uniform – florescent yellow, lycra etc. As soon as we arrived we instantly began chatting to other runners and volunteers, a friendly and warm reception that really epitomises parkrun. The route was explained to us and would see us start at the top of a long path, complete half a lap of the park, followed by two full laps.

Lining up on the start line amongst nearly 250 fellow parkrunners it almost felt like I was back in Lincoln, although unlike when running my home event, I was not sure what my time could be. My aim was to run hard and adapt as I discovered what the Princes Park route would throw at me. We started on a decline which meant I got off well – although I knew a decline meant we would inevitably have to go upwards at some point! The route did prove to have a few short sharp inclines, as well as a slightly gradual ascent; however this was offset by a longer downhill section. Lincoln parkrun is virtually flat, so this route felt a nice test. The park was also beautifully quiet – it seemed like we had almost closed it just for parkrun, and the wide pathways meant it was accommodating for all participants.

I sped through the first mile at seven minute mile pace, I felt I was running well and my breathing was much more in control than when I had returned to running parkrun the previous week after a number of weeks away due to races. I slowed to around 7.20 min/mile pace for the second and third laps, and as I entered the final lap the volunteers’ support spurred me on and comments I was looking strong helped keep me going. It was hard to know when to push towards the end, at Lincoln I almost have an exact spot where I know it is time to get a move on as the finish is near. A female runner overtook me in the latter stages and I was unsure whether to try and go with her or whether it was too soon to kick. I let her go and focussed on my own finish, crossing the line in 22:19. I was very happy with this time, which was consistent with my Lincoln time the previous week, despite this probably being a slightly tougher course. My only slight rue was when I saw the results later and was initially delighted to find I was 4th female, but then regretted not trying to follow the fellow female runner who overtook me and went on to finish third (it is not a race Alice, it is not a race!!) My sister also ran really well and recorded a new PB; I am pretty sure this will not be her last trip to Princes parkrun.

Strolling back from Princes Park were two happy runners, ready to enjoy the rest of the day, and both feeling more connected to the Liverpool running community. If you do find yourself somewhere different on a Saturday morning then I encourage you to seek out your nearest parkrun event; the idea of setting an early alarm on a weekend away or whilst on holiday may seem a bit mad at first, but you will not regret a bit of parkrun tourism.  ​

I am sure many a keen parkrunner has sat and contemplated what they need to do in order to get a new parkrun PB. They have probably researched and scanned through training plans targeted at a 5k distance, and maybe even tried some of the suggested workouts. I am not saying this approach will not work – I have personally never progressed from the Google search stage! – but I think I have found my own solution.

Earlier this year I remember commenting on Twitter that my chances of a parkrun PB were going to be slim with two marathons to train for. Someone replied, telling me that they had achieved their parkrun PB whilst marathon training and that I should not rule it out. During my training for the Manchester Marathon in Spring this year my parkrun times got almost progressively slower, leading to me concluding a tired body, racking up heavy mileage weeks was never going to run a rapid 5k.  My twitter friend must have been wrong.

However, my current Berlin Marathon training has truly challenged my assumption. After a few weeks lingering in the ‘not that amazing’ time region, my past three parkruns have seen me record a new PB each time and this is despite me being in the highest mileage weeks of my marathon training plan. I have gone from a year low of 25:28 to a 21:34 PB. I have never run a sub 22 minute 5k before. I will admit being diagnosed as anaemic (see blog) and consequently addressing this has undoubtedly helped, and I can feel in my general wellbeing the impact this has made. But I now believe the person who ‘Tweeted’ me is right, in addition to the physical fitness gains, I think there is something in marathon training which supports a fast 5k:

1) It’s Only 3.1 Miles
A short run during marathon training does not really exist – six miles on the plan suddenly feels like a quick run out.  The prospect of running  3.1 miles therefore seems like bliss. 3.1 miles, give it your all, and you are finished before you even know it. It’s a mentality which you can often crave when pounding the streets for miles on end, and I have certainly embraced it.

2) What is Tiredness?
During marathon training you learn to run through fatigue. Heavy legs and soreness becomes accepted, and the pain of a fast 5k is somehow more bearable than before. Running fast at parkrun does still hurt, but I have thought about the intervals, the tempo runs, the hill repeats and the long runs I have completed, which all hurt at the time, but which I have managed. I have remembered how I have found that drive to keep my pace and hit my marathon training targets, and I have drawn upon it as I take on parkrun.

3) Self-Belief
You will not get through marathon training without those runs when you just want to stop and give up. You cannot imagine running a single step more let alone another nine miles. But you find that strength. A parkrun does not require you to mentally commit for as long as some marathon training runs do, but it does require you to be focused if you want to get that PB. The occasions I have run my parkrun PB have been when I have believed I can do it. I have drawn on the confidence my marathon training has given me, what it has shown me my body can do, and I have utilised it to believe what I am capable of over a 5k distance.  

4) People
Marathon training can be quite solitary; hours out on your own, running on empty streets, with only your Garmin watch for company. Suddenly at parkrun you are thrown into an environment with hundreds of runners around you. It lifts you, it inspires you and it drives you. I have parkrunners who I know if I can keep up with I will run a good time, and those I watch in admiration and can only dream of finishing near. It’s the benefit of the parkrun community, which when marathon training you really relish that little bit more.
​
To conclude, I am not saying every single parkrunner out there should train for a marathon – that would be ridiculous! But I guess what I have realised is that marathon training does not necessarily equate to ruling that new 5k PB out. ​

The Rio 2016 Olympics were a phenomenal success for Great Britain and Team GB - standout athletic performances, an array of new sports getting showcased (anyone else feel like a Diving expert now?), an unprecedented medal haul, and an even more unexpected second place finish in the medal table. I loved it, and joined many in setting alarms for silly o'clock in the morning to watch the likes of Mo Farah and Jess Ennis-Hill compete. 

