It's funny how it happens, but I think if everyone was honest (completely honest) they would have to admit that no one wants to come last in a race. I often wonder how it would feel to be right at the back, following everyone else's footsteps.
Last night at the Lake City Athletics Clubs 'Trout Fly' race, I came last!!!
I actually have dreaded this in my own mind for years and always been proud of the fact that I do not think in my 37yrs of life, I have ever come last in a competition. Having been a competitive gymnast all those years ago, I trained really hard and had my fair share of wins, was a middle of the packer, came pretty close to the end but I think from memory - never last..
Then growing up, I have done a few other races like half marathons both walking and running, duathlon's, triathlons etc and I have always dreaded coming last and so have busted myself to escape this pain and humiliation....
I can safely say now that coming last doesn't involve pain, humiliation or anything that my mind has created over the years. I did not get struck down by lightening. I did not come in crying as I was so far behind everyone else. I did not give up just because all I could see was the back of everyone else's shirts way off in the distance. It was actually quite the opposite. I urged myself along, challenging myself to run quicker past the sewerage station (for obvious reasons!) and then even had enough in my tank to do a little sprint down the finish chute!! There at the end, was a group of lovely athletes all cheering for me and calling my name and I felt so chuffed with myself for finishing. I actually didn't care that I was last. I had just run 5.4km in 36 mins and was really stoked with myself!
So there ya are. Don't worry about the elusive 'last place'. I was out there doing it and was running my own race and that's all that mattered to me. So get out there and challenge yourself!!
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