Disappointment Personified

[Malcy]

Well, I went to the St Andrews Parkrun this morning all full of vim and vigour, promising this would be a good one. 23 minutes should keep Aftabs at bay for a little while longer. The first two km went according to plan - a little over schedule but definitely heading for a PB. Unfortunately, I let myself ease off after that point, but still went through the finish line at a creditable 23:53. Not quite a best time, but pretty close to it. I hadn't done as well as I had hoped, but I wouldn't be ashamed of the time.

UNTIL ... I got home and spotted Aftabs' post. Decimated! He left me for dead. I don't want to run any more. I am not worthy of being in the same forum!

Then the worst bit came. The official times. Seems I didn't make 23 mins something after all - they said 24:04. I could have understood a few seconds variance, but wasn't sure where 11 seconds went adrift. Maybe the timekeeper had fallen asleep waiting for me to cross the line? Or maybe I hit my watch at the wrong point. Whatever, the time is the time. Then I found the answer. The runner before me had a time of 23:53. Aha! Maybe there's a connection. Sure enough, there was an unknown runner at number 11. I guess the timekeeper hit the button twice by mistake when number 10 went past! So I did make my sub-24 minute time, but still not a PB.

BUT - given where I started 2013, I'm actually quite pleased with myself. That's a good five minutes taken off.

So, well done to Aftabs. And the rest of you? Well, if you haven't tried Parkrun, don't be intimidated by it. A couple of our group have posted times approaching 45 minutes. But they'll improve as time goes by. The same can go for any of us. Don't worry about running 30 mins plus - just go along and run. Nobody will mind ... and in fact they'll be pleased to have you there and keen to encourage you!

[rockchick69 Graduate]

This is a great time Malcy.... be proud! You are such an inspiration to so many of us on here, and I think its great how far you have come in 2013. By the way it's a great t-shirt, I'm going to wear mine tomorrow for my 10km.

[Jefna Graduate]

That's a fantastic time Malcy! Well done. You look brill on your pic too.

[Poppy2010 Graduate]

Well done Malcy! That's a fab time, and great improvement - my first attempt at parkrun was a muddy course and 46 minutes - today's was a new PB (34.03) at my other course; still snails pace compared to you and Aftabs - the man with wings on his heels! But I am still improving, and will reach that 30 minutes sometime (hopefully as the pounds continue to come off the speed will improve!

[LMS2110 Graduate]

Ahh Malcy, our very own superhero! That was an amazing time!!! - give yourself a break after all the other things you've achieved in the past week!

I know you are a superstar and remain in complete awe of your achievements and your motivational influence on this entire forum. ... I'll get around to entering a ParkRun when I feel good, ready and confident (of doing under 45 mins!) The thought of a giant gang rendezvous has me focused as never before

Linda x

[Aftabs Graduate]

I had to laugh while reading your post. That is a great run and your age grading will be miles better than mine. I'm just over 55%.

Your Parkrun photo is just like all of mine, my wife laughs at the pained expression on my face!

[DeliaItaly Graduate]

Wow Malcy you really are a hero! Great post

[c4ts Graduate]

Please cheer up - a great time - bear in mind you did a half marathon 6 days ago!

[OldNed Graduate]

That's a good time matey; berate thyself not!!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Aftabs said it, Malcy, us older guys have got to look at the age grading, we can't compete on equal terms with these whippersnappers. I'm not sure of your age but that is a damn good time. Well done.

[Malcy Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

58, but Shhh - don't tell anyone!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Malcy]

Damn you.... I am going to have to try to do that next year then!! RESPECT

[runningnotwalking Graduate]

Malcy that is a great time and nothing to be disappointed about. Age had nothing to do with it. Most of us would be over the moon with the performances you've put in recently. Much tipping of hats to you. Brilliant.

[mason73 Graduate]

If I can run as fast as you when im 58 ill be a happy lady! Great blog great time kate x

[Miso_14 Graduate]

I can only wish, plodding in my 35'-40' 5K - Cheer up man, that's a great time

[ju-ju- Graduate]

blimey thats an amazing time...I can only ever dream of reaching such dizzying heights...you are, as always, an inspiration to us all....well done, and I totally love the picture..