So how should we celebrate our Olympic heroes? Well Saturday saw what was billed as the nation's biggest sports day take place in association with the 'I Am Team GB' programme, an event which encouraged people to get active in a series of local sports events. Historically, ITV also switched off all its channels for an hour during the morning in the hope people would literally get off the couch. Some were skeptical of whether this move would work with people simply being able to switch to another of the multiple TV channels we have (its a shame the BBC did not follow suit being the Olympic broadcaster after all!) But in my option what is the harm in doing it? If it means any number of people got active as a result then it was worth it, and the act itself has certainly got people talking about sport and physical activity for a start. 

So on Saturday morning I joined in with the rest of the country in celebrating our Olympic success and headed to Lincoln parkrun for an I Am Team GB themed event. We were encouraged to wear red white or blue (all three if you could!), and whilst my addiction to purple exercise wear meant this was a bit of a struggle, I did manged to dig out my red running vest. Many other runners had got into the spirit too, you will see from the start line photo (can you spot me?!) that there is very strong red, white and blue presence! Boultham Park itself was also adorned with some Team GB flags and bunting which set the scene nicely. 

As for the run, I do not think there was any danger of me running a Mo Farah-esque 5k time, but I did hope I would be able to emulate my own recent return to 5k running form and try and keep sub 23 minutes. My last parkrun had been a new PB of 22:28, so if I could get near to that again I would have been happy, and it would also demonstrate some consistency. As I ran my legs felt great; powerful, light, and importantly fast.

Eight months into 2016 and I have finally been able to change one of the PB’s on my medal board. I love my medal board, handmade by my friend, it was the first thing I hung up in January this year when I bought my own home. In fact, it is probably the most precious item in my house with all my medals and race numbers adorning it. Recently though I had begun to doubt if I would ever actually be editing any of the chalk numbers which display my best times over 5k, 10k, half marathon, and marathon distance – but this weekend the time came to get the chalk out.
 
Following on from last week's trip to Lincoln parkrun where I found myself in 22 minute territory for the first time in 2016, I headed to parkrun this week with a new sense of expectation and a certain level of pressure. Could I match this very surprising time? I found the run tougher this week. The weather was warmer and I was pushing myself even harder with this new knowledge of what my legs could do. Like last week I didn’t really pay attention to my watch at all, instead I ran to feel and using the reference of others runners around me. I didn’t even look at my watch as I entered the final sections of the run; finding myself instead in an intense sprint finish battle with a rapid junior parkrunner (she pipped me to the post – although we recorded exactly the same time in the parkrun results!) In the finishing funnel I was spent, and in my tiredness I didn’t really take in the fact my watch read 22.28. It was only when I collapsed on the grass next to my friend that I fully took my time in; a new PB! I had ran thirty seconds quicker than last week and taken nearly ten seconds off my old PB, which I has set over a year ago.
 
So where on earth has this PB come from when just two weeks ago I was struggling to complete 5k in anything under 24 minutes? Whilst I am in the midst of training hard for the Berlin Marathon, I am not focusing on speed, so although I am sure my training is playing some part I do not think it is the biggest driver. Usually marathon training saps me of my speed too! I am now beginning to believe that conquering one of my biggest fears has played a huge part.
 
Stemming from my youth I have a considerable level of apprehension when it comes to attending the doctors or seeking medical advice. I had not been registered with a GP for many years and was known for saying the only time I would go was if I thought I was dying! But a month or so ago I faced my fear, nervously signed up to my local GP and booked myself an appointment. 

I knew something was physically wrong with me, I was tired and my body was not performing well in running. My times had dropped dramatically and everything was much more of an effort than it used to be, even when I tried to take things easier. I obviously knew I wasn’t dying, but it had got to the point where one of the things that brings me the greatest pleasure in life – running - was making me feel low. I believed I might be anaemic and following blood tests (which involved me having to attend a hospital appointment and face yet another of my fears!) the results proved my suspicions were correct.

​At first I did not take the diagnosis well. It was not the end of the world I know, but I felt that I had let myself down. I control what goes into my body and I had clearly not been doing this right. I was annoyed with myself and upset to have to label myself as anaemic. My initial reaction may have been a bit over the top, and when I admitted my anaemia to people and researched online I began to realise it is common amongst many female runners who like me are also vegetarian. Since getting my results I have been taking iron tablets and now as I come to reflect, I can feel a change in my body. I have been working some long hours at work recently meaning I have been getting up early or going out late to run. But I have managed it and not felt like a zombie, as I was beginning to become. Running hills were my biggest indicator something was wrong. I had been struggling up any incline, legs having nothing in them, breathing unusually rapid, and then never being able to recover from the effort. But now I am finding hills back to their usual more manageable level of difficulty.  My parkrun times have to be another indicator of improvement in my body – for now I am back within 22 minute time zone, whereas previously I could not shift my time not matter how hard I tried.
 
I am really proud of my new parkrun PB, especially as it took me so much by surprise. However, I am also proud that I went to the GP and faced my fears, especially as it seems to be paying rewards in my running. ​

Since the start of 2016 I have been running a lot slower than my parkrun times from the latter end of 2015, which were in the 22 minute time zone. I started the year thinking I would get back into it quickly, then marathon training came along and I slowed down still. After the Manchester Marathon was complete I thought I had an optimal window to regain my speed before I began my Berlin Marathon training, and thus set myself the quest of returning to running a 22 minute time. Since I set this challenge I have however still languished in the 24 minute area, sometimes getting close to going sub 24 minutes, and other weeks being back to square one. I have patiently persevered in my quest though, rather than get annoyed with myself I have just kept at, and this week I completely unexpectedly achieved my goal. 

