welcome to the newsletter
In this week’s edition of the newsletter we receive some literary brilliance from the US of A and Carol recounts her transcontinental parkrun adventures.
In the parkrun USA newsletter last week, Julie Messina wrote a passage so beautiful and so clever about the meaning of ‘parkrun’ that I just had to share it with you all this week. It’s so good that for once I have nothing else to say…
As a lifelong language pedant and a former English-language teacher, this daughter of a linguist knows a thing or two about grammar and syntax. Ask Ms. McKown who the best was at diagramming sentences in eighth-grade English class. Ask my beloved whose editing skills helped the brilliance in his reports to shine like the low, eastern sun early in the morning. Ask my friends on Facebook who won’t quit pointing out when they’ve used “your” instead of “you’re”. Now, ask who has insisted that Microsoft not ignore my spelling of “parkrun” but, rather, add it to the dictionary.
Spelling mistakes from this keyboard are rare as hen’s teeth, so I assure you that “parkrun” really is all one word and all lower case. It is not park run, nor is it Park Run. As a word, and as a concept, parkrun is small, simple, accessible, and uncomplicated. It’s about putting together two little words with gigantic themes into one little space on the page: parkrun.
Still not convinced? Let’s examine this compound noun’s constituent parts. First, we have “park”. To me, parks are about community. They’re about open, shared spaces where the flora and fauna can simply be flora and fauna and where we humans can go to stand amongst the bits and pieces of nature and feel a bit of peace in our otherwise hectic lives.
Next, there’s the “run”. It’s such a little word that escapes with the tiniest of breaths, although it requires quite a lot of gasping and huffing and puffing to actually perform. For some, it’s a goal; others see it as a way to reach a goal. For many of us, it’s a pendulum that swings wildly towards pain and away from pleasure before it goes reeling back in the other direction.
These are the little words that got put together, and now they mean something else. For some folks, this compound noun means no more sleeping in on Saturdays. For others, it means friendships. For some parkrunners I’ve met, it means a path to fitness, a way to stay strong during chemo, or a preemptive excuse for that impending cinnamon bun. But all of that is too much to say when you’re trying to do a 5k, so let’s just call it – and spell it – parkrun.
Thanks Julie!
Happy running,
Tim from parkrun Australia (get in touch)
Were you a first timer last weekend, or did you run a personal best? We would love to hear about your experience on email, @parkrun_au or on Facebook.
Essential Stats for Australia & Singapore
Number of locations – 105
Number of runners – 15,747
Number of PBs – 2,243
Number of first timers – 3,122
Number of volunteers – 978
Number of members – 168,458
‘Our Great parkrun Odyssey’ by Carol Cunningham
In October Troy and I left our jobs in Singapore and said a sad farewell to East Coast Park parkrun, our local parkrun for the last 4 months and headed off to travel by land and sea through Asia and Europe to the UK for Christmas. We were looking forward to having a few months just to relax and perhaps as Troy was hoping, to have a break from exercise completely (we are both fitness instructors). But to my delight, and a big sigh from Troy, look what we found along the way.......
After three days sat on the Trans Siberian train, we arrived in Moscow itching to stretch our legs. Excited I saw that parkrun had officially started in Russia earlier that year. Gorky parkrun is the most central Moscow parkrun, perfectly located on the banks of the Moscow River and opposite the Olympic stadium. Arriving early with three layers of clothes, we were taking no chances in minus ten degrees Celsius, quite a shock after living in Singapore for 15 months. Daniel Bobkin and his team of volunteers were extremely hospitable, treating us like minor celebs with Cemeh Cepnkob, Country Manager making a special appearance to escort the 'overseas guests' along the out and back route. The start was a little different - everyone to line up side by side and be regimentally counted. That unfortunately dashed our hopes that we could duck out half way (we had done no exercise in the four weeks prior!). At the finish line, despite the freezing temperatures, a picnic was laid out with flasks of hot drinks and cake to share. How wonderful I thought, they'd done this specially for us.....hahaha it turns out they do this every week, preferring this to the local cafe. And I agree, it was a great way to finish parkrun and a lovely way to meet everyone. We also were presented with a parkrun Russia bag, wrist band and badge before we left. Felt very spoilt.
