Building back to running…

Ah, running – my last post… about six months after that post, I tore my calf muscle, and sadly, I’ve never reached those giddy heights again!

I tried and tried, but I couldn’t find the love. It might be coming back a little now, but that’s more to do with the things I’ve been doing related to running.

Firstly, strength sessions. I knew this was something I had to do, but my fear of gyms and their culture was a massive turn-off. Eventually, I found a local women-only class, and I took the plunge! Typically, it was one of those situations when I wondered why I had waited so long.
Welcoming, inclusive, and a great laugh, I’m so proud of where I’ve got to, and it’s a great thing to look forward to each week.

Alongside that is my commitment to parkrun; next week will be my 127th volunteering session, with 126 of those at Andover. The week after, I will celebrate my 34th turn as Run Director.
Compared to others at our parkrun, I’m quite the newbie; with one of our marshals having over 300 sessions, a timekeeper recently achieving 250, and our funnel manager having over 200 sessions, none of them run anymore either!
We also have teenagers getting their first experience of volunteering by completing their Duke of Edinburgh with us, with many continuing to volunteer after they have completed their award.
Why do we all do this? Why do teenagers, who would probably prefer to be in bed, and people who have never run keep coming back?
I can only speak for myself, but I know the difference it makes and the warm fuzzy feeling it gives me – encouraging someone, being a smiling face, and clapping for the first few runners through to the person walking their first ever 5k.
Without volunteers, parkrun wouldn’t happen. We all know the difference it makes to people’s mental health, whether they run or walk, or volunteer. I know that I can get out of bed and feel terrible, but I also know that putting on that pink hi-vis will bring a smile to my face and enable over 300 people to complete their 5k in the wind, rain or sunshine!

If you want to participate in parkrun, you can sign up here or find your local event here. If you’re interested in volunteering, you can contact your nearest parkrun, and they will be grateful for your help.