After a Friday night tempo run in which I managed to run a sub 24 minute time for a three mile distance, I headed to Lincoln parkrun with the belief I could repeat this feat - which would be a positive start in my 22 minute quest. I believed it so strongly I was in fact nervous as I stood waiting to start. I was not dreaming of entering 22 minute territory at all, I just wanted to run something in the 23 minutes. The start was congested, I didn't let this bother me though, it instead just made me smile at how many people now regularly take part in our Lincoln event. I darted in between runners jostling for some free running space without even considering my pace. It wasn't until the runners had thinned out a bit that I spotted my friend a few metres in front of me. My friend is a consistent 22 minute park-runner, which means this year I have been completely out of touch with her. I was shocked to see her, but I felt strong so didn't let this impact my running. As I turned into a wooded section of the course I found myself running closely behind another female runner who I have been trying to keep up with for weeks, knowing she usually finishes around 23 minutes. I was on her heels and found myself holding back. A brief debate went on in my head - do I slow down, keep with her and hope to secure my 23 minute time? Or do I overtake and run faster as I feel I could? 

I went for the overtake, which on the first lap of the three loop course was a brave move. If she caught me up later I knew this would knock me and possible throw any time out the window. There was absolutely no choice now but to keep running hard. I didn't really look at my watch from here in, only when the mile markers ticked over. I knew things were going well by the sheer fact my friend was in my sight still. On a section of the course where you double back on yourself and can see other runners I guessed I must have been about 20/30 seconds behind her - which was more than good enough for me! 

The second lap flew by and I entered the third a little nervously. I was sure to collapse now. My legs held though, and I ran with a power in my stride that I had not felt in a long time. As I hit the final sections of the course I glanced at my watch and saw I had a minute until 23 minutes was reached; my goal posts suddenly changed and I sprinted as fast as I could to the finish.

​The clocked stopped at 22.58. My quest was complete, but I was in total disbelief. I almost felt like it could not be true. I had expected that when I finally hit 22 minutes again that I would be ecstatic and uncontrollably pleased with myself. Instead I was literally in shock. I felt like I had to wait until I received my official parkrun text/email to fully acknowledge the time was true. When the email hit my inbox it was only then the joy hit me and I actually jumped up and down on the spot! Somehow I had managed it, and I was in fact only 20 seconds away from my PB of 22.37. 

So why this week? The weather was cooler which definitely helped. I felt confident too, not 22 minute level confident, but assured I could do better than 24 minutes. Other than that I literally cannot pin point the sudden change. Will it last is the real question! Regardless, I shall certainly enjoy this moment for now. It has been disappointing running in my eyes so poorly at parkrun this year, but I have never given up and I have also never not enjoyed a trip to parkrun. So perhaps that's the formula - a combination of determination and enjoyment will eventually lead to success. ​

At the start of the year my friend and I vowed to complete some parkrun run tourism in 2016. However by mid June we were yet to venture from our home run of Lincoln – until this weekend. Gainsborough parkrun is not far from Lincoln at all, although going there still felt slightly strange and out of the usual Saturday morning parkrun routine. Despite it being nearly mid June you would never have guessed it from the weather. It was a grey, cool and miserable ‘summer’ morning, with only the florescent bibs of the parkrun volunteers brightening up the landscape. Gainsborough parkrun is a lot smaller than Lincoln, and from a quick bit of research I completed into the run I knew to expect the course to be very different – hilly was a word I kept coming across... It seemed my research was pretty accurate as my friend and I stood on the start line, huddled with a small group of fifty or so runners at the foot of a definite hill! 

As the ‘go’ signal was given we began a steady ascent of this hill, which turning a corner became a gradual climb through long grass, and then merged into a still climbing grassy footpath alongside a field. A welcomed downhill section was next, and it felt good to finally get my legs going after a somewhat steadier start than I am used to at a parkrun. The route continued along a flat field side path for a while, and I naively thought I must have finished with the hills now. Turning a corner I was however met by another steep incline. Thankfully for my legs this was followed by a downhill stretch through a small section of woodland, and allowed for some much needed recovery. Again at this point I naively thought I must have beaten the worst of the hills by now, but no, another turn led to another hill! This hill was very long and eventually joined the bottom of the starting hill;  which also indicated the end of the first of three laps. At this point I smiled and uttered a few curse words wryly to myself – I had to do this twice more!

With the course now in my head I concentrated the next two laps on running the best time I could. It was evident this was not going to be a run to challenge my parkrun PB and to be honest I was not really thinking about beating it. In fact I think I glanced at my watch twice merely out of curiosity to see what my pace was, once on a hill (around 10 min/mile) and again on a downhill section (roughly 7.30 min/mile). I have recently been struggling with hills, they seem to sap all energy from my legs and leave them with a heaviness I cannot recover from. So this course felt like a very personal challenge, and one that I was not going to let defeat me. 

The parkrun quest had been to get back to my old 5k PB of 22 mins 37 secs in between finishing the Manchester Marathon in April and starting marathon training for the Berlin Marathon in June. My Berlin Marathon training started this week - which meant Saturday's trip to Lincoln parkrun should technically have been the week I stopped running in the 24/25 minute time zones and got my legs back into gear. Did I? Well no. But things felt more positive...

Heading into parkrun I knew there was no way I was going to run a PB, as I had yet to dip below 24 minutes since the Manchester Marathon; so a sudden near 2 minute drop would have been a bit extreme! My aim instead was to get under 24 minutes for the first time post marathon. I was feeling very determined heading into Saturday morning, this visit to parkrun marked nearly a year since my favourite ever parkrun (see blog), when my friends and I finished in 1st, 2nd and 3rd female positions, and I ran a huge PB at the time of 22.55. A year on and a lot has changed, some good things some not so good, but I had that memory driving me on too.

Standing on the parkrun start line next to my friend feels almost natural now, and as the 'go' signal is given I watch her almost effortlessly dart away from me, and then proceed to slot myself into my own position in the field. The week I keep up with her will be the week I know I am on for a PB! For the first lap of the three loop course I found myself running among a different group of females. I recognised them all as runners who have been finishing well before me in recent weeks, but I kept on their heels nevertheless, feeling comfortable. 

