welcome to the newsletter
Question – What do Van Halen, the Pointer Sisters, House of Pain and even Kris Kross (remember them) have in common with Sandgate parkrun’s Event Director Vanessa Gibson?
Answer – They all know life is just a little bit more fun when we “Jump!”
And just to prove her point Vanessa (pictured above) recently produced a short video called 'The Running Jump Shot' in which she shares her top tips for perfecting your jumping photo technique at parkrun. These are:
1. Decide on your style of jump shot.
2. Know your dominant leg.
3. The Countdown.
4. It’s not just about the jump.
5. Have fun!
I know that many of you already enjoy partaking in a bit of running jump shot action however it’s not just the ‘jumper’ who gains enjoyment from this; it also brings a smile to our volunteer photographers who are charged with capturing the moment. Judy Watson from North Lakes parkrun wrote to me last week saying –
“I often volunteer as photographer and I really get a kick out of watching the participants do their jumps and wave at the camera. I have attached a photo I thought you might like to include in your newsletter and I challenge other parkrun photographers to show their best jump shots. The photo is of Adam Stringer who loves to get ‘air’!”
So there we have it, the challenge has been set. Time for you to go and practice your ‘pencils’, ‘starfish’ and ‘side kicks’ and photographers, get those trigger fingers ready.
Happy running,
Tim from parkrun Australia (get in touch)
Were you a first timer last weekend, did you run a personal best or do you have any other feedback? We would love to hear from you on email, Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
Essential Stats
‘My journey from registration to running’ by Tina Stevens
I just finished reading the article in last week’s newsletter about how many people register for parkrun and then don't actually run. Yep, that was me. I registered back in February 2013 when Tuggeranong parkrun in the ACT started.
I was keen to go… but I didn't.
I was fat, unfit and very cranky at myself for not getting back into running sooner after an injury. A lot of the people I used to run with did the parkrun and I was worried they would judge me. In fact it was me judging myself; in typical parkrun style they probably would have encouraged me no end!
Earlier this year we moved and on the 5th of March I made my long overdue debut at Merimbula parkrun. During that first week I was so desperate to keep up with others and not be the slowest that I made it about 1km in and was so stuffed and sore I turned around and walked back again. I wanted to keep going so I volunteered to be the tail runner. I figured then I wouldn't be letting anyone else down by being the slowest. I love it. I dragged my Mum along and we finished a few minutes behind the next slowest person.
I have done two more since then and now it is not bothering me if I am one of the slowest. The local club also posted about encouraging walkers to join in as well. That also helped me feel better – knowing I wouldn't be the slowest. I am doing the couch to 5km program so I know I will improve.
The things that encouraged me:
1. Knowing no one at Merimbula;
2. The Facebook post inviting walkers to join in;
3. Dragging the kids with me (although this is hard as they are under 11 and have to stick with slow mum! The photo above is with my 8 year old Hayden in front of me);
4. Running in such a beautiful location!
Thank you for making such a great event. It is an awesome concept!!!
The books are back in town
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Upcoming Special Events
Launches:
16/04 – Lalor (Vic), Mackay (Qld)
23/04 – Clare Valley (SA)
30/04 – Parkville (Vic)
07/05 – Batemans Bay (NSW)
14/05 – The Entrance (NSW)
21/05 – Portland (Vic)
Anniversaries:
09/04 – Fingal Bay (NSW) 3rd, Warragul (Vic) 1st
16/04 – Augustine Heights (Qld) 3rd, Cottesloe (WA) 1st, Sale (Vic) 1st
23/04 – Ginninderra (ACT) 4th, Lillydale Lake (Vic) 2nd, Rockingham (WA) 3rd, Stones Corner (Qld) 2nd
07/05 – Cleveland (Qld) 3rd, Altona (Vic) 1st, Rhodes (NSW) 1st
14/05 – Curl Curl (NSW) 3rd, Yarrabilba (Qld) 2nd
21/05 – Coburg (Vic) 1st, Roma (Qld) 2nd, Taree (NSW) 1st, Varsity Lakes (Qld) 3rd
28/05 – Castlemaine (Vic) 1st, Devonport (Tas) 1st, Highlands (Vic) 3rd, Mt Penang (NSW) 2nd, Penrith Lakes (NSW) 2nd, The Ponds (NSW) 1st
Cancellations:
09/04 – Hervey Bay (Qld), Penrith Lakes (NSW)
23/04 – Port Macquarie (NSW), Chermside (Qld), Penrith Lakes (NSW), Lismore (NSW)
30/04 – Port Macquarie (NSW), Geographe Bay (WA)
07/05 – Sirromet (Qld)
04/06 – Penrith Lakes (NSW)
parkdog of the week
My name is Jess and I'm a 3 year old Labrador. I do my parkrunning at Cairns with my humans Hugh and Shannon. I enjoy going to parkrun and meeting fellow parkdogs and their humans, as well as getting attention from all the others parkrunners, if it means I have to give them numerous licks to get their attention so be it. I just love running as fast as I can, Currently my PB stands at 21:03, I know if I can just go a little quicker I can catch my human Uncle Warren.
