Celebrating Our Park Run Volunteers

Celebrating Our Park Run Volunteers

Celebrating Our Park Run Volunteers

 

Having been injured and unable to run much through 2023 I took to running one lap and then volunteering.  Today I had volunteered to write the run report about ‘my journey’. I had it all prepared. However listening to Jim, our run director I was reminded that today I was celebrating my 25th volunteer role. I’ve therefore changed tack and will write about celebrating our park run volunteers.

Each week a request for volunteers is made. This week Jim, along with Pooh and Piglet pleaded for help to fill the roster. I didn’t realise until I arrived at our beautiful Boutham Park how many of the Maternity Wing Park Run Group were volunteering today. They all responded to the last minute pleas.

Without volunteers there would be no park run! Each week Lincoln needs a minimum of 18 volunteers for the event to go ahead.  A more realistic number of volunteers would  be about 28.

As the school holidays start the number of runners and volunteers has taken a dip and filling future rosters is challenging.

The Core VolunteeringTeam

 

There are regular volunteers at Lincoln, the core team (you know who they are) who often cover several roles each week, but even they need time out from time to time.  If you fancy taking over Junes Bridge or Sandras Corner one morning please email lincoln@parkrun.com

Catherine bravely took on marshalling Mozzy Corner. This may not be its official name but it’s on the corner in the wooded section. Plenty of shade makes it perfect conditions for a hot day like today.

Family Friendly

 

Perhaps you attend our Park Run with your family who spectate and cheer you on?  Could you persuade them to Marshall? They still have the opportunity to cheer you on but at the same time help keep park run going for you.

Park Run is a vey family friendly community. The Lincoln Junior Park Run team are taking over the park run on the 10th August and are looking for volunteers for both this event and for the Junior Park Run which will eventually take place on Sundays.  Could this be the opportunity for you and your children/grandchildren to volunteer and learn all about Junior Park run? If you are interested in supporting this event please check out the roster on this link:  https://www.parkrun.org.uk/lincoln/futureroster/

Celebrating Our Park Run Volunteers – Combining Running And Volunteering

 

Ella, another one  of our Maternity Wing Park Run Group was also celebrating her 25th volunteer role today choosing to bar code scan.   I love to bar code scan as you get to speak to 100’s of runners. The first past the post, who to be honest, can’t usually speak as they have just run supper fast. Those who achieved a PB, Park Run tourists, those training for ultra marathons, runners from  different running groups, cancer my way participants, the children and walkers.

Jamie,  today’s  first runner home took on scanning duties as he has on many occasions.  Fiona, ran her 200th park run today in a respectable 29m 36s and then took up scanning duties.

Dawns running journey on WhatsOnLincs by LincsConnect. Celebrating our Lincoln Park Run Volunteers

Fiona celebrating her 200th run at Lincoln Park Run

Perhaps  you finish in the top 52. If so have you ever considered volunteering?  I’m sure many of you have, but if not please consider running and bar code scanning just once a year. That’s 52 weeks covered already!!

I’ve  dragged my son’s girlfriend to park run on more than one occasion. Charlie has now volunteered more than she has run. Her favourite role is funnel manager.

Today Shirley took control of the funnel and really enjoyed the experience. Again, it’s a great way to meet, greet and congratulate your fellow runners.

Celebrating Our Park Run Volunteers – Familiar Faces

 

A regular at park run is Keith Mackenzie. Today Keith celebrated his 50th volunteer role by park walking.  Along with the tail walker this is a great way to give support and encouragement to those runners and  walkers at the back of the pack. It’s an ideal role if you have an injury and need to slow your pace whilst still getting your park run fix and your steps in.

Dawns running journey on WhatsOnLincs by LincsConnect. Celebrating our Lincoln Park Run Volunteers.

Keith celebrating his 50th Volunteering Role at Lincoln Park Run

Perhaps you have a big event on Sunday and need to rest.  Rather than sitting park run out how about being the number checker, finish token manager or time keeper?

There are roles to suite everyone. Try stepping  out of your comfort zone and try something different. The first timers welcome is another role you can combine comfortably with your run.  This would also suit someone who needs to get away in a hurry after their run.

If you know of any youngster who are participating in the Duke of Edinburgh award then volunteering can count as their service.

Pledge To Volunteer

 

Park Run UK suggests every runner should attempt to volunteer three times a year. Some will be able to do this easily plus more, whilst others may be able to manage just one.  If every regular Lincoln park runner stepped forward just once a year it would make a huge difference to the roster.