Our second international parkrun took us to Amager Faelled parkrun in Copenhagen, Denmark. Claim to fame here is this was the first ever parkrun outside the UK sat smack in the sprawling Amager Faelled park to the south of the city. It was run by the most lovely Anne who you cannot miss wearing a massive pointy red hat and supported by a very enthusiastic band of volunteers. This was a tough parkrun, a little windy and exposed but definitely worth making the visit.
Kraków parkrun was a late decision. We decided to make a slight detour in our plans to visit Auschwitz and then found out Kraków parkrun was close to where we were staying. Two loops of a deceptively big park and another tough one in the cold. However we timed our arrival date at this one just right. As it was the last one before Christmas, Agnieszka (run director) and the rest of the volunteers had laid out cake, hot tea and cake and more cake. I am sure we spent more time eating than running.
In the UK we ticked off three parkruns. Hull parkrun is one of the largest in the UK and still run with superb efficiency by the founders Gill and Paul Tremere. On New Year’s Day we made it to Peterpan parkrun, three laps of a particularly muddy rugby field, and The Humber Bridge parkrun, not along the bridge but around the beautiful country park at its base.
Prior to this trip I'd only ever run 12 parkruns over 4 years. In the last 3 months I've completed 9 parkruns (did Hull parkrun four times during the trip) and seen some amazing places. Next week it's back to Australia to continue parkrun and hopefully in the next few weeks run in my first ever Australian parkrun!!!
The Pointy End
Who are you? Balyang Sanctuary parkrun Age Graded record holder, Darren Riviere, with 83.97 % / 17:30 in the VM50-54 age category.
How the hell do you run so fast? I guess it is just a matter of consistent training and a belief in your own ability. It's like anything in life if you want to be good at it you have to put in!
How many km do you run in an average training week? Well there are 2 answers to that! When I was at my peak I was running about 150 KMs per week, now I am running 70-80 per week and concentrating more on the coaching side of things.
What type of training do you typically do? My typical week went something like this: "Mona" Fartlek 2x 90 seconds fast, same recovery 4x60, 4x30, 4x15 so it was you run for 20 minutes, 10 hard 10 recovery that's on a Tuesday night, Thursday was 8x400m with 200 float recovery, Saturday was a hill session, Sunday was 2-2.30hrs run and the other runs were between 8-15km 'easy' runs.
How long have you been running and have you always been so damn good? I first started running in 1986 in triathlons until I nearly drowned in a few of the ocean swims! So I thought running was the way to go! I quickly improved and local coach Bob Fowler started coaching me, my first 10,000mts on track was the 'D' grade Zatopek in 1987 where I lapped the entire field including my coach!!, which looking back on it is quite funny. I went on to run 31.16 on track for 10,000mts and a 2.29 marathon, so with the consistency of training I suppose I had about 15 years where I could run around those times.
What is your favourite distance? My favourite distance is 10km, however I like half marathons at the moment, because I can still rely on my stamina to run a competitive time!
Do you have a coach and do you train with a squad? Early on in my running career I did have a coach, however now I am one! I am a level 2 accredited coach through Athletics Australia and currently coach at Geelong Little Athletics Centre and are really enjoying passing on my experiences as a distance runner. I am also about to take up a role as coaching coordinator at Saint Ignius college in Drysdale which I am looking forward to.
How much faster would you like to go? That's an easy one! I am 50 now so am just hoping to run sub 4 minute kms for as long as I can!!!
What big events do you want to run? I have done most big events I wanted to, however I do want to do the world masters in Perth in 2016, this year I run a 76.39 for the half marathon and the world record for the 50-54 age group is about 72 so you never know, I will be out their having a crack anyway!
#showusyourparkrun
As many of you are now proud owners of the official parkrun t-shirt we have started a new photo segment here in the newsletter where you can wear (or hold) the shirt in an interesting and exciting location… or perhaps even with a celebrity! Think “standing in front of the Pyramids” or getting Mick Jagger wearing it!!! I’m sure you get the drift.
Once you have the photo please email it to us and post it to Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #showusyourparkrun
This week’s entry is from Grace Murray who writes “My Dad is the poster boy for parkrun!” Nice work Dale.
parkdog of the week
Say hello to Wilson, our ‘parkdog of the week’. Wilson is a regular at South Bank parkrun in Brisbane.
