Sunday, January 23, 2011

Stick The Finish!

One thing I like about races are the pictures. I’m not going to lie – I enjoy hamming it up every now and then. That’s one thing that is tangible about races, the pictures. That’s actual proof that you ran, and also pictures can take me back to moments during races and bring some positive memories (hopefully) back in the process.

Well, the best shot of any race is of course the finish line shot. It can also be the worst shot. If you aren’t prepared for it and are looking down at your wrist or maybe even down at your shoes or somewhere else, the moment is tarnished. I mean, would you want to show off your finish line shot of you looking at your wrist?

“This is me trying to figure out my time when I crossed the finish line of my first marathon.”

Yeah, no.

Anyway, I like to put a stamp on my races. I like to finish strong and try to tough it out at the end. Part of what gets me through the last few miles is to think about the finish line pose. I know it sounds lame but when your body is starting to fade, longing to quit and your mind is seriously contemplating giving in to the body’s desires to stop and sit down, any little thing can take your mind off the screams from your body.

What should I do when I cross the finish line? And then, really, you have to cross the finish line once you ask yourself that, right? You have no choice.

I like to plan ahead, and I’m planning ahead now for Surf City 2011. I won’t cross that finish line until just before noon on Feb. 6, but it’s never too early to think about the glory. Sure, I’ll have to go earn it of course but I will. I know I’ll cross that finish line. I might be a beaten-down mess of a man but I’m dragging myself across that damn line if I have to.

What will I do when I cross the finish line? Well, I’ve already done two poses.


stick LB and real LB celebrating after Surf City Marathon 2010


stick LB and real LB after San Francisco Marathon


There’s not too many more directions in which to put my arms.

But I came up with a few.


Arms out in front

Not as spread-eagle as San Francisco but arms out a bit wide nonetheless

Arms raised to the sky


Not sure if I'll cross the finish line with one of these poses or if I'll figure something else out while I'm on the beach path on Mile 23 or whatever, but I'll try and stick the finish one way or another.

8 comments:

dannie chOOng said...

hey hey, congrats for being nominated as one of the "Best Running Blogs 2011" hope to read many more of your fantastic running stories. sending you greetings from Malaysia...

Kim (Book Worm Runs) said...

Ha! That is great! I will tell you a secret...when I was training for my first half this past summer I got through some of the long runs by doing this ;) I used to get chills imagining crossing that finish line and how it would be. You are going to do great!! P.S. How about a one armed fist pump as you cross the finish line?? ;)

The Turtle said...

Isn't that Super Bowl Sunday? Maybe you should do the Heisman pose or the touchdown sign.

tahoegirl said...

What about a cartwheel? Whatever you decide to do, enjoy it. I will be cheering from here.

BTW: I started a blog.

http://gotmiles.blogspot.com/

thrasherswife said...

I'll pay you $20 to do the cartwheel like Tahoegirl suggests!!! :) My fav is the San Fran pose - it gives me a very inspired feeling.. whatever you do I know if will be prefect!! Kinda like the fist pump idea as well :)

MissJewels said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
MissJewels said...

Ahahaha! I loved reading this post! I actually never thought about my finish line pose! By the time I'm done I make a B-line to get my medal. I always end up looking HORRIBLE at the end anwyay! I am going to prepare for my Surf City finish now. Hmmm...fist pump in the air, blowing a kiss to the sky (THANK YOU GOD IT'S OVER)....wow, one more thing to ponder race day! LOL!

Joni M said...

Any pose in the vertical position is good, lol! I'm also running Surf City. Look for me, I'll be wearing orange, hahaha!