Run/walk your physique

parkrun aims to have an event in every community that wants one

parkrun South Africa states on its homepage (3^rd column, under What Next?) that “parkrun aims to have an event in every community that wants one”. The page encourages those that want a parkrun event in their community to approach parkrun, who is keen to help set up such. Determination and drive are mentioned as prerequisites, step by step guidance, assistance and support is offered. Each parkrun ‘event’ (parkrun site) is said to be “independently managed and controlled by the event director”. Those interested are encouraged to visit the ‘start your own event’ webpage and to fill out the enquiry form.

parkrun started on 2 October 2004 in Bushy park, Teddington, UK, and by April 2019 spread to 21 countries. Once off free registration and a single barcode, gives the registered person access to all parkruns—with the condition ‘no barcode, no result’—free weekly facilitated events of 5km. Participants are expected to volunteer occasionally, in order to make the free model work.

Indulge in running

Running for health purposes need not drain your finances, but it is easy to get hooked on splurging.

Recently complimented a fellow runner on a clothing item, he replied something to the effect that he’d been at some event when he saw it and thought “oh I need one of those”. I’ve seen T-shirts (or tops), or running shorts/leggings, or socks and thought ‘it would be nice to also have it’. I’ve over time acquired a selection of clothing and gadgets for various circumstances and applications.

Liesel (Twitter handle @blondvodkablond) tweeted the following about cycling on 18 April 2019: Joining the sport of cycling should starts with the most important question and consideration: “Do you, Liesel take cycling as your lifelong addiction, through sickness & health, the good & the bad, till death do you part?” if yes, welcome to a life of financial irresponsibility.

If enthusiastic and not careful, one could end up spending accumulatively substantial amounts on race registrations; transportation; accommodation; clothing; pre-, during, and post-nutrition; specialised equipment; recovery treatments; etc.

The bottom-line is, one need a relatively good pair of running shoes; comfortable running clothes suitable for the weather conditions, hydrations and rehydration, healthy nutrition—nothing fancy or special, some sunscreen (and sunglasses) when running during the day, a good light (and a reflective strip) when running at night. For safety purposes, it is better not to run alone. There are several social running initiatives, one just need to search a little.