When we started the race they divided us by groups so as not to create log jams through the starting chute since it was a chip-timed race. Fast runners in the front, walkers, like me, at the end. And that's where I stayed. I was the VERY LAST participant to cross the finish line. I'm still processing how I feel about that.
I mean I could look at the fact that 1) I got up, even with little sleep and freezing temperatures and walked a 5k; 2) I completed a 5k even though within the first 5 minutes of walking everything from the waist down was numb and by mile 1 my calves where cramping. 3) I continued even when it became very apparent that, indeed I would be last and 4)I didn't walk back to the start area, which was closer, when I got to the very steep hill, right after I realized I would be last, was in lots of pain and was having trouble getting a deep breath in.
I mean being last wasn't all bad. One of the volunteers, Trevor, walked with me the last 1/8 - 1/4 mile. He was the first person to encourage me on the way up and congratulated me I passed him again going to the finish. He totally called me out and announced to the effect of "Best participant now finishing" as I walked across the finish line. I'm not exactly sure what he said, I was too busy dying of embarrassment.
My unofficial time is between 1:03 (my watch) and 1:05:56 on the timer (but that started with the first runner). Official chip times won't be up until Monday.
This is now my third 5k. I'm still working on not feeling bad for being a walker and not a runner. But I still am a participant and that's got to count for something.
I was too cold to take off my jackets to put on the shirt.
Update: My official time was 1:01.40. My next goal is to do a 5k in under an hour.
