welcome to the newsletter
In this week’s edition of the newsletter we approach yet another magical milestone, Emma-Leigh shows us the true meaning of tough and parkrun makes it to the Pyramids (well sort of).
Last Saturday I had the pleasure of Valentine’s Day parkrunning (in the wet) with the good folk from Inverloch in Victoria, approximately 143 kilometres south east of Melbourne. I was down in that part of the world for a Friday evening wedding on Phillip Island (congrats Rob and Charisse) and one of the many great benefits of my role with parkrun is the ability to mix business with pleasure. So the alarm went off on Saturday morning (a bit later than usual given my normal 7am start time in Queensland) and, although the weather didn’t look promising, I jumped in the rental car for the 45 minute drive along the Bass Highway. I’m glad I did.
The welcome I received from the Inverloch faithful, the support I witnessed out on the course, and the post-run camaraderie I felt over breakfast was parkrun at its absolute best. Tony O’Connell and his team have certainly built a fantastic event so I’m not surprised to see that so many other towns in the region are now knocking on the proverbial parkrun door wishing to start their own little piece of magic. I think 2015 could be the year that parkrun really booms in Victoria!
If you cast your eye below to the ‘Essential Stats’ section you’ll see that I have included a new line this week; Numbers of runs – 910,220. This is the total number of runs that parkrunners have completed in Australia since our launch back in April 2011. The reason I have included it now is that we will soon crack the magical 1 million runs mark… something worth celebrating in my book. Projecting forward, there is a very good chance this will happen on April 4, which completely by coincidence happens to be the 4th anniversary of the launch of parkrun in Australia at Main Beach on the Gold Coast. It’s like we wrote the script isn’t it?
Across the pond in the UK, the home of parkrun, I noticed that (at time of writing) they are currently sitting on 994,352 registered parkrunners. Last week they had 7,562 new registrations which should mean that at some point this week they will register UK parkrunner # 1 million!!!
Finally, I want to give a big birthday shout out to the great Ron Clarke AO MBE, who turns 78 this Saturday. Ron was Mayor of the Gold Coast when we launched Main Beach parkrun back in 2011 and was a great support at the time, and has been ever since as our first Patron. Getting to spend time with Ron and his family is one of the most cherished experiences I have taken from parkrun and certainly something I will never forget. Happy birthday Ron!
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 – 108
Number of runners – 16,544
Number of PBs – 3,762
Number of first timers – 2,412
Number of volunteers – 1,064
Numbers of runs (all time) – 910,220
Number of members – 181,443
Number of members (global) – 1,467,631
‘Emma-Leigh's story’ by Dave Appleby
What do you get when you mix the toughest parkrun course in Australia with the toughest Event Director and a rare nerve disorder? You get one determined woman with a bunch of friends gathering around to help her back on her feet.
Emma-Leigh was diagnosed with a condition called trigeminal neuralgia or TN for short. This is a neurological condition that affects the trigeminal nerve on the left hand side of her face. It is a very rare condition affecting 1 in every 100,000 people and even fewer people under the age of 50. Emma-Leigh refers to her trigeminal nerve as Mr T (it’s shorter than “bloody annoying nerve”). Mr T supplies the sense to the majority of the left hand side of her face via 3 branches. Since it supplies sense and not motor control, Emma-Leigh doesn't look any different, and you can't see what's wrong. “As a result of this the left side of my face is permanently numb, with a sense of compression 24 hours a day which I liken to the feeling of having someone attempting to break all the bones in my face at once. On top of this pain, Mr T will send shooting pain known as attacks which can last for seconds to minutes which either feel like someone pouring boiling water through your nervous system or like an electric shock x 1000”. The pain from these attacks is the reason this condition is thought to be the most painful known to man. These attacks can be triggered by touch, a breeze, air conditioning, a change in temperature, brushing teeth, eating, talking and smiling amongst others.
Trigeminal neuralgia is caused by compression of the nerve usually by a blood vessel but on the odd occasion by a cyst or tumour. In Emma-Leigh’s case it appears to be a blood vessel causing the problem. Treatment at the moment is very strong nerve inhibitors with some wicked side effects. It is likely that she will have this condition for the rest of her life, though her team are looking into different forms of treatment currently.
As a result of the above Emma-Leigh suffered from something called central sensitisation. This basically means the left hand side of her body decided to stop working properly, almost as a protection mechanism as a result of the extensive pain in her face.
Emma-Leigh is on the road to recovery thanks to the support and work of her family, friends, and health professionals.
