'600 parkruns'

It was another beautiful morning for parkrun (extra) and a rather special one for me!

Since MollyG and I first went down to the prom at Cramond for the very first Edinburgh parkrun In October 2009, I have apparently done a total of 600 parkruns, and we had a small celebration at the finish (see extra and today's entry from MollyG)

These parkruns have not been just at Edinburgh parkrun but in over 30  similar events in nine countries (including England and Northern Ireland as well as Scotland) as well. And, yes, it's true - where we go on holiday usually takes into account where there's a parkrun.

Certainly, age and its associated physical infirmities have taken their toll over the past sixteen years, and I am now one of the 'oldies' at parkrun. (I hadn't realised quite what a rare breed we are  —today, out of nearly 600, only half a dozen were older than me!)

In terms of times, my 5k time nowadays is getting on for twice my best of 10 years ago. But parkrun is about a lot more than times anyway, and walking is now encouraged, as is volunteering to make it all happen. Just participating and finishing gives me a sense of achievement, as my quest for PBs (Personal Bests) has, over the years, been replaced by a quest for 'GRs' ('Getting Round')! 

parkrun is definitely part of my life now, whether running, walking or volunteering!