Pacing Through the Pain: My First Parkrun

I’ve written before about doing the Couch to 5km programme that I finally managed to complete and I am still running (slow) 5Ks regularly. I’d wanted to go along to a parkrun for a while but, for various reasons, had never made it along until a couple of weeks ago.

For anyone unfamiliar, parkrun is a free, weekly, community event where you can walk, jog, or run 5km or volunteer. It’s welcoming and inclusive, with no time limit—perfect for beginners like me!

Living with fibromyalgia means that even the simplest activities can sometimes feel like climbing a mountain with the amount of preparation required. The morning of the event, I ate my usual breakfast of overnight oats with soya yogurt, fruit, and walnuts, and did some gentle stretching to loosen my muscles and minimise the risk of stiffness. I knew that managing my energy levels was crucial, so I allowed myself plenty of time to rest the day before and prioritised a good night’s sleep. Running with fibro can also mean dealing with unpredictable pain or fatigue, so I kept an open mind, reminding myself that walking or stopping was ok if I needed to.

On the day, my husband kindly agreed to drive me there so I didn’t have to worry about whether I felt OK enough to get behind the wheel (I’m often not!). Walking towards the start, we were overtaken by several finely tuned athletes who bounded past like gazelles being chased by a lion. But I told myself not to feel intimidated and reminded myself that parkrun is an inclusive community and that it doesn’t matter if you’re fast or slow.

I knew from the website that there’d be a “First Timers” briefing for total newbies like myself, as well as those who had never taken part in that particular parkrun. Myself and another newbie got an encouraging round of applause from the other runners, which helped to settle my nerves.

As people assembled around the start, I headed towards the back of the field as I knew I would be amongst the slower participants. Chatting to a friendly woman as we were waiting made me feel more at home, and after we set off, we carried on talking for a time. There were folks of all abilities—from the fast ones flying at the front, people being virtually dragged along by their dogs (usually energetic spaniels!), to Nordic walkers click-clacking their poles, and those simply walking the 5km.

I needn’t have worried; there truly was a place for everyone, and the friendly marshals clapping for all participants added a lovely touch too.

The 5km passed quite quickly as I tried to take in the scenery and soak up the experience rather than think about the fact I was running, and I was soon collecting my token at the finish line to log my time. I felt so proud that I managed it that I was on cloud nine for the rest of the day.

After the run, recovery was key. I focused on gentle stretches, hydration, and nourishing food. I also set aside the rest of the day for relaxation, knowing that overdoing it post-run could lead to a flare-up. On the whole, I absolutely loved my first parkrun experience and have done a couple more since then too.

It’s taken years of gradually building up gentle exercise to get to the point where I can run. But I’m so glad I’ve managed to do so. Running has become another tool in my fibromyalgia management toolbox, especially for my mental health. I find myself looking forward to going out for a run—something I would never have believed had I been asked a couple of years ago when I thought running would be impossible for someone living with fibro.

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For anyone living with fibromyalgia who’s considering parkrun, here are a few tips that helped me:

• Start Slowly: Don’t feel pressured to run the whole 5km. Walking or a run-walk approach is perfectly fine and still an achievement.
• Choose Supportive Gear: Comfortable, well-cushioned shoes can make a big difference in reducing impact and providing support for your joints and muscles.
• Listen to Your Body: Some days will be harder than others, and that’s OK. Respect your body’s limits and take breaks as needed.
• Prepare and Recover: Gentle stretching, proper hydration, and planning downtime after the event can help reduce the risk of flare-ups.

If you’re living with fibromyalgia, taking on something like parkrun may feel daunting, but with the right approach, it can be incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s running, walking, or simply showing up, parkrun reminded me that every step forward is a victory when living with fibromyalgia.

Have you tried parkrun, or are you considering it? I’d love to hear your experience!