Well, there’s good news and bad news. The bad news is, I DNF’d my race. I know- that’s VERY bad news. The good news is, I didn’t die of hypothermia (like I thought I might) or have to have my foot chopped off (like I thought I might.) Read on for details… but first, I’m linking up with Kim and Deborah for the Weekly Rundown. Let’s start with the beginning of the week…
Monday
This was a gym day- I walked one mile on the treadmill, then did upper body- bench press, reverse fly, abs, low back. I read somewhere that women shouldn’t taper strength too early, because they need the testosterone. While I didn’t do any lower body this week, I tried to make this workout hard. Did it make any difference? Probably not, but it felt good.
Tuesday
On this day, the forecast was still showing very warm weather for race day. Even though it was in the 60s I wore my long sleeve shirt (trying to make myself as hot as possible) and carried my double hydration vest, just to get the feel of it (all my long runs have been so cool, I only needed my single bottle vest.) 3 mile run, followed by dead bugs.
Wednesday
This was an exciting day- Darlene was in town, so we met at Yamato Scrub for a long walk!
This is the sandy trail I did all my long runs on when training for my 50K last year, and it’s so pretty. It was fun to show it to Darlene! We walked for two hours, which was longer than I planned, but we were gabbing away and the time went quickly. So fun to have a blogger meetup!
Thursday
Last run before the race! I walked a mile, then ran 2. Done! I got through the training without hurting myself!
Friday
Day off! During the time I usually exercise in the morning, I packed. And then after work I drove up to my hotel in Titusville!
Saturday
I”ll go into much greater detail in Tuesday’s race recap (because even though I DNF’d I still have LOTS TO SAY) but the short version is, I DNF’d due to a combination of poor clothing choices and some bad luck. I was so focused on not being hot, that I failed to realize 60 degrees can be cold IF IT’S RAINING STEADILY. I had to move pretty quickly to hold some heat in, and then around mile 15 I twisted my ankle and fell hard.
At that point I had to keep going for 8 more miles to make it to the next aid station- there was no other choice. But now I couldn’t move fast, so by the time I got to the mile 23 aid station I was literally shaking and my teeth were chattering. The runners ahead of me had warned them I was coming, and one of the aid station volunteers already had his truck running with the heat blasting, and he ushered me right in. I told him right away that I was a DNF.
As I sat there trying to warm up (and contemplating my life choices) I could hear them warning runners starting off on the next loop, “Be careful! It’s VERY muddy and slippery out there!” and there was no question in my mind I had made the right choice. I mean, I’m obviously disappointed about how this race turned out, but going on would have been dangerous, and I stand by that decision. Or at least, I would if I could actually stand.
It just wasn’t my day. But that’s life- you have to take the good with the bad. There will be plenty more races!
Sunday
Oh boy, this will be fun. First I have to drive home- luckily it’s my left ankle. Then there will be more icing and resting. Fun times ahead!
Have you ever DNF’d a race? – I think this was my first one!
Ever sprained your ankle? – I sprained the other one years ago, and didn’t really enjoy the experience.
70 Responses
Oh Jenny!!!!! I am so very sorry this was the outcome of your much anticipated race! Sounds like the weather conditions were pretty horrific. And what a tough injury. I hope you aren’t in too much pain and the drive home goes okay. You are such a rockstar — I hope you felt all of the combined love from the internet as we lifted you up today, despite the crummy outcome. I for one am so in awe of your dedication and perseverance, and now your attitude toward this disheartening result. Hope your ankle heals quickly and that the next run goes much more smoothly!
Thank you so much Suzanne!!! I really appreciate it. I got home just fine and am very busy icing my ankle! Thanks for all the love and support.
Jenny, noooo!!! Oh I’m so sorry. This has to be so extremely disappointing. But we’re all so proud of your amazing training cycle and the hard work you put in. Sadly, things happen that we can’t control sometimes. I guess a fall and ankle twist is a risk that comes with a trail race (or, any race! Or just walking, lol). But you made the right choice in taking care of yourself instead of attempting to push through or something. (Which sounds frankly impossible given how your ankle looks!) I’m still so sorry for the wild emotions you must be feeling right now. I hope you get home safe and sound, that your ankle heals quickly and that you are back out trying again ASAP! Sending hugs From Wisconsin!
