My First Parkrun: Hartlepool, April 2015

Six Days a Runner

On 29 March 2015, my first ever run. 3 miles around Hartlepool (I thought this was a 5k). Never run anywhere before. Not at school, not at the gym. I had never heard of Strava before so downloaded the first app I could find, Runkeeper, old trainers laced up, out the door. Awful and brilliant at the same time.

Six days later, today, Hartlepool Parkrun. No idea what to expect. Did not know there was a barcode system. Did not know there was a briefing. Just showed up in a football t-shirt and hoped for the best.

The Run

Finished in 24 minutes and 24 seconds. No idea if that is good or bad. Went out far too fast (4:07km) for the first KM, nearly died at 2K, somehow held on. Lungs burning, legs like jelly.

The atmosphere was the surprise. Everyone so encouraging. Clapping at the finish line, volunteers cheering, runners of all ages and abilities. No judgement. Running 17 minutes or 37 minutes gets the same cheer.

Am I a Runner Now?

Two runs does not make a runner. But the feeling afterwards, exhausted but weirdly happy, that is worth chasing again. Going back next Saturday.

If you have never done a parkrun, just go. No fitness required. No special gear. Register online, print a barcode, turn up. Free, welcoming, and might just be the start of something.