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Finishing Last

TylerJ76
TylerJ76 Posts: 4,375 Member
in Social Groups
Okay, sorry if this comes across as a 'whiney' post, while I don't mean it to me, it is.

I have the irrational fear of coming in last at my first sprint tri in 2 weeks. I have been doing some looking at past race results, and it looks like it may be close.

600yd swim--will take me right around 20 minutes

15 mile bike--should take me right at an hour

3.1 mile run--will take me right around 36 minutes or so.

With transitions and such, I am looking at around a 2 hour finish time



Someone tell me I am freaking out over nothing? Tell me I am embarrassed at the thought but shouldn't be?

Replies

  • rob_v
    rob_v Posts: 270 Member
    Lol - My very first triathlon - I finished dead last. I didnt know I finished last until the actual times came out, b/c of the way you start.
    Honestly I didnt care. I crossed that finish line and all that mattered.
    How many people enter the race - of that how many in your age group? Out of those people - is your goal to beat them? Unless you are out to win it - the goal is to finish as best as you can. Then next time - finish better.

    After my first season, my goal was to finish in the top 1/2 of my age group. I was pretty close. This year, I know I have trained harder than I ever have. I'm over 20lbs lighter, and I'm alot more prepared mentally. I still know I dont have a chance in hell to win, but my goal this year is to be in the top 25%. I'm very confident that I can do it.
  • pollard775
    pollard775 Posts: 38 Member
    When I was training last year for my triathlon; i was the heaviest and least fit of the group that I belonged too. I was deadlast in everything we did. Week after week; Pokey little(not so little) puppy. I had to keep reminding myself that i wanted to look in the mirror and say 'I DID IT!' I did improve but never enough to match anybody in my group. I did compete and I was at the very tail end of the triathlon that I entered.....but I can say I finished. Once you cross that finish line; you are a triathlete....no matter what place. Keep focused on YOUR goals. :smile:
  • symegeer
    symegeer Posts: 143 Member
    I have exactly the same fear and my race is TOMORROW!!! AGHHH!!
  • carolinagirl7
    carolinagirl7 Posts: 435 Member
    I have the same fear. There are some competitive triathletes out there, but honestly I think most people in the race have the same thoughts and are in the race with themselves, It is about competing with yourself. I have found that no one really knows when you finish because of the staggered starts. The race I did a few weeks ago, people crossed the finish line for an hour after I finished, I was 12th from last, no one knows until the results were posted. I crossed it and that is what matters. I am looking forward to my race in October...1 year from my first one to measure my improvements on a constant course. Good luck to you and symegeer! You have been working hard, and your efforts will become clear on race day as you cross the finish line!
    edited for typo!
  • vtate75
    vtate75 Posts: 221 Member
    My fear is EXACTLY the same. I am so scared of finishing last in my first triathlon next week (June 10). I have similar times.... Good luck to us all!
  • leilaphoenix
    leilaphoenix Posts: 839 Member
    I just took 2hrs38m to finish my first Sprint Triathlon and I wasn't last. Even if I was I wouldn't of cared. I was lapping the high proportion of the population who would not have been capable of finishing.

    Be proud and be strong.
  • tonya0504
    tonya0504 Posts: 4
    I am doing a duathlon next Saturday and practiced this week doing the exact thing. It took me 2.5 hours to do it which I am sure is going to put me last place in this thing, but I am going to do it and hold my head high that I am a beginner and 5 months ago I wouldn't have physically been able to do just part of it. It's called a Heel and Crank. Run 2.5 Bike 10 and Finish with a Run 2.5. I didn't have traffic blocked for me so I had to make stops and I didn't fuel myself well enough, so I am hopeful for a little better time in the actual race, but if not.... It's ok because I know I will push myself and do my best.

    In August I am signed up for my very first Triathlon (sprint)... and I don't even know how to swim haha. I am getting out there and doing it and that is what matters. I have been practicing with the swimming and I feel confident I will get it down by the time of the race, but fear I will spend more time in the pool than anyone else. Live and learn. Best of luck to all of you! :)

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