The Final Race in the Parkrun Challenge // Is this course REALLY the “Monza of Parkrun”? //

[@rrevdog9482]

Can't believe how you've gone from a man giving it the big un about doing a 100 mile ultra earlier in the year to a man with a unicorn umbrella at parkrun 😂😂😂😂

[@middleagedrunningman]

Everyone loves “a journey” these days. Personal growth Rev.

[@Nobipsjustbops]

I've just found your channel and am moving backwards from present day. Excellent. Very strong Partridge energy- excellent work.

[@middleagedrunningman]

Sorry about that…. Hope it’s not too irritating…. The format doesn’t change much!

[@Nobipsjustbops]

@@middleagedrunningman not at all. The format gives it a bit more than just the running. Especially like the loft conversion updates so far. Not middle aged or a man yet so recommended to my dad too, for further likes and subscribes.

[@TomAt1337]

"A little bit like my shorts" :D comedy gold as always. Two sub-18 parkruns to end the series, cracking effort Marm! Congratulations!

[@middleagedrunningman]

Thanks Tom. A great ending.

[@deansummerton2577]

Absolutely brilliant Tim. Another superb run and PB ⭐🏅 Really enjoyed this series 👏

[@middleagedrunningman]

Thanks Deano!!

[@markb329]

🎉Boom what a way to end the series, with a PB and goal achieved. You are spot on about parkrun, it's all about the community. I love it and the inclusivity. I've only recently visited Walsall Arboretum despite previously living in Willenhall in the late 80's. Very pleasantly supprised.

[@middleagedrunningman]

Yes!! Nice isn’t it?? Parkrun is great. Really positive. Tough distance though.

[@markb329]

Yeah, flat out with no time to think. I've often thought how much more enjoyable a half is at about the 15 minute point 😃

[@middleagedrunningman]

@@markb329 no doubt. Shared the same thought!

[@benjaminplant3734]

"didnt know what to expect - broken glass, toddlers offering me cigarettes" hahahaha

[@davidhayward1261]

Well done. Another great run. 🏃🏻‍♂️👍🌟🍾🎉🎉🎉

[@middleagedrunningman]

Thanks David. Going to tentatively say I enjoyed that one!

[@jasonbritton3427]

lol puts lock on car and checking over your shoulders, I’m not scared of Walsall 😂😂great humour you have marm, congratulations on another sub 18 💪👊amazing video 🙌

[@middleagedrunningman]

Thanks Jason…. Can’t be too careful. Would have done that anywhere….

[@lighteningbob1697]

Entertaining stuff, well done on the PB. Cant get under 40mins myself, just an old plodder. Still got to look on the bright side, if it don't kill ya it'll make you stronger. cheers Bob

[@middleagedrunningman]

That’s the spirit Lightening Bob. Movement is key.

[@nickbenbow299]

Well done Tim. Great result and glad to see that your car was still in one piece😀👏🏃‍♂️

[@middleagedrunningman]

Car was in one piece. Two great results.

[@vanessamartinez4917]

Well done MARM! 🎉🥳 I especially enjoyed the section where the little girl was slightly faster than you. 😉😂

[@middleagedrunningman]

Thanks for noticing Vanessa.😂😂😂 She was rapid!! Couldn’t catch her.

[@th25795]

Great running again, well done! When the steering lock came out 😂😂

[@middleagedrunningman]

Can’t be too careful….

[@TheWalkerine]

Enjoyed the video! Been looking for running channels to follow. Keep on grinding 💪

[@middleagedrunningman]

Brilliant!!! Hope you enjoy the videos!!!

[@katierwoods]

I wasn’t joking when I said my baby loves your videos. She was refusing to nap and kicking up a fuss and your video has helped her relax to sleep 😂 great vid as always!

[@middleagedrunningman]

That baby has great taste. I’m trying to imagine what her first words might be….

[@katierwoods]

@@middleagedrunningman ‘Ma…Ma…Marmy Army’

[@middleagedrunningman]

Wouldn’t that be something?

[@laserpace]

Back to back weeks! Who would have thought? Great work!

