Race medal question....do all races give finisher medals to those who are swept?

[sissy_ib]

Ok. Geez. Chill out. Maybe I don't want to be last?? It's a personal thing and I checked the results of my local 10k and I'd be at the very back and I was willing to even do that but I missed the registration. I'd do it now maybe, after having done a race, but for my first race, having it be a Disney one was really more in my comfort zone. but honestly I like the pacing of my half, I liked being out there a long time and I don't really want to run up and down major hills at my townships 5k at 7am. The wine and dine for me, was perfect.

Opposite of you I like running but im not that huge on racing. I run because I enjoy how I feel, I like being alone with my thoughts and I actually mostly do it because I'm still working out some old injury rehab. (which is another reason I avoided some local races this year because of all their hills).

Excuse me? If it it so personal you should not be posting it online. If you don't like racing that is fine, it is not a requirement for anyone. But don't complain that other racers are too fast. All I was saying is that before people say "I'm too slow", they should get out and watch a local race or two. I'm not talking the Boston Marathon, I'm talking your local fun runs.

And I am a little surprised that they run races on major hills there. I live in Hill Country and most races around here are run on pretty flat land.

 

[Tabetha]

Ok. Geez. Chill out. Maybe I don't want to be last??

LOL! Yeah, nobody wants to be last...

I will say this - my first race was the Princess Half, and it was nice to be surrounded by a LOT of people going my pace or slower. If my first race experience was the first 10K I did where I was well in the back, I might have found it discouraging.

As it was, I was pleased with myself that day because I beat my time goal, so I won my own little race of one.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Ok. Geez. Chill out. Maybe I don't want to be last?

Nothing wrong with being last. At all.

 

[Figment1990]

Excuse me? If it it so personal you should not be posting it online. If you don't like racing that is fine, it is not a requirement for anyone. But don't complain that other racers are too fast. All I was saying is that before people say "I'm too slow", they should get out and watch a local race or two. I'm not talking the Boston Marathon, I'm talking your local fun runs.

And I am a little surprised that they run races on major hills there. I live in Hill Country and most races around here are run on pretty flat land.

All I was saying is that it was a personal decision of mine not to run a race before the half. And I was just replying in the first place that I thought that a Disney half for me as my first race was fine. I had a base of mileage but hadn't entered races before. I love Disney and combined it with this event. I was only responding to someone who said that a first race shouldn't be a half marathon. Which I basically was saying you can't make that blanket statement it's "personal" and "different" for everyones circumstances.

Ok- ill go stick with different threads and message boards now.

And I guess I should have been clearer that I would be interested in doing fundraising races but didn't find any that fit for me this year before the half (location or dates) and yes, my townships and most towns near me DO have hills in their races. I live just outside of pittsburgh. The flattest race would probably be the great race and registration was full by the time I went to sign up. I've heard it's a fun one and plan to do it in the future. AND I am open to races with hills now but was not early on in my training due to my personal knee issues. Why is it so wrong that I defended my choice to run a half as my first race if it fit so nicely with my goals and abilities and preferences?

And I never complained that other racers were too fast. I just felt intimidated by them before. But not now. I'm fine now. I just said I thought the half marathon was personally a good fit for me.

 

[christinascreative]

My two cents for what it's worth (not much )
I started running in August of this year planning on doing the P1/2. I didn't register for it until I did a 5k the first weekend of September-- I wanted to make sure I could do a race. I had run a 5k 9 years prior and it was hard for me mentally.
So I did it and it was fun and everything that prior race wasn't. So I went ahead and registered, knowing I'd be training until Feb for the Princess 1/2. Originally, I was thinking of doing the January one but wanted to make sure I had enough training time to get there.

I did another 5k (this was a trail run) at the end of September to see how I liked trail running. It was ok, but the course wasn't certified and I felt like it was shorter. Look at me- 1 month in- I'm the connoisseur of racing?

I just did a 10k this weekend that was HILLY and hard for me. But I finished in 1:21-- 9 minutes faster than I was hoping for. I was SLOW considering the other racers. I was 20/23 in my age group. But I finished and I'm proud... and still sore today!

I'm looking into a couple more 5k's for my short run weekends, just to keep me motivated for the 1/2. I'll be doing my long runs on a little bit of hilly terrain by my house, but it's convenient and should only help.. I hope!

After making you read all of that above... I am TRAINING for this race. This IS my Boston or NYC. It's my first BIG race and I'm treating it that way. I read this forum a lot and know that others are training and taking it seriously. I want my medal to mean something. Finishing IS a big deal to me. I just don't think if you're a non finisher, that you deserve it. Injuries / etc regardless. I HOBBLED to the finish line this weekend. If I don't make it to the finish line at the P1/2... regardless of the reason,I don't want the medal. I didn't earn it and why would I want a reminder of something that I didn't earn?