I was also focusing on my running form. A photograph taken at last week's parkrun had highlighted to me how bent over I was running, and comparing the image to past running photos I looked much less at ease (I hate the photo in fact!) So I was running aiming to lift my chest and legs higher, hoping this would consequently make my time drop lower (see image - which shows some minor improvement)!

​On the second lap the group of females I was chasing began to split and they edged away from me. After a fast first loop I knew I needed to not let my time suffer too much in this middle one. I didn't get preoccupied by my watch though, and instead focused again on my form and keeping in touch with runners around me. By the final circuit of Boultham Park I was feeling the best I had in a long time at parkrun. My legs were not complaining too much and I had no winded sensation in my stomach (possibly from running more upright?) I really dug deep now, trying to catch a female in front of me, and started to pick up my pace very early on. The final winding path felt like forever, and in particular the last 10 or so metres, which is a relative straight sprint into the funnel, seemed like a marathon as I gave everything I had. I collapsed in the funnel again, hands on knees, trying to catch my breath, knowing I should keep moving (sorry!) I had to look at my watch though. It read 24.07. 

​I was strangely not too disappointed in myself. I was not sub 24 minutes, but 24.07 is my best time since the Manchester Marathon, so this felt positive. I had also felt my best in a long time. Considering the week before Manchester I ran a 25.28 5k, I have knocked 1 min 20 secs off my time - which I should be proud of. Can I really run another 1 minute 20 secs quicker..? At times it feels almost impossible, especially when I know marathon training will sap some of my speed again. But if its one thing I am good at it, it is never giving up - so the parkrun quest continues. ​

In between finishing my Spring marathon and starting training for my next marathon, I am attempting to edge nearer to my 5k parkrun PB of 22.37 - the parkrun PB hunt. I do not have that many weeks to do this if I am honest, and last week in my first post marathon parkrun I managed a 24.26 time. This week the aim really was to knock some extra seconds off...

parkrun morning arrived and I was feeling a bit more confident in myself after a week of running in which I had managed to quicken my overall running pace slightly, and my legs also seemed a little better. Could I go sub 24 mins? A tiny part of me believed I could do this, and I tentatively mentioned it as my goal as I stood with my friend at Lincoln parkrun. We were not blessed with quite the gorgeous sunshine that last week brought, but it was still a pleasant morning. As 9am crept closer a little bubble of nerves started to rise inside me - this is what happens when I start putting time pressure on myself! Taking my place near the front of another huge field of Lincoln parkrunners I composed myself and prayed my legs would play game.

The first loop of the three lap course whizzed by, my legs felt good and I was really enjoying myself. I had debated running watch-less, as last week with my Garmin on a strange setting and no knowledge of my pace, I felt a lot happier. I couldn't quite bring myself to run 'naked', although I did not find myself referring to my watch; I could feel I was running ok and thus didn't need numerical reassurance. The second lap was a bit tougher, not on my legs so to speak, but I started to get a feeling in my stomach which I can only describe as if someone has punched their fist into the middle and is just keeping the pressure - its lovely as I am sure you can tell! 

The feeling in my stomach was not going to fade, but I was determined not to let my legs fade. I entered into the third lap and overtook another female runner - this was my first motivation boost. I was not going to let her re-overtake me! 

Saturday saw me complete my first Lincoln parkrun post the Manchester Marathon. A combination of other races, watching the London Marathon, and importantly having my turn at parkrun volunteering meant this was my first real opportunity to try out my legs. During 2016, and in the midst of marathon training, my parkrun times have been neither fast or consistent. I have ranged from late 23 minutes (once) to over 25 minutes. The latter time of 25.28 being my last visit before the marathon. 

With marathon training temporarily on the back burner, my aim for the next few weeks is try and get as close to my 5k PB as possible - a slightly daunting 22 minutes 37 seconds! I set this in June last year, so it feels like a long time since my legs were that rapid! For today's parkrun I wasn't expecting greatness or a PB, as my legs are definitely not back to their best, let alone capable of knocking some three minutes off my last 5k time. However, I knew I wanted to be faster than my pre-marathon run and thus set myself a sub 25 minute goal. 

Saturday was a beautiful sunny morning, and standing by the bandstand I remembered how during the summer months its so easy to forget you actually have to run still! I chatted away to my friend and clapped runner's achievements, enjoying the overall warmth of the atmosphere. The weather had bought out lots of runners, and there were in fact a record 404 finishers for the Lincoln event.

I reluctantly edged my way to the front of the start, not feeling like I really deserved to be there, but encouraged by my friend. On the 'go' signal I surged off like always, beginning my first lap of the three loop course. I kind of expected to feel a sudden heaviness or tightness hit my legs but to my slight shock I actually felt ok. I knew I must have been running reasonably well as my friend who in past weeks has been too far in front to even spot, was in my eyesight. The first lap was comfortably hard, and I had not even felt the need to check my watch. When I did glance down at it I realised I had it on some strange setting which did not show me my overall time. So I was now running blind. 

I think the absence of my watch was actually a good thing, as from then on I just ran to how I felt rather then nervously checking what my pace was and trying to mentally do calculations in my head. The second lap again felt ok, although I knew towards the end my pace must have been dropping as my friend was edging further into the distance. By the final lap, my legs were feeling tired and their power was beginning to fade. I have got used to this feeling occurring a lot earlier in the run though, so I pushed myself to keep going. 

I do not think anyone can argue with the fact that parkrun has to be one of the most successful community physical activity programmes that currently exists. The number of people who take part each week at events all over the UK, and in fact the world, clearly demonstrates this fact. What makes the events even more significant however is the fact that each is organised and led by an army of dedicated volunteers. All runners are encouraged to give back to parkrun by having a turn at volunteering instead of running; so this week I took my turn.