Thank you Kae! I did get home safely. Wild emotions describes it well- I’m still processing the whole thing. Hugs from Wisconsin definitely help!
I’m so sorry, Jenny! It sounds like you’re in a good headspace about it, though, and I’m really glad about that. You did the best you could and yes, there will be other races! I hope the ankle isn’t anything serious and the drive home goes okay. Thinking of you!
Thank you Stephany! Are you getting this crazy weather? I drove home in driving rain and it’s still raining here! It’s been quite a weekend. Sigh.
I am fully with you Jenny to DNF. We do this for fun and keep our physical and mental healthy, not to be miserable for a long time because we are stubborn. You absolutely did the right thing.
I know I am prone to twist my ankle, twice in fact, both not running related but both time took me 2-3 months to get back to running. That’s why I don’t do trail races as I’m so prone to fall and twist my ankle, and the anxiety it causes me.
I hope your twist was not too bad. When I last twisted, because I went back to running too soon, like 3 days later, it got worst and I was out from running for 3 months. So be careful and consult with a doctor if possible to not make it worst.
Hope you drive home is not too bad. Looking forward for the race recap.
I’m cautiously optimistic about my ankle- it doesn’t seem TOO severely sprained (but that could be wishful thinking.). I definitely will bot try to run in three days though! Thanks for all your support!
I’m sorry your race didn’t go well and you DNF with a sprained ankle!! I signed up for a virtual challenge 10k + 2 mile with the in person tomorrow in Melbourne and I’m happy I chose virtual. I got the 10k done Friday since it was dry up here (I’m not competing so I’m ok with running early). I hope to do the 2 m Sunday before it rains (if it ever stops tonight).
I DNF my first race! LOL maybe I mentioned it before. It was a trail run in Oleta. I signed up for the 10k even. Never did a trail either. I got nervous alone (bc I get lost easy) so I just headed towards where I heard people lol and didn’t complete 10k.
I sprained my toe a couple weeks ago. Got a strap caught with my flip flop and landed on top of my toe.
Thanks Karen! One thing I’ve learned- trail races are unpredictable. Hope your 2 mile went well.. Ugh… rain.
Omg. Did I jinx you? If it makes you feel better my ankle looked worse. Almost black my whole foot toes and even the bottom.
Everyone is different. Once the pain and swelling went down I wore a heavy brace and walked. I started running walking in 4 weeks.
Hope yours heals soon and you can return to trails.
Hugs.
Ha ha… I did want to say you jinxed me : ). Or maybe it was my husband!!! Is this contagious??? I’m cautiously optimistic that it’s a low-grade sprain. I’ll know more in a couple days.
Oh my goodness, Jenny! I am so sorry. That isn’t the outcome we were all hoping for.
BUT: you were courageous enough to go for it. You did all the training (including a marathon!). You can absolutely do this again next year.
I am looking forward to your race recap on Tuesday!
Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Thank you Catrina! I enjoyed the training, and that’s all we can hope for- nothing else is guaranteed. I already have a couple other races on my radar!
Jenny, I am so sorry that you did not get the race that you deserved or the race that you trained for. It is better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all – in runnerspeak that translates to it is better to have gone after your dream with a successful training cycle and a DNF than to have spent the past six months sitting on the couch. Your ankle will heal and underneath there is a healthy runner ready to take on the next challenge, whatever that may be.
As I was reading this I thought of Catrina’s DNF at Germany in 2022 and her 3:19 finish in 2023 – runners play the long con.
I like the way you think!!!!!!! I feel the same way- better a DNF than a DNS. I thought of Catrina as well.
Oh, Jenny! That sounds like a wild 23 miles (oof, that ankle on the ride home). I have to believe that the miles and hours you put in for training were the true “win” here and this lesson will only help you next time you get out there. I mean, I have to believe that DNF is like a badge of honor in ultras? You made the right choice for you and your safety and that’s super impressive. I have DNFed so many races out of anxiety (I’ve actually stopped signing up for them until I feel more confident about my abilities, haha)… Always #teamjenny over here and I can’t wait to see what you go for once you’re healed!
Lindsey, thank you for the support!!! I’m not sure a DNF is a badge of honor- but plenty of runners have them. I tried!