Volunteering isn’t difficult and the park run community is really friendly and supportive. Please take a look at roster for the next six weeks and beyond.

Let’s all pledge to volunteer at least once a year.

https://www.parkrun.org.uk/lincoln/futureroster/

Remember, if you are a T shirt collector then volunteer 50, 100 or 150 times and you can send for a volunteer shirt. This is another great way to support park runs future.

 

Follow: @DawnThomas2311 and  @parkrunUK on X (formally Twitter) and Facebook: LincolnParkrun  and parkrun UK

Park Run Tourism By Dawn

Park Run Tourism By Dawn

Park Run Tourism By Dawn – Normanby Hall  Park Run 26 October 2024

Park Run Tourism by Dawn – Normanby Hall Park Run 26 October 2024.

First Impressions

Normanby Hall was easy to find, it has plenty of car parking space with an overflow car park if required.  I displayed a spare bar code in my windscreen which enables you to park for free until 11.00am.   It’s a short walk from the car park to the front of Normanby Hall and the start of the park run.
To prepare myself for the run in advance I looked up the course description. The Course is described as being on a mixture of tarmac paths and trails.  A little further research advised that there were only two very short trail sections and by using google maps I could see that most of the run was likely to be through the woodland.  I was unclear at this stage if it was a one lap course but Jason explained at the first timers brief that it was three loops. It sounded quite complicated, but describing it as a park run conga, where everyone just followed the person in front simplified it.
The park itself is stunning, especially as the trees are now displaying every coloured leaf possible. I love my local park run, Boultham Park and every tourist park run I attend gets assessed based on it.  It’s a hard act to follow. However, Normanby Hall Country park is a completely different sort of park run; more on the lines of Belton House park run, so it would be fairer to compare the two.

Just Run Community

Today I was joined by Adam and Lucy, two of the crew for Just Run Community Lincoln.  We are a new running group and more than happy if you would like to join us on a run.
Find Just Run Community on Facebook and Just Run Community on Instagram

Just Run Community Lincoln

Park Run Tourism – Normanby Hall Park Run

 

The Start 

 

The park run itself starts in front of  Normanby Hall.  Patricia, our run director for the morning delivered the safety briefing before everyone assembled at the start.  It’s a very wide area with everyone spread out across it. For me it felt like a slow start, in hindsight I probably started too far back so it took me some time to find my pace. Lesson learned! Having found my pace we turned on to a narrow path which took us through the first  wooded area.  It was hard to overtake on this section as the path is really narrow which I found a little frustrating.

Normanby Hall

 

A right turn brings you  back  onto the wide path. Back past  the front of the Normanby Hall and the cheering volunteers.   The course continues down the side of the deer park where I was really hoping to catch a glimpse of the Red Deer. It’s the middle of the rutting season so the Stags are expected to have some majestic antlers (see photo below). One of the other runners suggested we look out for the white deer.  Unfortunately during the run I didn’t get to see any deer, but a short walk before I headed home paid dividends with one of the stags standing still long enough for me to get a photo.

The Woodland

 

One of my favourite places to run is a small woodland near to where I live so I was really looking forward to running through the woodland at Normanby Country Park. It didn’t disappoint! The leaves are changing colour, so many shades of yellow and orange but with the odd pop of red from the Acer tree.  The paths were  covered in a colourful carpet of leaves.  I didn’t find it slippery but it’s worth taking care especially on the corners.  There were two little bridges, a stream and a pond hidden in the woodland as well as some wood carvings to hold your interest. Don’t forget to look up too. There is a Go Ape course running through the woodland, so if you’re feeling brave and adventurous maybe head back another day.

 

Treasures Of Normanby Hall

The Finish

 

I was so busy looking around I can’t really remember how we ended up in front of the Hall again. Running up towards the Wedding Gates to do a final lap through the little woodland and back to the finish. The park was much quieter than my local park in Lincoln but so much bigger.  There was a peacefulness about both the park and the run.  When you next pay a visit I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s a great place to run mindfully.
There were 35 first timers to Normanby Hall Park run today and a total of 12 personal bests.

Post Run Coffee And Walk

 

There is a fabulous little coffee shop where the three of us enjoyed a coffee whilst debriefing.    Everyone we met was really friendly and I overheard some ‘doggy’ owners discussing how their dogs had been treated to a sausage.  It’s not your usual coffee shop that’s for sure!  I managed a quick walk round in front of the hall to take some photos and then popped into the gift shop before heading home.

