Tough lesson learned today--don't make this mistake

Forum guidelines BT super discount
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Tough lesson learned today--don't make this mistake Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2014-03-15 7:26 PM

User image

Regular
5477
5000100100100100252525
LHOTP
Subject: Tough lesson learned today--don't make this mistake

Today I had my first DNF/DQ. Ever.

I had won a 50K train run entry in a silent auction, and though I wasn't well trained for it, thought I would do a run/walk approach and have a nice day outside and get a good long run in.

The course changed at the last minute due to high water and impassable trails, and when I came back to the start/finish at mile 22, I went out on the wrong next loop. Let me tell you how much it sucks, to come in to the start/finish at mile 25 and have a friend break it to you that you took the wrong trail. NOOOOOOO!

The trails were an absolute mess, and it's probably better from an overall training perspective that I didn't finish this race, but I was not prepared for how bad it feels to DNF. IT SUCKS. All that effort and no sense of accomplishment.

Very hard lessons learned: IT IS MY, AND ONLY MY, RESPONSIBILITY TO KNOW THE GD RACE COURSE.

At least it wasn't a race I actually cared about or had trained for. I can't imagine how bad that would feel. 

I'm gonna go lick my wounds now.





(IMG_0634.JPG)



Attachments
----------------
IMG_0634.JPG (3944KB - 0 downloads)

2014-03-15 10:22 PM
in reply to: switch

User image

Veteran
287
100100252525
Tucson
Subject: RE: Tough lesson learned today--don't make this mistake
That's rough. I am sorry to hear it. I haven't raced enough to have a dnf yet but I know it would be tough. Sending hugs your way.
2014-03-15 10:37 PM
in reply to: desertchica

User image

Master
3888
20001000500100100100252525
Overland Park, KS
Subject: RE: Tough lesson learned today--don't make this mistake
NIce Workout! Way to prepare for your upcoming races [Thanks for Sharing}
2014-03-15 11:22 PM
in reply to: reecealan

User image

Master
8247
50002000100010010025
Eugene, Oregon
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Tough lesson learned today--don't make this mistake
I wouldn't get too bent out of shape about it--if your goal was to have a nice (well, nice and long) day in the woods and get in a long run, then you accomplished that. Hard to do that kind of thing DIY. (Actually, I've done it a few times and it was tough--my partner and I were accusing each other of forgetting where we hid the cookie stash!)

And look on the positive side--you didn't lead the whole field the wrong way or anything like that, did you? (Not like I've ever done that or anything....)
2014-03-16 6:48 AM
in reply to: Hot Runner

User image

Veteran
2842
200050010010010025
Austin, Texas
Subject: RE: Tough lesson learned today--don't make this mistake

In a couple days, I hope you can look at it as a really good training day (and lesson).  

In the moment?  Yeh, I'd be BEYOND torqued at myself - but with a bit of time, it'll be a good story (as it wasn't an A race - which would have made it a bad bad bad story!).

Oh, and you couldn't muster another 1.2 miles for the full Marry?  Wimp.   

Strong work, Elesa, as usual.

Just being able to go 25 miles (at any pace) should be a pretty good indicator that you're on track for the season running, no?

Matt

2014-03-16 9:22 AM
in reply to: mcmanusclan5

User image

Regular
5477
5000100100100100252525
LHOTP
Subject: RE: Tough lesson learned today--don't make this mistake

Thanks for the encouragement guys :) 

Matt, I know you put that part about the Mary in red, but I think if I had it to do over again, I would have asked the RD if I could just do the parts of the course I hadn't done yet so I could have the full 50K experience. Even with the DQ, at least I would have done it.  I was so pizzed at myself and mentally fried, I didn't think through that decision well.

About 15 miles of my run yesterday looked like the pic I posted, 5 on pavement, and 5 were steep, muddy tree rooted craziness that I absolutely could not run.  My main take home from yesterday, other than "know the course" is that I have a whole new level of respect for the ultra runners.  That stuff is crazy.  25 miles in that is in no way comparable to 25 mile on the road.  Ultra runners are TOUGH. Much respect.

I think the running will come around(signing up for all my races/madness today). I'm going to do Shane's running group challenge which I am very excited about. So cool he's doing that :)

 





(trail 2.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
trail 2.jpg (88KB - 0 downloads)

New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Tough lesson learned today--don't make this mistake Rss Feed  
RELATED POSTS

Knoxville Mistakes...Everyone Can Learn

Started by bcagle25
Views: 2324 Posts: 25

2013-05-10 6:31 AM wolfador

2 out of 4 - Learn from my mistake

Started by MichelleK
Views: 782 Posts: 4

2012-03-27 8:45 PM powerman

Rookie mistake and lesson learned today! Pages: 1 2

Started by ggoff
Views: 2613 Posts: 30

2011-07-05 9:24 AM pronghorn

Bike fitting - lessons learned/learning

Started by cobannero
Views: 1567 Posts: 6

2006-02-09 11:18 AM cobannero

Don't DNF, learn from my mistake.

Started by gullahcracker
Views: 1602 Posts: 22

2005-05-24 4:14 PM fcarter389
RELATED ARTICLES
Learn to Swim - Month 1
date : August 2, 2010
author : Sara McLarty
comments : 19
This installment of the BT Swim Series will focus on breathing. Before you can swim fast, you must learn how to control your breathing so that easy swimming does not leave you gasping after one lap.
 
Lessons Learned and Angels
date : February 7, 2007
author : Gina76
comments : 2
The completion of my first sprint triathlon! Even though it has been over a year since my first tri, I find myself ready to do two more this year and even two half marathons!
Beginner Lessons Learned From Embarrassing Moments
date : January 10, 2005
author : Ken
comments : 7
Don't worry, you can't do anything that hasn't been done before. Read this article for some humorous insights of one triathlete's introduction to the sport.