This was not the post I was hoping to write today. I had planned my blog posts for the month of December and today was supposed to be my recap of the Jingle All The Way 15K. Well, the Jingle All The Way did not happen for me last Sunday as I made the decision to DNS (Did not show). While not an easy choice for me to make, I now realize it was the correct one. I am sharing a few things to consider should you ever be in the same position and need to make the decision on whether to DNS.
Quick back story-I had been building my mileage back up and feeling better than I had in months with my running. I was easily able to add on each week without feeling tired or sore. All of the sudden, my shin/calf started to ache. I panicked, mostly because I have had a stress fracture in that area before. I took a few days off and felt better only to have shin pain again after a longer run. I iced, rolled & stretched which did help but not completely. As the race day neared, I was still having minor soreness. After going back and forth a few times, I decided 2 days before to pull the plug on the race.
Making The Decision To DNS
Take Emotion Out of The Equation
No question, the hardest part for me. After a fantastic few weeks of running back in October, I signed up for the 15K and even roped a few of my friends into signing up as well. How was I going to skip the race now? Not to mention, I had purchased super cute holiday running attire that I’ve been waiting to wear. So stay tuned for goofy photos of me running around town in my holiday pants.
Putting FOMO aside, ask yourself honestly “Will my life be any different if I do or do not run this race”? I tend to wrap up so much emotion into races that you would think I am in the Olympic trials or something.
Know Your Body
Most runners know the difference between feeling a little sore and knowing that you are injured. We usually know when our bodies are begging for an extra day off to recover. We also know that giving ourselves that extra time off usually does the trick. We also know when we are really injured and need to see a Doctor. Sometimes we have to go with our gut feeling and trust it.
Is It Worth It?
Assess the risk vs reward. Is this your goal race of the year? Will racing make or break your running career? I am guessing for most of us reading this today, the answer to that question is no. Could running this race cause you to miss your goal race?
As hard as it was emotionally not to join my friends for the 15K last weekend, I know I made the right decision for me at the time. I’ve promised myself that I will make attempt to make smart decisions about training and racing so that I don’t end up with another serious injury. I already feel much better after a few extra rest days and had no pain at all after running yesterday.
Tell me-have you ever DNS for a race? How did you feel about it?
Linking up
Running on Happy & Coach Debbie & crazy running girl
These are great points. Ive had to DNS some races but they have not been my goal race. I think that would be a harder decision to train for months for something and then have to consider pulling out. For the shorter races I try to remind myself to look at the big picture.
Yes looking at the big picture is not always easy but smart 🙂
You made the smart decision! I used to sign up for races ahead of time and there was one season several years ago I had to DNS several races. Now I’m more of a last min or race day signer-upper just so I don’t lose out on $$$. But it’s not REALLY about the money. It’s what you said- is it really worth it? You can always run more miles… you can’t take away miles you ran that could have damaged your body.
absolutely true but still difficult!
I like when you mention asking if your life will be any different if you don’t run the race. A lot of times, I find it can be easy to think “but I’ve been training so hard” or “I don’t want to make it seem like I couldn’t run xx miles” but it’s much better to not run a race than risk an injury or something else. I hope your shins/calves are feeling better!
You are right-when you are all wrapped up in the mileage it’s hard to be objective sometimes. I am feeling much better already thanks.
I have never DNS a race. I think the only way I would ever would be if something in my life came up. We sign up for these races so darn early it seems like. It is hard to know what life may bring or our schedules. But you were smart and listened to your body and if you weren’t feeling it then oh well. There will be plenty of other races. Like you said, it’s not the end of the world by not running one.
It’s not the end of the world but it can sure feel like it at the time
This was the year that I had to DNS a marathon. I was supposed to run Grandmas and I had such good intentions, but my RA wasn’t under control. I could have done it and walked part of it–but I just didn’t think it was a good idea. You have to trust your gut and mine was telling me no. Once I made the decision, I was relieved. I also DNS’d Las Vegas, which was a much more emotional decision. I had work putting pressure on me not to go, then the shooting happened, and flights were crazy expensive. That one was much harder for me. Mostly because it wasn’t all my decision.
Ultimately, no one is forcing us to run!
I remember your struggling with Grandma’s marathon. It did turn out to be the right decision for you. You went on to have some really great runs and races. It is really hard to take out the emotional side of it at times
This is a nuts & bolts honest post….and one that I certainly can relate to. I’ve had a few DNS events, and all were wrapped in more emotion than actual physical pain (though there were physical issues that trumped my emotional wishes LOL). Bottom line, like you said, skipping a much-awaited-for race was for the better good…trying to run with a compromised body never does anyone any good, and it usually prolongs the healing process or makes the injury worse.
Yes exactly! I know you experienced a lot of emotion around your knee issue. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves sometimes. Thanks for sharing your thoughts
Ah, I know how tough this was, and I was bummed too, but you know you made the right decision. I am not making the right decision to just let my PF get better. Maybe now that it’s frigid outside I won’t be so tempted to run ….
