Absolutely everyone out there, has their own story; their own reason for being there. As I talk to new runners or future new runners (which BTW, I absolutely love to do ~ so tell me your stories), I'm often reminded of my own concerns as a new runner. What if I can't run the entire way? What if my neighbors see me? What if they laugh at me? What if I come in last? Yup, I have at one point or another had those worries.... and you know what, they ALL seem rather silly now. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying anyone who has these concerns is being silly, but I do believe that any one of these concerns has the potential to hold someone back from even starting....
So let's look at them all.
What if I can't run the entire way? Well, then don't! There is absolutely no shame or harm in walking. In fact there are entire methods dedicated to a run/walk method. Typical C25K programs start out that way. Galloway has developed Marathon training plans that are run/walk. So if you have to walk, well, then walk. I usually plan on walking a bit through water stops, because I just can't run, breath and drink all at the same time...
What if my neighbors see me? Ok, so I love this one. If the neighbor eating chips or bon bons sitting on his front porch sees you running, it's kind of a no brainer as to who is doing the better activity.... But what about that runner (you know the one who runs races and stuff) sees you struggling huffing and puffing as you try to make it to the next mailbox. Chances are he will give you a high five at some point or have a new admiration for you. And if he doesn't, then he's missed out on knowing someone on a fantastic journey.
What if they laugh at me? or put me down? or don't support me? Yeah, that might happen... at first... but keep at it, and you may even have them asking you questions some day.
And now for the biggest one of all... What if I come in last? Yeah, what if you do? Did you finish? Did you do something amazing? Do you have a time to beat for next time? I had this fear.... and most folks kind of brushed me off as a non worry and said, you won't come in last. But it was a worry.
So let's think a bit more about this one. What if I come in last? I have personally never come in last. But I came in second to last. We did a 5.6M trail run. My first trail run. My first run on new shoes. Something wasn't right, and my knee acted up and I needed to walk more than I had planned. My running buddies, stuck with me the entire way, and we crossed the finish line holding hands held high. Only one person came in after us. I felt bad holding them up, but they didn't mind. We wanted to do it together. I give the details not to dwell on the why I was second to last, but to showcase the amazing commardere of friends and other runners. I had some personal disappointment in my knee, but there was no shame at being so close to the last. Instead there was exhilaration that despite the obstacles, I did finish.
At the Disney Princess half Marathon I just did, they celebrated the last person to finish complete with a character escort and confetti. It was such a big deal, that I read (and you can believe everything you read in a FB group, right?) that that person actually slowed down to let others go in front of her so she could finish last.
I just saw a video of the last person to finish the San Diego half marathon. They were waiting for her with bubbles and their biggest cheers. Several officials ran along side her as she crossed that finish line... When I saw that video, it gave me chills. She was a true champion.
The entire point of all of this... is finishing the goal you set. Maybe you have an prior injury or develop one along the route (ask me about my first half) or are working on a new distance or speed or endurance; or maybe you are even more "WICKED" (a MA term, I'm told) AWESOME and doing something for the VERY, FIRST TIME..... and what if.... for whatever reason... you just happen to come in last? It's not the end of the world, Instead.... and listen very carefully.... it is a testiment to your strength, determination, endurance and drive... because you finished. It's all worthy of celebrating.
Never ever think that last is not worth celebrating. Never, ever let fear of being last stop you before you start. Just get out there and do it!