I have done a lot of volunteering in the past, in various forms, and so as I arrived at Boultham Park ready to support my local Lincoln parkrun  I was not unfamiliar to donning a forever glamorous high viz vest. I actually felt quite proud to be putting it on, like I was doing my bit to make today's run happen - which of course I actually was! This was my first time volunteering and I was absolutely amazed to find out that one of the other parkrun volunteers was volunteering at his 100th event - what an achievement and such commitment!

As Boultham Park was descended on by runners, and the usual parkrun formalities took place I had to keep reminding myself I wasn't actually running - Converse and jeans probably would not have helped me toward a very good time anyway! I did not feel this way because I wanted to be running rather than volunteering, more so that even as a volunteer you can still very much enjoy the friendly, relaxed and welcoming vibe of parkrun. In fact as we waited for the 9am start, I stood and chatted to fellow runners about our recent marathon experiences like I would do any other week. 

My role was to be responsible for finish tokens, and along with my friend we were required to hand one out to each finishing runner in the correct order. I liked this job as it meant I could watch the runners start and also clap them around the first lap of the three loop course, before assuming my position at the end of the finish funnel. It was the first time I have been able to stand back and watch parkrun and it was quite something seeing a seemingly never ending trail of runners weave its way around the park. The best part about being on finish token duty was that I was then able to congratulate every single runner as they finished. There was a manic rush of runners at one point, clearly a popular finishing time period, but together my friend and I survived! 

I had a constant smile on my face as I passed runners their finish token, my smile reflecting runners' own pride as they finished, or sometimes as I sympathized with the slightly pained expression on certain faces! My friend and I handed out 372 finishing tokens, said 372 'well done' messages, and also received 372 thankful acknowledgements in return. Everyone recognises the important role volunteers play in making parkrun happen and this was clear to see. 

Volunteering at parkrun is simple. There are no prerequisites - just willingness and enthusiasm! Its not hard work, nor is it stressful; it is simply rewarding and fun! I encourage you all to have a turn - I will certainly be supporting Lincoln parkrun again, and not just because I have my eye on the purple (my favourite colour) '25' volunteer milestone t-shirt! ​

Easter weekend saw my friend and I head to our local Lincoln Park Run. I had not been to Park Run for a few weeks, and on my last visit recorded a fairly respectable 23:56 - much better progress in my quest to return to my PB of 22.37. In 2016 I have literally been all over the place, predominantly stuck in the 24 minute time zone, sometimes getting closer to 23 minutes, but other weeks slipping closer to the 25 minute mark. And this week? Well I managed a shockingly poor 25.28.

I understand many would still view this as a good time, but I hope you can also see as someone who was once running 22 minute times, its a little bit frustrating! Why am I becoming so inconsistent? To be honest I am not really sure. I know I do struggle to maintain my speed when I am am marathon training, but that does not really account for my erratic times. Why was this week in particular so poor? Well that I may have some ideas about...

Before Park Run I was a little apprehensive of how I could/should approach the run. With the Manchester Marathon just two weeks away, any form of injury or unnecessarily tiring myself out I knew I would rue. My troublesome quad was also not perfect, and with the TFL tightness slightly spreading to my knee, I was not sure how much pain I might be in when running. So there were doubts in my mind before the clock had even struck 9am.

As the 'go' signal was given I went off as normal though. It was an amazingly busy Park Run, and I did struggle to find free running space for a lot longer than previous weeks. My first km split was therefore fast as a nipped past runners at any available opportunity. It was a speed I knew I could not sustain, and thus I settled for the next kilometer, feeling quite comfortable. Then it all rapidly went downhill. My legs started to feel heavy, my calves getting that tight brick like feeling - I knew what was coming. My strides become less effortless, I struck the ground with much less power and drive, and my pace dropped. As I slowed, people started overtaking me. I don't know why but this really affects me at Park Run, it gets me down and seems to reinforce that I am slowing.

There really is nothing like Park Run - I have come to that ultimate conclusion this weekend. I loved Park Run anyway, but this Saturday I was able to see the community fully in action for the first time, and I felt so proud of what Park Run has created.

My friend was volunteering today; unable to run due to injury, she was on funnel duties handing out finishing tokens. We thus arrived earlier than normal and it was fascinating to watch Boultham Park in Lincoln slowly be descended on by hoards of eager runners. I stood and chatted to a new runner who had never been to Park Run before, and realised how easily and enthusiastically I could describe the experience to her, hopefully putting her nerves at ease!

After a tough marathon training week, I was really looking forward to this week's run. I was still chasing a sub 24 minute time too (a milestone for me in my quest to get back to my PB of 22.37) after being stuck in the 24 minute time zone on my last few visits. I was running for the first time by myself, but it did not feel like it stood with the 350 strong starting runners. I went off fast as usual, the first two kilometers being sub 5 minute splits. I then slowed slightly, the next two kilometers being roughly 5 minute splits. I tried not to let this panic me, as I knew I had ran the first section strong and thus had some time to play with. The last kilometer came and I felt this determination and confidence surge through me, a feeling that has often been missing on my last few visits. I started picking up the pace straight away, highlighting runners in front to catch up with. Coming into the final bend a quick glance at my watch told me I had 30 seconds remaining until 24 minutes was hit. I could not let myself fail this week, and I also wanted to collect my finish token from my friend feeling proud of myself. I sprinted as fast as I could, taking over two runners in the process, and virtually flung myself across the line, anything to stop the clock! My time, 23.55 - I  had done it, running a super speedy final kilometer of 4 minutes 17secs. Finally!

A year ago on Saturday I took part in my first ever Park Run. Heading to my local Lincoln event with two of my friends I felt as nervous as I would do on a race day; I remember one of my friends laughing at my sheer level of anxiety! I did not want to even register for a barcode through fear – fear of what I am not exactly sure – which is an act I am now regretting in my quest for a Park Run milestone t-shirt! A year later I am a total Park Run convert, going as often as I personally can. I also love reading the stories and impact the event is having around the country. I am therefore pleased to say that a year on from my first event, I managed to introduce another person to the world of Park Run – my sister (see image). I have been trying to get my sister to go to Park Run in her hometown of Liverpool for a while, so when she came to visit me in Lincoln it felt like the perfect opportunity.

