Yesterday I ran my first race. It was a 7K road race along the Paseo Marítimo in Coruña, it was also the most excited I've ever been to fail miserably.
I was so far beyond unprepared it's not even funny. And despite it all, I was able to finish absolutely last with a ridiculous grin on my face. The support from the spectators was incredible. The encouragement from the elite runners lapping me was overwhelming. Claps, cheers, pats on the back - probably the only reason I was able to finish.
As a relatively intelligent person, I know that failure is a part of life, a very big, very important part of life but it still doesn't feel good. Yesterday I learned just how amazing failure can feel and how good it can be for your mind, body and soul. I should probably mention that it was freezing and pouring rain the entire way. Yes, this last place as an accomplishment. It was a struggle to run the race in the first place but to add insult to injury I was being pelted by freezing rain and totally soaked through. It was all very poetic and special and I have a newfound appreciation for dry socks.
After this race, I have some serious goals. The first being to get my butt into shape to be able to run another race a little more successfully. The next, to be kinder to myself. I advocate kindness towards others in so many ways but it's not often that I give myself a break. If total strangers can cheer for me, I should probably start cheering for myself once in a while.
I'm so proud of my accomplishment yesterday and I look forward to many more miles of success and failure.
Yesterday I ran my first race. It was a 7K road race along the Paseo Marítimo in Coruña, it was also the most excited I've ever been to fail miserably.
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