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Original poster

Anyone come last in a run - help me I'm panicking!

79 replies

applelolly · 03/05/2018 18:37

I am running a 10k run on Sunday. I used to run about 8 years ago, then fell off the wagon and basically did very minimal (no) exercise for about 5 years. I got back into running in Jan. I signed up for the 10k in feb thinking I would be ready for it by May!! My running has not been as much as I would have liked. I have been doing 5 k twice a week, and for some weeks I added in a 3rd run which I built up from 5k to 10k. I have only done 10k about 4 times though. I am also 3 stone overweight (although have lost 1 1/2 stone) and I am SLOW!! I am hoping for a time of around 75 mins for the 10K . I am now panicking I will be LAST. I know someone has to be, but I would feel so embarrassed.
Has anyone actually come last in a run? Please come and tell me it will be fine. I am dreading it!

OP posts:
BeyondThePage · 03/05/2018 18:40

Oh yes - last time I "ran" a 5k I was overtaken by a 73 year old asthmatic and a man in a shark costume (the costume made him waddle rather than run!). It was fine.

Though I got my pic in the paper (beetroot red in the face!)...

Hey ho...

HuckfromScandal · 03/05/2018 18:40

I have been
It’s actually fine
It’s a bit of a pain if there is food and stuff laid on and you don’t get any.

As a race organiser
My beef is with people who really can’t do the distance, and I have had people taking 2 hours for a 10km - and in my view that’s really not on.

But I have been sub 60 mins for a 10km once, and am always at the back of the pack, enjoy it, and don’t stress 😊🏃‍♂️

AnythingConsidered · 03/05/2018 18:41

I regularly come in last at our local Park Run, but the thing I like about running is that the competition is with myself, not against everyone else.

I focus on - am I getting stronger, faster, splits more consistent etc. Well, that's what I say to make me feel better when I get cheered over last!

As the Park Run statement goes - you are faster than those sat in the couch....

Bubblysqueak · 03/05/2018 18:43

I came second to last and had the embarrassment of the other runners walking home in the opposite direction I was running, but everyone was really nice and cheered me on !

Unescorted · 03/05/2018 18:46

Yes to a lady with prosthetic legs... In a fell race. I got an Easter egg for coming last and still smiling.

swampytiggaa · 03/05/2018 18:47

I did 😁 I ran with 2 friends and we came in last. Took us 1 hour 40 minutes and was one of the best races I have ever taken part in. All members from my running club who had already finished waited for us and cheered us in. We felt like winners - it was amazing. I would never be scared of coming in last again.

swampytiggaa · 03/05/2018 18:48

This is us with our sprint finish ❤️

Anyone come last in a run - help me I'm panicking!
BrownTurkey · 03/05/2018 18:51

Yes! Me and another guy had the ambulance follow us all the way up a long hill 😂. I was announced as last but then the commentator spotted someone half a mile behind me - I was robbed! It's fine at the back, lots of support.

CMOTDibbler · 03/05/2018 18:53

I came second to last in a duathlon, and it was fine. In fact, after that I realised that my tri targets of not drowning, crashing or falling over wasn't even a minimum as I fell over on the second run and I was so tired I just sat there crying and was rescued by passing teenagers.

A lady local to me is a bit of a pro back marker and totally owns it and is always so encouraging to those struggling, thanks the marshals, and high fives her way to the finish.

Kingsclerelass · 03/05/2018 18:54

You won't be last, I absolutely guarantee it.

I ran a 10k last year, and had only trained up to 8k beforehand, although on hills. I ran the 10k at Barnstaple, where the route is completely flat.
By 9k I was struggling but the thought of giving up in front of my ds was worse so I managed to keep going. Also the thought that I'd have to do the whole flippin' lot again. I have no idea if I was last, By then it didn't matter. Finally did 1hr 17mins.
I'm going back this July to do it in slightly less dishevelled manner. Grin
You are much better prepared than I was. You'll be great.

GummyGoddess · 03/05/2018 18:58

Finishing last means you didn't need to drop out, so you're in a better position than those people really.

swampytiggaa · 03/05/2018 18:58

kingsclerelass Barnstaple last year was where I came in last 🙂 doing it again this year might see you there! I’ll be at the back 😂😂😂

Kingsclerelass · 03/05/2018 19:06

Swampy, I'll be there, knees creaking as I try to get up that rise & back over the river bridge. Grin

MeanTangerine · 03/05/2018 19:07

Me!

They gave me a bottle of wine as a consolation prize Grin

Original poster
applelolly · 03/05/2018 19:10

oh thank you all. You have made me feel better! I just keep imagining the van following me at my heals waiting to re-open the roads!! To make it slightly worse a colleague and I signed up together. She is 15 years younger then me, much slimmer, much fitter and MUCH faster!! Can just imagine her waiting (for a loooong time) by the finish line to see if I make it alive!! And of course it's going to be hot on Sunday. I can't run in heat LOL

OP posts:
Original poster
applelolly · 03/05/2018 19:11

mean I like the thought of a consolation bottle of wine!

OP posts:
swampytiggaa · 03/05/2018 19:13

Oh god that bridge! When we got off the bridge onto the tarka trail my friend needed a wee so went off the path. The tail runner chased after her telling her she was going the wrong way 😂😂😂

AuntLydia · 03/05/2018 19:14

I doubt you'll even be last with that kind of time! You could always look at last year's results (if the race has been on before) to reassure yourself.

lynmilne65 · 03/05/2018 19:15

Take me a week to do 10kBlush

hmcAsWas · 03/05/2018 19:20

I love BrownTurkey's story of being followed up a hill by an ambulance Grin

BrieAndChilli · 03/05/2018 19:22

It really depends on the race.
I did the Weston 10k after a month of chest infection. It’s a flat course and there were lots of ‘fun’ runners so I came In about 600 out of 800 or something like that.
I then did a local 10k, the course was really really hilly (1 part is called heart attack hill!!) I came second to last as it was mostly serious runners (all the fun runners had done the 5k!) I was sooo embarrassed with everyone watching me finish, especially as you had to do a back and forth route around the field to get to the finish line!!!

acornsandnuts · 03/05/2018 19:30

Of all the excercisr threads on here over the years I have been most inspired by this one. Well done everyone. I have a horrid expectation of myself and give up on things if I’m not one of the best but this has really made my rethink things. I’m out tomorrow to plod a few K and go from there.

PitilessYank · 03/05/2018 19:35

I would cheer loudest for the last person in a race-it's so great to see someone working hard!

grafittiartist · 03/05/2018 19:36

Have a look at results from a previous year- that should give you an idea of times. Even then- don't care just go for it! Make friends with the guy on the bike at the back and enjoy!

GeorgeTheHippo · 03/05/2018 19:36

1 hr 15 really isn't too bad. If you are last with that time then that must mean there are lots of club runners. Can you look at last year's times online to reassure yourself?