Preparing yourself for a DNF SUCKS

Honestly, I wouldn't even start. If the race were somewhat local and I had friends doing the race, I'd volunteer.

If the injury takes that long to heal, I wouldn't want to screw it up more by riding 56 miles.

if i had a knee issue i would not bike.

but i did have a stress fracture two years ago in my shin and did 4 early season races as jsut the swim/bike, dropped out after the bike and then helped at an aid station until the race was over.

for me it was good practice racing. didn't really bother me all that much to tell you the truth.


in your shoes right now, if anything i would do the swim and then call it a day. you have a golf ball on your knee, thats not normal. maybe try figuring out what you did in the first place?

It's an Oly.  I will at least do the swim to get an OWS in.  I have no problem swimming.  It generally doesn't bother me on the bike either, it is a running injury and that is where it gives me the most problem. 

Having this injury before I know exactly what caused it.  I went on vacation 2 weeks ago and without my bike or a swimable pool I unwisely ramped up my running volume during the trip and skipped most of my post run stretching. No question that was the cause.  I'm the only A-hole who gets an overuse injury on vacation!   

I'm not the kind of person to call the $130 entry fee a total loss, so I will get something out of it. I thought about voulenteering after I drop out.  I will talk to the RD about that. 

Edited by mchubri` 2010-05-13 9:32 AM

^^^

B or C race, nothing to prove, why chance it?  No reason to risk (further) injury just to finish an unimportant race in a disappointing time.

Write the RD of the race and explain. The absolute worst they can say is no changes, no refunds. Every now and again they'll let you shift to the next year or do another one of their races of the same distance. Just tell them what happened.

I wouldn't even start with that kind of medical issue going on.

I had to have back surgery and missed every race of the year. First couple was pre surgery and I swam in some, others I just watched. There is always another race and another year, really wasn't a big deal

Just a thought, but if the doc OK's it, I'd consider walking the run--only six miles and change. Just me, but I've never DNF'd (sound of knocking on wood), and it would leave a bitter taste in my mouth. Some of my favorite scenes from Kona are people sucking it up and walking the run instead of taking the DNF.

Edited by zed707 2010-05-13 12:09 PM

For a race like Kona...which to many is the A race of your life...yes...walk, and do what you gotta do.  But for a season's B or C race...that's different.  The OP suggested a one month recovery time...which means this season is still salvageable.  Why end risk ending your season by pushing through a B or C race.

To each his own...=)

Yeah..I sort of agree with "why even go?". And trust me, my whole mantra in life is "Never Quit".

But look at it this way: The $130 is a sunk cost, so forget about it (not a bad idea to write the RD though..as you never know, but doubtful you will get a deferral as the race is not sold out. If they had a waiting list, you might have a shot). And assuming you have to travel, you are going to incur even more costs with hotel, dinner, etc.

Sometiimes it just isnt in the cards, and you have to accept that and fight another day. What if you attempt the bike and screw it up even more? (and let's be honest...some bike courses you might be able to get away with a tender knee...this isnt one of them given the hills). So...Why potentially screw up your whole season just to squeak out this race?

There is a line between HTFU and stupidity. I always try to stay on the right side of it

Personally, I wouldn't take the risk for a race other than an "A" race.  It's just not worth the chance that something goes wrong and you hurt yourself more.

I went into a race 3 years ago with a back injury thinking I'd have to DNF the run. I downgraded from the OLY to the sprint as well. I can't say it was a great feeling, but I was ok with knowing it was better than nothing. Luckily I was able to walk the run (but it doesn't sound like that would be a good idea for you).

I agree with the other posters about doing whatever portion of the race you can do w/out agitating the injury further.  A DNF is better than a DNS and still more than what 99% of the rest of the country will do that day. 

You could look at it as a dress rehearsal for more important races and work on an OWS or transition aspect in a race-like atmosphere.

I know it sucks. Especially leaving the course when others are still going and you think everyone else is looking at you like you're a wuss.  They aren't walking in your shoes though. Screw what anyone else thinks.

