parkrun USA

parkrun USA Newsletter 22nd April 2013

admin — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 07:18:04 +0000

welcome to this month's newsletter

Cherish every day, every run, every minute. Hold those in Boston, and the running world, in the light. Tomorrow we will rise again and run again. Don't let those responsible diminish us or the sport we love and the goals, dreams. roads or races we choose to pursue.

Run. Often

Rick and Lori (get in touch)

Event News

USA

We’ve a new parkrun starting!! We welcome Clermont Waterfront parkrun to our global parkrun community beginning April 27th at 7am. Clermont offers a historic downtown district and is still much the same as it was in 1960. Tim and Karen Bowler are the event managers and have a great management and volunteer team with a nice out and back waterfront course

Post run coffee is at Cheeser's Palace Café just across the parking lot.
If your vacation or business travel plans take you to Orlando or Clermont, bring your running kit!

Watch for new parkrun event activations in Durham, NC; Houston, TX and Atlanta, GA in the coming months.

Multi World Record Holder Haile Gebrselassie has often said the world would be a much better place if everyone was a runner. While we want everyone to come to parkrun, we know their needs to be some incentive for you besides the great atmosphere, new friendships and post parkrun coffee. This is why there is the point’s competition for both parkrunners and volunteers. Here’s the leaderboard for Livonia through April 13th.

Livonia parkrun current standing in the Women's and Men’s annual points’ competition

Men's annual points’ competition:
William PEDERSON (Unattached) 2948 pts.
Greg COYNE (Unattached) 2464 pts.
Spencer GREVE (Unattached) 1880 pts.

Women's annual points’ competition:

Jennifer GREVE (Unattached) 3213 pts.
Kim ZAMORA (Unattached) 3123 pts.
Darci MEROLLIS (Unattached) 2507 pts.

Volunteer News

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You to our volunteers. parkrun will continue to happen because of our volunteers. Every Saturday parkrun needs volunteers to set up course direction markers, marshal runners and walkers, hand out finisher tokens and scan registrant bar codes. Our rule of thumb has always been that we ask all our most regular runners to volunteer three times a year. There are roles to suit everyone including children.
Contact Us to Volunteer.

Livonia parkrun meets for coffee, hot chocolate and bagels or muffins at Bigbee Coffee - Livonia, located 33443 West Seven Mile, and west of Farmington Road. Come and join us after your Saturday morning parkrun is completed

The Seven Wonders of parkrun

Testing your fitness on a regular basis is a great way to monitor progress and enjoy the gains your hard work has deserved. Here are seven reasons why parkrun provides the perfect platform for this kind of workout.

Regular fitness test runs are great for novice and experiences runners alike. Beginner or novice runners are most likely to experience frequent improvements from consistent training. More experienced runners or advanced competitors aiming to improve their personnel bests or competitive position should lay down work for an end result months into the future. Using parkrun will keep motivation and training confidence high while focusing on fitness gains toward long term competition goals. Add in great camaraderie and parkrun offers a fantastic, weekly social, fitness activity for everyone.

1. Ideal distance

5k is long enough to be test endurance, but short enough to be incorporated into schedules without needing to lose training days in taper or recovery. You can be sure of the distance so you don’t have to worry about GPS or other inaccuracies.

2. Just run

The timing is all done for you. Just get out there and run. You even have a personal profile on the website that tracks your performances.

3. Fair test

Think back to school science lessons and how a fair test involved keeping variables constant. It’s the same course on the same time of the same day and changing these from one fitness test to another can influence performance when the variable you are really trying to measure is fitness. Factors like weather and stress levels are subject to change and nobody will improve on every outing, but the philosophy is to measure progress over a period of time, not from one run to the next.

4. Limitless learning

Running with others gives a better idea of how you might perform in a race than running on your own. Gauging your run against others can also show up a weakness to work on such as hills or starting too fast. You’ll also find a supportive community and friendly rivalry with those around you. Is someone you’ve been running with suddenly ahead of you? Find out why! Speaking to other runners at parkrun, my running club or races was the single biggest learning experience when I took up the sport.

5. One for all and all for one

With times ranging from sub 5 minutes a mile to more than 15 minutes a mile, parkrun attracts the full spectrum of ages and abilities ensuring nobody is left feeling out of place. If you think you’re not a runner, then parkrun will soon have you thinking differently.

6. Controlled environment

There are no road crossings, traffic hazards or similar external factors that can scupper an individual timed effort.

7. How much?

Finally, it’s completely free. I’ve put this at the bottom as it shouldn’t be a reason for doing this, but is a bonus.

Facebook and Twitter

Follow Livonia parkrun on Facebook and Twitter

Follow parkrun USA on Facebook

You’ll find everything you need to know about parkrun community news, updates and new events

Feedback from the field

What a great program - let's bring it to Chicago! There must be forward thinking companies here that can see the immense value of a program like this. Paid races do incredibly well here, so I can only imagine how popular a free, weekly program would do... Come on, Chicago! Figure this out! Improving Krys

OMG! I need this somewhere close. I haven't even started running for my first race of the year yet and I'm already worried that I can't afford to race. I live a bit of competition it makes it so much more fun. Yolanda Rivera · Kennel Tech at Broadway Veterinary Clinic

I run at the local parkrun on the Gold Coast Australia. Hope you can spread it across your county 'cause it is a great way to run. Stephen Kofod · Gold Coast, Queensland

I have always had doubts about 'sponsors'. 'parkrun' is pure and healthy. No surprise that use corporate commercial interest is minimal in the land of the 'free'? market. corporate usa can't see an immediate profit in it! The customers, us, will show what we want................and we want parkrun. Joe Ellis Graves’s parkrun UK.

You would expect parkrun to be just a run in the park, but it's so much more than that, in the UK we are all proud to be part of the parkrun family and it can change lives! If only a US sports goods company realized that if they advertise on a bill board 95% of people who see it aren't interested but if they advertise at parkrun 100% are interested, we all need running shoes, shirts etc. Best wishes parkrun US, hope you crack it soon and you can share in the amazing event that we all get out of bed for every Saturday.

Drop me an email if you have an interesting parkrun related fact, happening or comment that you would like to share with all parkrunners.

parkrunner of the month

Name: Lynn Boven

Club: Team Dyno Rat

Age: 55

Home parkrun: Livonia

Occupation: Experimental Automotive Internal Combustion Engine Developmental Test Technician (Dyno Rat)

Number of runs: 15

Favourite volunteer role: I'm a little shy so all I've done so far is hand out finisher tokens.

What do you do at parkruns: Run, drink coffee, and say/do stupid things to fire up my fellow parkrunners because, "Anger is a more useful emotion than despair". (Arnold in The Terminator)

How has parkrun changed your running: The social aspect is new for me. Ultra distance runners don't get much social contact since few are interested in 30+ mile training runs.

What do you like about parkrun: The initial goal was to gain some speed. I'm still slow but find inspiration in almost every participant's drive to improve. Maybe I just won't get as slow as fast.

Most memorable or funniest parkrun moment: Jumping into a puddle with both feet to splash everyone as the pre-run instruction was to watch out for or avoid the sloppy mud and puddles.

Reminders

Barcode reminder

Barcodes are used at all our events to record your result. Please collect and print your barcode here. No 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

All children under 11 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Guardians must ensure that children place themselves appropriately so as to prevent a situation where they are being repeatedly overtaken at the start. This is to ensure the safety of your child.

the parkrun show

You can download your copy of the parkrun show here. (iTunes)

The parkrun show is the audible roundup of the "goings on" of everything that caught the teams eye from the weekend in parkrunworld.

Brought to you by Marathon Talk.

parkrun USA Newsletter 21st March 2013

admin — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 12:09:15 +0000

Welcome to this month's newsletter

We bring you updates from parkrun events around the USA, parkrun USA in Runners World, feedback from the field, Livonia parkrun point’s standings, our parkrunner of the month feature and we begin to get tough on barcodes.

No barcode, no time, no exceptions.

