Missed the Start Line, Still Got the Medal
- Shanika Lynn
- Oct 6
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 6
✨ Intro Summary
I signed up for the Prey vs. Predator 5K at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C. — a race where runners dressed as prey or predators (naturally, I chose predator 😏). I showed up early, decked out in my tights, ready to run, and somehow ended up lost outside the zoo trying to find the start line.
What started as total confusion turned into one of the most empowering runs I’ve ever had — part comedy, part cardio, all mindset. This is how I missed the start line, ran the race my own way, and still walked away with a medal — and a reminder that sometimes, you just have to keep going anyway.
🏁 The Prep
I picked up my race packet on Friday thinking I was on top of it.
Clothes set out Friday night? ✅
Predator tights picked out for the Prey vs. Predator theme? ✅
Bag packed and caffeine ready for the long day ahead? ✅
Saturday morning, 5:00 a.m., I was up — dressed, energized, and ready. By 6:30 a.m., I was parked at the zoo, a full 30 minutes early, feeling proud of myself for being so prepared.
It was the Prey vs Predator 5K, hosted by the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C. Even with the government shut down, the race was still on — and I was determined to be part of it.
What I didn’t realize was that the zoo’s main Connecticut Avenue entrance was the only one open that morning — every other gate was closed because of race logistics and early morning security. So even though I arrived 30 mins early, I had no clue how to actually get inside.
Between the parking confusion and the gates being locked, I somehow became the only runner who started from the wrong side of the zoo. And there I was — dressed like a predator, circling the zoo like lost prey.
I finally found a police guard, told him my whole story, and he told me:
“Just walk in through the drive-in entrance — you’ll find the staff at the front.”
Turns out, I could’ve just walked right up through the main drive-in entrance the whole time. Typical, right? So, I did what any caffeinated woman in leopard tights would do — I turned on my Apple Watch and said, “F* it, I guess I’m starting my race now!”
🏃♀️ The Solo Start
I jogged into the zoo, following random signs like they were breadcrumbs. No staff, no runners — just me, my bib, and my playlist.
Then I hit the first hill — that big one you’re supposed to walk. 😂 But I started running it anyway. And weirdly enough, I felt good. There was a time when a moment like that might’ve caused an energy dip, but not anymore. I’ve trained myself to keep moving, no matter how steep things get.
I’m on my “conquer every obstacle” vibe. Because you can’t wait for the hill to get smaller; you have to rise up and meet it.
At about 1.5 miles in, I hit a locked gate. A volunteer was chaining it shut. I asked if I could climb over — she said, “Unfortunately, no.”
I turned around... but I didn’t go back. I found another path. I zigzagged off trail, determined to finish what I started. That’s the exact moment it hit me — this is what I coach every day. The difference between finishing and quitting isn’t luck, timing, or conditions — it’s mindset. You either pause or you pivot, but you don’t stop.
🏁 Finding the Finish
My fitness friends were texting me saying they’d already finished and were hanging out by the beer tent. So now my mission was clear: find the beer, find the panda, take the picture.
The only problem? I was still somewhere deep inside the zoo — alone, following arrows that didn’t make sense — running in the opposite direction of everyone else. Just picture it: me, in leopard tights, sprinting toward the finish line crowd instead of with them. 😅
But when I finally spotted my crew through the sea of people, it felt like victory. We laughed, snapped photos by the panda, grabbed my medal, and celebrated like I’d run the race exactly as planned — because honestly, in my own way, I did. 🏅
🚕 The Uber Decision
When the post-race fun was over, I realized my car was still parked by the wrong entrance. I checked Uber — $17 just to get back to my own car.
I laughed, looked at my watch, and said,
“You know what? Forget it. I’ll run.”
So, I ran through D.C. streets, half-lost and half-laughing, following Google Maps like it was an obstacle course. Every wrong turn reminded me I’m not exactly a navigation pro.
By the time I made it back, I’d logged 4 miles total and still had three fitness classes to teach that morning. I was tired AF — not just from running, but from the mental rollercoaster.
Still, I felt proud. I did what I came to do.
🦓 About the Race
It wasn’t a big race — it sold out, but the path was narrow and cozy. Not many people dressed for the Prey vs. Predator theme (which I thought was kind of boring, because I committed). I didn’t get that group-start excitement, but I did love the energy at the finish line — people laughing, cheering, and celebrating together.
I didn’t socialize much because I was on a mission — and that part hit me deeply.
In life, you have to be on a mission to get things done. You can’t wait for perfect conditions. You show up. You adapt. You find your way.
Mindset is everything.
🏃♀️ Thinking About Running This Race?
If you’re planning to do the Prey vs. Predator 5K next year, here’s what to know:
Pay for parking in advance. It’s an extra $30, but worth it to avoid confusion the morning of the race. The event takes place inside the Smithsonian National Zoo, and only the main Connecticut Avenue entrance allows cars in — so if you plan to walk in, prepare for a bit of a hike.
Get there early — like, an hour early. Parking, security, and crowds make everything take longer than you expect.
Expect hills. The course isn’t flat, but it’s beautiful — lots of twists, turns, and animal views.
You’ll get a T-shirt and medal. The $70 registration fee felt steep for an early sign-up, but it does include both, and the vibe is good.
Small race, big heart. It’s intimate and friendly.
Post-race beer tent = worth it. Even if you get there late.
Ready to Build Your Strength, Endurance, and Confidence?
If this story made you laugh, nod, or think “that could be me,” — it’s your sign to start.
The difference between finishing and quitting is how you handle the moments that don’t go as planned.
You don’t need to be a runner to take your fitness seriously — you just need the right plan and support to keep you consistent. Inside my app, I’ll help you build confidence, stamina, and strength through a step-by-step system designed to fit your life.
✨ Whether your goal is to crush your first 5K, feel strong again, or simply get back to moving — coaching with me gives you the structure and accountability to make it happen.
Ready to start? Join my app today and get access to my Free 5K Starter Plan — a simple, motivating guide that helps you begin running (or walking) with purpose.
💭 Final Thoughts
This race reminded me that your starting line doesn’t define your finish. Sometimes you’ll begin alone, off-course, or confused — but if your mindset is strong, you’ll still find your finish line.
You just have to keep moving.
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