I wouldn't bother if I didn't thought I would DNF.  If it was changing an "A" Race to a "B" race knowing I just wasn't going to go all out for some reason, that I would do.  But if I didn't think I could finish all 3 legs I would stay home.  Not to mention, why rish a more severe injury.

It really sucks, sorry to hear this.  A good friend has been working his butt off and is in the same deal as you...can swim fine and get by on the bike but he will probably DNF there.  He's extremely conpetitive as well, really sucks for him.

I pulled a back muscle a few weeks before my last sprint. I should've just watched, but instead I did it anyway. I walked most of the run. I'm almost healed now.

I'd sit back and cheer my friends on.

I've been in the exact same position that you're in.   I went into my last 1/2 marathon planning not to finish.  And indeed it sucks.

But here's what worked for me. 

If you did not plan on finishing, I wouldn't consider it a DNF.  You simply met your goals for the day.

I also wouldn't really think of it as a race.  If you're not racing, then it's just a very social training day.  Focus on the training and social aspects of the race.

And I very deliberately left my timing chip at home.  With no recorded times, it took a lot of the pressure off.

Yeah.  I blew up my hamstring in a fall three weeks before my first IM.  Could barely walk.  Three days before the race I tried a run and it locked up after two miles.  I was pretty sure I wouldn't be able to finish.  Rested it as much as I could and decided to give it a 'go.'  Swim was okay--my kick was a little limited, but not that bad.  Had to wrap the thigh with an ACE bandage in T1 to be able to ride...that went okay, too.  "Run" was miserable, though.  Injury flared up at about 10K in...I walked it in to the end of the first of three loops and wrapped the hell out of it with athletic tape.  Was able to run on it for another 6 miles, then the whole leg went out...totally locked up.  Couldn't even shuffle, just walk stiff-legged.  Really thought hard about DNF at the end of 2nd loop, but decided to keep walking...that was a very long 8.7 miles.  Had to pretty much not run at all for three weeks afterwards and took about 8 weeks of rehab to get the hammie right. 

In your case, you should be guided by your doctor.  If the doc feels you aren't going to do long term damage by walking the run in the race, you might want to give it a shot.  Perhaps try one of the "Cho-Pat" strap type products if it doesn't irritate the swollen area (I've had success with a knee strap for runner's knee, fwiw.)  If you have to drop out, drop out--you paid to be on the course, so there's no reason not to be there...other than that, I can tell you, it can get depressing out there hurt and walking, but for 6.2 miles total, I'd try it if the doc okays it.

Good luck with your decision.

Any chance you you change your registration over to a relay? (Assuming you have a friend or 2 prepared to do the bike and run)

I thought about this option. 

Thank you everyone for your advice.  Met with my Dr. this afternoon.  It is not a tear, partial tear, or fracture of any type, it's an ...itis, which basically = annoyance, inflamation, swolen.  I return to PT next monday, will follow her advice and will play it by ear when I get to the weekend.  I have already ruled out this being a "race" and will absolutely not run. If I can walk the 6.2 it to get the finishers medal with no issues, I will most likely do so. If I bail after the swim, or 2 mikes into the bike and DNF, I'm fine with it.  I won't do anything stupid at this point in the season.  I know enouf not to work through pain.  Doc says if it hurts, your making it worse, if it doesn't you are probably ok.

However, I will show up, and I will swim at the bare minimum, volunteer afterwards if I'm wanted. The excitement of the seasons 1st race is too much to call it a wash and not show up.  At least I can get a start line adrenaline rush out of it! 

-B



Edited by mchubri` 2010-05-13 3:51 PM

I am in the exact same shoes this weekend.  I will swim and bike my first tri of the season and then take the walk of shame back to my car.  It sucks.  I have absolutely no advice for you.  But just know there are probably many of us doing the same thing this weekend to protect the success of a bigger race later on.  Good luck to you!

I think a Did Not Finish beats a Did Not Start.

If you can participate at all without making things worse go for it. Don't do it if you will be risking future events or fitness.

Myself I think I'll be lucky if I can even ENTER any races this summer.  If I had already paid for one it would take a hell of a lot to keep me from trying.