This is Wilson who runs at South Bank with his family, Ross and Louise Forbes. They affectionately describe him as “a mongrel who gets his good looks from his maltese x shitzu Mum and his energy for 5km walk from the fox terrier in his Dad.” He's done 15-20 parkruns and volunteered with a tail runner several times. He likes checking out the other dogs who walk at South Bank but his favourite part of parkrun Saturdays is latte froth.
FAQ – What does the Run Director do?
The Run Director is in charge of a particular run on a specific day. They have ultimate responsibility for deciding whether or not the conditions are suitable for the event and with advice from the other volunteers may decide to modify the course (because of new hazards, for example), delay the start, or even in exceptional circumstances cancel the event that day (very poor weather being the most common reason for this). They are also responsible for organising the team of volunteers, along with the volunteer coordinator.
Upcoming Special Events
Launches:
24/01 – Tamborine Mountain (Qld), Bibra Lake (WA); 31/01 – Cooks River (NSW); 07/02 – Toolern Creek (Vic).
Anniversaries:
17/01 – St Peters (NSW) 3rd, Point Cook (Vic) 1st; 14/02 - Lake Mac (NSW) 2nd, Golden Beach (Qld) 1st, Ipswich (Qld) 1st; 21/02 - Kirra (Qld) 3rd; 28/02 - Tuggeranong (ACT) 2nd.
Cancellations
07/02 – Geographe Bay (WA); 25/04 – Augustine Heights (Qld); 02/05 – Geographe Bay (WA); 30/05 Mitchelton (Qld)
Feedback from the field
Katharine Jones - parkrun and a spot of carp busting? Michael sets up the lines and does a spot of fishing during the run. These carp are a pest and best out of our river. parkrun fish of the week? Is that a first?
Doo Lee Fisher - I did the Coomera parkrun on New Year's Day. Seriously can't believe a nonprofit organisation to be that awesome. Everyone was so nice! Knowing that this event can only happen if there's volunteers, I would like to volunteer to help out. It was only my first time today so I don't really know all rules and regulations yet but I'm willing to learn and listen towards any role that I will be given just so I could do my best at it. Thank you for such great event. If there's help needed I'm prepared to volunteer for this Saturday or next Saturday.
Elvia Maschke - Just wanted to say how I love the newsletter and particularly the photo of the super tutti wearing family. Keep you the fantastic work and I will see parkrun in the new year once I get back to my running schedule. Keep smiling : )
Alan Burrell - Is this the dance of a demented spider, or maybe someone totally lost? No it's the steps that a Run Director takes between the parkrun starting and finishing! According to Strava that was 0.9km all around the start/finish area in 1 hour and 1 minute not including course setup - pretty good going
Drop me an email if you have an interesting parkrun related fact, happening or comment that you would like to share with all parkrunners.
Volunteer Profile
Name: Trevor Ross
Club: This year it is Run for Hummingbird House
Age: 55
Home parkrun: Kingscliff or Varsity Lakes. I claim both as home. We are really lucky on the Gold Coast to have some great parkruns so close to home.
Occupation: I am employed by the QLD government.
Number of runs: 60
PB: 24:48
Number of times volunteered: About 40… I don’t really count.
Favourite volunteer role: I am happiest just taking photos.
What do like about volunteering at parkrun: Primarily, being part of the TEAM..... But I have a lot of fun cheering people on. Also volunteering keeps me involved if I am resting an injury.
Most memorable or funniest parkrun moment: My most memorable moment was recently doing my 50th run as it was a goal from the start just to do 50, now I am chasing 100.
How can we improve parkrun: You can only improve it by making it easier.. but 5k will always be 5k and it hurts at times. But the best thing about parkrun is its simplicity.
Reminders
Barcode reminder
Printed barcodes are used at all our events to record your result. Please click here to collect and print your barcode. No barcode = No result = No exceptions. To order your barcode on a durable plastic key tag as shown above please click here. #dfyb (don't forget your barcode).
No printed barcode, no result.
All questions answered
Do you have a question about parkrun? How do I collect my club T-shirt? How do I get my barcode? All your questions are answered on our brand new support site
Volunteering at parkrun
We ask every parkrunner to volunteer 3 times a year. When volunteering you receive the maximum number of points towards the yearly competition.
Children at parkrun
All children under 11 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Guardians must ensure that children place themselves appropriately so as to prevent a situation where they are being repeatedly overtaken at the start. This is to ensure the safety of your child.
Our Sponsors
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