Not one to sit and moan, Emma-Leigh has decided to complete every parkrun in the #RegionofRunners in a wheelchair whilst she is unable to complete 5km on foot. So far she has completed Lake Mac, Lakeview and Newy parkruns, and even The Beaches parkrun in a specially-designed wheelchair.
Emma-Leigh, the parkrun Australia family salutes you!
The Pointy End
Who are you? Coomera parkrunner Tom Brimelow who has a more than impressive PB of 16:43 after just 1 year of running!
How the hell do you run so fast? I really don't know why some people are faster than others. I guess part of it is natural ability and build, running regularly, and being able to keep pushing hard while you're already in pain.
How many km do you run in an average training week? Usually 45 to 50kms.
What type of training do you typically do? Currently each week I run a long slower run, a tempo run, an interval session, and of course, parkrun.
How long have you been running and have you always been so damn good? I hadn't done any running before parkrun and started just over a year ago. I wasn't any good at sprinting in school and had never attempted longer distances.
What is your favourite distance? I've done one half marathon and really enjoyed it.
Do you have a coach and do you train with a squad? Not at the moment. At some stage I'd love to though. I think it would be great motivation but having young kids it's hard to meet at a regular time so I just run when I get the chance and often later at night. Luckily once a week at parkrun I get to catch up with other runners!
How much faster would you like to go? I'd love to get to under 16:30 for parkrun
What big events do you want to run? I'd like to run a marathon one day but at the moment it seems like a really long way to run!
#showusyourparkrun
As many of you are now proud owners of one of the official parkrun t-shirts available from our online store 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!
Once you have the photo please email it to us or post it to Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #showusyourparkrun
This week’s entry is from Warwick parkrunner Judy Gray who has borrowed a parkrun flag from her home event for her trip to see the one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Egyptian Pyramids. From all reports ‘100% authentic’ replica parkrun flags are now available for a great price in Cairo’s Khan al-Khalili market!
parkdog of the week
Hi I’m “Bonnie” the Border Collie and I’m almost one year old. Last week I smashed my parkrun PB down to 22 minutes flat and the dogs at my local event asked me what my secrets were for getting a super-fast time. So here are my “Top 10 Doggy parkrunning Tips” for all the parkdogs out there:
1. Training - take your owner for a run at every opportunity, even if they want to walk!
2. Diet - Load your regular dog food with pasta the night before parkrun.
3. Sleep - Hit the kennel early the night before parkrun as it starts early and you don’t want to be late!
4. Toilet - Make sure you do all your number ones and twos before leaving the back yard.
5. Stretching - Downward dog is a great yoga pose to help you stretch just before the start of parkrun.
6. Fashion - Always wear your best collar as the Puparazzi are at most parkruns. Also never forget to smile for the camera as the pictures could end up on the web for all to see.
7. Socialising - Never stop to sniff butt as it will only slow you down, also keep the humans waiting until after you cross the finish line for much needed pats.
8. Control - Keep your human on a short lead so they don’t get tangled with the other parkrunners.
9. Timing - Don’t worry about wearing a fancy GPS timer, starting them can be an unwanted distraction for eager paws and every parkrun is timed for you anyway.
10. DFYB - Don’t forget your (owner’s) barcode! This is the most important tip! You want all of your hard work to count.
And there you have it. I hope these tips help you smash your PB and I look forward to seeing you all out there!
FAQ – Why do parkrun events start so early on a Saturday?
Primarily because the volunteers who run the events would like to get on with their weekends; by starting early, they can (with luck) have their results sorted by lunchtime.
We also know that many runners also appreciate the opportunity to start their weekend on a social active note before breakfast.
And finally, we also want to avoid clashing with the many club events that happen around the country on Saturday afternoons.
Upcoming Special Events
Launches:
14/03 – Dawesville (WA); 21/03 – Yamba (NSW)
Anniversaries:
21/02 - Kirra (Qld) 3rd; 28/02 - Tuggeranong (ACT) 2nd; 14/03 – Parramatta (NSW) 2nd, Albury Wodonga (NSW) 1st; 21/03 – Campbelltown (NSW) 1st, Mount Barker (SA) 1st; 28/03 – Riverway (Qld) 2nd, Manjimup (WA) 1st
; 04/04 – Main Beach (Qld) 4th; 11/04 - Fingal Bay (NSW) 2nd; 18/04 - Augustine Heights (Qld) 2nd; 02/05 – Ginninderra (ACT) 3rd, Rockingham (WA) 2nd, Stones Corner (Qld) 1st, Cleveland (Qld) 2nd, Lillydale Lake (1st).
