Episode 031: Why Smarter Beats Harder at parkrun | This Week in parkrun Training

Episode 031: Why Smarter Beats Harder at parkrun | This Week in parkrun Training What if your best week of training didn't leave you exhausted? In Episode 031 of The parkrun Brief, Coach Ray explains why sustainable training beats constant fatigue, how smarter pacing can take you from 26 minutes to sub-25, why short hill reps are one of the best strength sessions for runners, how to prepare for your very first parkrun, how to turn pre-race nerves into positive energy, and why winning isn't always the most important lesson from a race. 🏃 FREE FIRST-TIME parkrun CHECKLIST Getting ready for your very first parkrun? Download my FREE First-Time parkrun Checklist and discover exactly what to bring, what to wear, when to arrive, how the barcode process works, and how to feel confident before Saturday morning. 👉 https://qwikkiwicoaching.lpages.co/pa... --- ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Welcome to The parkrun Brief 0:19 – Why Your Best Training Week Might Feel Surprisingly Easy 🔗 https://wp.me/pgV9w4-ph 5:13 – The Pacing Shift That Takes You From 26 Minutes to Sub-25 🔗 https://wp.me/pgV9w4-sD 8:59 – Friday Fast Track: 6 × 30sec Hill Reps Workout 🔗 https://wp.me/pgV9w4-sK 11:36 – Your First parkrun: What to Do Before Saturday Morning 🔗 https://wp.me/pgV9w4-pE 19:59 – parkrun Power Tip: Use Nerves as Energy 🔗 https://wp.me/pgV9w4-sh 24:52 – parkrun Progress Report: I Won This parkrun... But That's Not The Real Story 🔗 https://wp.me/pgV9w4-s4 --- 🏃 FIRST-TIME AT parkrun? If you're preparing for your very first parkrun, don't leave Saturday morning to chance. The First-Time parkrun Checklist walks you through everything you need to know before event day, including: ✅ What to wear ✅ What to bring ✅ When to arrive ✅ How barcode scanning works ✅ What happens before, during and after the event ✅ Common first-timer mistakes to avoid ✅ Tips to help you feel relaxed and confident 🎁 Download your FREE copy here: 👉 https://qwikkiwicoaching.lpages.co/pa... --- 💪 STRONGER FOR parkrun Want to finish your 5K feeling stronger instead of fading over the final kilometre? Download Stronger for parkrun – A Quick Routine to Finish Your 5K Better. It's a simple strength routine you can add after an easy run to help improve running form, strength and finishing speed. 👉 https://qwikkiwicoaching.lpages.co/st... --- READY TO IMPROVE YOUR parkrun? If you're serious about becoming a stronger, smarter and more confident parkrunner, parkrun Kickstart is designed for you. For just $47, you'll receive practical coaching to help you: ✅ Train consistently ✅ Pace your races with confidence ✅ Improve your endurance and speed ✅ Avoid common mistakes ✅ Achieve more personal bests Join parkrun Kickstart today: 👉 https://www.coachraytraining.co.nz/si... --- In this episode you'll learn: • Why easier training weeks often produce better long-term results • How smarter pacing can help break the 25-minute barrier • Why six short hill repetitions build strength and speed • How to prepare confidently for your very first parkrun • How to turn pre-race nerves into a performance advantage • Why executing your own race plan matters more than chasing other runners If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and Share it with another parkrunner. Train smarter. Pace patiently. Trust the process. See you next week! Ray Boardman Qwik Kiwi Coaching #parkrun #parkruntraining #runningtips #5ktraining #runningcoach #hillreps #sub25 #runningmotivation #firstparkrun #parkrunprogressreport