Since I can only run a few miles, fifty sounds real stupid and truth be known after doing a lot of soul searching, I think my real problem is having a DNF. I emailed the race director and he said no problem stepping down to the marathon ....but no guaranty of a finishers jacket.
Hey, I didn't even think about the fact that I might be taking someone Else's well earned jacket away from them. On top of that, I really have no idea if I can finish the marathon either.
Now maybe, just maybe my IT band will not act up .......I am not too optimistic though. As I think about it, if it does act up, I will have no chance to PR the Marathon even if I do finish it.
So, other than a DNF, what harm is there in just toeing the line and running as long as I can? Does it really matter whether I'm calling it a marathon or a 50 miler? Perhaps this is merely the last hurdle in my transition from a road racer to a true trail runner.
I know this is totally different than a 5k or 10k, but I can remember times I had injuries or felt like crap, came dangerously close to just not showing up for a race, and then having a good race regardless.
I seriously don't expect a miracle here but I am going to show up anyway, so why not at least attempt the 50 and just run. I can except the fact that it may only last a few miles and that I will DNF ......that being on the table, I suspect I will just start with the 50 milers and see how it goes......savor the experience as long as it lasts.
My battle plan is to get as much enjoyment as I can from the whole experience. I will try to run one lap and then if I can, I will try to run a second one and go from there. Going in with no expectations seems to take the bulk of the load off, so now perhaps I can just enjoy the trip.
2 comments:
I ended up DNFing at the Pineland 50k in 2010. I felt fairly terrible about having a DNF at the time, but over time, I've come to realize that there's something about going for it that trumps the DNF. And hopefully someday I'll get to the starting line of the Pineland 50k and remove that DNF from my memory :-)
In any event, I say go for it! You never know what your body will let you do! Removing the expectations and just having fun should make it easier. See you on Saturday!
I feel you can make it through. That being said DNF's are not that bad they are definitely what gives us energy for the next venture and tells us something important, like a sprain would. I have two myself and am quite proud of them. No worries man.
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