It seems to me that when a race is being held, the course should be off limits to anyone other than those racing.  I also agree that a race volunteer should be taking up the rear so no racers are forgotten.  From experience, it really sucks when everyone leaves and you are still on the course.

But congrats to you for running up that hill!  And for running the entire race!  You must feel really good for doing that, almost last or not. 

I don't know about getting a flashy outfit and all the gear.  You'd just look like everyone else.  Ninja suits you just fine.  You rock, Doc! 

I'm kinda bummed for you.  You worked too hard to be out there racing with a bunch of assholes!  It's kinda like riding with the big shot biker jerks who give cycling a bad name. 

You got out there and ran your best race.  You can't ask or expect any more out of yourself.  Please don't let this become a bad experience for you.  This is a tough choice we have made to get in shape and stay healthy by going out and testing ourselves against others, sometimes against those who are decades younger and have single-digit bodyfat numbers.  It's hard to stay positive at times, but what are you gonna do?  Join Curves?????? Just doesn't hold the same appeal, does it?

Keep your head held high - you did a FANTASTIC job yesterday! Don't forget that you're coming of of mystical medical procedure and eye surgery.    Make this a start point for the season and see if you can improve.  Most of all, feel proud that you got your butt off the couch and had the courage to go out and race against the jerks at all!

Way to go Susan!

I'm with the others that say the race wasn't very well organized.  Heck I did a little local race today and there was a 20-something couple that finished at a 17min/mile pace and an 81 year old man that finished just shy of a 18min/mile pace.  We all waited for them.  No problem.   I've been to races though where they were packing up while people were still on the course.  That sucks!  And 13-something min/mile is not that slow.  Very weird.

Congratulations anyway on the PR for race distance.  That is very cool.  It is great just to get out there and do it!  Good for you!

You got out there and did what you planned.  Bummer about the poor organization and race officiating.

The key thing???  You never quit and never gave in to the bad vibes.  THAT is the thing to take away from this!!

Thanks you guys for all your comments!

I know I am not the only one out there that has been in the back of the pack and felt.... left!  When I got into the middle of the pack, all of the runners were super encouraging.  I think the people who race the races are happy we slow people are out there trying, and working, just like them.  They know even though I may not be as fast as them, I am pretty much the same as them.  I am still a runner/biker/racer.  They give me respect, encouragement and support, just like the fast cool people I look up to on this site.

The events are what drive my training.  I love doing them and I really want my f$%*king shirt at the end too because guess what?  I am going to wear that shirt 100x to the gym on the cold/rainy crap days to REMIND me why I am on the dreadmill/boring stationary bike.   

It is sad that it isn't unusual for this to happen to slow people because it is really disappointing and in a way it is humiliating.  Which is not how you want to feel after a race. 

I just wish the race directors would really pound into the volunteers' heads that the people in the back need as much or more support than the people in the front or middle.  I have to assume a race director loves the events as much as we the participants and would be upset if she/he knew that was happening on their course.