The dreaded DNS is like the F word(s) for runners. No runner wants to ever have to take a DNS -“Did not show” for a race that they have trained for. Realistically, it’s bound to happen to all of us. Running can take a toll on a body and we all get injured at some point in our “running careers”. Still, when it does happen you, it can feel like the rug is just pulled out from under you.
Running thoughts on a DNS
We all have bumps in the road and highs and lows with our recreational running. It can seem like everything is going really well, miles are flying by and training runs are being checked off. Then, seemingly without warning, there it is. A pain pops up out of nowhere, a twisted knee or ankle or even an awkward step off a sidewalk and boom. You are done.
That’s exactly what happened to me a few weeks back. I was flying high on my fall runs feeling like I was making a comeback after the tough summer humidity. Then, after an uneventful run, the front of my hip started hurting. Hmm what’s that all about? Like many of us, I ignored it and figured it would go away. But it didn’t, in fact, it got worse. I could hardly walk the next day. I had never experienced anything like this and assumed it would resolve itself. One week turned into two and still I was unable to run.
With my 10K race approaching, I knew it was not in the cards this time around. It was sad to admit that I would be a DNS for the Veteran’s Day 10K in DC. I have done this race a number of times and it’s always one of my favorites. I find it so meaningful to walk by the Veteran’s memorial to pay my respects on this day and feel rather emotional running in DC to honor the veterans that help keep us safe. In addition, this course is flat and fast and it’s the course that I have run my own personal best on a few times.
To make matters worse, it’s my birthday week. Does anything scream “old lady” like a sore hip? Adding a little fuel to the fire, a bunch of my friends signed up to run it with me. Ugh. While I was so happy to see their smiling finish line photos on Facebook, a part of me just wanted to crawl under my covers and cry. Ok, so maybe I did do that for a minute.
This is not the first running injury to sideline me and I am sure it’s not the last. This is the nature of running. Fingers crossed I will be back out there with my crew crossing finish lines in no time. It just seems like forever when you are on IR.
Tell me about a time you had to take a DNS. Thanks for letting me vent about mine. I am feeling better already!
Linking up with Kim, Zenaida, Debbie and Marc
Glad talking about it has helped! I am sure I’ve had a few races I haven’t started but now I can’t think what they are. I missed two Birmingham half-marathons, after doing the first five and having grand designs on being an ever-present, after having fertility treatment that really knocked me for six. The first one I just couldn’t get ready for, the next year I was still not running that much (I managed to get from zero after an operation for an ovarian cyst in May to marathon in October of the same year in 2017 so not sure why I couldn’t get over the other stuff earlier!).
PS sorry if all that was overshare!
Not at all! I appreciate it and I am sure I will be over sharing quite a bit over the next few months
It’s never easy to miss a race but sometimes life gets in the way
I’m so sorry Deb. You were running so well and the mojo was back. Injuries are cruel. I’ve definitely had to DNS. Signing up for the Twin Cities Marathon in October and Philly in November, 2013 comes to mind. I had to DNS both due to a hip issue. Sending you healing vibes. You’ll get through this.
I do remember when you were having hip pain as well. Sometimes our bodies don’t cooperate with our plans
DNS suck. So sorry that you are injured. Esp for your birthday. Hope it is not serious. At least you are staying active and gave a good attitude about it.
I’ve had to DNS a few races when I broke my ankle and foot. Luckily I did have any big races on my schedule at the time. I still cringe when I register for a big race far in advance.
Good luck.
I do remember you being injured as well. Hope my recovery goes as smoothly as yours
I’ve had my share of DNS this year, so I feel you! I’ve written about my emotional pain so much, I’ve probably scared readers away. But it’s my blog and I’ll cry if I want to, right? Hopefully your hip pain will pass quickly. Hang in there, friend and if you need a shoulder to cry on, mine are big!
Thanks and I may be taking you up on that!
