In preparation of the upcoming Relay, I ran a local 5k race. That’s 3.2 miles, not a lot, but enough that it seemed to kick my trash. Here’s a few thoughts and questions that were going through my head:
- A 10 year old boy just ran right on by.
- Am I really barely passing this woman who’s walking?
- If I stop to drink this water, will I be able to start back up again?
- Mile #2, just 1 more to go. You can do it.
- That officer is kinda cute.
- Maybe if I follow in this guy’s footsteps, I can keep up. Never mind, not working.
- You can do this. You are woman, here you roar!
- I know that guy and he was doing the 10k, and he’s passing me. Ugh.
- #363, why can’t I just pass you? I’ve been following you for 3.1 miles!
- We’re getting close, I see the finish. Time to pick up the pace.
- The finish line is a lot farther than I thought when I started to pick up that pace.
- I’ve got to slow down, the finish is still too far away, and I’m going to fall down!
- I DID IT!! It’s over, I can stop!!
- OKAY, I’ve got some serious training to do. It’s on!
Go Team!

I had many of those same thoughts when I recently ran/walked my first 5k! Keep up the good work. The Relay looks like a LOT of work!
My dad had a great saying for us at the 5k…”We are here to complete, not compete!” That was good for me…of course I would not be finishing first or earning any awards for my finishing time but I just wanted to complete the race in the allotted time frame.
Kati – I LOVE your Dad’s saying! We’re out to just complete this, not compete, so it fits us perfect. Thanks for sharing!
HAHA. I always want to trip those little kids when they pass me
It is so on.
Dude, you finished it. ROCK IT!
I think a 16 year old won the first 5K I did. Made me not feel quite so bad since he beat every single adult in the race. I’m with Kati’s dad…just get ‘er done! Nice job!
I feel that way too when I get in my comfort pace and just can’t blow out anymore speed! Frustrating! You get in a mini-race with the people right around you, so you end up trying to just beat even one of them. Many of the triathlons I’ve done were won by teenagers, btw…ugh!