This past weekend, I completed the 36th Annual Adirondack Distance Run. This is a 10 mile point-to-point run from Lake George to Bolton Landing. It was my second time participating in the event (the first was in 2009) and it was every bit as delightfully challenging as I remembered.
Why delightfully challenging? This course is full of what I consider to be rolling hills. You are either running up or running down. The uphills are manageable and the downhills are long and gradual, allowing for recovery time before heading back up the next hill. Focusing on form and trying not to tax my legs, I can honestly say I enjoyed every moment. Occasionally I'd get a glimpse at Lake George - it was a beautiful day. I talked to other runners (yes, I'm THAT girl). I sang to myself. My Garmin beeped every quarter mile and each time I was pleasantly surprised to average between a 10 and 12 minute mile.
Now for today's lesson: A popular question when people are training for their first event (any event) is "What if I'm last?". It is a very real concern and for some, even likely. Guess what: I finished last in my first triathlon. I finished last in my first high school cross country race. I finished last at the 2006 Musselman. In my younger (and lighter) days, my times landed me in the top 30% of the field. Today, I am a solid back-of-the-packer. There weren't many finishing after me and most finished well ahead. My run Sunday took me 9 minutes longer than it did 3 years ago and I was not disappointed in the least. In fact, I beat my goal time by 11 minutes. Now I can point out that I had a baby six months ago and I'm still carrying excess baby weight but ...
So what happens if you finish last? You finish. Period. You got up, got out, and moved. It can be a mile or 10 miles. It can be a run or a paddle in a kayak. At the end of the day, no one cares what place you earned because that is not something you can control.
Get out there - enjoy the view and be proud of your accomplishments!
The JFA Worksite Wellness Team shares stories, tips and information about living well, or doing the best they can, while balancing life and working as worksite wellness professionals.
