So again, it’s been somewhat of a long time since my last post and there’s a common theme occurring in that I usually post when something “happens”
Aside from the fact today that I actually finished 1st at parkrun (my first ever 1st place) and knocking 13 seconds off my PB this is about something different.
So what does parkrun mean, actually what is parkrun? I’m guessing that if you stood in Middlesbrough town centre or any town centre for that matter and asked that question the majority would just shrug their shoulders. If only they knew what they were missing out on. I’ll admit that in November 2013 I had no idea too and through word of mouth here I am.
How would you sum up parkrun, what would you say are your favourite bits; the community? The common drive? The continued support? To me it’s everything, all of the above and so much more. Today summed it up massively for me, a very very regular volunteer and massive parkrun supporter ran her first parkrun today in the Category VW 70-74 whilst working alongside the army of volunteers organising a charity raffle. Now if that doesn’t epitomise all of the above I’ve no idea what does!
Through parkrun we’ve met people who we previously would have walked past without an inkling that we shared common interests. I’ve met some fantastic people through parkrun and made some fantastic friends, from the smallest of juniors to the oldest of elders and those in between too. I’ve also met my best friend, who is practically a female version of me! You know who you are!
Strangely for me, one of the most important things I look out for at parkrun is the “first timers” talk, to see how many newbies we have, some may be from other parkruns but in the main the majority are those joining the community and to see that is fantastic.
There was a lovely extract this week in the parkrun newsletter which could have been wrote just for me.
“It’s given me self-respect where there was once desperation; it’s given me my family where once there was spirit-crushing desolation; it’s given me faith in the human race when each club session, each race, each parkrun shows the very best of the human spirit: the desire to achieve and to realise your potential. Above all, it’s given me life.”
And from me, my little words.
“Exercise may change your body, but running will change your life”
@Mrtoise