The Verdict 

 

Belton House  V Normanby Hall Park Run  I scored the parks on 10 different categories so I could be objective. Both runs are set in a Country Park settings, with ample car parking. There is more of a Woodland feel to Normanby and both have deer parks.  The start and finish are very similar.  Normanby has less runners, just 150 today which made  for a very friendly atmosphere.  The cafe at Belton has a slight edge on Normanby but I wouldn’t let that put me off from returning.   I personally love to run through wooded areas so on that basis alone I would rate Normanby slightly higher that Belton.  I will definitely be back as I would love to see the park in the spring.

Happy Running

Follow: @DawnThomas2311 and  @parkrunUK on X (formally Twitter) and Facebook: LincolnParkrun  and parkrun UK

Park Run Tourism By Dawn – Market Harborough Park Run 17 August 2024

Park Run Tourism by Dawn – Market Harborough Park Run 17 August 2024.  Having arranged to visit my sister in Ullesworth and stay for a a couple of days I obviously looked up the nearest park run. To be honest I was hoping there would be one a little nearer than Market Harorough.  However, I wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to run at a different park run despite the earlier start and extra traveling distance.

Boultham Park V Welland Park

To prepare myself for the run I looked up the course description. What struck me first was how similar it sounded to my local Park Run in Boultham Park, Lincoln.
Both involve three laps of the park and are obviously in a park. I love my local park run and every tourist park run I attend gets assessed based on it.  It’s a hard act to follow. Or is it?
On arrival I pulled into the ‘Farndon Road’ car park only to find it full. I asked a local about parking who advised trying the ‘Welland Park Road’ car park or failing that ‘The Commons’ car park. Luck was on my side and I slipped into a space at the ‘Welland Park Road’ Car park. The car parks are really small as it states on the course web site. If you are from out of area you need to have a back up plan for parking and don’t rely on the ones on site.  For more information on your chosen park run visit www.parkrun.org.uk. (@parkrunUK)

Sisters

Safely parked, I jogged into the Park and followed the signs to what I thought was the first time brief area.  I arrived at the volunteers meeting point and got chatting to regular volunteers & sisters Ann, Dot & Lynette. I was made to feel very welcome, so thank you ladies. They kindly informed me where the first time brief was and the toilets so another jog back toward the carpark. I arrived at the first timers brief just as it was finishing (Sorry Pete!).  Emma, another park run tourist and first timer at Market Harborough quickly filled me in. There were no surprises to be had, all seemed fairly standard.
Park Run Tourism - Market Harborough Park Run by Dawn Thomas

Welland Park, Market Harborough Park Run #132

Park Run Tourism – Market Harborough – The Start

I headed to the start line with Emma to discover there were pacers ready to support the runners looking for new PBs.  The run director, Mike, delivered a safety talk, giving a shout out to the volunteers, pacers and to those with milestones. As soon as he was finished he counted down 3,2,1 and we were off.
The start was a little congested, especially as we ran from the wider start path to the narrower path round the first turn. However, it didn’t take long for the runners to spread out and I soon found my pace. I could see the 29 minute pacer in front so decided that was my aim for the run.

Anyone For Tennis?

As I was running I looked around.  The park was much busier than my local park in Lincoln. Both the tennis courts and the children play area were busy.  It was obvious that there were families of runners in the play area looking out for their mum or dad.  I had hoped that my Nephew was going to bring his children down from Lubenham to do the same.  Unfortunately they had chosen this week to go to Devon. Maybe next time?

The River Wellend

The river Welland runs down the left side of the course and can be seen through the trees.  At the end of this path you loop around to run back on yourself ready to repeat the lap again.  Ann and Dot were stood here, shouting encouragement to everyone as they ran past.  This is the only section where you have runners heading in the opposite direction so it’s  important that you keep left. On the second lap this section resembles a dual carriage way, with the faster runner overtaking. However, it was not a problem as its a lovely wide path.

The Finish

On my last lap I chatted to one or two other runners and offered encouragement to them to get them across the finish line. One young lady came up and thanked me at the end which I thought was really kind.  I caught up with Emma, who said how much she enjoyed her first run at Welland Park and she commented that the park made for the best warm up she had ever done.  The park truly is beautiful and well kept, so take time to look around after your run.

Guided Runners

There were two runners with guides on the course today. Amanda was guiding Vanessa and Andy was guiding Simon.  I managed to catch up with Andy and Simon as they finished their final lap. It was Andy’s 80th guided run which had not all been with Simon who was on his 80th Park run. What fantastic achievements.
Park Run Tourism - Market Harborough Park Run by Dawn Thomas

Guided running. Andy and Simon

Post Run Coffee

There is a fabulous little coffee shop and a kiosk selling coffee, cakes, pastries and ice creams.  I grabbed an ice lolly and sat in the shade chatting to a runner who was local to the area.  Everyone was really friendly just like my local park run.

