Fitness review: Parkrun
Keen to become a morning jogger, but don’t know where to start? Parkrun could be the introduction that gets you on your way.
But, first. What is Parkrun? Parkrun are free, 5km timed runs in local parks and surrounding areas managed by community volunteers who selflessly give up their Saturday mornings. It’s coordinated under the banner of Parkrun Australia, and is one of those feel good community events.
Parkrun has always been on my list to try because while I run regularly, I do most of my running solo and at night. So when I read on Facebook that a school mate had recently done a Parkrun, I jumped at the chance to get the low down on her experience.
Meet Danielle, my second guest reviewer, who ran her first Parkrun in an impressive 24.32 minutes. Also known as Danibelle, this driven mother of two is a children’s edu-tainer who runs her own award winning successful business, Danibelle’s Musicadium.
She’s also an experienced physical education teacher and a professional musician, who loves being outdoors and keeping fit, healthy and active.
The details:
Duration: 25 mins (20min-45mins dependant on running ability)
Style: 5km run/jog where you can opt in to be timed
Cost: Nothing, it’s free!
Who’s there: 200-300 people from your local community, all ages, all fitness levels
What to wear: something you feel comfortable running in
Ask That Fit Girl > What should someone expect?
Parkruns start early and generally kick of at 7am. Volunteers will rally everyone into place and give basic directions to the group. Big kudos to those that have shown the commitment to turn up. In my recent run there were about 50 seasoned runners and 100 park runners. There were families, people running with prams, people running with their dog, competitive runners and social walkers/joggers. It’s a great atmosphere. A couple of things to note:
• Register at www.parkrun.com.au before you go. That way, you’ll be issued with a barcode and if you bring your barcode along, the organisers will be able to give you a time for your run.
• When you’re on the website, take a moment to see all the Parkrun locations on offer. This makes it easy to find your nearest Parkrun and check out the course; or try a different park run for variety. Park Run is available all around the world.
• Consider taking your kids (under 11’s need to stay close to their accompanying adult), or give your wife a break from the bub and pram it! I think it is great to expose kids to such a great community fitness/health initiative. And all abilities are welcome.
Ask That Fit Girl > Would you recommend Parkrun to a friend?
Yes! What a way to start your weekend, and keep your Friday night consumption in check!
What you like: I like that I can do the 5km run anywhere. I’m able to do the run in Stanthorpe (beautiful course in Autumn/Winter) when I’m away from home. I like that my time is recorded and I can attempt to better my time each time. I like that each week I see the same people. I love that I meet my friends there each week!
What don’t you like: I think it would be better if I could store my barcode on my phone, rather than having to present a small piece of paper each week for scanning.
Ask That Fit Girl > What would you rate this fitness workout out of five?
Fitness: 4/5 Strength and toning: 3/5
Weight loss: 4/5 Wellbeing (mind, body, soul connection): 5/5
Ask That Fit Girl > Headphones I gather are a no for Parkrun, but what song plays out in your head as you run?
I’m a ‘mantra’ girl. I generally like to play positive affirmations over in my mind (I like Deepak Chopra), other times I run with a bit of Dub Step (Skrillex) for pace, or Jack Johnson for cruise mode.
Jack Johnson – Banana Pancakes
Has Danielle’s review inspired you to give Parkrun a go? Use the social buttons to share to someone you know who would be keen.
I’ll be lacing up my shoes! If you’d like to try a Parkrun with me on Brisbane’s northside, email hello@askthatfitgirl.com
Until next time,
Maryanne K