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

All I was saying is that it was a personal decision of mine not to run a race before the half. And I was just replying in the first place that I thought that a Disney half for me as my first race was fine. I had a base of mileage but hadn't entered races before. I love Disney and combined it with this event. I was only responding to someone who said that a first race shouldn't be a half marathon. Which I basically was saying you can't make that blanket statement it's "personal" and "different" for everyones circumstances.

Ok- ill go stick with different threads and message boards now.

And I guess I should have been clearer that I would be interested in doing fundraising races but didn't find any that fit for me this year before the half (location or dates) and yes, my townships and most towns near me DO have hills in their races. I live just outside of pittsburgh. The flattest race would probably be the great race and registration was full by the time I went to sign up. I've heard it's a fun one and plan to do it in the future. AND I am open to races with hills now but was not early on in my training due to my personal knee issues. Why is it so wrong that I defended my choice to run a half as my first race if it fit so nicely with my goals and abilities and preferences?

And I never complained that other racers were too fast. I just felt intimidated by them before. But not now. I'm fine now. I just said I thought the half marathon was personally a good fit for me.

She is the minority, don't let her view destroy your impression of these boards. I get what you are saying 100%. I don't really think anyone wants to be last, and those that say it isn't a big deal have most likely never been last! Granted, it is an honor at the Air Force Marathon so I am pretty sure some people were fighting for last spot there.

I don't like the feeling that I get in races where I am not in the majority. So, I choose to avoid those races that are small like I described before. I like the races with larger entries, that cater to runners of all abilities, and sometimes the women's focused races. I like having people around me, not crazy crowded courses, but don't like the races where I am alone on the course at any point. I definitely prefer Half Marathons over any distance at this point. Disney was my first Half as well and it is their fault that I can't stop running. So much for just running one race...thanks Disney.

 

[sissy_ib]

She is the minority, don't let her view destroy your impression of these boards. I get what you are saying 100%. I don't really think anyone wants to be last, and those that say it isn't a big deal have most likely never been last! Granted, it is an honor at the Air Force Marathon so I am pretty sure some people were fighting for last spot there.

I don't like the feeling that I get in races where I am not in the majority. So, I choose to avoid those races that are small like I described before. I like the races with larger entries, that cater to runners of all abilities, and sometimes the women's focused races. I like having people around me, not crazy crowded courses, but don't like the races where I am alone on the course at any point. I definitely prefer Half Marathons over any distance at this point. Disney was my first Half as well and it is their fault that I can't stop running. So much for just running one race...thanks Disney.

Wow. I think I need to stay off the WISH boards then. I too come here to be encouraged. I thought I was giving encouragement by saying that it is ok regardless of your speed to enter local races. I guess you guys feel only the fastest should. Now I am seriously feeling like I have made a mistake in entering local races when I know I am only at a 12-13 minute mile. On Sunday I was at a 15mi/mile thanks to being right after a tiring vacation. I enjoy running races but I guess that is not good enough. I am actually on the verge of tears now. So I'm sorry I thought it was ok to be slow and encourage others who are not the fastest.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Wow. I think I need to stay off the WISH boards then. I too come here to be encouraged. I thought I was giving encouragement by saying that it is ok regardless of your speed to enter local races. I guess you guys feel only the fastest should. Now I am seriously feeling like I have made a mistake in entering local races when I know I am only at a 12-13 minute mile. I enjoy running races but I guess that is not good enough. I am actually on the verge of tears now. So I'm sorry I thought it was ok to be slow and encourage others.

Not only is it OK to be slow, but I love it. Please stay!

 

[Figment1990]

Slow is fine! Last is fine! All I was ultimately saying is there's nothing wrong w choosing a half as your first race. Thats where it started from. I was just explaining why someone might choose a half, particularly Disney half as their first race. Basically we are all different people and need to do what's best for us each.

I hope everyone keeps running and having fun doing so!

 

[JCH]

Slow is fine! Last is fine! All I was ultimately saying is there's nothing wrong w choosing a half as your first race. Thats where it started from. I was just explaining why someone might choose a half, particularly Disney half as their first race. Basically we are all different people and need to do what's best for us each.

I hope everyone keeps running and having fun doing so!

