The Wicked Running Register October 2013 • Priceless
EST. JAN 2010
Race Review: Delaware Distance Classic 5K – October 5, 2013 Elaine Goldman
I did not purposefully travel to Delaware just to compete in a 5K. No one I know purposefully goes to Delaware for anything. No, scratch that. Alcohol is tax free there – so I guess there is a reason to stop by. Aside from that though, I happened to be visiting my folks in Pennsylvania the same weekend as the race and my dad (who I’m also running the Philly Marathon with on November 17th) suggested we should enter. My mom has also recently started running (though she still says she hates it, even though she consistently places within her age group). So it was decided this would be a family affair - we would all run this 5K together and it’d be a great big bonding experience. Out of curiosity, I researched the results from the previous year’s race and was surprised when I realized I could potentially, for the first time ever, place in my age group. I emailed my dad hesitantly to ask if I could race race this thing. Side note: I love the running community I’m a part of. I am surrounded by several amazing and inspiring runners that motivate me to push myself and understand my crazy aspirations. To be your best, it’s important to be surrounded by people better than you. I’m a firm believer in that. If you surround yourself with mediocrity, how will you ever know there’s a level beyond that to be surpassed? If you want to be the best, you need to compete and win against the best. So, this is why I like the intensity
and the passion of this community they keep me pushing to the next level. I am surrounded by role models. And yet, deep down I will admit there is something somewhat frustrating that no matter how hard I try - I will never be called to winner’s circle after a race while I live here. I may come close and I may continue to improve and PR year over year - but a medal or a trophy? That’s not in the cards for me, not until I get older anyway... like old enough for my competition to die off. So, as shallow as wanting to win a ribbon is, Ido want one. Scratch that: I would like to earn one. I see this race as a chance to earn that prize. My parents look up the race times after I bring up the possibility of placing. It becomes clear they could all place as well. My dad sends me an email back saying my mom has declared it’s “every runner for themselves.” She realizes she could win her age group and that puts a fire in her belly as well. She hates running, but man does she love to win. The latter supersedes the former. The race is just a 45 minute drive away from my parent’s house. When we get there for bib pick-up it’s clear this is a well-organized event. Added plus: since it’s at a baseball stadium, there are public rest rooms versus port-o-potties. Soon enough it’s time to line up for the 5K.
The horn sounds and I’m off. There are maybe 10 people in front of me that I can see. There were about 4-5 “elite” style runners that are already beyond my line of vision. I pass various runners and pass the one female I see. I am running and I slowly realize: Holy crap I’m at the front of the pack of runners! I am not used to this perspective. It’s a bit lonely and a bit disorienting. I can’t get over the fact that I’m actually here. How is this possible? I’m not that... good. I shouldn’t be here, and yet I continued, next page