In the early days of parkrun, when you crossed the finish line you were given a metal disc with your position on and you took that to someone sitting at a laptop who was able to type in your name, find you on the system and credit you with the correct finish position. Forgetting the fact that we were often sat in a field in the rain and cold with a soaking wet laptop this system worked pretty well, at first.

If you’ve ever asked someone for their name and date of birth 30 seconds after they’ve crossed a parkrun finish line you’ll know that it’s not as simple as most people think. Multiply that by more than one person a second during peak minutes and you can see where mistakes start to creep in. Adding to this problem of course is the rapidly increasing numbers of registered parkrunners as new parkrun events are activated across the USA.

Although some volunteers are happy to spend this additional time, it certainly impacts on their non-parkrun life and creates expectations on all of our event teams which we don’t believe is fair. I should also point out that even the most dedicated volunteers eventually grow weary of the ever increasing admin. In the summer of 2009 the barcode systems was introduced with the aim that this would eradicate mistaken identities and dramatically reduce the amount of time our volunteers had to spend sat in front of a computer screen.

At first bringing a barcode was optional but despite our best attempts at increasing non-barcode queues, and decreasing barcode queues, people still largely failed to bring them. In January 2010, well before parkrun usa I might add, decision to make barcodes compulsory was made. This, amazingly, made some people very angry! All we are asking in return for 50 odd free runs every year (which incidentally you can still have without a barcode), plus the Club t-shirts when you complete a number of runs, plus the soon to be implemented Monthly Prize if you’re fortunate enough to be awarded it, plus all the amazing benefits associated with being part of our wonderful family, is that you print out a small piece of paper and bring it with you on a Saturday morning. I’d also like to suggest that we are probably unique in the World of organized sporting events that if you forget, can’t be bothered, or don’t want to bring a barcode then you are still welcome to take part in pretty much the same way as any other parkrunner. You just won’t get a time. I should also add that whereas you just need to bring a piece of paper, the volunteers have to get up early and stand in a freezing cold park for a couple of hours.

So, if you do forget your barcode, then yes you will have to wait seven more days for your 50, 100 or 250 t-shirt, or come back next week to have a crack at your PB but please take a moment to consider whose responsibility that really is. Should our 20,000+ hardworking volunteers around the world be expected to spend more of their precious time adding you in manually or should you understand that you still got to run with your friends? That’s what parkrun’s really about, right?

I do realize that many of you will be reading this unsure as to the correct parkrun barcode form so here are a few bullet points to keep you on the straight and narrow...

If you don’t have a barcode you should still cross the finish line and take a position token, but then just hand the token to the person with the scanner. You will appear as an ‘unknown athlete’.
If you bring your barcode but it won’t scan we can write your number down and add you to the results. Please do not bring that same barcode again as it is unlikely to scan in the future, you’ll need to print out another one for the following week. I advise our teams to confiscate unscannable barcodes.
Even If you know your athlete ID, that does not count as bringing your barcode.
Our scanning devices do not scan from mobile phones so please bring hard copies. My advice is to print out all six, laminate them with Sellotape and spread them around your car, running jacket, wallet etc.
As new usa events are activate, I will email all of our event teams around the USA with updates from the parkrun world and ask each to adhere strictly to the ‘no barcode, no time, no exceptions’ rule so please don’t be offended if your forgetfulness is met with a simple ‘there’s always next week’.

Run.Often

Rick and Lori (email us)

Volunteer News

Livonia parkrun will continue to happen because of our volunteers. Every Saturday Livonia parkrun needs volunteers to marshal course direction, scan registrant bar codes and finisher place cards. Our rule of thumb has always been that we ask all our most regular runners to volunteer three times a year. There are roles to suit everyone including children. You’ll get your name in lights and you’ll gain points for the yearly competition!! We’d be delighted to have new volunteers each week! Contact Us to Volunteer

Come and join your parkrun community for coffee, hot chocolate and bagels or muffins at Bigbee Coffee, Livonia, located 33443 West Seven Mile, and west of Farmington Road.

Facebook and Twitter

Follow Livonia parkrun and parkrun USA communities or Twitter. You’ll find out everything you need to know about parkrun community news and updates.

Event News

USA

Runner’s World Magazine presented a feature on parkrun USA recently.

Clermont Waterfront parkrun begins April 27th Starting time is 7am. Website and new registrations will begin April 13th. Watch this newsletter or the Clermont Waterfront parkrun Facebook and website for more information.

Livonia

Livonia parkrun current standing in the Women's and Men’s annual points’ competition

William PEDERSON (Unattached) 2657 pts.
Greg COYNE (Unattached) 2165 pts.
Spencer GREVE (Unattached) 1793 pts.

Current standing in the Womens's annual points competition:
Jennifer GREVE (Unattached) 2924 pts.
Kim ZAMORA (Unattached) 2633 pts.
Darci MEROLLIS (Unattached) 2123 pts.

Feedback from the field

John Jaap

You would expect parkrun to be just a run in the park, but it's so much more than that, in the UK we are all proud to be part of the parkrun family and it can change lives! If only a US sports goods company or other corporation realized that if they advertise on a bill board 95% of people who see it aren't interested but if they advertise at parkrun 100% are interested, we all need running shoes, shirts etc. Best wishes parkrun US, hope you crack it soon and you can share in the amazing event that we all get out of bed for every Saturday.

Pat Heine

I was in the UK for two weeks once, and did the parkrun in Sheffield. It's an amazing program.

Callie Kane · Physical Therapist at Dwight Orthopedic Rehabilitation Company

We love our parkrun in Livonia! Thanks to Rick and his wife Lori for bringing it here to us!

Jim Clinton · St. Augustines Belfast

Having recently been awarded with my 100 t/shirt and jacket I can tell anyone reading this who has not taken part in a parkrun that it will change your life. Someone in America will see the rewards that this brand will bring to their company/organization. The model has worked everywhere that has adopted parkrun so I don't see the need to change it.

Stephen Ferguson - Imperial College London

I've run 50 parkruns, 48 of them in the UK, and twice in Livonia, where Rick and his team made me very welcome (and I even miraculously got a top-10 finish). For those that have never seen a parkrun, it's hard to describe the level of enthusiasm and commitment it generates. As well as the sponsorship issue, the distances involved are also challenging. At the UK events there is lots of cross-fertilization between events, with people from one event splitting off and starting a parkrun closer to home. I'd love to see parkrun US really take off, and I can't wait to show off my new "50" t-shirt in Livonia later this year.

Richard Lyle

really hope that parkrun thrives in the US. It really is a grassroots movement which fits well with the American ethos of individuals and communities working together to make things better. I'm grateful for the financial support from our corporate sponsors, public authorities, running clubs and individual donors and from the National Trust who allowed us to run on their beautiful Wimpole Estate. It really is a partnership.

om Williams · Works at parkrun UK

Loving your work Rick! All 400,000 of us here at parkrun UK are right behind you!

Tim Oberg, parkrun Australia

I am the Country Manager of parkrun Australia. We launched in April 2011 with the backing of adidas and now have 20 parkrun events every Saturday morning with over 24,000 registered parkrunners. We also have two other major sponsors, Suncorp Bank and Stockland (a property developer). parkrun is the most inspiring organisation I have ever been involved with. It is amazing that something as simple as a free, weekly, timed 5km running event can have such a huge impact on the local community but it truly does. Good luck Rick, we are all cheering you on from Down Under!

Drop us an email if you have an interesting parkrun related fact, happening or comment that you would like to share with all parkrunners.

parkrunner of the month

This week’s parkrunner of the week resides in the city of Livonia with her husband and three sons, Drew, Alex and Adam; all parkrunners. Lori is the calming balance and voice of reason for husband and parkrun usa country manager Rick.

Name: Lori Brauer

Club Embrace Each Step

Age: 48

Home parkrun: Livonia

Occupation: Jewelry artist and mom of 3 boys

Number of runs: I would have to look that up – a handful of times

PB Time Every time I started and finished was my PB. To me, that is what is about. Toeing the start and finishing. Can’t count the run if you don’t get out the door.

