LETS DO A PARKRUN!
Diana Fountain at Bushy Park (London Borough of Richmond upon Thames) where the story of Parkrun began in 2004 (Image: Sumi Sarma)
STORY
Bushy Park- thats where it all began in 2004. Paul Sinton-Hewitt started his first time trial at Busy Park to recover from an injured leg and today Parkrun has over 5 mn registered runners.
The ultimate aim is to be outdoors, get a sense of fresh air, a bit of cardio but most of all, create camaraderie and a happy fulfilled state of mind. There are nearly 400,000 of us who volunteer around the world and for me personally, this is a show of gratitude to a sport and now, a way of life, that taught me to take up life’s challenges, keeping my chin up while maintaining a positive and motivated frame of mind. One thing that you should know is that you are not alone in this journey. Most of us who do it, are doing it for a reason whether they are on the struggle to become fit, lose weight, get cardio, gain friends, get out of the usual monotonous rut or basically…..to get out and have a good time!
Parkrun Woking (second week of January 2019, one of the few rare times Parkrun had to be cancelled as the grounds were just too slippery. But yes it does go on irrespective! (Image: Sumi Sarma)
OPPORTUNITIES – WHAT DO YOU GAIN
Opportunities apart from exercise, are plenty through this adventure. There are opportunities to practice mindfulness, opportunities to create social networks, opportunities to gain support and acceptance, opportunities to feel a sense of achievement, the adrenalin and finally, the sweat, no one talks of sweat…sweat has a unique way to make us feel invigorated! So do not for once think this is not meant for you.
HOW DO YOU PARKRUN?
Parkrun is not a race. You do it for yourself and if you feel you have achieved something positive at the end of it, that is solely going to be yours to claim. Sometimes it may take a few times to get there, but you will get there. Some days you just don’t feel like pushing yourself, some days you just don’t have it in you. Its alright – those are the days when you take it slow and easy -a brisk walk or a slow jog. Its only once a week on Saturday so hopefully not something that you are being pushed into.
Each course is different – some are flat, some hilly, some tarmac, some grassy, some dirt track with lake views and some with multiple laps in built up districts, but all aim for a 5km. Each teaches you a new way of experiencing and adjusting yourself to different circumstances, isn’t that how life is too?
Volunteers at Parkrun start gathering and getting the park ready as early as 8 am itself! There is a lot to get done to make this run fun, organised and seamless (Image: Sumi Sarma)
FIRST TIMERS AND VISITORS BRIEFING
Holding the placard for briefing new runners and visitors. Communication breaks down barriers! (Image: Sumi Sarma)