Friday, October 26, 2012

Accepting a DNS

This email landed in my inbox the other day.

Poland Spring

Unfortunately though, I won’t be lining up on Sunday rather I’ll be taking a DNS (did not start). I love this race because it really sets a great tone for Marathon Week and for those of us not running the marathon it’s a great way to get into the action and enjoy some of the excitement. The finish line of this 5 mile race is also the same as the finish line for the marathon, which is pretty cool.

The fact is, for the last several weeks my left leg has been feeling a little off. I’m pretty sure it’s mostly due to an extremely tight ITB that causes all sorts of problems. I haven’t been running much since I ran with Grace a few weeks ago. My hope is that a combination of low-impact cardio, strength training and lots of quality time stretching and with the foam roller is all I need. I get pretty paranoid about niggles like this with my history of stress fractures. I haven’t had one in almost a year (knock on wood) and I’m hoping to get through 2012 without needing crutches. Always a good goal to set, right? Even my endocrinologist, who I saw last week, agreed it is a good idea for me to keep my miles low for a while still. So as not to stress my bones so much.

So…that’s how I’ve come to accept the DNS I’m going to take this Sunday. My leg is feeling pretty good today and I do really wish I could run on Sunday, but I’ve come to terms with the fact that my body isn’t always up for what I really want to do and I’m not going to risk it this weekend. Plus, I have another race coming up in November, Race to Deliver, which I am now setting my sights on.

Hopefully the race this Sunday in Central Park, along with the Marine Corps Marathon in D.C. and all the other races in the North East, won’t be affected by Sandy. Apparently a late fall hurricane/tropical storm/nor'easter/frankenstorm is coming this way. Irene was not fun last year, hoping this one either turns right instead of left or somehow weakens quite a bit before it gets close!

  • Have you ever had to take a DNS for a race?
    • Last year I had to take a DNS for the Broad Street Run 10 Miler in Philly because I wasn’t in shape after a stress fracture
  • What are your plans for the weekend?
    • The norm: Gym, chores, prepping for Sandy and finalizing details for a Oiselle meet-up next week!
  • Will you be running in or spectating MCM or INGNYCM?

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Today’s workout -

  • 40min elliptical
  • 3x10 tricep kickback
  • 3x10 bent row
  • 3x10 hammer curl
  • ab exercises
  • 2x40sec plank on exercise ball
  • stretching
  • foam roller

8 comments:

Susan - Nurse on the Run said...

Sorry your IT band is acting up! Rest is definitely better than attempting to run and making it worse. I've DNS'd two races this year...and am adding a third by deferring NYC. But I can't wait to cheer!

Vanessa @ Gourmet Runner said...

No shame in DNS-ing a race. It's a smart decision in many cases! I did that once for a trail half-marathon, and I'm glad I didn't try running on a sore ankle!

gracekelle @ leangirlsclub said...

I admire your self control - that's often harder than running! I DNS'd the NYC Half Marathon several times, once because I didn't feel well enough after the NYCM and the second because I just didn't think I was ready.


So excited for your Oiselle meet up! You all are so cool :)

scarlettholly said...

Usually when I DNS it's because I've double booked races, or people have come in from out of town. I've only once DNS'd for an injury, and that was 18 months go when I had a stress fracture in my foot and couldn't run the DC half. Hope your IT band gets better soon!

Detroit Runner said...

Hope you feel better. Can I go in your place?(kidding just ran Grand Rapids marathon)

Michelle D said...

Sounds like the DNS is the right call - never easy though, is it? I took my first DNS in May due to a respiratory infection. Hope your IT behaves!

jacob montereal said...

Hoping for a better health for you. Thank you for sharing this.

Jacob of running Philippines

Lisa_earlymorningrun said...

Thanks for all the support! This is why the running community is so awesome!