And while I might not have been its most regular participant, I can say that for a while I took to Warragul's parkrun with a bounce in my step as I tried each week to lower my time and, in the process, get fit!
So, it was a great occasion on Saturday morning to see Benalla's parkrun up and running in Benalla Gardens.
Saultry’s Score | Women are smashing it in the sporting arena
While I don't love early starts, I headed down to the event to get some snaps for the paper.
Situating myself halfway through the course, one of the most admirable characteristics of the parkrun was evident. As people turned around at the 2.5km mark and headed back towards the starting point, they yelled out encouragement to other runners as they crossed paths.
There was also a sense of fun in some runners’ get-ups, with the colour pink — and even pink tutus — seemingly a staple of the parkrun wardrobe.
And as I headed back to capture those crossing the finish line, the praise and encouragement continued.
parkrun a hit with Benalla community
With many people tackling parkrun with a group, a few women headed back on the course to run with and encourage their friend as she closed in on the finish line, while others clearly looked chuffed — and a little puffed — to overcome the 5km course.
But overall my favourite thing about parkrun is that it's an incredibly inclusive way of exercising. You don't compete against others, only yourself, and since all the way back at my first ever parkrun I have continued to see the progression of my running as I shaved off even as little as a few seconds each run.
But for me, and probably a lot of others, even a little improvement can feel like a major achievement.
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