The Verdict. 

Boultham Park V Welland Park.  I scored the parks on 10 different categories so I could be objective. Both parks had similar courses, finish set ups and a friendly atmoshere.  Boultham scored better on car parking facilities but the cafe and outside seating at Welland outshone Boultham. Overall they came out equal and I would definitely come back.

Follow: @DawnThomas2311 and  @parkrunUK on X (formally Twitter) and Facebook: LincolnParkrun  and parkrun UK

Park Run Tourism – Belton House 29 June 2024

Park Run Tourism by Dawn – Belton House on 29 June 2024. There are some serious park run tourists out there, visiting A-Z of park runs around the Globe. I don’t consider myself to be one of them. However, I do confess that if invited to a Wedding, on a weekend away or holiday, the first thing I do is look up the nearest park run. Surely I’m not the only one?
Today I’m with some of the ‘Just Run Lincoln’ crew who are on our monthly tourist tour, visiting different park runs.  I already have experience of the course, having been twice before.  It’s a two lap course taking you down the long drive, around parkland and past the front of the magnificent Belton House.  I would say the course is 80% trail. That’s very different from what our crew is use to.
Park Run Tourism at Belton House by Dawn Thomas of Just Run Community, Lincoln on WhatsOnLincs, what's on Lincs, what's on in Lincolnshire by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger, LincsBlogger

Park Run Tourism at Belton House

Park Run Tourism By Dawn – Belton House The Start

After a short  first timer/ tourist brief we took our places at the start. The start covers an exceptionally wide area with runners on both the grass and the drive. This made for an easier start with no bottle necks.  The number of dogs was particularly noticeable and audible. However, both owners and dogs were all very well behaved during the run.
By the time we had reached the turning point (about midway down the drive) the pack had thinned out making it easy to move onto the trail section. A family of swans could be seen sat at the corner watching everyone with interest. With eyes back on the trail it was time to focus on the rabbit holes. I needn’t have worried though as they were marked with little white flags.

Sheep On The Run!

A glance to the right and I could see the park deer in the far field then I noticed the sheep. OMG the sheep were running on mass directly towards the next corner. Watching the runners and sheep ahead I could see that all were being very courteous.  Both the runners and sheep seemed to dodge each other without effecting pace.  What a relief!
The course isn’t entirely flat as you will find as you run up towards the house to the start of the second lap and eventually the finish funnel.  The good news is that final section is flat, wide and on a path. There was plenty of scope to pick up the pace for a fast finish.

Post Run Coffee

Having cheered each other in we piled into the stables cafe to refuel and dissect our run.  The others hadn’t run Belton before and were all surprised it was a trail run. The takeaway point here is read the write up www.parkrun.org.uk to avoid surprises. (@parkrunUK)
We will be voting on our next park run tour in the coming weeks but in the meantime it’s back to the training. If you fancy a bit of tourism yourselves head to the friendliest park run I know (of course I am biased !) in Boutham Park, Lincoln  Happy running everyone.

More Blogs By Dawn

 

Happy Running

 

Follow: @DawnThomas2311 and  @parkrunUK on X (formally Twitter) and Facebook: LincolnParkrun  and parkrun UK
LincsConnectJobs Hour

LincsConnectJobs Hour

LincsConnectJobs Hour

LincsConnectJobs hour for jobs and courses is here for you every day whether you’re posting vacancies or looking for work.

LincsConnectJobs Hour for jobs and courses by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

                              #LincsConnectJobs Hour for jobs and courses is on Mondays from 10.00am

 

LincsConnectJobs Hour For Jobs And Courses

LincsConnectJobs hour – to be more precise, it’s a hashtag so you need to add #LincsConnectJobs to your posts to help people find you. When you’re posting vacancies or searching for jobs and courses #LincsConnectJobs is the place to be.  The hour starts at 10.00am every Monday and is open to all agencies and businesses or charities who wish to get their vacancies and courses noticed in the local Lincolnshire area.  In addition, it’s the place for everyone to go to when searching for a job or course.  It’s a local hub to help you find good connections as well as jobs and courses.

LincsConnectJobs Hour – It’s Here For ‘You’

#LincsConnect is the established hub (database) so when posting vacancies or courses I recommend the following format:

#LincsConnectJobs #Jobs

#LincsConnect

#Location (Where is the vacancy/course)? Use a hashtag for the location to make sure you reach out to people searching for news in their area. Include brief details about the vacancy.