Oh, I am so sorry! But at least your decision was clear — that ankle could not go any farther! I’m glad the race people took care of you — putting you in a warm truck was a great idea.
I sprained my ankle a few years ago, but not that badly. It was OK walking in a brace, and then I wore ankle compression sleeves when I started to run again — after the swelling went down.
How great to meet Darlene!
Thank you Coco! I’m hoping mine isn’t too bad either- I have tomorrow off from work and then I go back the next day, so I’ll be walking with a brace then. We’ll see.
Yes, I feel like the meeting with Darlene got overshadowed by everything else that happend- it really was fun.
Aren’t aid station volunteers the best? You just never know how races are going to go with the weather and falls, etc. I wouldn’t have thought about it being cold either and would have ended up in the same boat as you! I am so sorry about your ankle, that looks painful! You seem to have a good attitude about it but I know it is still hard after all of the training you did. Your training was amazing though and you worked so hard. I have sprained my ankle and it looked about like yours and was very painful! I did go visit my chiropractor right after and he did an active release technique on it (which hurt like crazy!) that helped SO much. Be proud of yourself for all that you did accomplish!
Ha ha… I like your colorful language. That describes it perfectly! And yes- I’m going to talk more about the aid station people in my race recap. I definitely got to see a whole other side of things. And I’ll also be talking about the weather and just where I went wrong. I’ve had plenty of time to think things over in the last 24 hours!
Oh and thanks for the tip. I do have a sports chiropractor who does active release. I’m already cringing at the thought, but maybe it would be worth it.
Of sorry, I somehow responded to your comment and Marcia’s simultaneously. She’s the one who used the creative language!
Omg I’m so sorry. My only experience with hypothermia in a race was the Tokyo Marathon where it was 40 degrees, windy and pouring rain throughout. I never warmed up and was chattering and shivering just like you described. What a mess. That ankle looks like it was the icing on the shitshow cake. You definitely made the right choice, and I’m sure it was a tough call. But you made it to the starting line healthy and in one piece and that is worth celebrating!
Thanks Marcia. It sounds like a similar situation. I swear I’ll never complain about the heat again! I was so miserable.
Oh crap, you had to go 8 more miles in the cold rain on a twisted ankle? You are so strong and brave, I can’t even imagine.
While this is not the result you were hoping for, I think you showed great wisdom and courage. Your ankle will heal, and you will be back running again. Safe travels home today. <3
I would love to take credit for being strong and brave, but there was really no other choice- I HAD to keep going to get to the aid station. Thanks for your kid words!
Oh Jenny, I’m so sorry this is what happened! And my goodness, that looks so painful. Even though that was clearly the right decision, and a smart one, you must be so disappointed at how this turned out. And in pain! But as you say there are more races – and 23 miles that you did do is not nothing! You should be proud you showed up, trained so much, and listened to your body. Sending lots of love. xo
Thank you Nicole!!! I feel the love. It was disappointing for sure and I’m still processing it. But… we’ve all been through disappointments and survived. I will too!
I am so sorry, Jenny! I Know the disappointment, given all the training that got you there, but it sounds like you are completely good with your decision. I have had one DNF Midnight Madness, July 2016 (there’s a race recap in the archives, if you’re interested in the deets), and it was an easy decision to call it (due to my condition). Truthfully, it was a race I should have DNS’d, so it was SUCH a relief to proclaim the DNF and have it over. UGH, your ankle looks painful! I hope the healing goes well.
Thanks Kim- I’ll go back and read that race recap! Yes, it was the same for me. I was so miserable, it was a relief to get to that aid station and DNF. Onward!
I am so very sorry to hear this! You definitely made the right decision as your ankle looks terrible and you were terribly cold! It’s hard to pack for the various weather conditions! You gave it your best shot but the conditions were out of control! You should still be super proud of yourself!
I haven’t DNF’d but I have DNS’d several races!
I’ve DNS’d a couple due to injury, and one last least because of a stomach virus. Yes, the conditions yesterday were out of my control, but I should have prepared better for them. Live and learn!