I hope you get it figured out before CB training kicks in. The holidays are also a good time to take a break from running for a week or so and let it heal.
This is such a good post- I think so many people push through stuff that they shouldn’t. It’s easier to say you will not than to actually do it sometimes because we do look forward to these races so much.
I DNS a 10K once but there was no questioning myself because I was flat on my back, could not move sick. Since then I tried to wait as long as possible to sign up for races.
Thanks I tend to wrap up so much emotion into these decisions which can certainly cloud my judgement. It’s never easy!
Good points!
I’ve never had a DNS, but I probably should have! Running is such an emotional sport and it’s so hard to get caught up feeling sorry for yourself.
I can so easily get caught up in the emotional aspect of racing!
First of all, I’m glad that it seems to be better. You don’t want that problem to start off the new year.
I had to not start a couple races after I fractured my patella a couple years ago. The biggie was the Honolulu Marathon. My knee was better but I didn’t have the time to get in the proper training.
You were smart to listen to your body, though. Much better to skip one race than to be sidelined for a longer period of time.
Yes I totally agree. Once I took out the emotional aspect, it was much easier to make the call.
How frustrating! I hope you recover quickly.
I DNS’s a half marathon a couple of years ago because of twinges in my Achilles during training. That was fine, but the worst DNS ever was for the only triathlon I ever signed up for. My car wouldn’t start that morning so I couldn’t get to the start line!
Oh no the triathlon is even a worse one bc I bet you were ready to go!
Taking the emotion out of it really IS the hardest part!
It really is!
I’m really sorry to hear you had to DNS but it sounds like you made the right decision. I want to see those goofy pics, though! I’ve been doing my running (when I do it outside) in my Christmas/Hannukah beanie around the neighborhood.
These are all great points! I’ve been lucky. I’ve never DNS’d, and can only think of one race where I *should* have DNS’d. I hope your soreness is nothing serious & passes quickly.
thanks I am feeling better already just needed a few extra days off. I will be wearing the goofy pants some day this week for sure
It’s definitely a hard decision, but a really important one to make. At the end of the way we have to look out for ourselves
Very true 🙂
You were so smart! That extra day or few days off can be all the difference between an injury or not. Something we often have to learn the hard way first!
A hard lesson to learn but not always easy at the time is it. Thanks
Well it sounds like you absolutely made the right decision. I try not to get emotionally attached to races for this exact reason. Obviously that’s easier said than done. But risk vs. reward and it’s usually not worth the risk. Hugs to you. I hope you heal up quickly.
Thanks Rachel-I am feeling much better already I just needed a few extra days off and some shorter runs
I can imagine how hard that decision was! thanks for the tips to decide, they’re very helpful!
Thanks for checking them out
I have DNSed a few times. Once was due to health and two other times were because of conflicts and unnecessary stress. DNSing was a tough pill to swallow at first, but I realized running the races would have been worse for me than not running. And there will always be other races!
I remember now when you had that race where you ended up not running with AnnMarie. I know you were really unhappy at the time but it was the right decision for you as well
It’s so tough to DNS a race! I’ve had similar scenarios where I’ve been injured and even though it’s the right call, emotions still make it tough to do.
They sure do!
I’ve had a few, my half this past September that I worked so hard for. It was hard. I logged off social media for 4 days around the event and focused on other things in my life. It was really hard and so disappointing. Eventually, I had another goal and a different race which I enjoyed so much.
It is really hard especially with al the social media. I am glad that you were able to reach your goals at another race
YOu so made the right decision…it is hard to DNS, but you know your body and one race is never worth it. I have DNS a few times before becauseof illness or injury and it hurts to do it, but it is always the right decision,
It does hurt when you have to do it for sure. Thanks
Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear that you had to miss your race! I’ve totally been there though before and it’s SO important to listen to your body! This post couldn’t be more true for sure! I’ve had to miss a half marathon before because life got in the way and my training just got de-railed big time in the last month of it. It was a hard decision to pull out, but it was definitely what I needed to do. So glad you already are feeling much better!! That’s the most important part! The best part about running is that it’s always there when you get ready and there will ALWAYS be more races!
Yes exactly true just not so easy at the time. Thanks
So tough to DNS! Sounds like you made the smart choice. I DNS’d my first race while pregnant – a half marathon at 22 weeks and I got a bit of an upset stomach the night before and decided not to show. The second was actually 6 months postpartum when I also got the stomach flu!!! ARGH!
I think those are pretty good reasons! It’s never easy though is it
Excellent post.
I had a DNS and a DNF last year, and it was really tough for me emotionally. You are absolutely right to take the emotion out of it and at the end of the day, the sun will rise and set if a race is skipped. (Easier said than done).
Take some time. Get well. Rest. Heal.
Always easier said than done but I am feeling much better about it now and know it was the right thing.
Great thoughts! Sorry you couldn’t do the race, but taking care of yourself and avoiding injury is more important than a race 🙂
Thanks I definitely realize that now!