Number of times volunteered: Since the beginning, lost count – I am here for our parkrunners. LOVE my parkrunner family

Favourite volunteer role: Cheering for the runners and taking pictures – Now if I could remember to get the pictures uploaded to Flickr and Facebook

What do you like about volunteering at parkrun: I love seeing the change in our runners. There are some that never thought they could run a 5K and now they are.

Most memorable or funniest parkrun moment 1.) Running with my husband, Rick, and 2.) running one minute and face planting into the snow the next (while running with my husband).

How can we improve parkrun The weather is out of our control.

Reminders

Barcode reminder

Barcodes are used at all our events to record your result. Please collect and print your barcode here. No 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

the parkrun show

You can download your copy of the parkrun show here. (iTunes)

The parkrun show is the audible roundup of the "goings on" of everything that caught the teams eye from the weekend in parkrunworld.

Brought to you by Marathon Talk.

parkrun USA Newsletter 19th February 2013

admin — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 16:35:33 +0000

Welcome to this month's newsletter

We bring you updates as parkrun USA continues to grow; our search for a national sponsor is closing in; no more blokes shuffling around in the snow; top reasons to join parkrun; Livonia parkrun points standings and our parkrunner of the month feature.

Livonia parkrun, the first ever parkrun event in the USA currently has 415 registered. Fantastic to see the interest and enthusiastic support from so many interested in being a part of our global parkrun community. As the day light hours grow longer and winter moves to spring, I fully anticipate those who are not fond of winter running or those reluctant runners who have registered but not participated to date will begin to show and truly appreciate what parkrun is about.

parkrun is not only about running as a sport, but offers participants in every other sport the opportunity to come out and run with a group, to socialize and ready yourself for your specific sport whether it be cross country, track and field, road racing, swimming, football, hockey, soccer, basketball, baseball or whatever activity requires solid aerobic conditioning. It’s also a wonderful way to meet new friends and enjoy a morning workout with a close knit group of like-minded people.

With new parkrun USA communities ready to launch over the coming months and the looming interest from a national sponsor, the growth of parkrun USA will very soon compare to parkrun Australia, South Africa and United Kingdom. More information will be forthcoming about the USA national sponsor. I am very excited for what this partner / sponsorship will bring not only to parkrun USA, but also to their brand and market presence amongst the running consumer.

During my ongoing search for partnership / sponsors, I have contacted and spoken with “C” Suite Level Marketing / Promotions decision makers of nearly every major healthcare plan, pharmaceutical company, retail wellness pharmacy corporation, sports nutrition company and many outside the health, wellness or running industry, yes even McDonalds with minimal success. I find it ironic parkrun countries with a “government sponsored healthcare” model are readily sponsored and endorsed by the private healthcare companies to support and grow parkrun communities across their respective countries and truly find great value in what parkrun is all about. Certainly not the same here in a country exceeding thirty plus percent obesity rate amongst the population and a continuing upward trend in cardiovascular related disease.

"The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease."
-Thomas Edison, Inventor

am not going to drag out my soapbox, but let’s just say, if you have been to parkrun, you know the sense of community, family, exercise and lifestyle changes parkrun offers to each of us.
parkrun is really all about... small groups of amazing people spending time together on a regular basis and appreciating the wonderful outdoor spaces that are there for all of us to use.

Have a great week. See you at a parkrun event somewhere.

Run.Often

Rick and Lori (email us)

Top 6 reasons to be a parkrun regular

From the parkrunfans.blogspot, these are the top 6 reasons to be a parkrun regular:

1) You will get fitter and faster.
2) You will make parkrun friends and feel part of the parkrun community.
3) You will earn your parkrun 50, 100 and 250 t-shirts.
4) You will become addicted (in a good way).
5) parkrun and therefore exercise will become part of your weekly lifestyle.
6) You will be eligible for sponsor prizes and monthly parkrun award

You may have your own opinions. There are plenty of reasons to be a regular at parkrun, but this list is limited to my top 6, so there clearly wasn't enough room for all the many and varied reasons that we all have.

If you would like to comment and add your own ideas they would be very welcome. Email us or parkrunfans blog to share your comments.

Volunteer Reminder

Big Kudos to our volunteers who are not letting winter get in their way of parkrun! We need more of You!! Livonia parkrun will only continue to happen because volunteers will make this happen. Please do not wait to be asked, we are delighted to see emails asking to volunteer. Every Saturday Livonia parkrun needs volunteers to marshal course direction, scan registrant bar codes and finisher place cards, assemble and clean-up the finish chute funnel and take photographs, (we’ll even provide the camera). Our rule of thumb has always been that we ask all our most regular runners to volunteer three times a year. There are roles to suit everyone including children. You’ll get your name in lights and you’ll gain points for the yearly competition!! We’d be delighted to have new volunteers each week! Contact Us to Volunteer

Come and join your parkrun community for coffee, hot chocolate and bagels or muffins at Bigbee Coffee - Livonia, located 33443 West Seven Mile, just west of Farmington Road.

Facebook and Twitter

Follow Livonia parkrun and other parkrun USA communities on Twitter and Facebook. You’ll find out everything you need to know about parkrun community news and updates.

Event News

USA

Follow-us on Facebook and Twitter to find out launch dates and venues in the following parkrun communities coming to you in 2013:

Raleigh, NC; Durham, NC; Houston, TX; Gainesville, FL; Orlando, FL; Clermont, FL; Philadelphia, PA; Chicago, IL; San Diego, CA; Santa Barbara, CA; Walnut Creek, CA; San Francisco, CA; New Haven, CT; Atlanta, GA; Kennesaw, GA; Social Circle, GA; Phoenix, AZ; Prairie Farm, KS; Lexington, KY; Nashville, TN; Howe, OK; Bergen County, NJ; Rochester, NY

Livonia

So much for blokes running around in the snow! Newcomer to Livonia parkun Thomas Priess has come out and dropped the course record by more than fifty seconds over the last two weeks in less than desirable running conditions. His 17:30 effort over frozen grass and rutted dirt bodes very well for sub 17 club efforts later this spring. British International Team Representative Mark Draper, from Bedfordshire, England, with best of 3:56 for the mile and 13: 27 for five kilometers on the track is currently living and training in Indianapolis, IN. Mark is a regular at UK parkrun events and has expressed his interest in “popping over to Livonia parkrun to give it a go” this spring and summer. Mark has run 14:20 at the Bushy Park parkrun event in the UK, so will be good to see what he can do at Livonia parkrun.

Current standing in the Women's annual points competition:
Jennifer GREVE (Unattached) 2729 pts.
Kim ZAMORA (Unattached) 2433 pts.
Callie KANE (Unattached) 2082 pts.

Current standing in the Men's annual points competition:
William PEDERSON (Unattached) 2462 pts.
Greg COYNE (Unattached) 1868 pts.
Spencer GREVE (Unattached) 1793 pts.

parkrunner of the week

This week’s parkrunner of the week resides in the city of Livonia with her husband and family, Her consistent arrival just miuntes before the 9am start signal Livonia parkrunners to make their way to the start line.

Name: Kim Zamora

Age: 46

Home parkrun: Livonia, MI

Occupation: Theoretical Physicist

Got your attention now don’t I?
(I had to spellcheck physicist)

In real life I am now…oh…what do they call it? A Homemaker? I refuse to put that lame title in this spot – plus my husband would argue that I have not done diddly squat in the last 12 years to make this house a home, so legally I don’t think I can even claim to be one of those.

Number of runs: 22 (which just happens to be my favorite number...yes, I know you didn’t ask)

Number of times volunteered: 3

Best parkrun performance to date: 31:21

What do you do at parkruns when you volunteer: Course marshal. I point parkrunners in the right direction and sincerely shout motivating words of wisdom to them like “Woo-hoo!, great job!, Looking’ good!, and Keep it going!’” and many other super inspiring and motivating sayings that you won’t hear anywhere else. I won’t reveal what those others are at this time…if you want to hear them, you have to actually come to parkrun…come to parkrun – come to parkrun…(hint , hint – to the 415+ people who are registered to date for Livonia parkrun!