Saturday morning the weather was pretty dire; cool, grey, windy and with persistent heavy rain… conditions which would have put many people off getting up on a Saturday morning for a run. My sister is a regular runner though and this thankfully was not an issue; so we soon found ourselves huddled under the small bandstand on Boultham Park along with the other hardy Park Runners. I smiled as I pushed my slightly reluctant sister towards the new runner briefing, remembering exactly the same feeling I had standing there listening to the strange concept of barcodes and scanning a year ago.
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My sister was nervous as we waited to start; I had pushed us to the front as I was hoping for a good time. Some of you will have read that my recent Park Run performances have been below par and varied to say the least. Today I was determined to run sub 24 minutes; still minutes away from my PB, but a time that would much more acceptable in my mind. I wanted it badly, both for my own achievement and because I wanted to get the time for my friend who couldn’t run that morning and usually accompanies me to Park Run. I had even been lying in bed Friday night thinking about how I needed to run in order to do it. 

Perhaps I put too much pressure on myself, or maybe I am just not capable or running as fast as I think I should be able to at the moment, as I failed miserably, recording a 24.50 time – my slowest of 2016. I normally try not to beat myself up too much over finish times but today I was angry, upset and annoyed with myself; if it hadn’t been for my sister being there I think I would have been in a foul mood for the rest of the day!

If my Park Run time got any slower this week I think I would have thrown in the towel...! I am only joking of course; as you can probably gather from my running exploits and commitment to training, I am a very determined and dedicated person. However, if my time did get any worse, I think I would have be severely questioning where on earth my speed had disappeared to!

Thankfully I am pleased to say my time improved - finally! It was still not a groundbreaking finish, but at 24 mins 6 seconds (nearly 30 seconds faster than my last Park Run attempt) I was happy. It was certainly my favourite Park Run visit of 2016, and gave me more hope that I can return to running 22 minute times at some point this year! 

My plan for this week's trip to Lincoln Park Run was to pace myself. I had in my mind the splits I needed to run each kilometer at in order to get a 24 min finish and vowed to stick to this. Initially I went off fast to create some space amid the hoards of other Park Runners (nearly 400 at Lincoln was such as wonderful sight!), but I quickly settled down into my own more natural stride. I also took on something my friend had said she frequently does at Park Run, which is to find someone who looks to be running at the pace you want to be at, but also looks like they are running comfortably. I pinpointed my man, who was just ahead of me, and seemed to be effortlessly taking on the course, and kept him in my sights.  

For the first two laps of the three lap course I ran comfortably hard; my splits exactly the same for the first 2k and only slightly increasing for the third kilometre. I felt so much better than in previous weeks, when after the first lap I have found myself questioning how on earth I was actually going to get around, and by the second my legs were screaming to stop!  

Back to back Park Runs - a rare occurrence for me, but after last week's very poor time I wanted to try make amends. Did I manage to...er no! I will not beat about the bush, I ran a 24.30 time, so a further two seconds slower than the week before, and even further away from my 22.37 PB - was it actually me who ran that time?! I have realised that I am not in PB running form; I can feel I am not as fast I was in the Summer, when I was running 22 min Park Runs, and when I felt at my speediest. However I am trying to get closer to my 5k PB, so this week was not a good week. I will however try and find some positives...

I entered into this week's Park Run with a new strategy, not trying to keep up with my friend as she is too fast for me at the moment! I wanted to try and run a steady pace throughout, one which felt manageable but would also edge me closer to my PB mark. Doing some mental math as we waited for 9am, my friend and I worked out my goal kilometer split time, and I thus lined up at the start with the notion of sticking to this. I went off too fast, but this week's event was very busy and I wanted to get towards the front. I settled into the run though and felt comfortable. As we finished the first lap of the course, I glanced at my watch and was shocked to see I had only ran 0.6km.... then realised I had not switched it from miles to km! Pacing strategy was now thrown out the window!

I carried on and ran the second lap reasonably comfortably again, yo-yoing in front and behind a fellow female who seemed to be running around the same pace as me. Then the third lap arrived and my legs suddenly felt sapped. They didn't hurt or feel as heavy as last week - which I will take as a good thing! - but they just lost their drive.

What better way to kick start the New Year than with a Park Run! My friend and I ventured to our local Lincoln event to start 2016 as we mean to go on. We have set the target of doing at least one Park Run a month this year, and also want to be tourists in some new locations close to Lincolnshire. 

I headed to Park Run with my usual optimism of getting a PB. My friend and I have decided we never go to Park Run in other other mindset really! A PB would be a great way to begin the year and set a target to be beaten over the next 12 months. The weather was favorable, not too cold, not too windy, and no rain. It was slightly wet under foot, but thankfully this only really affects a small part of the Lincoln course - unlike some of the other Park Run photos I have seen from around the UK where people are very, very muddy!

My tactic was to aim to keep up with my friend. She has a faster PB than me so technically if I could keep close to her, and she ran within her usual time region, I could do it. Within about ten seconds of setting off the plan was out the window; she jetted off, and although I was not too far behind her, I was certainly not keeping up with her either. I ran the first 2km fast, I was in third female position and could see that my friend was also in first place, now already leading by a huge margin. My run plan was out the window but things seemed to be going ok...

This was soon to change, as I passed the half way mark, a tidal wave of pain and heaviness hit my quads, and instantly I went from feeling in control to feeling in trouble. Each step was requiring increasingly more effort and I knew I was slowing. 

Runners began to overtake me, and this made me feel a little demoralised, and also a little naive for going out so quick. I kept going, not really paying attention to the time and just hoping I could salvage something respectable.

