Run The Haw 10K May 26, 2012

I was as mentally prepared as I could be for this race. Per my training schedule, this week was 6 miles as furthest run so decided to just make the race that distance instead of trying to get it in earlier in the week. Of course silly me had the last few days off and I have been working a lot around the house with projects. Luckily my lower back and knees were doing just fine....but my arms are a completely different story.
The race was in Graham, NC (about 25 minutes outside of Greensboro) I have never been there before so left home with plenty of time to find my way (plus the help of the GPS) Got to race site, picked up bib and had about 20 minutes until start time. Put my ear buds in and the music was not working! No way! Not another race with no music! *turns out the ear buds were bad...just checked with another pair and mp3 player works fine*
So here I am at the starting line with only 20 other runners for the 10K. Yay. Lovely. Joyful. Sarcasm. The last time I ran a 10K with these numbers was last year's MacFest 10K. I came in last at that one (but still won 2nd place in age division) I pretty much knew I would place last today, especially before even hitting mile 1 everyone was way ahead of me and I was getting passed constantly by the 5K runners.
It did get a bit warm this morning which somewhat made me want to just say screw it and finish with the 5K runners. But what good would that do me? So as I came to the round about I let the volunteers know I was the last 10K runner so they would be aware. Had a nice guy on a bike give me support, had the police escort to the finish line (hey, I feel KINDA special) and I set a PR for myself with the 10K by shaving off 5 minutes from the previous race (finish time today was 1:20)
I felt bad that all the 10K racers had to wait for me to finish to even get their awards. As I was cooling down and waiting for results, a lady came up to me (who had run the 5K) and said I was an inspiration to her. She had been working really hard for the 5K today and felt she did not do good at all. I smiled and said "at least you didn't place last like I did" We talked a bit about what type of training we do and I wished her luck in upcoming races. As I was pouring water over my head I heard my name announced as 1st place winner for the 35-39 age bracket. I think I got a good round of applause from folks and I yelled out "Well, you can come in last and still win something!"

So I guess I'll keep with it. Still not fast but getting the job done...and at least still setting PRs for myself (just not in the 5K world)