Most memorable or funniest parkrun moment: Well….If I would have actually seen the snow angels Lori or Darcie fall face first into the snow last Saturday, then THAT would most definitely have been my most memorable park run ☺ (you know I am just joking ladies ) -- but since I did not, I guess it would have to be the one where I “ran” (I still prefer to say jogged) the entire 5k w/out stopping. I didn’t plan on doing that, I just realized I felt pretty good and kept checking in with myself at various points in the run, like this:

Me: Do you really think you need a walking break?

Me: You know what? I don’t think that I do….let’s see if we can make it ‘round the bend without one, shall we?

It gives me something to look forward to every week!

I like running on the grass and around the park. It is really beautiful and I love doing park run in all the different seasons

I love getting my little e-mail a few hours after with my official time and info for that days parkrun.

I love running by the Rugby players when they are playing --- kind of a nice distraction.

I love going to BIGGBY coffee after - hanging out and chatting about running stuff and this and that.

Oh, and I love that it gives me an excuse to escape my “homemaker” duties and responsibilities for a short time every Saturday morning.

I love that park run wants people in the community to just be more active, to be out & about running, jogging, walking, etc.

love that people of all ages do it and that family members come and do it together – I think that is so great! I wish my family would come!.........or do I?

I love that it is close to my house

I love that it is totally free

I love that parkruns never get cancelled –if you show up, there will always be others to run with

Future running goals: To never miss a parkrun unless I absolutely have to!
To try trail running and see how I like it
To run the Livonia parkrun course under 30 minutes

Reminders

Barcode reminder

Barcodes are used at all our events to record your result. Please collect and print your barcode here. No 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

the parkrun show

You can download your copy of the parkrun show here. (iTunes)

The parkrun show is the audible roundup of the "goings on" of everything that caught the teams eye from the weekend in parkrunworld.

Brought to you by Marathon Talk.

parkrun USA Newsletter 23rd January 2013

admin — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 10:04:22 +0000

Welcome to this month's newsletter

We bring you updates of new parkrun events across the USA, parkrun surpasses the 2 million run mark across the globe, Valentines parkrun contest and our parkrunner of the month feature.

2013!! Here we are!! I expect the holiday celebrating and time with friends and family was enjoyable and rewarding for all. As one of my favorite musical artists said “When all you get to keep are the memories, you’ve gotta make the good ones last.” Our Christmas Cheer Party at George Murphy’s was a great evening out. Fantastic to see everyone and thank you for joining your fellow parkrunners behaving “younger than we think we are!”

Each week I have the pleasure of meeting new parkrunners at our event and then watching from Saturday to Saturday as these new parkrunners “go” from reluctant runner to “I just missed my personal best and “I need to begin adding additional runs per week, do you know if there is a group I can meet up with?” At one December parkrun, I was chatting with a gentleman who was enthusiastically describing his run that morning. “I enjoy the camaraderie; the participation points awarded and post run coffee but most of all the personal satisfaction of getting up on Saturday morning, coming out to challenge myself and seeing my improvement from week to week month to month.” Personal Satisfaction. In two words, he summed up parkrun quite nicely.

Happy Running!

Rick and Lori (email us)

Volunteer Reminder

Facebook and Twitter

Make sure to follow parkrun cities and parkrun USA on Twitter and Like Us on Facebook. You’ll find out everything you need to know about parkrun community news and updates. You can also drop us a message and let us know what’s on your mind.

Event News

USA

The list of USA cities enthusiastic to bring parkrun to their community continues to grow rapidly. Currently at fifty-two, the following new USA parkruns will be going live over the coming months:

Raleigh, North Carolina
Seattle, Washington
Walnut Creek, California
Houston, Texas
Atlanta, Georgia
Clermont, Florida
Orlando, Florida
Chicago, Illinois
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Bergen County New Jersey

If you are planning a business trip or vacation to one of these destinations or any of the other parkrun countries make sure to pack your running shoes and barcode. Visit the Facebook pages for the parkrun cities mentioned or parkrun USA.

Around the world, parkrun has recently surpassed the two million runs completed mark with more than 400,000 parkrunners and nearly 100,000 volunteers. Each week, parkrun offers each of us with our own unique perspective of what we want parkrun to be for us that week. At every parkrun event around the world, lives are changed through friendships made, stresses relieved, challenges overcome, relationships strengthened, health improved, families bonded, communities grown, race entries filled, times broken, smiles made and many more come about through very different journeys. For some of us it's about getting together with a group of friends every week, for others it's about turning up, blowing off seven days of accumulated stress and for others it's about the feel good factor of that amazing two letter word beginning with a P and ending with a B. Personal Best. I encourage you to visit other parkruns where ever your travels take you.

Livonia

Livonia – Looking for a solution to prevent slipping and falling from running or walking in the snow and slippery conditions? I encourage you to give either of the following a try. Check out YakTrax at a run specialty or outdoor activity retailer or stop by your neighborhood hardware store and purchase ¼ inch sheet metal screws to insert in the outer sole of your running shoes. Both work very well and will allow you to run or walk more comfortably and confidently under slippery winter weather conditions.

With St. Valentine Day coming up, Livonia parkrun will have a “couples” contest on February 16th. Watch for more information at our Facebook page.

Join us after parkrun for coffee, hot chocolate and bagels or muffins at Bigbee Coffee - Livonia, located 33443 West Seven Mile, just west of Farmington Road.

Feedback from the field

Hi Rick,
Having experienced parkrun in the UK (where I am originally from), I would love to see it catch on in the US, my home since 2003. What would I have to do to create a parkrun in the Bergen County area of NJ? I suppose I should have realized that sponsorship is the issue - and that I was unlikely to be the only person in this entire country who has seen how brilliant the parkrun concept is. That's very unfortunate you are finding so little interest from other parties though. Having experienced parkrun first hand, it's hard to believe that companies are not eager to get on board; there are so many different positive aspects to parkrun that it can surely only have a positive effect on a sponsor's public image. I couldn't claim to be knowledgeable in this field, however (I'm a runner, a mother and a registered nurse, in no particular order), so I'm sure there are factors I'm overlooking.
I do know that the idea of helping to bring parkrun - one of the first in the country, no less - to my neighborhood is very exciting to me, and I'm open to whatever thoughts you have as to how we can make it happen.
Thanks,
Gemma Dunhill

Drop me an email if you have an interesting parkrun related fact, happening or comment that you would like to share with all parkrunners.

parkrunner of the week

Name: Jennifer Greve

Age: 41

Home parkrun: Livonia, MI

Occupation: Online concent editor

Number of runs: 23

Number of times volunteered: 4

What do you do at parkruns when you volunteer: Take pictures and cheer people on

Best parkrun performance to date: 36.05

What do you like about parkrun: The community that’s developing is very encouraging, which makes it more fun to show up every week.

Most memorable or funniest parkrun moment: Will “Wheaties Man” Pederson’s Halloween costume (a Wheaties box)

Future running goals: In 2013 I plan to enter a 5K or two to help raise money for cystic fibrosis.

Other fitness activities you pursue: Yoga

Favorite music or band: Depends on my mood

What's on your iPod for parkrun: Green Day’s American Idiot. It’s paced just right and helps me keep track of my time

Reminders

Barcode reminder

Barcodes are used at all our events to record your result. Please collect and print your barcode here. No 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

the parkrun show

You can download your copy of the parkrun show here. (iTunes)

The parkrun show is the audible roundup of the "goings on" of everything that caught the teams eye from the weekend in parkrunworld.

Brought to you by Marathon Talk.

parkrun USA Newsletter 5th December 2012

admin — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 11:45:02 +0000

parkrun USA newsletter 5th December 2012 WEB VERSION

Welcome to this month's newsletter

We bring you updates of new parkrun events in Florida scheduled to launch in January and February 2013, A Christmas Gathering Holiday Party is planned for December 15th, Ghosts of Christmas at Livonia parkrun? Top Ten reasons to do parkrun and our parkrun volunteer of the month feature.