​As I neared the final section I looked at my watch and knew from that brief glance I was on for a poor time. My pathetic sprint finish, in which I felt like I was dragging ten tonne weights instead of running with my legs, meant I stopped the clock at a woeful 24.28 - virtually two minutes over my PB. Even more embarrassingly, the time was slower than my Park Run before Christmas which I completed after 13 hours of drinking and five hours sleep, and nearly threw up during.

I have no excuses nor can I put my finger on why my legs gave up so catastrophically - I simply just could not run any faster! So my benchmark to start the year appears to suggest I have some work to do to get back to my own PB of 22.37, before I even begin to think about trying to beat that time. During marathon training this may be a tall order, but I will try nevertheless! In better news, my friend finished first female, putting nearly a minute gap between herself and the female runner in second place - a much better way to start the year! ​

Winter made itself well and truly felt at the weekend - it dropped so cold that snow was forecast, but thankfully avoided Lincolnshire (I hate snow). Saturday was bitterly cold and windy, yet my friend and I braved the elements and headed to Park Run (see image). The weather was pretty dire, and there were lots of comments being made about how mad we all were for being there! But we were there, and there was now the matter of 5k to run.

I was hoping to try and aim for a PB having been so close - 3 seconds away - on both my last two Park Run visits; but with the weather as it was, I kind of knew this may be a bit unrealistic. I am also not really sure why I thought I was capable of running a PB. I have not been doing any specific training and a lot less running than normal, so where I was going to pull this PB out from I don't know! But as with every Park Run I complete, I aimed just to give it my all.

The first lap of the course felt like my body was warming up rather than actually running! I was close behind my friend at this point, but on the second lap the gap lengthened. I was trying hard to keep in contact with her, but it felt like I was not really getting anywhere despite my efforts. Entering the third and final lap, I was never going to catch her, but had my eye on overtaking the woman in front of me, which gave me a new focus. I was therefore gutted when she suddenly dropped out, leaving me running virtually alone with no one close in front, or on my heels. I kept going, hoping to motivate myself to muster a strong finish and record a reasonable time. 

Saturdays's trip to Lincoln Park Run with my friends was a bit of a milestone for us. We were not collecting our '50' t-shirts (we each have a fair way to go to be worthy of earning one of those sadly!) but we were using the event to celebrate the last time we would all be running together, with one of my friends Australia bound in a few weeks. Unfortunately my jet setting friend could not actually run due to injury, but was still able to participate in the morning as chief photographer and number one supporter!

Park Run has held a lot of memories for us during 2015. It all started on Valentines Day, the first time we ran the event together, and when I was too nervous to even take a bar code and have my time recorded! We clearly enjoyed it and went back two weeks later, when I slumped to a 26 minute run with tired marathon training legs. I somehow managed to accept this time though, due to the unique environment of Park Run meaning I was too happy being able to celebrate the achievements of my friends that day - this was when I really realised what a wonderful event Park Run is, any other run I would have been severely disappointed in myself!

There can be no greater achievement than the week we ran Park Run on my friend's birthday and recorded a female 1-2-3, with the birthday girl finishing first. This I am sure will be the greatest Park Run we will each ever participate in. Then there is the individual greatness which we are able to witness each other reach. My speed queen friend zooming around the Park Run course with seeming ease on each visit, racking up PBs regardless of what she ate or drank on the Friday night before! My 'machine' friend who consistently pulls out impressive times, even when marathon training - which puts my 26 minutes rather to shame! I personally was also proud of the way I bounced back after marathon training, taking nearly three minutes off my Park Run PB in my first run after the London Marathon. We also went through a spell of doing the Saturday 'triple'; Park Run followed by a Body Attack class and then a Body Pump class - a mad feat in itself! 

I had no idea how this week's Park Run would go as Friday night I had consumed a lot of cake and alcohol as part of a leaving party for my friend. I was contemplating taking it easy, but as I arrived the competitiveness within me came out, and I knew I would have to give it my all. The first lap of the three loop course felt great, no pain in my legs and with the added motivation of posing for my friend on camera duty! On the second loop, much to my shock, my legs still felt fine, however my stomach was starting to feel a little odd. The only way I can describe it was it felt as if someone had punched their fist into it and wouldn't stop the pressure! Delightful! I told myself it was fine though as it didn't really matter how my stomach felt as long as my legs would keep going! This mentality worked, and on the third lap I gave it my all. I could spot my friend in the distance and knew she was due to finish third female. There was a female runner between us, meaning I was 5th. I had no idea if there was another woman close behind me or not, but I did not want to take the chance, and was determined to maintain my position. Sprinting to the finish I did it; although on stopping it felt as if my stomach was severely bruised and I actually had to double over to catch my breath and ease the pain - maybe a little too much cake and alcohol was to blame! 

My official time was 22.39 - exactly the same as the last time I ran Lincoln Park Run and once again two seconds away from being a PB! I was also, once more, in awe of my friend, who ran a 22.10 Park Run PB even though next week is the New York Marathon she has been training for! 

As is clear, our group trips to Lincoln Park Run have all been memorable in different ways, and I did feel a little sad knowing it would be a long time before we were all running a Park Run together again. However I know we will not let this week's trip be the last ever time we all attend a Park Run, and that's the main thing! ​

My venture to Lincoln Park Run at the weekend saw me achieved a new 5km PB of 22.37. Clearly I am extremely happy with this outcome, however running Park Run this weekend also made me think; and it was on my Sunday long run where I really pondered the run and came to the following rambled conclusions:

1) I am very competitive - I knew I had a certain level of competitiveness inside me, mainly in the form of trying to beat my own records, but Park Run made me realise I actually really want to beat others. Before we started Park Run I was stood eyeing up the competition, trying to work out which of the other females may be a threat to my finishing position. Then during the run as we entered the final stretch of the Park Run course, I picked out two females in front of me and literally told myself I had to beat them at whatever cost, I sprinted past them and carried on towards the finishing funnel, bending over breathless as my challenge had been achieved. In that moment I was so pleased I had overtaken them I even forgot to stop my Garmin - unheard of!

