Jeffing at parkrun is something I did for a good many years. Jeffing, for those who are not familiar, is a run/walk technique. Parkrun itself is trying to become more and more inclusive – which of course includes Jeffing. Here I have written some information about jeffing at parkrun.
Is Jeffing Allowed at parkrun?
The short answer is YES Jeffing is allowed at parkrun.
Parkrun is evolving all the time. They want it to be an inclusive community. Also, of course, it is not a race!
“parkrun is positive, welcoming and inclusive, there is no time limit and no one finishes last. Everyone is welcome to come along.”
Changes to parkrun
In fact changes have been made to parkrun to make it feel more inclusive. Such as the tailrunner changing to a tailwalker, the introduction of parkwalkers and the removal of certain stats so it doesn’t feel as intimidating.
Just lately I have seen that some events are introducing Jeffing pacers at parkrun. Namely Chiping Sodbury parkrun and Heaton parkrun. Cannon Hill have also been known to have a Jeffing pacer, and I have helped people at various parkruns unofficially.
Why Someone May Be Jeffing at parkrun
Personal experience means that I do not believe everyone fully appreciates why someone would be Jeffing at parkrun. Or even what that may look like.
It may be because that person isn’t able to run the whole thing. This may be due to them being new to running. Or this may be due to coming back from injury.
But Jeffers have run all sorts of distances. Most who call themselves so are doing it because they have decided that this technique is what is best for them. As previously mentioned the term Jeffing is named after Jeff Galloway an Olympian athlete.
Therefore, people who are Jeffing at parkrun are not necessarily “slow” and would not be expecting to start at the back of the parkrun.
Things to consider Whilst Jeffing at parkrun
As I say Jeffing is a technique. Although possibly a misconception you do not stop and walk. What happens is you glide between faster walking and slower running. There are drills you can practice for this.
Chosing the Correct Jeffing Ratio for Your Pace
If you are going to use a Jeffing pacer at parkrun chances are there’s not a whole heap of choice about what ratios you do. You may want to just try to go at their pace for maybe the social side of parkrun, or even just to get more of an idea about Jeffing at parkrun.
However, Jeffing is a technique and there are reccomended ratios for your “magic mile.” Basically that is take your mile time (run evenly not speeding up/slowing down) and then look at the ratios for that speed. There are also ones for those of you who run in km. Makes sense as parkrun is 5km!
Jeffing Ratios Based on Time
To work out the Jeffing ratio you need for parkrun then look at the corresponding expected finish time. Starting with the shortest ratio and use that one until you can complete parkrun in a faster time with a new ratio. I hope that makes sense.
Being Mindful of Others Whilst Jeffing at parkrun
Of course how easy it is to be Jeffing at parkrun will be determined by the course itself, and of course your speed. You may be interested in my post about my parkrun tourism reviews as a Jeffer.
Personally I can achieve a sub30 time whilst using a run/walk technique but sometimes I need to adjust how I Jeff, this includes:
- Keeping to one side. In the first timers briefing I tried to establish which side is for overtaking. Sticking to the edge when I am walking, and then overtaking on the appropriate side.
- Before transitioning I am mindful of where other people are in relation to myself. Looking over my shoulder before speeding up and slowing down.
- It is good to warn people around me. Personally my watch does that for me. Sometimes I may tell people around me at the start of my Jeffing plans too.
- You shouldn’t have to but personally I feel that I have to be prepared to keep running, sometimes even faster, to pull back into gaps. Particularly on multi-lap courses where faster runners are coming up behind me. In my opinion this is just part of the be aware of other parkusers ethos.
- Likewise going slower because it isn’t appropriate to overtake someone/not overtaking because you know you are about to transition back to a walk.