I’ve been meaning to post this for a while. When I discovered these gems in a recent set of race photos, I had to share –  because I can’t be the only one who’s experienced something like this.

Let’s go back to the day of the Seaside Semper Five 5K. I’ll set the scene: It’s mile 2.9 and the finish line is in sight. For the first time in a long time, I realize that I can break 37 minutes in the distance. So I dig deep and push – hard. When I get to the final .1, I can see the clock: 36:35. It’s happening!

Fig. 1: The Realization

I’m running, I’m running… and suddenly, I’m stonewalled. Someone (ahem, girl in gray) didn’t realize that she had to cross the timing mat about 20 feet further down the finish chute, and she decided to STOP and walk, directly in front of me.

Fig 2: The “Don’t Panic, You Can Weave Around Her”

Instead of giving a nasty look for the race photographer to immortalize forever, I instead kept on smiling and changed my plans with gritted teeth. But I couldn’t maintain composure for long.

Fig 3: The “COME ON!”

Hey, I’m only human.