parkrun, lap two

I did the Dodder Valley parkrun for the last few weeks since the Marley run is off for the concerts. Well organized with a very friendly crowd.

The last stretch as you come back towards the finish line is tough with a slight incline and a headwind, no records broken but I will be going back again for sure.

Random question, does VHI still give you a run credit if you do a Northern Ireland parkrun?

Started running in February and have only done four so far. Trying to do ten different ones for my first ten as I'm into other hobbies where stats matter!

So far Tramore Valley (ok), Youghal (quite enjoyed that one), UL (bit of a narrow course due to growth) but Bere Island wins despite the hills. Seems to be a popular one for milestones, running royalty was in the building that day.

What was the old event called and what's the new event called?

And through some googling Three Brooks is the new one.

Twitter/X/Twix/whatever account that might be worth following is @ new5kparkruns it's able to see behind the curtain and work out when new events are getting set up around the World.

For example I believe this unnamed Irish run is going to be in some woods just outside Portlaoise.

https://x.com/new5kparkruns/status/1817213813931794604?t=O9bGdJEhojOzgmoK4ICnfg&s=19

Can’t see something like that being called parkrun.

Hopefully. I don't like to speak ill of our fine tourists but this fella did seem a bit full of it.

Anyway, better evidence that Togher Woods Portlaoise is happening. Found a Flickr page set up.

https://www.flickr.com/groups/togherwoods-parkrun/

Two Parkruns in Wales set up earlier this year with practically the same name and would certainly be of interest to alphabet chasers. They're called Y Promenâd and Y Promenâd, Abermaw . The former is inland in Brecon, the latter is on the more expected Welsh coastline.

Inch beach is always worth a visit if you're in the area.

Keep an eye on Laytown's facebook page, as tides may mean it doesn't go ahead.

they look too similar to the parkwalker vests. At least we don't have the pink volunteer vests that they use in the UK.

I think we have reached peak parkrun.

That's a big drop in your PB, just be mindful that you will in essence be running all out, so probably set a target Saturday, running all out at every parkrun till you get to 30mins, might lead to an injury.

A good workout might be doing 1K intervals at say 6-30/45 pace, you won't be doing a full 5K, but you'll get a feeling for the quicker pace. Sprints will help you finish strong, but gradually increasing your 1k pace will build your confidence and make you fitter.

You're currently running 7min pace for 35mins, looking to do 6min for 30mins might take a while dependent on age, fitness, the course you will run, days a week running etc etc.

Speaking personally, I'm hoping to go officially sub 23mins, I've ran sub 23 5K's but never a PR. My current fitness would be sub 24min so I'm honestly looking at a Saturday a good few months away. I've some trail races and 10k's to do, I'm getting older and my fitness prime was a couple of years ago.

Building up gradually is a better idea, so maybe once a week do a 10min easy warm up at 7-30+ per K, try 1K at 6-45, recover for a couple of mins, another K at 6-45, recover and dependent on your current fitness, do this for either 3/4 or 5 intervals and then cool down. Again dependent on fitness and how you feel, reduce the interval pace and make them longer, so say 2K at 6-30, eventually running 5K at sub 6mins will be a normal Parkrun.

Is parkwalker the most pointless volunteer role? I could probably see a point to it on a single loop parkrun where the walkers may feel isolated but on our three lapper I fail to see any benefit. Perhaps partly that's because our route is next to a national park and there are much better options to go for a walk and not get buzzed by large groups of runners.

Does the parkwalker role work better at other parkruns?

Mightn't even take you a year, because you've got the right attitude. You'll notice your average 1K time come down, you'll be chatting during parkrun, where you didn't previously. Best of luck, as Del Boy used to say "this time next year Rodney, we'll be running Parkrun PB's"

What's your Point? 😛

If you have the 5k app, take a look at the Voroni filter. Lands End takes a nice chunk of the map.

Where did you see that?

Right here.

https://www.parkrun.ie/castletown/