Sorry, didn't mean for that to spiral out of control! I was just suggesting those who are brand new (which I don't consider a person who is up to 7 miles to be) consider doing the 5k instead of rushing into the half with the intention of getting swept for a medal. My comment was more in response to what seems to be a growing trend of people who only make it to 4-5 miles total before running a half. I've seen several people who sign up with no experience, then don't train like they thought they would, and try it anyway, often times hurting themselves in the process. didn't mean to offend anyone.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

Wow. I think I need to stay off the WISH boards then. I too come here to be encouraged. I thought I was giving encouragement by saying that it is ok regardless of your speed to enter local races. I guess you guys feel only the fastest should. Now I am seriously feeling like I have made a mistake in entering local races when I know I am only at a 12-13 minute mile. On Sunday I was at a 15mi/mile thanks to being right after a tiring vacation. I enjoy running races but I guess that is not good enough. I am actually on the verge of tears now. So I'm sorry I thought it was ok to be slow and encourage others who are not the fastest.

You were discounting her fears and that is where the problem was and to an extent my own experience with races and what I like and don't. Sorry you cried over it, but your fears aren't going to be equal to everyone else's and the draw of a Disney race isn't always going to exist elsewhere. She wasn't attacking any group of runners, just sharing her experience and somehow you thought she was. You shouldn't be judged by sharing what your preferences are. If you don't agree, so be it, but don't dissect someone else's preferences because they aren't in line with your own. No need to get dramatic about it. Run those races and I hope that you enjoy them. But, you may develop your own preferences based on those experiences. I had a completely different view when I started running than I do now with almost 50 races completed.

Sometimes we all forget that at some point, we were ALL on the same level with this running thing.

 

[sissy_ib]

You were discounting her fears and that is where the problem was and to an extent my own experience with races and what I like and don't. Sorry you cried over it, but your fears aren't going to be equal to everyone else's and the draw of a Disney race isn't always going to exist elsewhere. She wasn't attacking any group of runners, just sharing her experience and somehow you thought she was. You shouldn't be judged by sharing what your preferences are. If you don't agree, so be it, but don't dissect someone else's preferences because they aren't in line with your own. No need to get dramatic about it. Run those races and I hope that you enjoy them. But, you may develop your own preferences based on those experiences. I had a completely different view when I started running than I do now with almost 50 races completed.

Sometimes we all forget that at some point, we were ALL on the same level with this running thing.

I was NOT discounting her fears! Go back and read my first post. I asked her if she had gone and watched a local race. Because in my experience there are many kinds of people, all ages, sizes and speeds, who are out there running and walking. I think it is a good idea for anyone who is worried about running a local race to go out and experience on for themselves as a spectator. I was very intimidated before my first 5K as well but once I got out there I realized no one was judging me for being slower than them. They were focused on their run as much as I was focused on mine.
I said some races have all elite runners, but not all. In fact, not most.
I'm sorry you don't like to be in the back end of races but not everyone goes out there to place. I was not dissecting her, or anyone else's, preferences. I was simply stating that NOT everyone is a super fast runner at 5Ks and 10Ks and it would be good to go see that first hand. However you and others are saying that most 5Ks are for the super fast elite types. I really had no fears about where I come in, even if that means last, until I read several people here today saying how bad it is to come in at the back of the pack. I have my own goals as far as running and fitness and they do not include 1st, 2nd or 3rd place. There is nothing wrong with that.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

I was NOT discounting her fears! Go back and read my first post. I asked her if she had gone and watched a local race. Because in my experience there are many kinds of people, all ages, sizes and speeds, who are out there running and walking. I think it is a good idea for anyone who is worried about running a local race to go out and experience on for themselves as a spectator. I was very intimidated before my first 5K as well but once I got out there I realized no one was judging me for being slower than them. They were focused on their run as much as I was focused on mine.
I said some races have all elite runners, but not all. In fact, not most.
I'm sorry you don't like to be in the back end of races but not everyone goes out there to place. I was not dissecting her, or anyone else's, preferences. I was simply stating that NOT everyone is a super fast runner at 5Ks and 10Ks and it would be good to go see that first hand. However you and others are saying that most 5Ks are for the super fast elite types. I really had no fears about where I come in, even if that means last, until I read several people here today saying how bad it is to come in at the back of the pack. I had no idea the faster runners felt that way about the slower people and yes, it does upset me. I have my own goals as far as running and fitness and they do not include 1st, 2nd or 3rd place. This thread has really made me re-think all of that. I will never be a <20 min 5K runner due to some leg problems. I did not think that meant I needed to give up but I also don't want to make a fool of myself every time I go out there. This just makes me realize I was looking at this all backwards.

