Ways in which doing a PhD is like going to Parkrun (as a walker)

 

  1. Starting off, it all feels pretty straightforward and achievable.
  2. Then people start running past me on their second lap and I’m aware I’m only on my first lap and far behind them.
  3. I start the second lap and think I’m nearly finished, but there’s still ages to go.
  4. Three quarters of the way in, there are fewer people cheering, people are more spread out and it feels more lonely.
  5. Then other people are sauntering back having already gotten over the finish line.
  6. I know just showing up is a huge achievement, and even so, it doesn’t feel like enough.
  7. I think I’m doing pretty average and then find out I got a PB (personal best) and maybe I’m achieving more than I thought.