I was just a recreational runner. I had no idea what training eas. I just ran because I liked it.
A friend talked me in to running a 10k. I thought for sure I'd finish dead last even though he assured me I wouldn't. He said he'd stay with me and let me finish ahead of him if we were the last 2.
My so called friend didn't show up that morning. He said he overslept. The course was a killer with hills everywhere. It went off road the last mile and was a steady climb. I cussed my friend all the way up that final hill and promised myself I would never, ever do another race.
In front of me the entire race was some guy in light blue tights. Even a novice like me thought that was funny looking, considering that it was sunny and in the upper 60's that morning. He would walk a little every now and then and I thought it was unfair that he could do that. I don't know why I thought it was unfair, I just did. I guess since it was a running race, I thought once you stopped running, you should drop out.
Anyway, coming off that final hill, cussing my friend and swearing I'd never run another race, I saw Mr. Babybluetight about 50 yards from the finish. I gave it everything I had and kicked by him at the end.
After I crossed the finish, I caught my breath. A minute before I dind't want to run another race. Not ever. After I caught my breath and had Mr. Babybluetights congratulate me, I couldn't wait to do another one.
Any memories about your first road race?