So, watching one local race suddenly captures how most races are? How is that possible? They are all different. Sure, if it is an untimed race running for Joe's Dog Rescue, you are not going to see any elites. But, a timed race that is small is 100% different. What we were all saying and that you didn't understand is one race doesn't equal every other one and asking someone if they had even watched a local race was critical of her views. Are other Half Marathons the same as Disney ones? I don't have any others that I ran that came close. It is laughable that you are making the assumption that I care about getting an award at a race. I have never placed, and I never will. Doesn't matter to me. Not my goal. If you read other posts you would see that I have finished at the back of the pack before. Not the last runner, but close to it. I have my own leg disability to deal with and know my limits. Races aren't all enjoyable and for everyone. Just because someone doesn't share your experiences doesn't mean that theirs are any less valid. Not that you will be convinced otherwise. She wasn't trying to change your view, nor was I. What happens in Austin or wherever you live doesn't happen in Pennsylvania or here in Atlanta. Either way, it has gotten way off topic and I agree to disagree with your view and did the moment you attacked her for even posting.

 

[sissy_ib]

So, watching one local race suddenly captures how most races are? How is that possible? They are all different. Sure, if it is an untimed race running for Joe's Dog Rescue, you are not going to see any elites. But, a timed race that is small is 100% different. What we were all saying and that you didn't understand is one race doesn't equal every other one and asking someone if they had even watched a local race was critical of her views. Are other Half Marathons the same as Disney ones? I don't have any others that I ran that came close. It is laughable that you are making the assumption that I care about getting an award at a race. I have never placed, and I never will. Doesn't matter to me. Not my goal. If you read other posts you would see that I have finished at the back of the pack before. Not the last runner, but close to it. I have my own leg disability to deal with and know my limits. Races aren't all enjoyable and for everyone. Just because someone doesn't share your experiences doesn't mean that theirs are any less valid. Not that you will be convinced otherwise. She wasn't trying to change your view, nor was I. What happens in Austin or wherever you live doesn't happen in Pennsylvania or here in Atlanta. Either way, it has gotten way off topic and I agree to disagree with your view and did the moment you attacked her for even posting.

Asking a question is critical? How dare you say I attacked her! I was trying to say that anyone can and should get out there if they want to. I guess I was wrong!! Every race I have been in has had all kinds of participants and they have been chip timed with the exception of the ones on the Air Force Base. All the small local races here are timed, yes, even the ones for the animal shelter. I freely admit that there are races for elite runners and ones for all people, but most are open to all. It sounded like she wanted to go do local races but was to intimidated. Again, I was trying to encourage her to get out there and see what local races are like before she gave up on them. She explained she has since and she does not like racing. Nothing wrong with that, I just wanted to make sure everyone gave it a shot before saying it wasn't for them. I have no idea why you insist I am wrong but to try to insult me and my abilities. I guarantee you not all the races in Atlanta are for people trying to hit a sub 15 minute 5K. And I live in San Antonio, not Austin, I have no idea where you got Austin... But there are multiple races run every weekend with in a hour of me. Do you really think they are all only for the best of the best? Do you not have a lot of races in Atlanta? There are so many here for so many different causes I have to carefully pick and chose which I want to sign up for. Is south Texas really so full of elite runners that we need 3-6 5Ks every weekend? Nope, they are full of all different level people here. All I am saying is there are races for people of every fitness level, yes they are small, and yes they are timed.

 

[Quiksilvr]

I really don't know why I'm jumping back into the pool on this; I guess it's just my nature to want to stir the pot. For what it's worth, I don't think either of you intended to be offensive. I find the level of defensiveness on both sides of this argument completely inexplicable.

Anyway . . . the suggestion to go watch or participate in a local race is a good one. Contrary to what the one poster said, most road races are really not that different. There are a few that stand out (NYC, Disney, Boston, Chicago, USMCM, or some of the gimmick races like zombie runs and the paint ones), but most of the others share almost identical DNA. I would argue that once you've seen one local 5K, you've seen something that would be 95% similar to other local 5Ks. Same for 10Ks, halfs, and fulls. The differences tend to be on the margins. Once you go out and see one, you realize it's really not that bad.

I get it though; it can be intimidating to walk up to one of these things when you've never done it before. I get that the Disney environment is trusted for a lot of newbies because they know that the event will be run well and that Disney isn't going to point at them and laugh. Totally get it. It's a psychological thing. I felt the same way before my first big race, which was a Rock n Roll race. I didn't *really* know what to expect. It all turned out okay in the end.

