One of the things I LOVE about runDisney, and you know I love them dearly, is how much they celebrate the LAST finisher across the Finish Line as much as the FIRST finisher. At a runDisney race, the last finisher crosses the finish line with the characters at the finish to confetti and a huge support from the crowd – yes people stay to watch the very last runner cross because it IS inspiring. Here’s a piece from the Disney Parks Blog which covers JUST that.
So many are so afraid of coming in last place, but you know like my WISH Shirt from Disboards.com says….
Really, kudos to all who show up at the start! Its all about running YOUR race, unless you are Elite and fighting for a fabulous prize, does your place REALLY matter? For me, NO it won’t change anything. We are all different, different goals and paces, celebrate the fact you are out there doing something for your health….and for yourself too. My running and races are pretty much the ONLY time I have to completely veg out with my own thoughts, so thankful for that.
Someone in one of my Facebook groups shared this Commercial Video from Values.com entitled, “Believe in Yourself” which truly captures the spirit of all races I have participated in. To view it, click on the photo and prepare to be inspired and moved.
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| click on Photo to view Believe In Yourself on Values.com’s Website |
It was too good NOT to share. I do believe it not only captures the spirit of endurance with the runner, but also the support of the race volunteers. Have you ever been last place in a race? I would love to hear about it – for us slower runners, the “What if I come in Last” thought always pops up especially at smaller races. To me this video shows, if that thought pops up Fuhgetaboutit!
Remember to ALWAYS Believe in Yourself.
Did these videos inspire you? I might have teared up……
- Five Reasons to Visit Volcano Bay - October 3, 2018
- Raccoon Mountain Caverns A Fun Family Adventure - August 10, 2018
- New Marvel Boutique Opens at Universal Orlando Resort With All the Gear a Super Stylish Super Hero Needs - August 3, 2018
I’ve always loved the DLF>DNF>DNS. It was a motto I followed for my very first PHM!
Thanks summer…. I saw that WISH shirt and had to have it! Love it.
When my local American Stroke Association still ran a running group, we had a guy who’d had two(?) strokes and walked with a cane and did multiple full marathons. He had to take a break and go through chemo, but as soon as he was back, he did a full marathon against all the coaches’ advice. It was in Long Beach, not Disney. I did the half and stuck around to see him finish. It took him eight hours. They took down the finish line, everyone left, but the ASA program director explained to the race officials what was going on an they gave him the guy’s medal. A handful of us ran out and crossed the line with him. I don’t know what it meant to him, but his determination meant a lot to me.
I think that is amazing! Its good that he could finish without the official race course, and I am SURE you being there meant a LOT to him Jennifer! You rock my friend. Thanks so much for sharing this with us!
When I used to run the NYRR half marathon grand prix, especially in Brooklyn and Staten Island, my dad would come watch and I would sometimes be the last person closest to the cutoff time (it was always 3 hours) and there were times I would come up on that last stretch before the finish and I could see them breaking things down but I could also hear my dad yelling at them “There she is, leave it up leave it up”!!
And running/walking/limping past the other runners driving out of the parking lots or walking to the subway they were ALWAY encouraging – honking horns, clapping, yelling.
So….not sure if that video was supposed to make me cry but…what? It didn’t…I was just saying…. 😉
AWWWW that is SO sweet – that is so wonderful. Your dad rocks. Its great even at the end the encouragement that is out there to be had. I love as I am approaching Epcot on the PHM race, people are leaving on the raods and honking, waiving and yelling “Go Princess go”. It really helps!
Awesome message, Julie! I cheer for any and all racers, if you are out there doing your thing then more power to you. 🙂 xo
Thanks Meridith…I agree….its HARD getting out the door sometimes esp for a race you know that you will be in the back for LOL. But the support really is out there for ALL runners in the race.
I am having a shirt made up that has DFL beats DNF beats DNS on the back. As someone that is always ‘almost last’ at Disney races, and usually last at local events, I know that you HAVE TO BELIEVE in yourself or you won’t make it. The Back of the Pack has unique challenges. Thanks Julie for spreading the message. 🙂
THANKS! Once I realized for ME the biggest thing was getting out of bed and starting I reached some peace. I ran years ago and being slow bothered me so much I quit. Live and learn I guess. LOVE my WISH shirt! I have gotten pats on the back for it at races.