Back in the mid ‘90s, a group of us newspaper staffers formed a corporate running team known as The Deadliners. So good were we that we once placed second in the competitive Bay Days 10k in Hampton, Va. -- and no one knew till the results came out in the next day’s paper. Then, because of our suspicious nature, we exchanged conspiracy theories, not congratulations. Was the sports desk playing a sick joke? Did someone sleep with the race director?
The team lineup changed as runners moved on to bigger papers or were called in to cover a murder. But one guy, Randy from tech support, could always be counted on. His standard response when asked his predicted time: “I’m just here to keep fill out the team. You all feel free to finish ahead of me.” And so he did, constantly coming in last among other Deadliners.
Once -- I think it was the heavily attended Harborfest 10k in downtown Norfolk -- Randy and a local television anchorwoman were being tailed by the straggler van and a fire truck with the lights flashing. Spectators recognized Barbara and filed along the final stretch to cheer her on. It was obvious Randy could have pulled ahead at any time, but he didn’t. He allowed Barbara a tiny victory – not finishing dead last -- in front of her fans.
We all thought having Randy as a teammate beat any trophy The Deadliners might otherwise have won.
I’ve thought of those Deadliner days as I prepare for my next running event, the El Cajon 20k on Saturday. It’s a hard one even if you are prepared, and this year I am not. I don’t have anywhere near the weekly mileage I should, and my hilly long runs of late have not inspired confidence. I’m also not used to running in 85 to 90 degrees, the day’s anticipated high in East County. This year’s field is expected to be much smaller since the mid- and back-packers from the Rockin ‘n’ Runnin program won’t be there and the wildly popular Carlsbad 5000 is the next day. It’s quite possible I will finish last, or close to it. So don’t ask my predicted time. I’m just there to fill out the field. You all feel free to finish ahead of me.
10 comments:
I've been last - a couple of times. Let me give you some advice on running in the back of the pack (my specialty). Enjoy! Wave and greet spectators, chat with other runners, look at the scenery, feel the movement of your body and the flow of your breathing. Encourage those around you, thank all the volunteers you see. You'll find it'll be a good day, a good run and a good memory. Best of all, everyone will be cheering for you, and only you, when you cross the line!
The Deadliners - now that's a team name! Good luck at the race, Anne. Backofpack's advice sounds great.
very nicely written post! good luck
Drink lots of fluids and enjoy the sunshine!
Running in the heat ... now there's something I no about. The trick to running in the heat is to slow down and stay hydrated ... the average person can absorb about 7 oz of fluid every 15 mintues or about two pints an hour. Electrolyte replacement drinks are the best, but plan old water will work. Drinking more won't do you any good since the fluid will just be sloshing around in your tummy while sweat is pouring out our your skin.
Just slow down, stay hydrated and enjoy the scenery.
Just take it easy,
it's all about having fun dude!!
last or first, I always say you get the same goody bag stuff anyways.. Have fun, enjoy the scenery and make sure to hydrate.
Good luck..you'll do great.
this sounds like a great training run opportunity....tough workout with aide stations along the way. a different mindset can make all the difference...enjoy !
This is a nice new twist in attitude since earlier this week, have fun...just think of the paramedics following as your own personal "Lance's aids"! Spectator support?? Well we have enough voices in our heads to make up for the lack of spectators, make em' cheer! :-)
I'll bet you'll do great and even if you do come in last, I'll bet you'll have had the MOST fun of anyone out there.
Good luck...looking forward to the report!
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