Parkun 145 - Hugo's 10th run and mantras to run with

145 CXLV 12^2 + 1^2 = 8^2 + 9^2 = 1!+4!+5! factorion

Welcome to parkrun 1 4 5, which also happens to be the title of a Cat Empire song.

Let’s see if we have any first timers. What about visitors from another parkrun? We run this way past our beautiful wetlands. Don’t get distracted by the abundant birdlife or you might miss the turn around sign near Bald Hills Rd.

Parkrun likes to acknowledge young runners who have completed 10 parkruns. This week we have 3 new members of the Club 10 Troy, Imogen, Hugo. As Hugo’s father I’d like to point out that I’ve never forced him to run. It’s his choice and he runs because he loves it and I support him for that.

Quick reminder that we are having a run on Christmas day. Because of the staggered starts with Strath you’ll have the opportunity to run 2 parkruns in 1 day. The gotcha is that only 1 will be counted. If you register for both only the second result will show.

As you’d expect at this time of the year with the weather gettting hotter, there are other creatures which like to come out and enjoy the sun. If you do see any suspicious looking sticks, especially if they are moving, please let the others around you know and give the “stick” space to make an exit. That’s why it’s good not to be the fastest runner.

I’d like to share with you a couple of sport psychology tips to make dealing with discomfort while running a bit easier. When you get to that point you have three choices slow down, go in or go out. Going in means concentrating on your technique, your breath, your foot landing, your hip position, your spinal alignment, etc. Going out on the other hand means distracting your brain to think that it’s elsewhere while the body does its jobs. You can listen to music, think happy thoughts, repeat positive affirmations or mantras like “I am strong, I am light, I am fast”. If you don’t already have a positive affirmation you can try repeating the names of our volunteers this week.

Cameron, Andrew, Julie, Declan, Maureen, Jon, Grace, Jacqui, the guy with the funny name. Works for me but your mileage may vary.

If you want to be in our next week’s mantra, it’s easy. Just volunteer. Parkrun runs on volunteers, so be brave and sign up.

Over to you Cameron. Enjoy your run!

Bonus: another mental visualisation to make things easier on the course. picture yourself throwing a lassoo over a person in front of you and imagine them pulling you along. You’re only allowed to do this if you know them by name.