| Author |
Topic: Lessons learned from my DNF |
Dove61
Cool Runner |
 posted Oct-08-2007 06:22 PM
   
Thank you everyone for your comments on my Northface Endurance Challenge 50K DNF race report.I've been analyzing my performance and some of the lessons I learned may help others: You can not predict your ultra time based on past performance. My two previous trail races of 26.2 or greater indicated a 6 hour finish for me. I was not mentally prepared to run for 8+ hours. Do not rely on race websites for info: talk to people who have actually run the course. This was a new race though, so it wouldn't have mattered. Never make promises to be somewhere the evening of a long race. I had family obligations and promised to be home by 4:00. As I was struggling along the course I kept weighing the advantages of finishing (even at a walk) against the disappointment of my family if I didn't show. Electrolytes are still necessary even when it's cold and rainy. Never check the race results when you DNF. Once the decision is made to drop, don't look back and start playing "what if" games with yourself. and the one I'm still struggling with today.... Stinging Nettles are NOT a good substitute for toilet paper. All in all, it worked out for the best. I'm not injured. I am hungry to race again. Also, as I was driving home a huge explosion happened in Tacoma right when I passed. The whole freeway shook and debris starting hitting the pavement. I managed to get through, but the freeway was closed for hours afterwards. If I had finished the race, I would have been stuck for hours on I-5. -Dove ------------------
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SkipAZ
Cool Runner |
posted Oct-08-2007 08:00 PM
I am a firm believer that there are lesson to be learned, both good and bad, from EVERY race. Thanks Dove for taking the time to share your lessons with us. Considering my next event, there might be a few gems in here. (I'm looking up stinging nettles tonight.) As I'm sure you know, in the ultra world, DNF means Did Nothing Fatal, so that's a good thing! See you in Boston. Skip
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tomwhite
Cool Runner |
posted Oct-08-2007 08:08 PM
... Excellent Tip on the Stinging Nettles..........................what an Ordeal you had........ ...........................and the Race sounded rough too [This message has been edited by tomwhite (edited Oct-08-2007).]
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TheProFromDover
Cool Runner |
posted Oct-08-2007 09:03 PM
Wow, lessons learned. I feel like I'm reading lessons learned from astronauts or lava walkers or something. Certainly this cannot apply to me. I just do regular stuff, and there is no I-5 here.You Dove, on the other hand, should read and reread. You actually do this kind of thing. Thank you,
CAIgr
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JJJessee
Cool Runner |
posted Oct-08-2007 10:01 PM
Thanks for the observations DoveAnd not just Stinging Nettles, there's poison ivy too.
jjj
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fjordrunner
Cool Runner |
posted Oct-08-2007 10:12 PM
oh ouch, dove - i'm not sure people realize just how nasty washington nettles are - they hurt through denim, they hurt for days! they are nothing like mild gentle east coast nettles or swedish nettles.... ouch!sounds like you learned alot... or to quote my DH, when he returned from 6 days on the mountain, if it doesn't kill you, it makes you stronger... you are one strong goddess, even with a DNF,
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susan
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MM Hippo
Cool Runner |
posted Oct-08-2007 10:15 PM
Hi Dove! sorry to hear about your DNF.I'd second the thing about tight schedules. One of my terrors about ultras is when I get slow enough to start sweating the cutoffs. Managing tight time expectations when things don't go quite the way you hoped is a recipe for unhappiness and possibly danger. I had a tough day at Portland because I didn't pay enough attention to electrolytes. I would even change your admonition to something more emphatic: Pay special attention to electrolytes on cool days! I'm starting to realize that I've seen more experienced people get into trouble on cool days than on hot ones. Van was in bad shape at tri-cities last year when it was cool, for instance. But great thoughts. I think one thing I've been learning recently is that no matter how much we know this stuff, we need to be reminded. Constantly.
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Opie
Cool Runner |
posted Oct-09-2007 10:13 AM
Thanks for sharing, and I'm glad you're hungry to race again. As you know, I'm getting ready to do my first 50k, and I faced the same problem with family schedules. I was looking at a 6 hour drive home from Kansas, so I got DW's blessing to stay the night. That's incredible about the explosion in Tacoma! I saw it in the Seattle paper, and when I tried to call you, I had no idea you had been through that.------------------
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choover
Cool Runner |
posted Oct-10-2007 05:08 PM
Dove,I've read both your posts about this race and just want to say I appreciate you posting them. You are such a great athlete and I admire you. Looking forward to your next adventure! ------------------
choover
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Canfit
Cool Runner |
posted Oct-11-2007 09:25 AM
Thanks for passing on your learning. It's much appreciated. I find, not surprising, that so much of running is mental. When you're able to relax and minimize mental distractions, the running seems to come much easier. I find preparation -physical and mental - is everything.
PJ
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Aamos
Cool Runner |
posted Oct-11-2007 10:42 AM
Thank you for taking the time and energy to do this. I learn so much from mistakes myself, and truly appreciate it someone has the guts to share theirs. It's easy to post a PR report; a DNF you want to bury and get behind you.You're a classy runner, deserving of a great next event where the breaks go your way. All the best,
A
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