Cancellations
21/02 – The Beaches (NSW), Mt Penang (NSW), St Peters (NSW); 07/03 – Mt Penang (NSW); 14/03 – Armidale (NSW), Albert Melbourne (Vic); 28/03 – Launceston (Tas); 25/04 – Augustine Heights (Qld), Kawana (Qld), Wynnum (Qld); 02/05 – Geographe Bay (WA); 30/05 Mitchelton (Qld)
Feedback from the field
Kelley Cowley – Saturday was my very first time as a volunteer at Wynnum parkrun. I was so pleasantly surprised by how lovely all the runners/walkers were! Sure makes it easy to put my hand up again. Thanks everyone.
Alan Wilson - First-timer two weeks ago, personal best (26.30) this week. Quite correct of course, but they make me feel a bit of a fraud. You see, I'm 72 years of age, I ran the first of my near-1000 races 61 years ago in 1954 and have a personal best 5km time of 15.15 (in 1964). Since those early days I've had many wonderful running moments and have represented my county, area and the British Universities before migrating to Canberra in 1968. I went on to make the NSW team for the marathon in 1971 and 1978, with a PB of 2:31.56. More recently I have survived a bout of bowel cancer, which involved chemotherapy, radiotherapy, two bouts of surgery, a temporary colostomy bag and which kept me off work for seven months, a heart attack followed by the insertion of a stent, persistent high blood pressure, diabetes, and now osteo-arthritis in both knees. (Glaucoma and tinnitus too, but they don't affect my running!) Next to my loving wife, it's been the running and the great company and fellowship of other runners which has motivated me and helped me through all this. This feeling of community has continued into my time with masters/veterans athletics. Now the parkrun movement inspires me! I cannot be a parkrun first-timer again, but I hope to be able to achieve a few more parkrun personal bests in coming weeks!
Phil Ackland - New addition to the parkrun policy needed? Dogs, please keep your owners on a short lead!
Anna McNaughton - I am a fitness industry professional and have been running parkrun for about 18 months now and being involved in several different kinds of fitness activities I think parkrun is something different and special. What I love about parkrun is that it encourages everyone and anyone to move. Whether it be the super elite runners that use parkrun as a speed training run, or the ones that use it as more of a ‘parkchat’ with their friends, and everything in between. After ringing my parents almost every Saturday for the last 18 months recounting my parkrun story of the day, a few weeks ago I said "Mum and Dad, why don't you just come with me?" So yesterday, Valentine's Day and my parent’s 26th wedding anniversary, they both came to parkrun with me. I had volunteered to pace 25 minutes so I told them I wouldn't be able to stay with them but that parkwalkers were encouraged too and just to follow the marshals. I was so delighted to see them crossing the finish line almost together (mum just behind dad). But what was really special was what followed. My mother, aged (almost) 68 had massive open heart surgery 7 months ago for the second time. Her heart condition is not lifestyle or diet related, but due to an illness she had as a child, so she has always been fairly active but before her most recent surgery she would be puffed walking to the front door. But not even 7 months later, she was RUNNING her first parkrun. She has told everyone, and she has even sent a letter to her cardiologist. My dear mum has already rung everyone to tell them about it highlighting that she was first in her age category. I didn't have the heart to tell her I think she might have been the only one in her age category. But I think that in itself makes her even more of a super star. Good on you Mum. And thanks parkrun!
Neil Bath - I was chatting to a parkrunner at Ipswich on Saturday who casually mentioned that he had run 97 parkruns, 50 at his home parkrun, and 47 different ones around the country. He was volunteering that day because he had set a target of volunteering 20 times before his 100th parkrun, and that he wanted to volunteer at the events he had previously completed to say thanks for all the hard work put in by the organizers. This person epitomizes everything about parkrun. If ever there is a candidate for Australian parkrunner of the month (or year), he would be my pick.
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: Keanan O’Toole
Club: Nil
Age: 13
Home parkrun: Kalgoorlie-Boulder
Occupation: Student
Number of runs: 52
PB: 21:01
Number of times volunteered: 7
Favourite volunteer role: Barcode scanning
What do like about volunteering at parkrun: The opportunity to meet new people.
Most memorable or funniest parkrun moment: Most memorable moment was volunteering for the first time to see how parkrun was organised and then to help people when they volunteer for the first time.
How can we improve parkrun: Continue to reward regular volunteers and advertise how easy each role is to encourage new volunteers.
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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