Consider it an automatic PR
Thinking about running a 5k race but are intimidated about running slower than all of those other people? Don’t sweat it. No one cares how fast or slow you go, except you. Those fast runners that finish at the top – they don’t care that you are still out there after they are done. They are doing their cool down run waiting for the awards ceremony. That person that passed you at mile 2 – He will be at the finish line cheering for you.
If it your first race, you can claim your finishing time as your PR (Personal Record) and try and beat it next time.
Crossing the finishing line makes it worth all of the anxiety to just get out there and do it. You ran the same distance as everyone else there.