First DNF

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2013-07-14 2:23 PM

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Miller Place, Long Island
Subject: First DNF
Rough one today at the litchfield hills Olympic distance triathlon in CT.

After nearly 40 races I finally had my first DNF. I had a great swim, one of my best ever at this distance, and I was doing well on the bike until mile 9... I got a flat. I quickly changed the tube and was on my way after only losing a couple minutes. I got a second one at mile 11... I took a little more time on this one and tried to carefully inspect the wheel and tire. The, at mile 13.5... You guessed it, another flat. At this moment I finally decided that with no tubes left in my bag, it just wasn't my day. I got a ride back to transition, turned in my chip and number and in an effort to salvage at least part of the day I went out on the run course and ran about 5 miles, including hill repeats on a side road I found.

It sucks to have to take the DNF, but I didn't have many options, I know I'm pretty lucky to have completed so many races over the years of all distances, but it is still a bit of a let down.


2013-07-14 2:29 PM
in reply to: mscotthall

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Payson, AZ
Subject: RE: First DNF
Sucks, but sounds like you have the right attitude about it.  Also sounds like you didn't have much choice given that most folks never carry more then two spares.  Time to find the source of those flats though.  any ideas?  rim tape maybe?
2013-07-14 3:06 PM
in reply to: mscotthall

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Bellingham, WA
Subject: RE: First DNF
That's too bad.  I've never had the misfortune to have that happen in a race but it did on a training ride a few months ago.  Had to call for a ride after going through my spare tubes.  Carefully inspected tire before trying again.  Never did find the cause so just bought a new tire.  Must have been something small embedded because it was fine after that.
2013-07-14 7:29 PM
in reply to: popsracer

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Bronze member
Subject: RE: First DNF

I flatted in a race this year for the first time too. I took my spares off and left them in the van since it was only a sprint so I couldn't change my tube and I ride 650 wheels so no one that offered a spare tube had one my size. I had to get a ride back to transition then did the same as you, turned in my chip and ran anyway.

Your right, it is a let down, but if you have completed 40 races you know you will be right back out there to try again!

2013-07-15 5:30 AM
in reply to: trigal38

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Subject: RE: First DNF
Just in the interest of a discussion did you think to ask another competitor for one of theirs? I'm just trying to think of a way that you could have got it done.

I almost certainly would have done what you did but I would also almost certainly hand a spare to someone that asked me for one.

I think there's a little of bit of triathlon glory for those that finish against the odds and some room for massive kudos to the person who handed you their spare taking some personal risk in the process. There are quite a few stories of pro's helping each other out in this way (Keat helping Wellington springs to mind).

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