[@middleagedrunningman]

Thanks Laser!!!

[@tworunningbrooms]

One of the loveliest parkrun venues. A great story over the 6 weeks. Look forward to the autumn series.

[@middleagedrunningman]

Cheers John. Really enjoyed it…(secretly)

[@Swisscol]

Just discovered your channel mate, funny thing is I took your pic with the Walsall Arboretum sign for you, enjoyed your content, have liked and subscribed, will be checking out your back catalogue, keep up the good work 👍 congrats on the PB

[@middleagedrunningman]

I remember you!! Thanks for subscribing, thanks for congrats, really enjoyed my morning in Walsall.

[@paulsummerly8203]

Loved it well done.the banter was so good but I feel sorry for Ben the boiler man. Thanks.

[@middleagedrunningman]

Don’t feel sorry for that heartbreaker.

[@petehoye]

Top Running again MARM 👍👌 Great vid, so funny 🤣😆

[@middleagedrunningman]

Thanks Pete!! See Scott’s new dancers?

[@petehoye]

Ò@middleagedrunningman I didn't notice, what's he wearing now? He also had a great time.. 👍 Just re-watched the vid, Yea clean alphafly 3s, very nice👍👌

[@nickbishop9259]

Another great Park Run! See you at Cheltenham!

[@EricS-uf9mv]

@3:55 Good LORD! When he whipped out that battle mace, I was sure our boy was about to storm Helm's Deep.

[@middleagedrunningman]

“Shall not pass”

[@graemebarron8216]

Another fantastic run. I knew you couldn't resist the draw of the magnificent arboretum.

[@middleagedrunningman]

Who can Graeme? Gets you in the end!!

[@alanmcdougall8228]

Great stuff Tim. Everyone just looks so fast there.

[@middleagedrunningman]

Camera deception Alan…..

[@RobinDS-m1g]

Wasn't expecting Mozart! You run a good channel there - you're a ntaural! and well done on your Park Run PR!

[@middleagedrunningman]

Thanks for watching!!

[@andyhuxley6133]

Great running congratulations on your pb sub 18 two weeks running 👏🏻

[@middleagedrunningman]

Thanks Andy!! Didn’t think I’d do it once to be honest.

[@monikas2941]

Congrats on the new PB 🎉

[@middleagedrunningman]

Thanks Monika!! Won’t be beating that in a hurry.

[@DandoesFitness-ih6mj]

Well done Tim 6 week challenge been good to you hopefully see you at cheltenham half if I can spot you threw all those people I’m doing the 10k if I don’t see you good luck but all being well I can finally come and say hi in person

[@middleagedrunningman]

Thanks Dan!! Hope to catch you!

[@jamestunstead1319]

I love the way you just turn up, looking lost usually, no warm up run, no stretches, then off you go! Is this how you’ve usually done it over the years? Most running KZbinrs swear by having long warms ups, warm downs, sometimes even longer that the race itself. I’m with you on this, I just think it’s a waste of energy which could be put to better use in the run/race itself!

[@middleagedrunningman]

Your opening sentence describes me fairly well. I’ve just never really known how to warm up properly, and as (touch wood) it doesn’t seem to have maimed me, I’ve stuck to it!!

[@pmichalski365]

Well done on another under 18 minutes parkrun. Might see you in Cheltenham at my local half.

[@middleagedrunningman]

Yes my friend!! Love that race. Used to live in Chelt myself….

[@pmichalski365]

New course this year, no more going around Racecourse. I know from your previous video that you used to live in Cheltenham :) Enjoy this Sunday, it will be very slow one for me to save legs for following weekend bigger race.

[@yellowfolder]

That opening was glorious.

[@middleagedrunningman]

It’s been said before Yellow Folder….

[@Jow2K]

I agree Walsall Arboretum is a nice scenic Parkrun, but not quite as flat as Stratford where my PB is 😅 Congratulations on your Parkrun PB, absolutely incredible! 😮

[@middleagedrunningman]

I didn’t think it was as flat either!! Couple of deceptive hills lurking….

