I consider myself a casual runner. I run so that I can eat what I want (mostly) and not get too fat. I'm a mid-packer, if that, but I've done better and I've done worse. I've finished last in a 5k. I've FALLEN at the finish line (with the whole town watching). I've done all I can to stay ahead of the ambulance bringing up the rear.
But sometimes, if I'm having a good day, and I'm really lucky, I get an age group award. These little babies are wonderful - you get a medal/trophy/certificate, and they even call out your time (okay, that part isn't always so great). And everyone claps for you. You get to take your picture with your "hardware." You might even get a $10 gift certificate to the running store. That's all good stuff. But the best thing you get with an age group award is a nice little confidence boost. It makes you think..."huh, I am a winner even though I'm not the winner..." and we all need that sometimes. It's a reason to go out and run another 5k, and maybe try a little harder than you would have otherwise. And that's what everyone, everyone, everyone needs! This past weekend I got an age group award AND a new PR for the 2-mile (17:33), and I'm pretty proud of myself. It makes me think that maybe I can shave a good bit off of my 15k and half-marathon times in the next few months :) All of that encouragement, from a little trophy.
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