Harlingen... The End Again

They're packing up.

I missed the South Texas Sizzler this year. I was a bit strapped for cash. This was a shame as I like to support the Junior League of Harlingen, and I wanted to redeem myself as I was the last person to finish last year.

This year was different. This year I was the last finisher of another Harlingen race, the 10K at the Jalepeno 100. 

That may be a confusing race name. The Jalapeño 100 is a cycling event, but last year, they added a kids run, a 5K, and a 10K. I was actually going to skip it. I was on a bit of a run burnout, which I'll post about later. 

But I missed my Saturday run. I have a fear if I stop running for a week I'll never run again, so I signed up for the 10K  to make sure I ran.

I got to the start line a whole two minutes before the run started. I was scrambling to put my Race Dots on and get my GPS watch set. Before I knew it, the race started. I crossed the start line and realized a sad situation.

It wasn't exactly a large crowd, so I was destined to be last. There were a few people slower than me, but I predicted they were participating in the 5K.

Sure enough, by the time, I passed the turnaround for the 5K participants, I couldn't see a single 10K participant in front of me. I was that behind.

When I reached the 10K turnaround, there was another runner behind me. Another runner who wasn't wearing a bib. I don't think he could be considered a bandit, as he eventually passed me and left the route.

The bright spot in being last is I get to tell all the volunteers at the water stations, "I'm it. You're done. You can pack up and go home."

I was missing my usual police escort as I ran along the frontage. Then I heard the crunch of rocks behind me. I thought it was cyclist trailing me. When I eventually turned, I saw it was a police unit going very... very... slow-ly. 

Why isn't there a photographer around for that photo? It'd look like the police unit was chasing me. 

Eventually, I finished. As I rounded the last corner, I could see the organizers already packing up everything. They were kind enough to hold up the string with pennants as I crossed. Then I almost tripped on it.

I was last, but I believe I set a personal record. I was going to leave and then one of the organizers found a medal and gave it to me. Let's say it's for perseverance. I'm not picky. Bling is admittedly (and sadly) a powerful motivator for me. 

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