And trust me, I get the self-conscious bit. I'm a fat runner (~225 lbs; 6'4. started running half marys when I weight 250+). I get a lot of looks and comments out on the course, usually because I'm running faster than the skinny people and they can't figure it out. At first I was a little self-conscious about it, but I finally decided to let it go. It helps that I am much faster than anyone expects when they look at me. You should see the looks I get from people when I line up in one of the first corrals. I can practically hear them wondering why I'm there and not in the back "with the rest of the fatties" (yes, I've actually heard that said). Eh. Whatever. Once the gun goes off it's all about what you do on the road. I generally finish minutes ahead of my corralmates. They can eat my dust.

 

[Figment1990]

Maybe this will help. Thank you for anyone defending my decision to not run local races. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. But it's ok now. I'm not upset and we don't have to keep debating it.

For informational purposes tho I will say that it sounds like there are some cities with a lot more local races than I have found around my town. And no they aredefinitely not all for elite runners.

Thank you for encouraging others to go watch a local race though. I'm sure they are more friendly than many think. It just wasn't my thing and I have a right to feel that way. I am glad for those who do enjoy them! (like my BFF who ran the 5k here at Disney this weekend that I supported and cheered!)

 

[Figment1990]

I can't believe I'm jumping back into this too but I really want to say this.

For me, I don't run because I want to run races. I run because three years ago I was so injured I didn't know if I would ever WALK "normally" again. I told myself that if I made it "back" to running (which I used to do occasionally for fitness but not much) I would and I wouldn't take it for granted ever again.

So I run because I can. Not because I want to enter races or win them. I keep a slow pace right now bc it's best on my knee. I stay away from a lot of hills for the same reason. I guess that's what I meant by personal decision.

 

[sissy_ib]

Maybe this will help. Thank you for anyone defending my decision to not run local races. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. But it's ok now. I'm not upset and we don't have to keep debating it.

For informational purposes tho I will say that it sounds like there are some cities with a lot more local races than I have found around my town. And no they aredefinitely not all for elite runners.

Thank you for encouraging others to go watch a local race though. I'm sure they are more friendly than many think. It just wasn't my thing and I have a right to feel that way. I am glad for those who do enjoy them! (like my BFF who ran the 5k here at Disney this weekend that I supported and cheered!)

I'm sorry if I came across as sounding like you were wrong for not running local races. That was not my intention at all. In the first post I replied to I though the sole reason you did not want to was because you were intimidated. The suggestion to go watch a race was taken wrong, and not by you. I don't run to win anything but a personal victory. (and if I finish a finishers medal for those races that give them out) I run for exercise and as a way to spend time with my husband. Races are fun for me, too. I love the atmosphere and all the good energy. I understand that not all cities have the same amount of races but even when I lived in a smaller city (and was not a runner) I frequently heard of different races for different causes and themed races. That is why I am surprised to hear people say most local races are for elite runners. This has not been my experience in more than one city. I'm not trying to talk you into or out of anything, just trying to clarify my point that may have been lost.

 

[johde]

She is the minority, don't let her view destroy your impression of these boards. I get what you are saying 100%. I don't really think anyone wants to be last, and those that say it isn't a big deal have most likely never been last! Granted, it is an honor at the Air Force Marathon so I am pretty sure some people were fighting for last spot there.

So were you going for the tail end charlie award. When I did the 10K at the Air Force marathon in 2009, I finished 1320/1469.

On the not wanting to finish last question, for me, there is a difference between a last place finish that's in the mix and way back last place. At an extremely small 5K last winter I finished in 33:59, a huge PR for me. I was the last runner to cross the finish line the person in front of me finished in 33:29. There was then a 10 min. break before the first of the walkers finished in 43:33. Around here, people are usually very supportive of the people at the back of the pack.

Before entering a race, I usually look at last years results to see where I might finish. I skipped entering some races that seemed to be for a bit more serious runner. One was a charity run put on by one of the frats at a local college. The last finisher finished in just over 35:00. At the time, I was doing 45:00+ for a 5K. On the other hand, the very first 5K I did I finished in just under 1:00 and wasn't last.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

I can't believe I'm jumping back into this too but I really want to say this.

For me, I don't run because I want to run races. I run because three years ago I was so injured I didn't know if I would ever WALK "normally" again. I told myself that if I made it "back" to running (which I used to do occasionally for fitness but not much) I would and I wouldn't take it for granted ever again.

So I run because I can. Not because I want to enter races or win them. I keep a slow pace right now bc it's best on my knee. I stay away from a lot of hills for the same reason. I guess that's what I meant by personal decision.

Your story is one of the many reasons I have learned to really love this sport and have developed an addiction to it. It is so inspiring to see what obstacles others are overcoming by participating. I hope you find some great races that are flat and fun and that your knee keeps improving! Thank you for sharing that with us.