Wow!! As I sit in my cap and not my kerchief writing this month’s newsletter, Christmas is less than three weeks away. Where has the time gone? Seems like only yesterday Mr. Paul Sinton-Hewitt, Founder and President of parkrun and I sat having tea at George Murphy’s discussing parkrun in the USA. What a fantastic year! I have been very blessed with many new friendships across the country and from around the world. From Paul and his team in the UK, to the country managers whom I look forward to speaking with monthly, to renewing old friendships from the running industry and mostly with each of you who come out Saturday morning for a run or walk and to share a coffee and many a laugh with after. When I look back at what my running career has given me, the races won and personal bests will come and go, but the friendships afforded me will last forever. I wish each of you all the best this Christmas and much health, happiness and many parkruns in 2013.

Merry Christmas. Happy Running.

Rick and Lori (email us)

Volunteer Reminder

We need more of… You, our Volunteers!! Livonia parkrun will only continue to happen because volunteers will make this happen. Please do not wait to be asked, we are delighted to see emails asking to volunteer. Every Saturday Livonia parkrun needs volunteers to place the course direction signs, scan registrant bar codes and finisher place cards, assemble and clean-up the finish chute funnel and take photographs, (we’ll even provide the camera). Our rule of thumb has always been that we ask all our most regular runners to volunteer three times a year. There are roles to suit everyone including children. You’ll get your name in lights and you’ll gain points for the yearly competition!! We’d be delighted to have new volunteers each week! Contact us to Volunteer.

Facebook and Twitter

Make sure to follow us on Twitter and Like Us on Facebook. You’ll find out everything you need to know about Livonia parkrun news and updates. You can also drop us a message and let us know what’s on your mind.

Top 10 Reasons To Do parkrun…

As listed on the UK based parkrunfan blog

1) parkrun is a challenge - For most people, 5km is not an easy challenge. And then there is the weekly challenge to improve your PB.

2) parkrun is free - No cost to join. No cost to do any parkrun.

3) parkrun is addictive - But far better for you than most addictions!

4) parkrun gets you out in the fresh air in a lovely park location on Saturday morning.

5) parkrun helps you meet many new like-minded people.

6) parkrun gives you free T-shirts - Complete 50, 100 and 250 parkruns (and 10 for kids) and you get a very smart free technical t-shirt at each milestone.

7) parkrun stops you drinking (as much) on a Friday night.

8) parkrun will get you fit - Well it can certainly help.

9) parkrun is suitable for people of all ages and abilities - It is for all the family, kids, adults, grandparents, everyone is welcome.

10) parkrun starts at 9am and by 10am you have done your exercise for the day and you can smugly get on with the rest of your weekend.

What are your reasons for doing parkrun?

Event News

Clermont, Florida

parkrun will begin in late January. I am very excited for Karen Bowler and her team who are in the process of getting parkrun underway in the Clermont Orlando and Winter Park surrounding areas. The enthusiasm and support from the city officials, running / walking and triathlon groups has the community sponsors committing to multiple parkrun events throughout the state in 2013. Watch the parkrun newsletter for more information.

Livonia

Are there Ghosts at Livonia parkrun? 345 registered and only a dozen or so have been recently coming out for parkrun fun on Saturday mornings? Can’t be. It sounded like many, many more from the jingle bells on parkrunners shoes this past Saturday. I think we have many a parkrunner Ghosts of Christmas walking or running. Come on. Show yourself, put on a pair of jingle bells, a Santa Cap and join us for a festive experience this time of year. Everyone is welcome, including dogs. Please only one dog per runner and each dog must be on a lead. Begin your New Year resolution three weeks early.

Just Put One Foot In Front Of the Other And Soon You’ll Be Running or Walking at Livonia parkrun

William Pederson, Doug Ware and a few other ‘parkrun social committee types have planned a Christmas Gathering at George Murphy's George Murphy's Saturday, December 15th 6:30pm until? Please email us email us to RSVP. We’ll need to confirm guests for seating space.

When you finish your run or walk on Saturday morning, join us for a post parkrun coffee, hot chocolate and bagels or muffins at Bigbee Coffee - Livonia, located 33443 West Seven Mile, just west of Farmington Road.

Even though the calendar says December, the weather has not been so frightful that Livonia Park and Recreation Dept. have been keeping the gate open to the drive. Should you arrive on a Saturday and see the gate closed, please use the west most parking lot between the golf course and last baseball field near the fitness par-course and playscape; we’ll continue with the same course; just slightly altering the start and finish area.

feedback from the field

Drop me an email if you have an interesting parkrun related fact, happening or comment that you would like to share with all parkrunners.

parkrun volunteer of the month

This week’s parkrun volunteer of the month resides in Saline with his wife Sara and two young daughters Olivia and Elizabeth. He drives from Saline each Saturday to come out and take care of the timing for Livonia parkrun.

Name: Robert (Bob) Vance
Age: 44
Home parkrun: Livonia, Michigan
Occupation: IT Hardware Support
Number of times volunteered: 16
What do you do at parkruns: Timing and Finish Chute coordination
What do you like about parkrun: Meeting new faces, Helping people enjoy their participation in parkrun, and the socialization
Most memorable or funniest parkrun moment: 1) “We had a deer almost take out one of our participants as it came out of the woods and across the course.” 2) Our Halloween Parkrun with everyone wearing Costumes.

Reminders

Barcode reminder

Barcodes are used at all our events to record your result. Please collect and print your barcode here. No barcode, No result!

All questions answered

Do you have a question about parkrun? Who organises parkrun? How do I get my barcode? All your questions are answered on our 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 All children under 11 must be supervised by a parent or guardian. Guardians must ensure that children place themselves appropriately so as to prevent a situation where they are being repeatedly overtaken at the start. This is to ensure the safety of your child.

the parkrun show

You can download your copy of the parkrun show here. (iTunes) The parkrun show is the audible roundup of the "goings on" of everything that caught the teams eye from the weekend in parkrunworld. Brought to you by Marathon Talk.

Continue reading →

parkrun USA newsletter 14th November 2012

admin — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 16:17:15 +0000

parkrun USA newsletter 14th November 2012

Welcome to this month's newsletter

In this month's newsletter we bring you updates from our Halloween Costume Run, We ask “Where Are You”, A Christmas Holiday Party is being planned, Livonia parkrun six month point totals and our ‘parkrunner of the month’ feature

The last few weekends have afforded Livonia parkrunners bright, sunny skies and crisp temperatures for their Saturday morning jaunt. These ideal conditions have not been shelved as a number of new personal bests have been recorded including a new course record time of 18:20 by visiting UK runner Ian Fearon taking forty-two seconds from the previous course record. With a regular appearance from parkrun UK runners, and most recently a Irish National Team Member showing at Livonia parkrun, how soon until we see a USA parkrunner set the course record?/

The Halloween Costume Run was great fun. Others in the park that morning enjoyed the parade of costumed parkrunners making their way around the course. Prizes donated from Running Fit – Northville were awarded to the best parkrunner costumes. The ghoulish fun was captured on camera. Check out the Livonia parkrun album.

Where Have You Been? You know who you are!! We’ve 314 registered parkrunners,314! With fall sport season’s coming to an end, don’t decide to sleep in!! Get ready for your winter sport season stay motivated with parkrun. We run every Saturday morning at 9am. Come out and join your friends! You don’t have to be a runner, but a community and fitness minded coffee drinker. Register and bring a friend, neighbor ,family member or co-worker to Livonia parkrun this weekend and see what we’re all about. Livonia parkrun will turn you into a runner!!

Run Happy. Run Often.

Rick and Lori (contact us)

Volunteer Reminder

We’re in need of more parkrun heroes…. You, our Volunteers!! Livonia parkrun will only continue to happen because volunteers will make this happen. Please do not wait to be asked, we are delighted to see emails asking to volunteer. Every Saturday Livonia parkrun needs volunteers to place the course direction signs, scan registrant bar codes and finisher place cards, assemble and clean-up the finish chute funnel and take photographs, (we’ll even provide the camera). Our rule of thumb has always been that we ask all our most regular runners to volunteer three times a year. There are roles to suit everyone including children. You’ll get your name in lights and you’ll gain points for the yearly competition!! We’d be delighted to have new volunteers each week! Contact Us To Volunteer

Event News

Livonia

Join us for post parkrun coffee, hot chocolate and socializing at Bigbee Coffee - Livonia, located 33443 West Seven Mile, just west of Farmington Road.