[@garthcox4307]

I think courses like beacon, stratford and oaklands aren't appreciably slower than walsall, but walsall attracts a lot of fast runners. It feels more like a race than some other events . I do like walsall but I like others too, they all bring something slightly different into the mix.

[@middleagedrunningman]

@garthcox4307 good point that Garth. You absolutely run quicker when in and around speedsters.

[@Joel-qk6zh]

The loft conversion update are the peak of my week 😂

[@middleagedrunningman]

Joel, I’m assuming sarcasm here / but I’ll take it.

[@Joel-qk6zh]

@@middleagedrunningman I’m not being sarcastic I mean with the incident with the toilet and the builder was hilarious. Maybe you could put a child toilet seat lock on, especially for junior as it’s been sounding like he’s be having to much squash 😂

[@andrewgoldsby]

It just had to be Walsall (never something I thought I’d ever write)! Really enjoyed your Parkrun series Tim. Don’t be a stranger down at AV!

[@middleagedrunningman]

Will be back to AV. “It just had to be Walsall”. Great shout for a reality show.

[@charmiansteven6208]

Great Parkruns and PB. I like career/Korea. You might also try Walsall/Warsaw

[@middleagedrunningman]

That is a fantastic shout!! Should have done it!!

[@Q.OnTheRun]

Hahahaha… I told you, you’d be safe! What a run! We seriously need to team up at some stage!

[@middleagedrunningman]

Would love that Todd. Very much enjoyed Walsall. Left without mark on me. Please pass on my thanks to everyone in the area.

[@HarperCS]

Great stuff MARM

[@middleagedrunningman]

Thank you very much!! Enjoyed it!!

[@drdesign4890]

Quality mate, great content once again and a blistering time… by chance are you wearing a jockeys race top on your drive home?😉

[@middleagedrunningman]

I always carry a spare set of racing silks for a rainy day.

[@KathyBly]

Rocking that unicorn brolly

[@middleagedrunningman]

You have to “own it” apparently.

[@helenbaker8480]

🎉well done on another sub 18 and pb. You still need to come and try Warwick 😊

[@middleagedrunningman]

Definitely. I was very close this round.

[@zacharybarnes5234]

I told you Walsall Arboretum is not only fast it’s just lovely congrats on the fantastic time

[@middleagedrunningman]

You did!! Didn’t let me down on either count

[@Run_Like_a_T-Rex]

Mighty running again, Tim! Marm does Monza!

[@middleagedrunningman]

Cheers Dave. I had to. Do you know what? I would do it again….. Maybe.

[@bedcurt]

think I’ll try Walsall next time I go home usually do West Bromwich but it’s proper x-country in parts so bad in the winter. Any pictures of the loft ?

[@middleagedrunningman]

Will reveal the loft photos after it’s been through the building inspection…..😂😂😂 Definitely worth a look at Walsall.

[@paulk7663]

Lovely Stuff MARM. Forget about Ben can he go under 18mins? Get yourself to Widnes parkrun - it’s quicker than Walsall according to the stats. You’ll be sub 18:00

[@middleagedrunningman]

Thanks Paul. All over Parkrun stats these days!!

[@Lazy_Jay_Racing]

Good running MARM... Pb drunk you'll be 😂👏👍

[@middleagedrunningman]

Thanks Lazy Jay…. Already a bit PB Tipsy.

[@1972njm]

Brilliant 😂

[@middleagedrunningman]

Thanks 72!

[@Fuggler69420]

Thank you for the shout out Jessica

[@middleagedrunningman]

Thanks for saying hello Jessica!! Keep on running!!

[@Harlsberg]

Should try the Dell stadium park run. Not flat but you start and finish on a running track 👍🏼✌🏻

[@middleagedrunningman]

The Dell?? Southampton??

[@Harlsberg]

@@middleagedrunningman No no more local than that haha, classed as Dudley Park run 👍🏼

[@middleagedrunningman]

Dudley?? Haven’t offended that lot yet!