I hope your hip is feeling better! Not starting a race is frustrating. I don’t race all that much, but I hate the FOMO (and I hate wasting the money!). But, it’s still the smart thing to do if you’re injured.
FOMO is a tough one for me as well
I’m really sorry to hear this 🙁 I knew that your hip was bothering you but I didn’t know that it was still pretty painful. Hopefully doing more PT exercises and laying low on running for a while will help. I hope that you feel better soon.
Also, HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY! 🙂
Thanks Kim! Not great timing for sure. I am so glad that I have the Peloton
Oh no, Deborah! So sorry about your DNS!
I have cried quite a bit over missing out on two half-marathons in Spain earlier this year.
Have you seen a doctor about your hip? I would hopefully speculate that if it came so suddenly, it might also vanish just as quickly. Keep us posted!
Thanks so much for your kind thoughts will keep you all posted
A DNS is definitely not a fun decision. Looking at the big picture, though, it’s almost always in our best interest. At least a DNS is one you have some control over… unlike a DNF. Chin up, FrIeNd!! Hoping this hip issue is short-lived ((hugs)).
Should find out more later today will let you know
DNS feel awful. I’ve only had to do it once so far, but it sucked. I wanted to run this race so bad. I had a better/bigger race coming up though and decided to try and heal for that instead of pushing through the other one.
I totally feel your disappointment though, but it’s always smart to listen to your body and DNS when it’s the best decision in the long run.
yes it is better and smarter to listen to your body. Just not always easy!
I’ve been there lots of times, especially 3-5 years ago. I kept getting in shape, signing up for races, pulling a muscle and then being super annoyed I paid for a race entry. Unfortunately, like you said, it does happen. Hoping for a speedy recovery!
It does happen to all of us at some point. Thanks
You may feel like an old lady with your hip injury, but you’re still 12-15 years younger than me! Seriously though, I hope you figure out the cause of your injury quickly so you can get on the road to recovery soon!
Happy birthday eve!
Thanks so much Deb! Have a fantastic birthday
I have had to DNS to a few big races in the past few years due to a variety of issues from injuries to personal. It’s hard to do this, but in the long run I knew it was the best decision! It sounds like you made the right call too…hope you are feeling better. Happy Birthday!!!
Thanks so much!
I have had to DNS for a few big events over the past 2 years due to a variety of issues from health to personal. It is hard to do it, but I know it was the best decision in the long run. It sounds like you made the right call too…rest up and feel better soon. Happy Birthday!!!
So sorry you had to go through this! The most important thing is that you listened to your body. I know you’ll be back out there in no time!
I sure hope so thanks so much
DNS feels so bad! I get serious FOMO and it’s so hard when this happens. But it does! I’m glad you are being smart about it and not just running anyway. 🙂 Hope your hip feels better soon.
Thanks will need to do some rehab but will be back!
What a bummer! I hate that you had to miss running in this race. I’m sure your friends were thankful to have your support!
Thanks so much
I feel your pain – I hurt my back a few weeks ago and had to pull out of a race I was supposed to do later this month. It was a destination race too, so even bigger of a disappointment to miss. I totally empathize with feeling bummed about it!
oh I am sorry to hear that! Here’s hoping we both feel better soon
I’ve definitely had some DNS’s for various reasons. It can be hard to do but usually is the best choice and for good reason. I hope your hip is on the mend!
I think it’s going to be a while! Thanks
I’m a believer that the one time DNS is better than pushing through and knocking yourself out for a longer period of time. You definitely made the right decision, but totally understand that bittersweet support of your friends. xx
Yes my friends have been super supportive the past few weeks. I am very lucky!
Hugs to you friend!! I am so sorry you are going through this. I also had to DNS a few times and while it sucks, it was definitely the best thing to do . This summer I missed RnR Chicago because of plantar fasciitis. I was sad to miss it but still went to spectate and had so much fun. I remember you mentioned in another post about going to the doctor. How did that go?
Thanks! I am still trying to figure out my exact diagnosis and treatment. Will share details soon