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

[applelolly]

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!

I've been overtaken by a man in a rhino suit.

Well done for getting those trainers back on.

I've done quite a few 10kmevents this year and have just been having a flicknat some of the results pages for you.

I'd say that most runners are in by 1hr 20 - note I say runners, not participants - after about 1:20, there are some, but not many and final time can be approaching 2 hours.

I've only ever been last in purpose (tail runner) but think I'll be a slow time tomorrow - expecting personal worst - not as tail but because I'm just back from injury and might have to walk if anything gives way! But having been with last finishers so often, I really don't mind the prospect - the back can be the best part of the race.

Mine's not a new event, so won't be trying to spot you applelolly

Just go for it!

Good luck applelolly!

I was last once but when I saw that finish line in front of me I didn't care. I felt ten feet tall. It was just amazing to finish. All the people at the finish line lined up for me to run past and I felt like a celebrity.
I was so proud of myself, I still remember that feeling and I think about it when I'm feeling a bit down.
Have an amazing run!

Best of luck!

thanks for all the good luck wishes. Today is the day. I just want it over now!! Sun is shining. although it is not too hot yet. Woke up early cause I'm so nervous LOL I'll report back when it's all over!!

Good luck! (from someone who has been trailed by an ambulance in one race and finished second last in another. Second last instead of last because the 75 year old man who had been talking to me the whole race, gallantly allowed me to cross the line before him.)

Hope you really enjoy the experience.

Don't start too fast and keep putting one foot on front of the other.... you'll be fine! Good luck.

Good luck OP. Enjoy the glorious sunshine. Definitely summer running gear day so no loose flappy fabric. Vaseline your inner thighs.if your shorts are short short. I’m out for a 15 mile plod in a minute and will be cheering you on in my head.

Good luck. My DH is often a back marker for his athletics club on trail 10ks and half marathons. He says it is always an encouraging atmosphere at the back. Anyway with that time as your aim you won't be last. Have fun.

I could never do what your doing last time I tried to take up running my thyroid stormed and I nearly ended up in hospital so head high and be proud when you make it

Good luck

When I was training for the Great North Run I signed up for a 10 mile race just a few weeks before the GNR.

When I got there it was evident that this was a "serious runners" event and I felt a bit stupid.
Regardless I ran it anyway and quite early on I knew I would be the last. I still came in at a respectable time but a large chunk of the finishers were at the line cheering me. It was really kind of them and I didn't feel humiliated at all! I thought it was a lovely gesture.

Good luck today

Good luck!

Good luck!

Good luck, and well done! Even if you come last which a) you won't, and b) doesn't matter, you're still far far ahead of those of us scratching our arses on the sofa x

Well I blooming did it! It was REALLY hot, about 25 degrees when we finished. Think I finished in about 72 mins (messed up my fitbit by forgetting to stop it on the finish line, so will have to wait for chip time) I wasn't anywhere near last. There were about 100 people behind me (out of nearly 700)We stayed and cheered the last folks over the finish. There was a great atmosphere. And a good mix of abilities. And I feel GREAT for having done it.
Anyone debating signing up for run, do it! I'm going to eat BBQ food and drink wine! Happy days!

This is so lovely to read. Hurrah!

Well done @applelolly

Brilliant OP!!!!! When I was out running this morning I was telling my friends about “someone I know who is doing their first race and worried about coming last”. Then I remembered that I don’t know you in RL but I felt so invested!!!! We were all supporting you. I run with some Ultra running guys and they are the most supportive of new runners. It’s a great community. What’s your next challenge?

Fantastic applelolly - well done

Congratulations!

You actually inspired me to go on my first run in months this morning. So thank you.

Well done!

neolara fantastic! well done you. Stick with it. If I can do it anyone can! I am still buzzing from it!