Would you run a race knowing you would finish last?

OLFATUG

Yep. I did. My very first 5k, to years ago. I came in about 10 from the last in a field of 400. I was just glad I finished.

lindsayboop1983

of course i would its not about where u finish its about giving it your best shot .

DarcieC2389

Some people may disagree, but isn't important what place you get, but the fact that you completed a goal. Remember, the slow turtle that wins the race?

reaolliemama

I would...I'm doing Warrior dash this weekend and I fully expect to finish last, as I have been sick and unable to train for a while, but I've got the go ahead to do it and I WILL FINISH!

cyclerjenn

Hell yeah! It a matter of accomplishment not where I place. I like to get out there and prove that I can do it!

liog

Oh...and to answer, yes. I would. I'm training for my first half this coming fall. I'm extremely slow - an absolute snail. I just want to finish. If I'm last and I've still made it across the finish line, I still get to take home my finisher's medal that shows what I've accomplished.

This is me too. I will be running a half next February. I don't care if I'm the last one to step across the finish line. I will be proud of myself regardless.

Di3012

Your honest opinion

I used to do a lot of track and field athletics and when I was around 15 years old, there were some races I would be in whereby I was virtually certain I was going to wind up last - because of the grade of the race. I was still there at the starting line though, because it was a league match for my club.

Use each event as "you against the clock" - gradually your times will improve as you beat your personal best each time and with that will come an improvement in race position.

Besides which, how do you know you will come last?

stephanie1133

Every January the PF Changs Rock n Roll Marathon and Half Marathon comes to Phoenix. Every year many of my facebook friends run it and post about it. Every year I think WOW I want to do that, that's awesome. I never think hmmmmm I wonder what place they took. This year (technically 2013 since it's in January) I'm going to run the half marathon. I don't care one speck what place I take, I just want to prove to myself I can do it. If that means last place, so be it. As long as I finish within the 4 hour time frame I couldn't care less if I'm last, as long as I finish!

NiSan12

As long as I finish!

barbaradilisio

I have finished close to last in the 2 5K's I've done. It didn't bother me one bit. I was doing it for charity and my bad time didn't mean the charities wouldn't get the money.

I signed up for another 5K yesterday. Can't wait for it.

bluiz13

absolutely...once i got started, i'd push myself during the race even just to finish next to last though....for me the purpose is bettering myself...if it's my time from the time before or my distance or my pace.....just race yourself and dont worry about anyone else's time...i know its hard but it's the most important thing to remember....same with your weight loss journey - it's yours, you can't base your results on anyone else's...good luck if you choose to register for a race...i'm sure you'll do better than you think....denise

vmclach

Yes. I have. Worst part is getting lapped multiple times. You compete with yourself anyways

Platnex

If I knew I would be cheered or in some way not felt bad about it yes.

skruger22

I have come in 3rd to last, and my mom and my sister and I walked a 10k and we were for sure the last people to finish, and both races were still totally awesome. I mean, SOMEONE has to be last! It's not so bad! Plus, it's the idea of doing it for you, not for anyone else- however, all that being said, it's still rather humbling.
But yay for anyone who's out there DOING it!
-Sonja

vmclach

No.

I'm too competitive for that. Personally, it would be a waste of my money.
...but in RL, I don't think I'd ever be in that situation honestly.

No need to be cocky here. I run a sub 22 min 5k and finished last before.

faylenechung

I ran tack in High School and was the worst. I did it for fun. I can't run right now but as soon as I can I was thinking on doing a 5K and I know I would be last.

jmapes9

No.

VanessaGS

Yes, I would.
I ran a 10k and finished dead-last! I felt that I had enough left in me for a final push to the finish line and make myself 2nd-to-last by passing, but I didn't have the heart to do it. It was a little boy, about 7 years old.

That's nice. How cute.

skb12573

Absolutely! The victory is in running and finishing!

littlepinkhearts

Most definately. If I decided it was necessary for me, then yes. Your only true competition is yourself.

robsgurl

if I decided to run in a race I would try my best even if I knew there was a chance I would most likely finish last..I would be happy I finished at all...=)

DonM46

Sometimes, you don't have an option.
Way back when Olympic sprinter Johnny Jones was in high school, I officiated one of his football games.
He caught a pass near the line of scrimmage (close to midfield), and I was about 10 yards in front of him.
When he crossed the goal line, I was about 10 yards BEHIND him.
He was rather fast.

wbgolden

A little OT but every year my tri club sets up a cheering station for the marathon and half marathon for Race Weekend in Ottawa (the club is around KM10 for both routes) . As you can see from the picture it wasn't a beautiful day but we stayed out to the bitter end and cheered through the last of the walkers.

]

I can tell you from the looks on their faces being dead last was the farthest thing from their minds.

that is AWESOME! such a good idea!

LilRedRooster

Raced and finished last, and I knew I was going to finish there. Still loved doing it. If you enjoy what you're doing, it doesn't matter how that stacks up with everyone else.

jenalderman

I'm running my first half in the fall. I may finish dead last but my only goal is to finish in the alotted amount of time. As long I do that, I will have won on sooooo many levels. A year ago I couldn't run for 30 seconds with someone chasing me with a knife!

ribye

Been there done that and yes I'd do it again, running is about challenging yourself and even finishing last there were good people at the end cheering me on

EpiGaiaRepens

YES. Finishing and not quitting IS winning.

SkettiGurl

Absolutely. My first 10K that I ran I was last. I thought I was going to be last on the 5km I did in April as it was my first time back to running after 5 years...and I was not last which was great! (I wasn't far off it though...)

Even if you are last you are miles ahead of those people who won't even try. And heck...someone has to be last...

DEEDLYNN

I did exactly that. My first race....(walk) was Thanksgiving Day, 2005. It was a 10K and I was at my highest weight. There were more than 11,000 people in that Turkey Trot, Cincinnati, Ohio. I came in DEAD last. DEAD LAST. I didn't think I'd finish. Everything was hurting. I didn't prepare for the race, I thought...hmmm just walking, I can do that. It was everything I could do to put one foot in front of the other. BUT, I DID FINISH!. It was bitter sweet.

The next year, I did the Turkey Trot again....but I had been exercising at that point. There were 13,000 people in that Turkey Trot, and I came in the top 50%, so I was pretty happy about my progress.

Unfortunately, I fell off that wagon and am now trying to get on it again. I will do the Turkey Trot again this year....but right now, in May 2012, I know that I don't want a repeat of 2005!

cavewoman15

i ran my first 5k last year in just under 40 minutes. First I was passed by the barefoot runners, then the old people, then the walker/runners, then the injured people. it was kinda rough on my spirit, but i finished without stopping and felt great afterward. Never thought I could do it!