My friend, Kim, has been training and running for awhile now. Over on the blog’s FB page, she shared this story with me and I had to share it with all of you! Ever wondered what it’s like to finish last?? Sounds to me like she was the big winner!! Amazing job, Kim! Thanks for sharing your story!!
Whew! Done! Today was the Tyler Run For Autism Half Marathon. Completing this race as my first 1/2 meant so much to me! I kept role in my head of the kids I personally know on the “spectrum” who do hard things everyday. They were my motivator when the miles got hard.
Last October I ran my first official 5k with my brother (a seasoned marathoner), then a 10k, then a 15k…now, that 1/2! Check! I’m new to running at the age of 39. I never thought I’d be a runner and now I’m convinced anyone in reasonable health can complete a race.
The weather for today’s race was perfect! Race support was great and I finished dead last! Yep! Dead last! You want to know what is crazy about that?? I’m so thankful I did! It was awesome! But more about that in a minute. The race turnout was low just 101 runners in the half. By the first turn I was 90% sure I’d be last. The race was composed of obviously experienced runners.
Finally, the best part!!!! My sweet big brother ran back after his finish to join me right before the 12 mile mark. I had him and two bikes with me. At 13 we were joined by the course designer (on his bike) who shared his super super personal fuel drink with me. Yes, it was a squirt bottle. We didn’t over share germs. Anyway….Once we turned the corner and saw the finish a motorcycle cop joined us. He popped on his speaker and guess what? He played the Rocky Theme!!! Just what I needed! I totally found my second wind and sprinted over the finish line! It was epic! I’m so glad I finished last! It was worth it! And for the future? I’m thinking I might train for a full marathon in the fall. This summer I plan to work on my speed. (from Jen: Kim, I have no doubt you have many more races and many more PR’s in your future!! Great story! Thank you for being filled with so much amazing awesome!!!)
Amazing! I have been DLF (dead last finisher) in many local races.
Isn’t it great how they handled it, Joy? I love it!
How inspiring! What an amazing attitude…lots of other people wouldn’t handle being last so gracefully…even THANKFULLY. It reminds me that we’re not out to win or beat anyone else or even ourselves. We do it because we can! And it’s nothing short of awesome how everyone rallied around her at the finish! I am in awe!!!
i love my best friend!’ I can’t believe I missed this when you posted it in April! So proud of her.
She is pretty awesome. And so are you!