Tortoise and the Hare

I went into this 5k with a Hare's state of mind; since I've been walking for three whole weeks now. I figured I got this. I set a competition goal that I now realize was a bit unrealistic seeing that my normal pacing partner jogged the route in what I hoped to walk it in. I made one grave error; I let the group I was with pull ahead and instead of fighting to keep pace, I waved them on. Mentally I let my bad leg slow me down and a numb foot became my excuse. And granted the leg problem is valid and in need of serious medical evaluation, the bigger problem was me alone on that course. I did not push myself enough and instead of picking up the pace the first thing I did was recalculated my goal giving myself some extra time, then my mind said okay just as long as you don't finish last and that changed to just as long as you finish. Well I was no where near last and I did finish but at a tortoise pace. Defeated is how I felt, but when my accountability partner called to see how I faired, her response was you had to start somewhere and yes she ragged me for going much slower than we do everyday, she also helped me celebrate that I got back out there after a good 10 years of nothing and completed a 5k. Next years goal is of course to beat her best time running. Lol!!!