I took part in the Bakewell Parkrun last Saturday 19th October.

I offered to write their run report, here is an edited version, feel free to add it to the next CRC newsletter.

My Bakewell Parkrun experience.

The weather was cool, overcast, and dry. Perfect running conditions.

Following the first timer briefing, then the main event briefing. Runners were encouraged to position themselves depending upon the time they expected to complete in. I chose the front of the 30 minute marker. Hoping for a sub 30 time.

Off we went, on the out and back route along the Monsal Trail. A great running surface, a few puddles in places, but solid and flat. Soon got into a steady rhythm, the occasional check of the watch to see the pace I was going. Got to the 1.75-2km point and then saw the front runners returning, a sure sign the half way turning point was soon to be encountered. A cheerful huge thank you to the two marshals at the half way point. Another check of the watch, a quick calculation of the possibility of the sub 30 time. This could be on I thought, keep going, though the lungs were on the verge of telling me different. After seeing the front runners, I cheered on all the runners that followed - a call of "well done", "keep going", "you're doing well" was expressed to each small group of runners as they past, including a Thank you to the Tail walker. I realised that I was entering into the 4th km, again another quick calculation, Yes, this could be done - keep it steady, just push a little more, increase the pace just a little. Last 500 metres, "when to to go?, when should I start the final push - 400 metres, not yet, 300m OK lets go a bit faster, keep calm", 200 metres, the time to lengthen the stride, go push for the finish, lungs burning, breathing hard, heart rate off the scale. Saw a group of volunteers and supporters cheering, thought the finish, but realised there was another 30 metres to go, can I do it, the finish line - fumbled to find my watch on my wrist to stop it, collected my finishing token, look at the watch and yes - SUB 30 - 29:53 - Got it, sub 30, Buzzing. Barcodes scanned and the ring of the bell! It's over a year since my last sub 30 Parkrun.

Another tourism parkrun completed, my 26th different tourist locations.