Feedback from the field
Rio Montalaba Lambino - Trish Oakes is unmissable in her white shirt and white hair at The Ponds parkrun. At 63 years old, Trish’s PB is an impressive 26:16 minutes. When asked what her secret was for fitness and speed, Trish replied generously, "Just run at a pace that nature gave you, at a speed that feels natural.”
Julie Veitch - So, last Saturday I drove into Hervey Bay approximately 20mins from Toogoom to participate in my first parkrun. This was possible because I retired from work recently as I worked Saturdays. I also moved to lovely Toogoom beach where I walk on the beach. My daughter Rachel and hubby Justin as well as baby James are regular parkrunners in Sandgate as well as my daughter in law Elizabeth who now walks as she is expecting her second child. Their happy experience with the group has encouraged me to have a go. Much to my surprise I wasn't the only first timer last Saturday. We had a large field as it was Easter Saturday and lots of holiday makers came along, many sporting ‘rabbit ears’ and even one runner with a bunny tail as well. I joined at the back of the field as I was walking and managed to finish in about 50mins. My pace was helped along by another first timer as we chatted and encouraged each other along. I'm looking forward to next Saturday and the amazing venue that is parkrun.
John Horner - I did my 50th parkrun on Saturday! Thanks to Cooks River parkrun and parkrun Australia I am a lot fitter and a bit lighter than last year. There was no need to paint that big ‘50’ on the road though, that was going a bit far...
Pam Cooper - In response to your enquiry re the large number of people registered for parkrun against those who never seem to have turned up and been recorded. My friend and I regularly attend with our partners. Our partners, being fitter, run and finish the 5km and get recorded. Whereas my friend and I, (and I've noticed a few others) only manage to walk half the course, consequently never finish and have never got recorded – but we still attend and we keep on trying. One day.....
Pam Peldan - My husband and I (from Mitchelton parkrun in Qld) have loved being able to continue to do our parkruns while travelling overseas. We recently managed to do two runs at parkrun du Bois de Boulogne in Paris in much colder conditions than we're used to. Great fun.
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: Judy Adare
Age: Old enough to parkrun without a parent/guardian
Home parkrun: Pakenham
Occupation: Health & Safety
Number of runs: parkrunning towards 100
PB: It is not about my PB but about getting out there and having fun
Number of times volunteered: closing in on 25
Favourite volunteer role: Organising the pacers although not a recognized volunteer position it is one of my favourites. Every week runners push a little harder towards their elusive time goals or to run a little further than last week but on pacer week those smiles are bigger when you are the volunteer pacer or the one achieving a new PB. It’s very satisfying and uplifting to see everyone achieve something more.
I volunteer at parkrun because: Being a part of the community and giving a little back makes me happy. Seeing the faces as they enjoy parkrun for the first time or the 100th it is the same smile when they cross the line. Everyone is inclusive and encouraging at every event and being able to watch that no matter where you are or what volunteer position you fill is so rewarding. If you don’t have fun doing it then you aren’t doing it right.
One thing I love about parkrun is: The encouragement, community spirit, laughs, PB’s and the continuity of 8am Saturday morning. It just isn’t a weekend unless you start it with parkrun! I also love the relationships that blossom and the continual support you get each parkrun. parkrunners are the best!
My most memorable parkrun moment was: Wow parkrun has been a big part of my life now it seems like it always has been. Trying to pick just one memorable parkrun is just too hard. I have managed to be a tourist in VIC, WA, SA, TAS, QLD, NSW I only have ACT and NT to go It is a great way to see our country as many of these courses are in nice little hidden away spots or in popular tourist spots and I am lucky enough to be able coordinate holidays with parkrun days.
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 laser engraved silicone wristband 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
Children under the age of eleven must be accompanied at all times by a parent, guardian or other designated adult of the parent's choice. It must also be ensured that children place themselves appropriately at the start so as to prevent a situation where they are being repeatedly overtaken. This is to ensure the safety of your child.
Our Sponsors
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building our future
Stockland is Australia’s largest diversified property group. We develop and manage residential communities, retirement living villages and retail centres – the building blocks of thriving communities. Explore Stockland