#YourHahstag Include your own hashtag (if you have one) to let everyone know that they can search for your specific uploads.

Include a link to either yourself or directly to the vacancy information

Include a picture or video wherever possible as an attention grabber.

LincsConnectJobs Hour example tweet by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBloger

An example of a tried and tested format. Note the use of both #LincsConnectJobs ‘and’ #LincsConnect to get as much exposure as possible

Tried And Tested

The format in the picture above is tried and tested over 12 years so I know it works.

#LincsConnectJobs Is The Hub

#LincsConnectJobs isn’t trying to replace the work of others or steal their hard earned followers.  Quite the opposite in fact.  The #LincsConnectJobs and #LincsConnect hashtags are designed to be the hub or the ‘go to’ place for people to look to find you.  Adding the two hashtags to your tweets on a daily basis will undoubtedly increase your readership and following.

Team Work Works

It may sound obvious but being precious about your own account and not sharing posts from others will only lead to your own posts stagnating.  When we work as a team we can increase followers and readership for each other.  It shows that you’re an ‘all inclusive’ site and improves your standing and respect on twitter.  If you’ve been posting but only getting one or two retweets or interactions increasing your readership can only be a good thing!

 

LincsConnectJobs by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

It’s good to work together

Get Noticed To Get Results

Making sure you tell your followers about the #LincsConnectJobs hour will improve readership for everyone. That brings us back to ‘Team Work Works’.  Using the #LincsConnectJobs hashtag is excellent but it needs a little time (and your input) to make it into ‘the’ place to look across the whole county.  With that in mind you need to include the #LincsConnect hashtag too (not the @LincsConnect address) as it has been established for more that 12 years and is already recognisable across the county.  Using both hashtags will help drive people to the #LincsConnectJobs hashtag so it’s a win, win situation.

LincsConnectJobs Hour – Courses

If you know of any colleges, schools or universities that are offering courses please point them to #LincsConnectJobs.  After all, the courses are designed to lead to self improvement and self improvement may lead to fresh job searches.

#LincsConnectJobs Hour For Jobs And Courses – The Format

LincsConnectJobs hour for jobs and courses – Start each hour with a quick introduction.  Let everyone know who you are, what you do and what you have to offer.  Some of you may be on a fixed wage while others may be an agency working on fixed fees or commission.  We all have to live and pay bills so don’t be afraid to be ‘up front’ with your charges.

Can’t Make It In Person?

Life is often hectic and committing to a dedicated hour each week can be difficult at best!  Scheduling tweets is perfectly acceptable but do consider what you put in your posts if you are away from your desk.  Here are some examples that I’ve found work well:

Introductory post:  Good morning everyone, apologies for not being able to make it in person today.  I’ve scheduled a few tweets for the hour but will visit the hashtag later to retweet for you and show my support.

Subsequent posts: My advice is to stick with the theme that you are not participating in person.  I recommend that you use the hour to post informative messages about yourself.  Tell people what you do.  Let them know if you have a particular reputation in engineering or any other speciality recruitment.  The hashtag is live 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Anyone can visit to read the posts at any time so make your posts relevant.  Letting people know who you are and what you do is important if you want people to follow you.  It’s really not ‘just’ about the job vacancies!

That introductory post is perfectly acceptable as you have pledged to support others.  With that in mind, the others should feel comfortable retweeting your posts and offering you their support.

Be Part Of The Team

Would you like to host the hour?  Hosting the hour will help to show your personality and will let people get to know the person behind the tweets.  My diary is open so please do let me know if you would like to be a host.

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LincsConnectJobs Hour – Getting It Right

Perfection is a good goal but getting it right every single time is a difficult task.  We are all human so be prepared to make a few errors (I still make lots of mistakes but try to learn from them). LincsConnectJobs hour for jobs and courses will only work if we are all consistent.  By working together we will have the hashtag trending on Twitter, Google and other platforms (I’ve made that happen several times before).

Good luck

I hope you find this post useful.  Please do feel free to email me at martin@lincsconnect.co.uk if you have any questions or suggestions.

Additional Blogs By LincsConnect:

LincsConnectValentines by LincsConnect Lincs Connect Lincolnshire Blogger LincsBlogger

Click/tap on the picture to go to the #LincsConnectValentines blog

Best wishes

LincsConnect

LincsConnect Lincs Connect Lincolnshire Blogger LincsBlogger

           LincsConnect is your Lincolnshire Blogger – often copied but never bettered. “Putting the social back into social media” #LincsConnect is always here for you.