If you knew you were going to be last would you still do an event?

[CastMeAdrift]

I have a 10km trail run event on Saturday. I’m new to trail running (and only just started doing over 5km runs in the summer having always enjoyed just doing 5kms ).

I sprained my ankle at the beginning of September and couldn’t run for 4 weeks so lost fitness.

I can run 10K in 1.03 on roads. But just did 8km of the course today and I’m looking at 1.20 if I’m lucky!! It’s very hilly and very technical and sections of soft sand which really take it out of me.

Im definitely going to be last as it’s not the sort of event that non serious runners do (I.e. me! I got signed up for it by someone else).

Would coming last bother you? Would you run and just drag yourself over in whatever time or not do it? It’s giving me anxiety. Which is ridiculous as running is meant to be enjoyable and it’s been something I’ve really liked getting into since first lockdown.

Do it! Don't worry about your time.

I'd do it :) someone has to be last, and I've no delusions of grandeur, so I'm pretty comfortable with that position being mine.

If you'll enjoy it for three run, do it. If you won't enjoy it, don't. Don't think about position :)

*for the run

I've been second from last in things before, and am entered for a couple of events next year where I am very likely to be well at the back. Embrace it! High five marshals, run smiling and enjoying the experience, check in with runners who are struggling - and remember that someone always has to be last

Go for it. You’ll be ahead of the rest of us - who are not even taking part.

I wouldn't enter an event for serious runners if I wasn't one myself tbh. (Voice of bitter experience - signed myself for a fell run as a native 22 year old - ended up with a sprained ankle and didn't finish.)

Why put yourself through the stress? Sign yourself up for something at your level where you feel comfortable and it will be a positive experience.

Everyone is at a different stage - I have started riding again after years being out of the saddle for thirty years - I am not going straight back in to intermediate dressage, I am doing fun rides instead and growing in confidence.

Good luck op

naieve not native!

I'd do it, no-one else will judge and it'll almost certainly be an enjoyable run.

It wouldn’t bother me being last. But I’d want to make sure it was fit enough and wouldn’t injure my ankle again. It sounds like quite a challenging course for someone who has only been back to running for 4-5 weeks.

Yes, I probably would but if it isn’t right for you, don’t pressure yourself. Especially if you would push yourself too much given your are still building up after your injury.

Honestly, 1.20 for a 10k trail run I'd be surprised if you were last.

There are plenty of non-competitive runners who enter these trails for fun even the ones with "tough" in the event name, my social running group has loads. One or two are 'real' runners who will push as hard as they can to get good results. The rest are there for the experience and thoroughly enjoy themselves in the process.

Party at the back is one of their mottos!

Don't put pressure on yourself, unless it's a time limited event you're very unlikely to be the very last runner over the line - and if you are, so what! That just gives you the experience of the trail run and something to aim for next time. Not a single person will judge the last person over the line.

I understand the performance pressure, I was convinced I'd have the roads opening up as I passed on my first real event and everyone would be much faster than me. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't in the top tier of finishers - but there were a good 100 people who finished after me and I identify as a plodder in running terms. Just go for it.

Definitely do it, you'll be proud of yourself for completing it and who knows you may not come last!

I have been second-last a few times and am always among the slowest - I still feel great afterwards. Do it if you think you'll enjoy it.

If you are fit enough go for it. I did my first half marathon a couple of weeks ago and was in the last 100 of 9000. Didn't care - I did it!!

I would. Nobody will be doing their road 10k time.
The running community is so supportive, I’m sure it will be fine. Plus there will likely be tail walkers so there will be someone behind you.

My 10k time on the road is about an hour too. I’ve done lots of trail runs and fell runs and taken an hour and a half or longer and never been last. Everyone looks like a professional on the start line so don’t let that dissuade you from taking part.

Go for it! I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Anyway you might be surprised and not come last at all, not everyone taking part in these events is in it for speed.
I have a marathon-running friend who jogs along steadily and has completed marathons and halfs (the most recent half in just under 4 hours), something I could never do. She might be half my speed but she's got twice my stamina! And we both cheer each other on!

I have thought many times that I was going to be last and I don't think I have ever actually been last. Even if I had been, i don't think it would matter and I dont think anyone else cares. Trail 10ks are hard and they will just admire your participation. Go and enjoy the experience.

wouldn't bother me at.

the last few people finishing a race get the biggest encouragement and huge cheers because people respect the fuck out you for not giving up and having the courage & dignity to be last. They know you tried you utter hardest & very best and they just love you for it.

do it.
it's amazing

It would bother me, but I know it shouldn’t. I’m very unfit but love a challenge so am usually towards the end even with good training. I hope that I can inspire others like me to take part (sorry if that sounds a bit too much!)

I have done two 10kms and finished around 1h25 ish and wasn't the last.

I don't think you will be with your times but even if you are , nobody cares . Most of the fast people will have left already and the ones left were really supportive . Although I was cringing inside I was just happy that I had done it . Everyone has started off somewhere

Do it.

yes, In the event I wasn’t last but in the last 5 finishers. The course looped round a few times so I was effectively lapped, the front runners all shouted out encouragement, and plenty of people stayed till everyone has finished.
I really enjoyed it, and felt very encouraged by everyone

I have done it (different sport though), but saw it as my base line and to know how much I could improve in the year after.

Also entered a sports event once where I somehow made it through to the top 3 (I was having a really good day and just went for it)

Currently signed up for another event where I probably won’t do well…

It’s exciting to challenge yourself, abd very motivating.

When I lose (badly) I always think that I still got something out of it ;increased personal fitness level

So do what you feel comfortable with.

I like the Nike motto: Just do it

I've been in the last few runners of a race and it was a friendly supportive place to be. Go for it!

Someone always has to be the last over the line!

I did the Great South Run (10miles) on piss poor training and weighing 20+stone. I walked a LOT. A dickhead colleague tried to poke fun as he'd heard I was last (technically I wasn't, but I was close to it). He shut up when I asked where he was - oh wait, he didn't do it and I did! Last I heard of anything from him or his bully friends on the subject of my weight...

So go, enjoy what you can and go for it!