Hello, my name is Jack Sparrow. I'm a 50 year old self-employed Pirate from the Caribbean.
My life in parkrun began in September 2015.
After years of trying and failing at the latest diets and exercise videos I stumbled on a Facebook post about a parkrun couch to 5k program starting at my local Tredegar Park. At the time I was quite unfit, had never run long distance and vividly remember saying to myself whats the worst that could happen?!
Fast forward 20 months, I now run at least 4 times a week - 25 miles weekly - and have competed in many races including the Cardiff and Newport Half Marathon.
Parkrun has had such a positive impact on my life I decided to get more involved and become a volunteer. I have built up great friendships with my team and I have found the whole experience very rewarding. As a volunteer I have done a number of roles including barcode scanning, funnel manager and timekeeping backup. When Riverfront parkrun started I became part of the core volunteer team. In all these roles I have the opportunity to interact with a wide range of people from first timers to veteran parkrun tourists.
My son, Bayanda is currently studying for his A-Levels and has also become a parkrun volunteer. He originally started as part of his Welsh Baccalaureate but has quickly become an integral part of the team volunteering at every opportunity including marshalling at the Newport Half Marathon.
As I reflect on my story I realise I have come full circle. It was because of volunteers I got to do my first couch to 5k and now I have the privilege of playing a small part in someone else journey to better health and wellbeing. I also get to have fun along the way!
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