DNF v DNS

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2013-12-09 11:38 PM

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Subject: DNF v DNS
Just DNF’ed my latest IM (West Australia) and whilst not too disappointed under the circumstances, I was wondering what fellow BT’ers would have done. I came down with gastro and lost 4kgs after race weigh in (thursday). I spent friday in bed unable to do anything or eat anything, started to come good saturday morning and by evening I had put the 4kg back on. Race morning I felt OK and so decided to start. I made the end of the bike leg before my stomach cramps said no more and so I had to pull out.

As part of my post race analysis I was just curious as to what other people would have done in my situation - start or not? Is DNF better than DNS?

On a side note I had my best swim ever, my fastest time (by 4 minutes) and the most relaxed at the end (thanks TI) and even managed for the first time ever to draft another swimmer. I had a lightbulb moment when I had been swimming alongside another competitor for some time to drop back and draft and so was towed about the last 1km home. As a BOP swimmer I enjoyed the swim more than ever before and felt it a pivotal point in my swimming development and for that I have no regrets about starting on the day.

2013-12-10 5:51 AM
in reply to: starman

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Master
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Subject: RE: DNF v DNS
Originally posted by starman

I have no regrets about starting on the day.


And with that - you've got your answer.
2013-12-10 9:12 AM
in reply to: starman

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Subject: RE: DNF v DNS
Originally posted by starman

  • .. Is DNF better than DNS?

    • On a side note I had my best swim ever, my fastest time (by 4 minutes) and the most relaxed at the end (thanks TI) and even managed for the first time ever to draft another swimmer. I had a lightbulb moment when I had been swimming alongside another competitor for some time to drop back and draft and so was towed about the last 1km home. As a BOP swimmer I enjoyed the swim more than ever before and felt it a pivotal point in my swimming development and for that I have no regrets about starting on the day.


    Sounds like you made the right choice.
    2013-12-10 10:36 AM
    in reply to: starman

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    Chicago, IL
    Subject: RE: DNF v DNS

    I would DNF over DNS.

    In your situation, you were physically able to start. That's exactly what I would have done.
    A DNS would leave me constantly wondering "what if...", whereas with a DNF, I know i've given everything I have.

     

    2013-12-10 8:13 PM
    in reply to: Brit Abroad

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    Expert
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    Marin County, California
    Subject: RE: DNF v DNS
    I'd go for a DNF over a DNS simply because you just never know how the day may pan out. At least you gave yourself the chance to not DNF if things went well.
    2013-12-10 10:00 PM
    in reply to: starman

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    Veteran
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    Colorful Colorado
    Subject: RE: DNF v DNS

    A few years ago I had a similar experience at IMMT. I got the stomach flu right after the banquet and spent the day before the race in bed with a fever and gastric distress. Come race morning the fever was gone but I was very weak. I decided to start the race anyway. It was the calmest I have ever been before an IM because I had absolutely no expectations. The whole day was about getting the most out of what I had that day. Surprisingly I managed to finish, but it was a long long day.

    Ironman is about challenging yourself and doing the best you can with what you have. DNF > DNS as long as you are not seriously compromising your health.

    Good on you for toeing the line.

    2013-12-10 11:29 PM
    in reply to: 0

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    Subject: RE: DNF v DNS
    I think you did the right thing. If you already paid for the race and hotels and were in a good enough condition to at least race, why not race and see what happens? I'm with the above poster. When I did my HIM, I was in the middle of a cold and the non-smoking room I rented ended up being a smokers room and the guy at the desk didn't care. I spent the night stuffed to hell but on race morning, I was so calm it was unbelievable. I was more worried about my nose than swimming (my worst sport).

    It would take a lot of take me out of an IM. All that training and money needs to at least go towards an attempt. I definitely have a limit to where I know it would be too dangerous ti swim and bike with a bad body and mostly bad mind to be safe.

    Edited by Blastman 2013-12-10 11:30 PM
    2013-12-11 8:12 AM
    in reply to: starman

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    Master
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    Subject: RE: DNF v DNS
    I'm with you. It would take A LOT for me to DNS, so I would have started with pretty much zero expectations and just enjoyed as much as I could handle. Congrats.
    2013-12-11 10:30 AM
    in reply to: starman

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    Champion
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    Austin, Texas
    Subject: RE: DNF v DNS

    As with everyone else on here, I would take the DNF over a DNS.  With a DNS you would have always wondered what might have happened on that day.  This way, you went out and gave it your all before not being able to continue.  

    I don't think I've ever regretted starting a race, but I've definitely regretted NOT starting one.  

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