Juneathon Day 7: The one where I raced a dog.
Otherwise known as my first parkrun in…forever. Where I not only raced a dog – I won! Goal = smashed. 5k done. Thankyouverymuch. The end.
So there you have it.
…but if you want specifics, I guess you can read on. Spoilsports.
The starting line
Feeling a bit nervous (as it’s been a while), but also excited to be back running again.
And we’re off…
Around 500m in
“Umm, this actually feels kinda OK. Breathing is easy, legs are fresh(ish).”
Checks Garmin: “Woah – great pace.”
Excitement starts to rise: “I think I might beat my parkrun PB today!“
1k
“Goodness, is it really only 1k? That last bit went kinda slowly. Never mind, I have a goal to reach: Onwards to the finish line and a new PB!”
1.1k
“I’ll just stop for a little breather. Just a short walk won’t hurt.”
2.1k
“Have they lengthened the course? I think my Garmin is broken.”
2.5k
Spots teeny-tiny dog.
Hatches new plan.
Pretends it was the plan all along.
3k-4k
“The dog has only overtaken me four times, but that hill is my chance to take the lead again.
I got this.”
4.1k
“I don’t got this.”
4.2k
“Never mind the parkrun PB – please just let me beat the dog.”
4.5k
New burst of energy found.
The finish line
(Internal) applause.
Sense of relief.
I did eventually ‘win’ (cough), but for a teeny-tiny dog, she really had some get-up-and-go!
Here she is crossing the finish line:
(Yes, I waited around. Yes, I snuck a photo. Yes, they both had no idea they were involved in my plans)
Then after finishing, off she pranced without losing a breath!
…I wonder if she wants a training partner…?
So there you have it. Ruby Sneakers: smashing hastily revised and slightly ridiculous goals since June 2014.
It was actually a great morning, and we even broke the attendance record.
Congrats, Launceston parkrun! (photo from their facebook page)
I’m already looking forward to next week.
Previous Juneathon (micro)blog: Day 6
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Haha. This made me think of my first race ever – a two-miler when I first started running at age 29. I spotted a dog at the start line and figured I would beat it. The dog blew me away. I learned to (am still learning to) accept the fact that I will always be a plodder and that my victory lies in continuing to get out there and participate. I have a plan to keep competing in local 5Ks until I am the only one left in my age category so I take home the first-place medal every time by default.
I love that story (darn dogs and their energy haha). You’re so right about victory and participation. I am such an on-again / off-again runner that it feels like being back at square one sometimes. Today I just enjoyed being out there again, and was surprised at how much I had missed it. 🙂
Yay for beating the dog with teeny tiny legs
Haha! Yeah, feeling pretty proud. 😉
I bet the dog slept for the rest of the day though!!
Good point! I must admit though, I certainly felt like it too (I blame the fresh air).
Good job 🙂 I’ll see you at Launceston parkrun in a few weeks 🙂
Yes – will do! 🙂
That’s a dog, is it?!
Hastily revised and slightly ridiculous goals are surely the very best type 🙂
So true, so very true.
Eh use whatever you need as an aid to get to the finish line, I reckon.
I’ll be picking off the bigger dogs next week, just watch me. 😉