June 23rd 2024.
I have a bit of a confession to make – I am absolutely obsessed with parkrun. In fact, I have set myself the challenge of completing 100 different parkruns by the end of 2024. It may seem like a lofty goal, but it’s one that I am determined to achieve.
Recently, I found myself in Gdańsk, Poland, and as I pulled up to a small park in a taxi, I couldn't help but smile. Not only was I greeted by the stunning sight of the world's largest castle, but I also spotted the familiar purple and orange parkrun sign. This meant one thing – I had arrived at the start line of the Zamek w Malborku parkrun and I was filled with excitement.
For those who are unfamiliar, parkrun is a free, weekly 5km event that originated in the UK, but has since spread all over the world. While I have attended many parkruns near my home, I knew that travelling nearly 1,000 miles to this particular location was necessary for two reasons.
Firstly, it allowed me to complete my 'parkrun alphabet' – a personal challenge where I try to complete a parkrun starting with every letter of the alphabet. As you can imagine, the letter Z was quite elusive, and there are currently no parkruns starting with this letter in the UK. So, I had to venture further afield from my usual parkruns in south east London, such as Bromley, Beckenham Place Park, and Crystal Palace.
But more importantly, it allowed me to tick off a new location. As a parkrun enthusiast, I am always looking for new and exciting places to run, and this one did not disappoint.
Now, you may be wondering why I am so dedicated to parkrun. Well, let me tell you – it is so much more than just a race. It is a community, a support system, and a source of joy and positivity.
In fact, my love for parkrun goes way back. I first discovered it when I was in my mid-twenties and going through a tough time. My job as a news editor was taking a toll on my mental and physical health, and I was feeling like a failure. But parkrun gave me a sense of purpose and a place where I could be myself without any judgment.
So, when I set my goal of completing 100 parkruns by 2024, it seemed completely doable. But then, I found out I was pregnant. This news didn't deter me, though. I continued to run, even completing my 79th parkrun at Parke in south Devon while experiencing some strange symptoms.
It wasn't until a week later, when I realized I was pregnant, that everything started to make sense. But I refused to let this stop me from reaching my goal. Of course, I had to make some adjustments during my first trimester, but I continued to run and even completed my first trimester on parkrun number 83.
Now, as I enter my third trimester, some people have suggested that I should stop running or at least take it easy. But I disagree. Running has been a crucial part of my mental and physical well-being for years, and I see no reason to stop now.
I have consulted with a physiotherapist, monitored my heart rate, and made sure to take breaks when needed, but I have not let my pregnancy slow me down. In fact, I have completed 23 parkruns and visited 13 new locations since finding out I was pregnant, from Malling to Milton Keynes, Edinburgh to Amsterdam.
Each parkrun is a unique experience, and I have loved discovering new places to run, from universities to woods to National Trust properties. But I have to say, my favorite so far has been Wollaton Hall parkrun in Nottingham, with its picturesque course featuring a lake and some friendly deer.
As I approach my due date, the end of my challenge is in sight, and I am determined to reach my goal before our little one arrives. This means squeezing in a new parkrun almost every week, even if it means going before birthday parties or weddings.
Some may think I am crazy for being so dedicated to parkrun, but to me, it is not just a place to run. It is a place of community and positivity, where I can take a break from the busyness of life and appreciate the little things. And I can't wait to introduce our newest addition to the parkrun family when the time is right.
Do you have a parkrun story to share? I would love to hear it! Share your views in the comments below or email me at
[email protected].
And don't forget – parkrun is not just for runners. It's for everyone. So, come join us as we embark on a series of exciting wellbeing content, brought to you by Metro and parkrun. Together, we can empower, inspire, and energize each other. Register for parkrun here – it's free and you only need to register once.
Thank you for reading about my parkrun journey. If you want to follow along, you can find me on Instagram @lydiagoesrunning. See you at the finish line!
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