[@Harlsberg]

@@middleagedrunningman more reason to come over 😅 Just remember your car lock 🔐

[@LukeDickinson-k2c]

Great runner. Even better eyebrows.

[@middleagedrunningman]

Will take that.

[@SwimBikeRunStu]

Broken glass, toddlers with cigarettes. Mate you are thinking of cov 🤔 Impressive running as always. You have become a parkrun addict 😮

[@middleagedrunningman]

An addict amongst addicts.

[@Nyelands]

5K pb at age 50 something is brilliant. For how many years have you been running?

[@middleagedrunningman]

Around 10…. Got one more year before 50….⏰

[@mikejames3148]

Great job. 81.33% age grade. FAQ at bottom of parkrun results says above 80% is equivalent to National Class Level. I wonder which of your runs was the best taking account that the courses were all different

[@middleagedrunningman]

Wowzer!! Didn’t know that Mike. Will deffo rate the Parkrun. Very interesting question. Can tell you the worst…. Eden Project. I ran dreadfully.

[@mikejames3148]

@@middleagedrunningman If you are interested a guy called Tim Grose (on youtube as well) has done a list of fasted and slowest parkruns and gives a “Standard Scratch Score” for each which is low for a fast course and high for a slow one. To find it google "run Britain fastest and slowest parkruns". I am not smart or interested enough to figure out how to use it but it predicts statistically Walsall is the fastest of the six and Oaklands the slowest on average. Stats can be misleading though: a parkrun with multiple laps might be slower when there are a lot of runners in the tourist season or one by the sea might be slower when there is a wind rain will effect parkruns on grass more than tarmac SSS accurate sss Walsall Arboretum parkrun 17:51 81.33% 0.7 0.726 Stratford-upon-Avon parkrun 17:52 81.25% 1.1 1.073 Edgbaston Reservoir parkrun 18:30 78.47% 1.7 1.679 Eden Project parkrun 19:35 74.13% 1.3 1.327 Oaklands parkrun 18:17 79.40% 1.7 1.743 Arrow Valley parkrun 18:40 77.77% 1.3 1.325 PS none of your runs was dreadful,

[@middleagedrunningman]

This is really interesting. Thanks for looking at this. Oaklands the slowest??? Wouldn’t have said that!! I thought parkrun hates stats!!

[@mikejames3148]

@@middleagedrunningman tbf Tim Grose is not parkrun. He is a statistician who takes parkrun data and other data for his websites and who runs parkruns and has a youtube channel (not as watchable as yours tho).

[@johngriffin3887]

🎉Chasewater 5 miles up the road is better!

[@middleagedrunningman]

Will add to the list!!

[@emmarunyeard6832]

Yup, parkrun gives me the wiggins... I think it's the pop up sign and the pre run preamble with random clapping... Sets me all wrong 🎉

[@middleagedrunningman]

The preamble….get that. I’ve seen a few other runners looking a bit irritated by it recently….

[@FilmMyRun]

Bloody hell thats rapid

[@middleagedrunningman]

Thanks Stephen!! (Fast course helped)

[@chrislightwood4901]

Are you going to carry on with parkrun? Or is that it now

[@middleagedrunningman]

Just a hiatus for a little while….

[@Timtherunner]

Where did you get your shell suit inspired top. Also wind cheater ? Is that a coat

[@middleagedrunningman]

The shell top is a belter. But no wind cheater. Which is like a Cagoule.

[@jamescushing7704]

Jermaine Jenas😂😂

[@middleagedrunningman]

Used all of his data this month.

[@johncomrie2303]

Go to Northampton park run.

[@middleagedrunningman]

Is it safe??

[@emmarunyeard6832]

You have become mister parkrun.... Not good marm not good (tut tut)

[@middleagedrunningman]

Not cool Emma, I agree.

[@clairehoward550]

Haircut?

[@middleagedrunningman]

Dodgy.

[@johncomrie2303]

Go to n No , thampton

[@middleagedrunningman]

Is it flat?

[@darwinsfish]

Seems a right dodgy area if you have to hide your belongings at the beginning of a Parkrun.

[@middleagedrunningman]

Nailed it.