Redefining Last

last/last/

Noun:

  1. The last person or thing; the one occurring, mentioned, or acting after all others.
Yup that is what the dictionary says, that is not what I say. There were times today while running with my new Outer Banks Bootcamp Team, The Flame, I was, by this definition, last but that is not how it felt. What it felt like was I was out there doing it and I may be behind the rest of the group, however,  I was still way ahead of those that have made the choice to not try.

I am by no means what anyone would call a fast runner, I don't pick up my feet far enough, I don't lean forward enough, I don't breath quite right... YET! I am a work in progress, I will and can get there I just wasn't there today and I am ok with that, because I am working towards those goals. I have heard over the past few weeks a number of people stating they were very angry at themselves for being "last" and most of them weren't even truly last, they just felt that way because they weren't the first person in line. They stated things such as, "I am mad because I used to be better than this", "I promised myself I wouldn't be last", "I will never be in the front", all things I have said to myself at one point or another, and hearing them say it puts a whole new twist on things for me personally.   I encourage them by saying exactly what I said above, you aren't last, last is home sitting on the couch eating a bag of chips, that my friends is LAST.  Since I have been given the opportunity to be encourager and supporter I have at many times said things to others that within the last year were said to me, but had a hard time believing, things like, "It gets better", "You will get there", "You aren't going to die!" Guess what folks, I have not died yet, even if there is a certain someone out there that worries each time I go on a run I am going to do just that. 

Today I embarked on the newest adventure of this journey, training for the half marathon coming up in November, and while there is no doubt after running 10 slow miles last Wednesday night that I could finish a 13 miler today, it would not be at my best performance. I have a ways to go and I have my heart and soul, in combination with a great team and coaches to get me there! I am excited and hope to remain that way through the next 7 weeks leading up to the event and given the group I am with I am sure the spirits will remain high!

Part of our training today was a timed mile, I do not recall ever in my life running a timed mile (probably in grade school and I don't remember most of high school so forget grade school), the only thing I have to compare this to is my best 5k mile split and that was 10:44 on my birthday. Today I ran that mile in 9:37 so guess what peeps, I wasn't LAST I was flipping first cause I beat and surpassed by a considerable amount the only person I am in a race with. Myself.

So the next time you are out there running, or walking, or biking, or swimming and you are having that LAST feeling, fight THE FLAME and remind yourself if you are out there, giving it your all, YOU WILL NEVER BE LAST!

Much Love
15.23.14.9.20.
Re

Comments

Anonymous said…
This blog entry is awesome - every word of every sentence! This, however, was really key. Great work, lady!

"I wasn't LAST I was flipping first cause I beat and surpassed by a considerable amount the only person I am in a race with. Myself."
~Joan
September 27, 2012 at 10:45 AM
Anonymous said…
and guess what.....you are going to have FUN at the half....chasing me.....:)....I am coming back....tuesday....for am camp.....see ya then....Black Sheep
September 27, 2012 at 2:56 PM
Cindy Whitlock said…
You my dear friend was not just first but you were already a winner when you decided YOU could move forward. Not only move your physical being but your attitude and emotional being as well. You are an inspiration to so many, not just to those you come in contact with on your journey but those of us who only get your written word. Thank you for the way you encourage those of us who obviously haven't discovered that we too can be first!!!!!!
September 28, 2012 at 9:44 AM
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