Livonia Park and Recreation Dept. have announced the gate to the park will be closing in the next two weeks. Please use the small west most parking lot between the golf course and baseball field near the fitness par-course and playscape; we’ll continue with the same course; just slightly altering the start and finish area.

Livonia parkrun Christmas Party – Saturday 7pm – George Murphy’s’ – More information will follow. Come out and enjoy the festive evening. Check with Livonia Social Committee William Pederson and Doug Ware, aka Wheaties and Gillette.

A Reminder to please be courteous to others who use the park each Saturday morning. The section along the bike path (from 2k-3.2k) is usually active with dog walkers and cyclists as is the back soccer field with flag football. Please be alert as you come up on or are passing someone. A courteous “On your Left” or “On Your Right” with a cheerful “Good Morning” will keep us all happy, healthy and safe to enjoy our community fun at parkrun each Saturday morning.

Wow! Livonia parkrun is nearing the six month anniversary date. Here are the point standings after November 10.

Current standing in the Men's annual points competition:
William PEDERSON (Unattached) 1476 pts.
Spencer GREVE (Unattached) 1319 pts.
Kostas VOUTSINAS (Unattached) 1238 pts.

Current standing in the Women's annual points competition:
Jennifer GREVE (Unattached) 1489 pts.
Sheila DOW (Unattached) 1434 pts.
Callie KANE (Unattached) 1191 pts.

New parkrun USA locations on the way! Orlando, Walnut Creek and Houston will offer parkrunners warm weather destinations this winter. All three new parkrun communities plan to go live in late January or early February. Stay tuned for more information.

Feedback from the field

None this week. Drop me an email if you have an interesting parkrun related fact, happening or comment that you would like to share with all parkrunners.

parkrunner of the month

Name: Greg Coyne
Number of year running 20
Hometown Temperance, MI
Occupation: Sales Trainer (Gerry Weinberg & Associates-Sandler Training)
Number of runs: 12
Future running goals: Do another 10K and ½ Marathon in the next 6 months
What do you like about parkrun: The Camaraderie with the regulars (The growing relationships with the runners who come every week)
Favorite parkrun moment: When I get a PR and Halloween (Costumes!)
Favorite music choice: AC/DC

Reminders

Barcode reminder

Barcodes are used at all our events to record your result. Please collect and print your barcode here. No 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 here.

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 All children under 11 must be supervised by a parent or guardian. Guardians must ensure that children place themselves appropriately so as to prevent a situation where they are being repeatedly overtaken at the start. This is to ensure the safety of your child.

the parkrun show

You can download your copy of the parkrun show here. (iTunes) The parkrun show is the audible roundup of the "goings on" of everything that caught the teams eye from the weekend in parkrunworld. Brought to you by Marathon Talk.

Continue reading →

parkrun USA newsletter 22nd October 2012

admin — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 16:33:16 +0000

parkrun USA newsletter 22nd October 2012

Welcome to this week's newsletter

Welcome to this month’s newsletter. We bring you updates of the newest parkrun USA locations for 2013, Keeping our furry four legged running friends safe at parkrun, Halloween Costume Run Reminder and interview with our featured parkrunner.

On Saturday morning when your Run Director shouts “GO” you’ll be one of around 24,000 people across the globe starting their weekend with a friendly 5k. As the interest in parkrun continues to increase globally, I have to pinch myself at the opportunity presented with as parkrun exists in 7 countries, exceeds 170 parkrun locations with 7 national offices looking after 170 local parkrun offices with over 360,000 registered parkrunners and approximately 24,000 parkrunner results coming to parkrun HQ each week. 2013 promises to be very exciting for parkrun USA. We’ll launch new events in the following cities; Orlando, Atlanta, Walnut Creek, Houston and Chicago, possibly several more from the list of 45 USA cities interested in bringing parkrun to their community before 2013 comes to a close.

Since June 2^nd2012, Livonia parkrun, with 297 registered runners, has had 155 different runners including participants from 2 athletics clubs, completing 402 runs covering a total distance of 2,010 km. There have been 108 new Personal Bests and near weekly visitors from parkrun United Kingdom. As parkrun USA continues to grow, I will always have a special place in my heart for each of you from Livonia parkrun who have participated, volunteered or even just mentioned parkrun to another person either in conversation or on social media outlets. Thank you so very much for growing Livona parkrun for the community event it has become.

Run Happy, Run Often.

Rick and Lori (contact us)

Volunteer Reminder

We’re in need of more parkrun heroes….You, our Volunteers!! Livonia parkrun only happens because volunteers make this happen. Please do not wait to be asked, we are delighted to see emails asking to volunteer. Each Saturday Livonia parkrun needs volunteers to place the course direction signs, scan registrant bar codes and finisher place cards, assemble and clean-up the finish chute funnel and take photographs, (we’ll even provide the camera). With our theme runs for Halloween and Christmas coming up, please do not be shy, email to sign-up and support your fellow parkrunners!! Our rule of thumb has always been that we ask all our most regular runners to volunteer three times a year. There are roles to suit everyone including parkrunner’s children; it is very enjoyable and rewarding experience each Saturday morning. You’ll get your name in lights and you’ll gain points for the yearly competition!! We’d be delighted to have new volunteers each week!

Event News

Livonia

Spencer Greve has taken up the challenge to locate a close by coffee house for post parkrun coffee, hot chocolate and socializing; Bigbee Coffee, located on Seven Mile, just west of Farmington Road. Good Call, Spencer! Well done!!

Livonia parkrun start time for Fall / Winter is 9am. Volunteers should arrive by 830am. When the park and recreation dept. decides to close the gate, use the small west most parking lot near the fitness par-course; we’ll continue with the same course; just slightly altering the start and finish area. This should not occur before mid November. Watch your email and newsletter for updates.

Just a reminder; Please be courteous to others who use the park each Saturday morning. The section along the bike path (from 2k-3.2k) is usually active with dog walkers and cyclists. Please be alert as you come up on or are passing someone. A courteous “On your Left” or “On Your Right” with a cheerful “Good Morning” will keep us all happy, healthy and safe to enjoy our community fun at park run each Saturday morning.

Every parkrun has always tried to be as inclusive as it can be. We want everybody to run, and so we’ve tried as hard as possible to make it as easy as possible for everybody to take part. Dogs have been a part of our events from the start. However, we also want to keep in mind that our events are primarily about running, and further, we have an absolute duty to ensure that our events are as safe as they can be. So we have therefore decided that a sensible modification to our dog’s policy is to implement a limit of one dog per runner.

I strongly hope that this small change to our dog policy will help to ensure that dogs are welcome at our events for many years to come. All dog runners can help to make sure this is the case by following our rules - dogs should be under firm control, kept on a short lead or harness and extreme care taken to avoid tripping other runners. It goes without saying you should stop to pick up after your dog as well. To those who may bring multiple dogs to parkrun, please continue to do so. I only that you run with one dog on one lead and let someone else run with the other.

Saturday, October 27^th – Livonia parkrun will host the first of our theme runs. With Halloween just a few days later on the 31^st, a costume parkrun is in order. Treats will be available at each kilometer mark for children and we’ll have several awards for the best costume. If you plan to wear a mask, please be sure your visibility is not impeded. We want to ensure a fun day, without any skinned knees, hands or bruised knees. If you would like to bring a bag of treats, please contact us for the ghouly fun and spooky details!

Feedback from the field

None this week. Drop us an email if you have an interesting parkrun related fact, happening or comment that you would like to share with all parkrunners.

parkrunner of the week

Name: Kostas Voutsinas
Age: 66
Home parkrun: Livonia, Michigan
How long have you been running: 4 months
Number of times attended parkrun as runner and volunteer: 10
What do you enjoy the most about parkrun: It was a structured way to keep myself focused on my goal of losing weight and to focus my training for the Detroit Half Marathon this year.
Most memorable or funniest parkrun moment: My first day when I saw so many dedicated runners willing to wake up early on a Saturday morning!
Future running goals: To continue running the 5K at parkrun with the many parkrunners and as long as my joints hold up!