2) The treadmill really can help me run - During Park Run I completed virtually the whole course following my friend. I couldn't quite catch up to run alongside her, but I was always within near touching distance of her. It took a lot of effort to do this, but I was determined for a gap not to appear. How did I do this... literally by imagining I was running on a treadmill! When on a treadmill I set it to a pace and make my legs keep up, they have no choice to slow down unless I change the setting, which takes a lot for me to bring myself to do. So I imagined my friend was the treadmill belt, I had no choice but to keep up with her and thus prevent that gap from appearing.

3) I love my team - Behind every runner is most certainly a team, whether that be supporters cheering you on at races, friends listening to your running problems and achievements, or the physio patching you back up when your body chooses to give up a little. At Park Run I experienced a strong example of my team helping me.

With one kilometre to go the friend I was following turned to me and told me to go on, had she not done this I would have maintained my current pace, which I already felt was pushing myself. But the fact I trusted what my friend thought and her knowledge of my capabilities meant a sudden surge of self belief hit me, and from somewhere I found that extra speed in my legs to go on and get that PB.

4) Am I asking myself to do the impossible -  this was my biggest reflection from Park Run. Elite runners are specialists in their field. Mo Farah would never attempt to run 100m, and Usain Bolt would never be lining up at a marathon start line. But here I am, an amateur runner trying to be the best at everything. I want to run a super fast 5km and get a sub 45min 10km, but then I also want to run a sub 4 hour marathon (ideally get 'good for age' for the London Marathon which is now 3hrs 45mins!) and wouldn't mind a sub 1hr 45min half marathon too... Is this even possible!? My new Park Run PB is so much faster than my 5km time during my London Marathon training period earlier this year that it would (logically) appear that as I focus on one event my body adapts to this, momentarily assuming its new role. That led me to question, if I just trained for one distance for the rest of my running life what could I achieve...? I guess I will never know unless I actually tried this, but I know I won't! The excitement of new challenges, new distances and the thrill of chasing those personal goals is too appealing at the moment. I may be asking myself to do the impossible, but at least I am having fun trying!

Saturday morning saw me complete what could quite possibly be my greatest Park Run ever. Together with my two friends we managed to squeeze in a trip to Lincoln Park Run before I headed away for the weekend on a training residential. Despite a bit of rushing around, it was all made extremely worthwhile...

We arrived at Boultham Park quite early as it was also my friend’s birthday and we wanted to give presents beforehand. Heading to the assembly point, it was clear it was going to be a beautiful morning for running, warm but not too hot and only a slight breeze in the air. I usually get quite nervous before a formal run, even a Park Run, and I had felt a little anxious before leaving the house. Now any form of nerves had completely gone as we stood chatting in the sun – I nearly forget we actually had to run still!

The running element of Park Run obviously did arrive, and as we gathered at the start line my intention was to try and beat my Alien onesie time of 24mins 52secs which I recorded at Old Deer Park Run in London a few weeks back. I would be even happier if I managed to get under my Lincoln Park Run PB of 24mins 40secs. As the run started I was instantly shocked at how different my legs felt. My last Lincoln Park Run venture had been well into my marathon training, when I recorded a sluggish 26mins. Running the same route again meant I was able to directly feel the variation in the two runs, and I literally felt like a totally different runner. My strides felt longer and more powerful, whilst my feet seemed to only strike the ground briefly before stretching out effortlessly. My two friends were also close to me, whereas last time I had lost them within seconds, only glimpsing them streaks ahead of me at turns in the course.

Lincoln Park Run involves three laps of the same course, and after the first lap I started to think to myself I must not be able to keep this up. I maintained my pace though, and although my friends had gained a little gap on me, they were still very much in my constant vision. Entering the third lap I could barely believe I was still running so strongly. I started competing with a male runner who was just in front of me, and we spent most of the time nudging backwards and forwards in front of each other. I streaked ahead of him on a slight downhill section of the course, seeing my chance to make distance. I put all my effort into keeping in front and I could just hear his footsteps behind me as we turned the last bend. This spurred me on to push further into my legs and sprinting to the finish funnel I made it, literally pipping my competitor at the post.

The competition I was engaged in during the final lap meant I had not been paying much attention to my time. I was therefore absolutely gobsmacked to see my Garmin displaying an unofficial time of 22.57. My two friends had finished just in front of me and needless to say had also recorded excellent finish times. As we headed back to the car for birthday cake I tentatively raised the question of whether there had been any other female finishers before us, as I could not recall seeing many, if any. None of us were really sure, and with the important matter of cake to be eaten it was temporarily forgotten.

The excited wait for the Park Run email then consumed the rest of my morning. Sat in my training workshop, I subtly kept checking my phone, until at last it arrived. My time: 22.55. Not only this but I was first in my age category, 48th overall finisher and, most importantly, third female overall! I was ecstatic! After this surge of exhilaration it then hit me that as my friends had both finished in front of me, they must have came in first and second place - meaning we took all three top places. Moreover, my friend whose birthday it was topped of her birthday run by finishing first, leading to literally the best Park Run result possible. 

The thrill of finishing third almost meant I didn't take the time to fully appreciate the numerical time I had recorded. Nearly two minutes faster than my previous Park Run PB and over three minutes faster than my last Lincoln Park Run. This really emphasised to me just how much marathon training had taken out of my legs and the constant state of tiredness they must have been in. I was also quite proud that my finish time seemed to demonstrate that my post marathon training has been effective in restoring my legs to where they were prior to embarking on sixteen weeks of high mileage running.

All in all, what some would see as a little 5km run around a Lincoln park, brought a lot of pleasure, achievement and fun; and has given me another fantastic running memory to keep and share with my friends.