10K - DFL

Well, I promised another blog about 10 days ago, so it's time for me to "pay up".

Quick recap for those unaware... my friends & I decided to do a race a month for 2015. For October we wanted to do a 10K. 10K on the 10th month and we found one... on the 10th! Yeah!

About two weeks before the race, I went on a quick trip out of town and came down with a cold on my way back. The cold kept me down for a solid week, so I wasn't able to train at all for the 10K. I had done a very hilly 5 mile race in September though, so I didn't think I'd do TOO bad. Oh... how wrong I was. LOL

To begin... this was a very SMALL race. I've never done a race this small. I think there were maybe 70 people? Now, for most runners, this is a fantastic time to place! Not for me. I'm a slow runner, and while I'm still working on my attitude of being ok with that, this race REALLY made me nervous. My worst fear has always been coming in DFL... (dead freakin' last). Ok... not my "worst" fear, but it's been a fear.

Results... Race morning was gorgeous and we couldn't have asked for better weather. It was a lovely cool, crisp morning. The race was a 10K or a 5K, and I honestly considered switching to the 5K. I didn't, but I really wanted to and several times during the race, I wished I had just done the 5K. I realized about 10 minutes into the race that I was going to be one of the slowest. There was only 1 walker and she was FAST. I mean, I can walk fast, but I kept waiting for her to throw a hip, she was walking so fast. I was jogging and she passed me!!! At about 2 miles, I realized I was last. ugh. I was embarrassed to say the least. BUT... I knew that while I would be DFL, I would FINISH. And that's what kept me going. On a side note... the course was advertised as lovely and flat.... It was in fact lovely, but it was NOT flat. haha I really wish race directors would quit advertising "flat" courses if they're not flat. I don't mind inclines, but when I'm not expecting it, it can be very frustrating.

About the last 1/2 mile of the race I couldn't see anyone anymore. I had visions of arriving at the finish line and nobody being there and everything packed up. I was NOT feeling awesome. BUT... when I came to the finish everyone was there, and nobody seemed to make a big deal.... "oh, she finally finished, we can pack up now" LOL I have a new respect for those that DO finish DFL, because at the very least we ARE finishers!!