So glad you listened to your body! Definitely wouldn’t want an injury, so I think you made the right decision.
I can see that now and I am glad that I did. Thanks
Good to know that it was best for you to DNS. I am sure that the emotional aspect was the most difficult to handle. Will look forward to seeing your cute holiday gear!
The emotional aspect is always the hardest for me!
I’m sorry to hear about your recent pain and that it prevented you from running the race. I know that its disappointing now, but just remember that you made the right decision for the long run. Give it a couple of weeks, and you’ll likely forget that you had a DNS.
You are very right! thanks
I definitely can relate…I have had to DNS a couple of races due to injuries…and it sucks, but in the big picture, it’s the right thing to do. Very smart to listen to your body and not run the race. Sometimes if possible it’s nice to just go and cheer on the other runners, even though it stings a little!
Yes true I have volunteered before at a race when I was injured and it is fun to be on the other side sometimes
Good for you! Listening to your body is not an easy thing. I’ve literally had the same conversation with myself – telling myself to relax and that I’m not about to be on the Olympic team. It funny how much pressure we create for ourselves!
It certainly is! why do we do it?
I think setting the emotional aspect aside is one of the hardest parts. Luckily I think I get better at this the older I get. Honestly, in teh last 3 years I have had more DNS than actual race starts.
I know you have had a rough few years for sure. The emotional aspect is always the hardest for me
DNS is so hard. Taking the emotion out isn’t easy but it makes a big difference. In our hearts we know what we need/should do.
Yes we do it’s just not so easy sometimes thanks
Assessing the risk vs reward is definitely a crucial step, Deb. I found your post so enlightening and informative. 🙂
Thanks so much for checking it out-have a great weekend
I’ve DNS’d before to do a different race, but never altogether. I’m considering another DNS this spring in favor of a different event..back when I signed up for the event in question initially I was all about distance road racing. But now that I’ve completed my first marathon, honestly, I’m just not feeling doing another at the moment. And when I looked at your questions and put into consideration that this spring marathon is NOT my huge goal race of the year and would essentially not get me closer to my goals this year…I may make a tough choice and go to another race instead that WILL get me closer to my goals. It’s hard to leave a race that all my friends are doing but I just can’t get into the training. And this month I’ve had minor injuries and just general burnout so I’d hate to half ass the training and try to run a marathon not being well trained. That’s not a distance I’m comfortable with “winging.” Thanks for this post, it really helps to hear another perspective!
Thanks for sharing all of your thoughts. I totally see where you are coming from. A marathon is hard enough to train for when you really want to but to do it not whole heartedly would be rough. It is very hard to drop out of a race that all of your friends are doing for sure. I know you will make the right decision for you
Such a hard decision and I know I struggle so hard when it comes to sitting out from something. I had this same thing happen with my Barre Challenge last month down to the last 2 classes and I got food posioning and still thought there might be a chance later that day but finally had to be real with myself that it was not a good idea.
I do remember that happening to you! Always comes at the worst time doesn’t it?
Such a hard decision and I know I struggle so hard when it comes to sitting out from something. I had something similar happen with my Barre Challenge last month down to the last 2 classes and I got food posioning and still thought there might be a chance later that day but finally had to be real with myself that it was not a good idea.
I had to DNS my marathon this year. I waited to the last minute but I knew it would be better…
I do remember that and I know it was a tough decision for you too
I’ve had the worst luck with DNS-ing in the last year or so! I hated skipping the races, but I didn’t really have much choice with any of them – I had a fever, I was on crutches, it was 95+ degrees at the start. I think I’ll stick to signing up for races at the last minute for a while 😛
Oh wow! Sometimes it is beyond your control isn’t it?
Thanks for putting objectivity into the equation and I think you made a great decision. I have been on a mission to run 17 races this year. My 17th and last is on Sunday – a Christmas 15k. But have been battling a cold and a stomach bug so it has been so hard for me as I contemplated not running, but that would mean basically not completing my 17 Race Challenge this year. Thankfully, I am feeling a lot better today and I have decided to do the race but really make it a fun one – chasing that finish line and not any finish times.
I am glad that you found it helpful. It is never easy to have to back out of a race but your health has to come first. I hope you are feeling better to complete your race this weekend. Fingers crossed for you!
Great points and I love all the tips you wrote! Listening to your body is the way to go, always.
Sure is even when it’s not so easy. Thanks for checking them out
As hard as that decision was, I applaud you for doing the right thing. It’s never easy to DNS a race. Heck, it’s not easy missing a run sometimes!
I did have one DNS race a couple of years back, when I was just too sick to run. I made the decision to transfer my bib legally and miss it. Was hard seeing friends in pictures after, but when you are sick or injured, you need to rest.
I’m now looking at how much more important my health and overall wellness is. I think a lot of us social runner types are still serious runners, but we do need to remember we aren’t Pros and have other things to think about. LOL!
You are right it can be really hard to put that all into perspective and make the right decision at times.