I’ve decided that I quite like running. There. I said it.
Unlike the last time I ran a half marathon, this time I’ve kept running. One of the reasons is that I like to get outside and I like to get away from my desk for a while.
I’m lucky. We live just a few minutes from Strathclyde Country Park and the River Clyde so I have some great places to run.
I run by myself. I’m not sure I’m much of a ‘joiner’. Running suits me in that regard. I can stick on my iPhone, listen to music and get lost in my thoughts.
But…
I’m tempted by ParkRun.
ParkRuns are popping up all over the UK (and around the world). There is one at Strathclyde Park. You just register online, print your personal barcode and rock up at 9.30am on a Saturday morning for a timed 5km run with other people who probably spend the rest of the week running alone.
Strathclyde parkrun is a FREE weekly 5km event for runners of all standards, which takes place every Saturday at 9.30am in Strathclyde Country Park.
It is not a race against other runners, but a 5k timed run and it can really be whatever you want it to be, whether that’s for fun or as part of a training plan.
It offers an opportunity for all the local community, male or female, young or old, to come together on a regular basis to enjoy this beautiful park and get physically active into the bargain. We want to encourage people to jog or run together irrespective of their ability – this event is truly open to all and best of all it really is FREE!
Taking part is easy – just register in advance by 6pm on the Friday before your first ever parkrun here. The great thing is that you only ever need to do this once! Then just set your alarm for Saturday morning and get yourself there!
After the run, if you don’t have to get off straight away, there will be the chance to socialise with everyone at the Waterfront Café (upstairs in the watersports centre) to maybe swap stories about your run that day, chat to other runners over a cup of tea or coffee and just be an important part of this new running community.
So whether you are a complete novice looking to get yourself started on your own “running journey” or a seasoned athlete wanting to use this as a part of your training schedule, you’re welcome to come along and join us.
So, I might pop down… Joining in without pressure. I like that.
After all, there is cake!
My big sis is involved in these. Currently, injury means she’s doing the organising and stewarding but she loves it and reckons it’s a great way to “run on your own with other people”
Give it a go, Stewart, and report back 🙂