Reminders

Barcode reminder

Barcodes are used at all our events to record your result. Please collect and print your barcode here. No 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 here.

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 All children under 11 must be supervised by a parent or guardian. Guardians must ensure that children place themselves appropriately so as to prevent a situation where they are being repeatedly overtaken at the start. This is to ensure the safety of your child.

the parkrun show

You can download your copy of the parkrun show here. (iTunes) The parkrun show is the audible roundup of the "goings on" of everything that caught the teams eye from the weekend in parkrunworld. Brought to you by Marathon Talk.

Continue reading →

newsletter – September 26th, 2012

admin — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 17:07:10 +0000

parkrun USA newsletter 26 September 2012

Welcome to this week's newsletter

In this week's newsletter we welcome a change of season, introduce World parkrun Day and look forward to new Livonia parkrun activities.

With a very warm summer behind us and the crispness of fall in the air, parkrun enters a new ‘season’ of changing leaves, squirrels chasing after acorns to stock for the winter and the cool northwest breeze beginning to blow and remain present until next spring. For parkrun, this is very exciting time as well with the anniversary of the very first parkun held in Bushy Park, London.

On October the 2nd 2004 13 people completed a 5k run in Bushy Park, London, and parkrun was born. Our family now numbers over 350,000 people across 178 events in ten countries and on October the 6th this year Bushy parkrun will celebrate their 8th birthday.

When Paul Sinton-Hewitt organized the first ever parkrun (then known as UK Time Trial) for 13 runners in Bushy Park on October 2, 2004 I’m sure he would never in his wildest dreams have thought that 8 years later folks across the globe would be coming together metaphorically speaking to celebrate this seemingly inconspicuous event. But that is exactly what we have planned for the first Saturday in October (this year it is the 6th) which will from this day on be known as ‘World parkrun Day’!

So what does this all mean?

Firstly, it is a celebration, and every good celebration needs a cake… or several cakes! And tea! So, for those of you that are that way inclined, we encourage you to bake a cake and bring it to share with your fellow parkrunners. As they say, many cakes makes light work!

Secondly, and most importantly, we think parkrun is worth sharing. So bring a family member, friend or work colleague that hasn’t been to parkrun before. I’m sure you all know someone that will love it but for whatever reason just hasn’t managed to make it down yet.

So that’s it. We are pumped, so please join us in making the inaugural International parkrun Day something really special for the parkrunner’s our volunteers and for the Livonia community.

Run Happy. Run Often.

Rick and Lori (email us)

Volunteer Reminder

We’re looking for more parkrun heroes….You, our Volunteers!! Livonia parkrun only happens because volunteers make this happen. Please do not wait to be asked, we are delighted to see emails asking to volunteer. Each Saturday Livonia parkrun needs volunteers to place the course direction signs, scan registrant bar codes and finisher place cards, assemble and clean-up the finish chute funnel and take photographs, (we’ll even provide the camera). Our rule of thumb has always been that we ask all our most regular runners to volunteer three times a year. There are roles to suit everyone including parkrunner’s children; it is very enjoyable and rewarding experience each Saturday morning. You’ll get your name in lights and you’ll gain points for the yearly competition!! We’d be delighted to have new volunteers each week! Don’t be shy, email to sign-up and support your fellow parkrunners!!

Event News

Livonia

Livonia parkrun time change – Beginning this Saturday, September 29th, we move to our Fall / Winter start time of 9am. Volunteers should arrive by 830am.

Just a reminder to please be courteous to others who are using the park each Saturday morning. The section along the bike path (from 2k-3.2k) is usually active with dog walkers and cyclists. Please be alert as you come up on or are passing someone. A courteous “On your Left” or “On Your Right” with a cheerful “Good Morning” will keep us all happy, healthy and safe to enjoy our community fun at park run each Saturday morning.

October 13th – Livonia Fire and Rescue will hold their Fire Prevention and Station 3 Open House from 10am until 1pm. While their set-up is on the grounds of the Fire Station 3 Complex, please be aware of their activity as you pass across the driveway.

On Saturday, October 27th – Livonia parkrun will host the first of our theme runs. With Halloween just a few days later on the 31st, we will have a costume parkrun. Treats will be available at each kilometer mark for children and we’ll have several awards for best costumes. If you plan to wear a mask, please be sure your visibility is not impeded. We want to ensure a fun day, without any skinned knees, hands or bruised knees.

Livonia parkrun leaders – Current standing in the Men's annual point’s competition:
William PEDERSON (Unattached) 1089 pts.
Douglas WARE (Unattached) 872 pts.
Mark BJERTNESS (Unattached) 869 pts.

Current standing in the Women's annual point’s competition:
Sheila DOW (Unattached) 1139 pts.
Jennifer GREVE (Unattached) 905 pts.
Julia KENNEY (Unattached) 890 pts.

Livonia parkrun started on 2nd June 2012, and since then 150 different runners, including participants from 2 athletics clubs, have completed 365 runs covering a total distance of 1,825 km, and there have been 96 new Personal Bests.

The Women's course record is held by Julia KENNEY who ran in a time of 22:19 on 4th August 2012 (event number 10).

The Men's course record is held by Philip Morris JONES who ran in a time of 19:08 on 14th July 2012 (event number 7).

The Age Grade course record is held by Philip Morris JONES who recorded a 74.65 % run (19:08) on 14th July 2012 (event number 7).

Reminders

Barcode reminder

Barcodes are used at all our events to record your result. Please collect and print your barcode here. No barcode, No result!

All questions answered

Do you have a question about parkrun? How do I get my barcode? All your questions are answered here.

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 All children under 11 must be supervised by a parent or guardian. Guardians must ensure that children place themselves appropriately so as to prevent a situation where they are being repeatedly overtaken at the start. This is to ensure the safety of your child.

the parkrun show

You can download your copy of the parkrun show here. (iTunes) The parkrun show is the audible roundup of the "goings on" of everything that caught the teams eye from the weekend in parkrunworld. Brought to you by Marathon Talk.

Continue reading →

newsletter 25 July 2012

admin — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 13:57:36 +0000

Welcome to this week's newsletter

In this week’s newsletter we endure another week of sultry weather, the start of the Summer Olympic Games in London, updates from Livonia parkrun plus our parkrunner of the week feature.

Here we are eight weeks in and I’m nearly a loss for what to write. With pen in hand and keyboard clear of my son Alex’s salty snacks from earlier in the day, we’ll see what pearls of wisdom flow across the pages. This Friday marks the opening ceremony for the much anticipated 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London. AS we admire the talent and skill of these world class athletes, you’ll be surprised to know you have more in common with these Olympians than you think. Several middle and long distance runners who will represent the British and Australian Olympic Team use parkrun as part of their training from time to time; They put their socks and shoes on and head out to a parkrun on Saturday morning, just like you!!

In the coming months, look for various themes upcoming at Livonia parkrun including a Halloween and Christmas parkrun. Who knows, we may even have a parkrun theme ‘Running With (plastic) Scissors’, something our mom’s told us to never do!! Don’t forget to follow Livonia parkrun on Facebook and Twitter!!

Have a great parkrun this week, either in Livonia or if your travels are taking you to another parkrun country.

Run Happy!

Rick (email me)

Volunteer Reminder

We’re looking for more parkrun heroes….Our Volunteers!! Remember Livonia parkrun only happens because volunteers make them happen. Please do not wait to be asked, the organizers are sometimes bashful about asking for help, but they would be delighted if you stepped forward – our rule of thumb has always been that we ask all our most regular runners to volunteer three times a year. There are roles to suit everyone; it is very enjoyable and rewarding experience each Saturday morning. You’ll get your name in lights and you’ll gain points for the yearly competition!! Don’t be shy, email to sign-up and volunteer. Volunteer here.