Oh man!!! For sure, that was obviously the right choice to DNF. I hope the ankle is feeling better, and not worse because YIKES that looks really bad! My thought was that the weather would have been too warm also. I’m so sorry you got hurt and the day didn’t work out. I know you put a lot of work into this race. Back to live another day (race), right? This won’t stop you 🙂
I didn’t DNF, but I did run a marathon in the rain (similar conditions) and by the time I hit the finish line I was shaking like crazy and they put me in the medical tent. Those hot blankets felt amazing!! I hope your family will be taking great care of you this week. Sending hugs!!!
That sounds like me- I could have used a medical tent, but the hot truck was the next best thing. Yes, I lived to race another day!
Oh Jenny, I’m so sorry about your ankle and the DNF! But like you said, you made the right decision and in ultrarunning, DNFs are so common because there are so many unknowns with going such long distances. But you put in so much hard work with your training that I know you’ll crush the next race you decide to go after! Hope you heal up soon so you can get back to running again!
Thank you Ashley! I’ve realized that I’m pretty new to ultrarunning, so I still have a lot to learn. But I’m learning! There’s really no other way to learn except to do it.
Oh Jenny, I am so sorry that you had to stop running, but it sounds (and looks) like you absolutely made the right decision. Despite the DNF, I’m looking forward to reading your recap.
We were in Titusville for a couple of days in early January for our coast-to-coast bike ride. Wouldn’t it have been fantastic if had been there at the same time and could have met up?
Yes, that’s funny- I was there not long after you. It’s a really beautiful area with lots of trails and parks. Yes, I have plenty to talk about in the race recap!
Oh no! How disappointing for you to have it go this way. That long walk on the injured ankle! The drive home! Argh, I am so sorry.
I twisted my ankle badly years ago (not running! stepping off a curb in San Francisco without paying attention to the drop-off on a hill) and it looked like I had half a grapefruit under my sock. Ankles are hard ones. I hope yours heals well.
My husband sprained his ankle in December by stepping down the one step leading to our garage- so you don’t have to be out running on a trail to do damage! Thanks for your support- yes, there were some hard moments. But now I’m home safe and sound.
Oh Jenny, I’m so sorry. You trained so hard! I’m sure it is disappointing. And ouchie, your ankle does not look good! Please take care of yourself so you can run safely again….thinking of you!
Thank you Jessie! I’ve been icing my ankle and taking advil- right now I’m thinking it’s not TOO bad- but I could be fooling myself. I’ll know more tomorrow.
Oh gosh Jenny I am so sorry that this was your race outcome. Sometimes things happen out of our control and it sounds like you handled it the best you could. I am looking forward to reading your recap. Chin up and foot up. I hope you are so proud of your training and effort and know that you could not have done anything differently hugs to you
Well… I could have dressed more appropriately for the weather. That will all be coming up in the race recap! Thanks for all the support, Deborah!
I’m so so sorry Jenny!!! It seems like you did absolutely make the right choice and it was entirely flukey/not in your control! I hope it heals FAST and am thinking of you. Sending ankle healing vibes <3 <3 <3
Thank you Sarah! I hope your race went well (or at least better than mine, which wouldn’t be too hard.) I think some of this was in my control… still processing the whole experience.
Oh no, I’m so sorry. This sounded like completely the right thing to do and I am so glad other runners were aware of your distress and let the team know at the aid station. I DNF’d my last race as I fell over at mile 9.3 of a half-marathon and broke my hand and gave up! You did your training so well and that’s to be respected hugely.
Thank you Liz! Trail runners are the best- they did everything in their power to make sure I was okay. Yes, I can see how you wouldn’t want to keep running with a broken hand! That’s also some bad luck.
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear about this – but I love your attitude about it. Such a bummer with the weather when you had organised your training so well! But you are right, there will be other races. I hope your ankle will feel better soon, it looks quite nasty in the picture!
How lovely that you had a walk with Darlene!!
Thanks Susanne! It really is a bummer, but these things happen. My ankle doesn’t look any worse today, so that’s something. And yes- It was so fun seeing Darlene!
I just realized that you had already run a 1/2 marathon before you fell, and that you ended up doing almost a whole marathon getting to the aid station. NOTHING TO SNEEZE AT! As someone who does not run at all, I have no real concept of the work and both physical and mental training that goes into something like this, but it sounds really intense.
Yeah, I guess it could have been worse- I could have fallen at mile 2. But then I wouldn’t have gotten so freezing cold… oh well.
