Pinch, Punch, First of the Month - It's #Juneathon

Raring to go!

I feel rough - it's not an excuse and it's not man flu, but I am starting this Juneathon (junathon.com) with a throat that feels like it's been cut to ribbons and a nose that makes a noise when blown not dissimilar to when I'm playing my trumpet.

It's a bit of a shame really, because after a couple of days of really miserable weather in the West Midlands, it's brightened up and it's a glorious day.

So my Saturday started the same way it has for about the last three months now - with a drive over to Walsall Arboretum for a Park Run... But with one slight difference - my legs would be on display. I can't remember the last time I went for a run outdoors when I was wearing shorts as opposed to running tights!

The first challenge was finding somewhere to park as a fun fair had arrived and was setting up shop where I usually park. Fortunately, I spotted some of the other runners coming out of a pub car park, so I was able to nip in and join them.

The pre-run gathering

The Start/Finish Straight.

Previously when I had run at Walsall Arboretum, we had used "The Grange" end, however today we would be using the Victorian end around the lake. I'd only run this course once before, on the first anniversary of Park Run at the Arboretum. To be honest, it doesn't really matter to me which we use as the challenge remains the same (me vs the clock). However, the Victorian course is all Tarmac, which makes life a easier for those running with buggies, whereas the old course is a little more uneven.

Remembering my last run two weeks ago, where I had an unexpected shoe-mergency, I made sure my laces were nice and tight and after the usual briefing, we were off. Given the nice weather and the fact that I'd had a couple of sessions in the gym on the treadmill this week, I was hoping for a PB and ideally to go under 26 minutes. (My PB is 26m 03).

Our morning briefing from run director, Kate.

When I run, I like to listen to music, using the standard headphones provided with my iPhone 5. As they're in-ear headphones, I've had problems with them staying in before, however not to this extent. I'm sure I spent more time on lap one trying to sort my headphones out than concentrating on my running. Eventually, I decided the only solution was to keep them in by pulling my headband over my ears. This seemed to solve the problem... however I then became concerned that I'd set off too fast!

When I do Park runs, I try to go at a sufficiently fast pace so I don't get lapped, well there was no chance of that today! Half-way around my second lap, the leaders came blasting by. A quick check of my watch showed we were about 13m 30 into the race. It'll be interesting to see what the winner's time is today.

As I started my final lap, I felt that a PB was still possible, but I would have to pick up the pace a little. Being unfamiliar with the course, it was difficult to tell whereabouts I was on the lap, particularly as just as you think you've gone round the lake, there's still a little more to go.

I tried to pick up the pace in the closing part of the lap and stopped my watch at... 26m 09. 6 seconds outside my PB, but 4 seconds faster than I ran at Princes Park Run in Liverpool last weekend. The official results are still to be posted, but they've matched my watch the last couple of weeks. (They'll be posted here ( http://www.parkrun.org.uk/walsall/results/latestresults/ ) if you're interested)

Taking my tag, I was 71st today. For me, the exercise and the time are more important than where I finished. Recording a time consistently around my PB is OK and I'm not unhappy with it, but I would really like to break that 26 minute mark.

If anyone can suggest anything to help me increase my pace (preferably an audio program/podcast of some description that can be used both outdoors or on a treadmill) or a decent set of running headphones that aren't going to fall out my ears every two minutes, that would be fab.

As ever, a big thank you should go to the volunteers as without them giving up their time,there wouldn't be a park run as the important jobs of timing, marshalling and organising wouldn't get done. If you would like to take part in a Park Run, they happen all over the country (and the world). Visit Parkrun.org.uk to find out where your nearest race is, register for free and join in!

Some more runners crossing the line.

Volunteers and finishers continue to clap home and encourage those still running.

Juneathon totals:

Running:
Distance - 3.11 miles (5km)
Time - 26m 09