Event News

Livonia parkrun

Hot Weather Training Alert!! This summer has been wonderful with copious amounts of sunshine and very warm days. While this weather is fine for sitting pool side or a day at the beach or on the lake, but not so much for your running or walking workouts. When the heat, humidity and dew points combine to unhealthy levels, make sure to scale back the workout and ensure you are consuming enough fluids throughout the day. Combining the actual Temperature and the Dew Point will give you suggestions for determining your workout.

Any value less than 80 is considered comfortable.
Any value greater than 90 is considered extreme.
Any value greater than 100 is considered hazardous.
Any value greater than 110 is considered dangerous.

Thank you to Livonia parkrunner Jen Greve for leading the post run yoga stretches. Everyone enjoys the cool down and learning new ways to keep flexible. Thanks, Jen!

Several Livonia parkrun participants have expressed interest in meeting midweek evenings for a structured workout such as intervals, threshold running or a fartlek session. Please drop us a message to find out more.

Great to see Stephen Ferguson at last week’s Livonia parkrun. Stephen was in town for business and took advantage of joining up with new friends at Livonia parkrun. Look forward to see you again, Stephen!!

July 21 Livonia parkrun images

Feedback from the field

None this week, BUT

Drop me an email if you have an interesting parkrun related fact, happening or comment that you would like to share with all parkrunners.

parkrunner of the week

Name: Callie Kane
Age: 28
Number of parkruns: 4
Number of times volunteered: 3
Home parkrun: Livonia parkrun
Occupation: Physical Therapist at Dwight Orthopedic Rehabilitation Company in Farmington Hills.
Family: I married my high school sweetheart in 2010. He runs and plays hockey recreationally. I have a younger sister who works at The Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City. My mom is my workout buddy and we keep each other on track. My parents, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, bother-in-law, and 3 year old niece all live close by and we see them often.
What do you like about parkrun: Although I have good friends who run, I have loved meeting other runners and walkers who truly enjoy the sport. I love knowing that there will always be a group of dedicated people out there on Saturday mornings to workout with and I am proud to be a part of the first parkrun in the US!
How has parkrun changed your running: I love cross-country running but have not done much of it for a long time. I have also enjoyed learning more about training and racing from other parkrunners.
What are your future running and racing plans? : I have a couple of 5 and 10Ks planned for the summer and hope to run the Brooksie Way Half Marathon in Rochester at the end of September. I am happy to be back into the sport and plan to continue running for many years.
Favorite Music or Band: ‘Bruuuuce’ Springsteen...Can't wait to see him play with the E Street Band at Wrigley Field in Chicago in the fall!

Reminders

Barcode reminder

Barcodes are used at all our events to record your result. No barcode, No result!

All questions answered

Do you have a question about parkrun? How do I get my barcode? All your questions are answered here.

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 All children under 11 must be supervised by a parent or guardian. Guardians must ensure that children place themselves appropriately so as to prevent a situation where they are being repeatedly overtaken at the start. This is to ensure the safety of your child.

the parkrun show

You can download your copy of the parkrun show here. (iTunes) The parkrun show is the audible roundup of the "goings on" of everything that caught the teams eye from the weekend in parkrunworld. Brought to you by Marathon Talk.

Continue reading →

Newsletter 17 July 2012

admin — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 15:56:46 +0000

Welcome to this week's newsletter

In this week’s newsletter: lots of inspiration, motivation (and perspiration) at Livonia parkrun; The Gingerbread Man makes his appearance; 3.1 miles of smiles and this week’s parkrunner of the week feature.

Each week I’ve engaged in conversation with Livonia parkrun participants, either prior to, after, even during and on occasion if seen out and am excited for each of you who are achieving your short term weekly goals and making steps towards realizing those long term ones a step at a time each Saturday morning. Whether the goal is to lose weight, improve fitness, complete the course with minimal to zero walk breaks, to run or walk a personnel best or to simply respond to your alarm clock each Saturday morning to get up and get going to parkrun. I applaud each of you for not settling for mainstream mediocrity and for the commitment you make to yourself, your family, friend and community to make parkrun what it has become. It is no easy task to commit to a running / walking program especially in the heat of the summer we have been enjoying. Use the encouragement and camaraderie of your fellow parkrunners and walkers each Saturday morning to make your running or walking steps more enjoyable and easier toward achieving your goals. Don’t forget to follow Livonia parkrun on Facebook and Twitter!!

Run Happy!

Rick (email me)

Volunteer Reminder

Remember Livonia parkrun only happens because volunteers make them happen. Please do not wait to be asked, the organizers are sometimes bashful about asking for help, but they would be delighted if you stepped forward – our rule of thumb has always been that we ask all our most regular runners to volunteer three times a year. There are roles to suit everyone, and it is very enjoyable and rewarding experience each Saturday morning. Don’t be shy, email us to sign-up and volunteer.

Workout Wednesday

Several Livonia parkrun participants have expressed interest in meeting Wednesday evenings at 6pm for a structured workout such as intervals, threshold running or a fartlek session. If you are looking to improve your road race or cross country performances later this summer or fall, please drop us a message for more information.

Event News

Livonia parkrun

Each week our ace parkrun photographer has been capturing those 'Kodak Moments' .As I have looked through the images, I’ve noticed one common theme amongst everyone, Not Running Shoes, Not the various MP3 players, Not the watches, Heart Rate Monitors or GPS units, but the SMILES!! As much as each of you are challenging and pushing yourself, you never stop smiling. Check out the pics later in the newsletter. Awesome!! [para]At last week’s Livonia parkrun, Gingerbread Man decided to make his first appearance. As the run was underway, I began my walk to my designated course marshal location. Within a few minutes, I noticed the first runners passing the first half kilometer mark when suddenly Ginger Bread Man appeared with William Pederson. William has been showing a clean pair of heals to the other parkrunners the past few weeks, so when he was no longer up front pressing the pace I realized Ginger Bread Man had temporarily sidetracked William. As suddenly as Ginger Bread Man appeared, he was ‘dropped’, until deciding to reappear with parkrun leader James Lakin with less than one kilometer remaining causing James to sidetrack away from the course while ‘dispersing’ Ginger Bread Man. It was at this point, first time parkrunner Steve Erickson seized this moment and took the lead to the tape for his initial parkrun first male across the line. Beware of the Ginger Bread Man; you’ll never know when he will appear!!

Livonia parkrun….3.1 miles of smiles every Saturday morning

Feedback from the field

None this week, BUT

Drop me an email if you have an interesting parkrun related fact, happening or comment that you would like to share with all parkrunners.

parkrunner of the week

Name: Sheila Dow
Club: None
Age: 46
Home parkrun: Livonia parkrun
Occupation: Sr. Editor for the School Market for Gale/Cengage Learning
Family: I am married to my wonderful husband Ian Dow and we have three great children Lilly 15, Carson 10, and Maggie 6.
What do you like about parkrun: I love so many things about park run where should I begin? I love that running outdoors has really broken up my winter routine, which usually consists of running on the track indoors at the Livonia Recreation Center. This is my first running experience in a cross country environment and I believe that running on grass has put less stress on my feet and ankles so I love this. I love the fact that my family has joined me for parkrun because it is great to share the outdoors and a healthy activity with them. I love that I get to run with my friends--old and new--and we support each other and we get to swap our running stories.
How has parkrun changed your running: I feel more committed to working out other days of the week so I can keep up my time at parkrun on Saturday
What are your future running and racing plans? : My next race is the Warrior Dash at the end of July. I never really thought I would do a race that combined running with crazy obstacles so it should be interesting.
Favorite Music or Band: I really like all music but I would have to say that my favorite band is U2.

Reminders

Barcode reminder

Barcodes are used at all our events to record your result. No barcode, No result!

All questions answered

Do you have a question about parkrun? How do I get my barcode? All your questions are answered here.

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 All children under 11 must be supervised by a parent or guardian. Guardians must ensure that children place themselves appropriately so as to prevent a situation where they are being repeatedly overtaken at the start. This is to ensure the safety of your child.

the parkrun show

You can download your copy of the parkrun show here. (iTunes) The parkrun show is the audible roundup of the "goings on" of everything that caught the teams eye from the weekend in parkrunworld. Brought to you by Marathon Talk.

Continue reading →