Oh, Jenny! I’m so sorry about your ankle! I roll my ankles quite often on the trails–there are so many rocks and tree roots on our trails around here. I’ve never sprained it but remember that I did break it a few years ago. I feel so badly for you–you were just so well trained for this. I can’t believe you had to hobble 8 miles to the aid station. Glad you are ok and I look forward to reading your recap on Tuesday.
Take care of yourself!
Thank you Wendy! I’ve also rolled my ankle many times- usually it’s not serious. I don’t know how to avoid it in the future- ankle strengthening exercises? I’ll be googling this!
Oh Jenny. I want to drive you home (so you can rest that ankle) and buy you an Earl Grey tea from Starbucks and give you a HUGE hug and warm up like a million Magic Bags for you.
I’m so glad you made the choice to stop; I’m proud of what you accomplished (like you ran SO far in horrible conditions) but even prouder that you stopped so as not to do more harm to your body. Kudos for showing up and I bet this race will teach you so much about running and life.
Sending hugs from afar.
Thank you Elisabeth! I definitely need time to process it, but in the end it will be a learning experience that will help me in the future- I know that. Yes, I would have loved a ride home, earl grey tea and those magic bags would have been amazing when I was shivering and chattering! But I’m home now safe and sound.
So very sorry Jenny!!! Hugging you very tight, much love from NJ.
Oh thank you Daria!!!! I’ll take all the hugs I can get right now : )
Oh, Jenny. So sorry to read this. I am glad your injury wasn’t worse, and thank goodness for the race volunteers who clearly knew what to do. I hope that the drive home went as smoothly as possible and that you take as much time as you need to rest and heal. It will be so good for you to be back home and warm and recovering. <3 You made it 15 miles – so much farther than many others would have! – and in extremely challenging conditions. There will be other races, and I can't wait to see what you do next.
Thank you Anne! The drive home went smoothly (although it rained the whole way- I’m pretty tired of rain by this point!) I’m already looking into other races… onward.
Oh, Jenny! I am so sorry to hear this! Your poor ankle! I hope it’s feeling better!
And yes, you totally made the right decision after falling, but I know you must be disappointed. Yes, there will be many more races, but it’s tough to DNF.
Sending lots of supportive hugs your way.
Thank you Jenn! Yes, I’m disappointed- there’s no way to sugarcoat it. But there will definitely be more races- hopefully sooner rather than later! Still trying to figure out how bad my ankle is. Thanks for the support!
Oh, no!! I hate to hear this! You worked so hard and must feel so disappointed. Oh, well, let’s reframe it, shall we? It’s the journey, not the destination and you worked and trained really hard and that doesn’t go away just because you didn’t finish. AND! You learned a valuable lesson about weather preparedness for next time.
Hugs and best wishes for quick healing on that leg!
Thank you Engie! Yes- it’s the journey. I wise runner (can’t remember who it was) said “enjoy the training, because nothing else is guaranteed.” You’re not guaranteed anything on race day no matter how hard you train. And I did enjoy the training, luckily. Oh well- moving on to the next thing!
Your poor foot. So glad you’re safe, but can’t imagine how frustrating.
ALl the love and hugs, and I love your Valentine’s Day shirt.
Wondered if you were still with her at Gumbo since I think you met there once. I need to do Yamato. Maybe March if it’s central for us? xx
Thank you Cari! No- Darlene went on to Gumbo after I left. We can do Yamato in March if you want to- looking forward to seeing you!
Oh I am so sorry that the race ended the way it ended. All the training and anticipation.
But I do think you made the right call even though it’s hard.
Still a bummer.
Oh no! I am sorry to hear you DNF, but you FOR SURE did the smart thing, and 23 miles is impressive– especially those last 8– my goodness. You have a wonderful frame to process this result, and i am already excited to read about the next one.
OMG, Jenny. I am so sorry that you DNF, but it was ABSOLUTELY the right choice, especially after you rolled your ankle. That looks so painful! And I can’t believe that you had to go another 8 (!) miles on it to get to the next aid station… 23 miles is still an impressive distance and I am so proud of you for even attempting this race. I hope you – and your ankle! – feel so much better by now (I am catching up again, as always).