If you haven't heard about this thing called Parkrun, I'm about to burst that little bubble you've been living in. If you have heard of it and you know what a barcode is than you're gonna get what the hype is all about! This weekend I hit up Curl Curl Parkrun on the north shore which was also a great opportunity to catch up with my mentor, Barrister Sophia Beckett (check her credentials Sophia Beckett - Forbes Chambers) for a post- run breaky and coffee.
Im just gonna put it out there - I love Parkrun! Anyone can participate in this FREE, WEEKLY, TIMED, COMMUNITY driven 5km event. No matter what level you are at or even if you have never run before, Parkrun is for you! Whether you run, walk, chase your dog or volunteer it's the best way to start your weekend.
Can you see me? I'm there!]
My motivation:
I really dig the 5km because a solid performance at this distance forms a good base for longer runs including the 10km, 21km and 42km marathon. I can track my weekly progress and my body recovers well following a 5km threshold. This weekend at Curl Curl was also my first fitness check as I prepare for the Sydney Marathon. I am running this event for charity - you can read all about it here at: Teela Tackle's Diabetes.
[Pic: St Peters Parkrun, PB 5km 20.45]
[Total of 25 Parkruns (on record): Teela's Stats]
Why the 5km is freaking awesome:
So I've done my (not - so - comprehensive) research - we all know we can rely on Runner's World for legitimate running procrastination. Here are some of the top tips why the 5km rocks:
- You can train and still have a life, race hard and walk normally the next day, and get really fit really fast.
- A focus on completion rather than competition- 5-Ks have somehow lost a lot of their badass-iness.
- They have become little more than a gateway drug for marathons.
- It encourages you to develop a combination of endurance, speed, and strength.
- When you're aiming for a 5km PB each weekend at Parkrun, you are likely to train your butt of during the week. Got to love those short and sweet speed session!
- If people ran more 5-Ks, I'm positive the average life satisfaction of humans would increase dramatically.
[Pic: Native Nat
leading out the conveniently named Blackbutt Parkrun
in his budgy smugglers]
So what are you waiting for?
In all honesty, I have NEVER heard someone say - "well I regret that Parkrun!" The people, the atmosphere, the positive vibes and good times is what Parkrun is all about! I have met some amazing people through this community event - no matter what age, race or gender we are all runners deep down!
N.B. No Parkrun in your community? No problem. Contact Parkrun Australia to get one!
Shout Outs:
- Big ups to Dave Robertson from Newcastle, Australia who introduced this amazing concept into the community in 2012. This was my first ever experience at Parkrun and I have fallen in love ever since!
- SWEAT SYDNEY: Sean Williams, my coach - he is THE BEST! We have the greatest training grounds located in Centennial Park Sydney. Check out his page for a range of training groups.
