Have you ever had something you’ve looked forward to so much but for whatever reason, it just won’t work out? Or if you think it may work, it still may kill you? Well, I’m in the midst of this situation right now.
I’ve been signed up for the Silver Rush 50, the second event in the Leadville Race Series, for nearly 7 months. I’ve been looking forward to this race since last year when I crossed the finish line. Unfortunately this race is not going to happen for me. I am taking my first DNS at the Silver Rush 50 on Saturday.
No repeat of this :/ Next year going sub 8!
As you probably know, I just ran the Leadville Marathon a week ago. While I felt decent for 26 miles, I know finishing another 20 miles (SR50 is actually 46.5 miles long) would be asking a lot more from my body than it can give right now. My long runs since May 6th are two marathons and a 16 miler and a 14.5 miler. Basically, with the wedding and post wedding festivities, I haven’t had the time to train like I did last year. Things have been better the last few weeks on the running front anyway so I know the rest of the summer will go well. I just don’t want to risk getting injured during a race I’m clearly not ready for. Live and learn.
What will I do instead? I have my eye on two other races on Saturday. The CMRA White Ranch 10k and the Howlson 8 mile race in Steamboat. Courtney’s mom is in town for a little over a week so what they want to do will decide what I end up doing. Either is fine by me though and I know I’ll have fun and enjoy both courses! I’ll still be running Steamboat Stinger marathon in a month and pacing Amy and Dan at Leadville 100 in August so my plate is full. Essentially, I’m taking away the bottomless basket of chips and salsa and focusing on the entree and dessert!
Have you ever had to DNS?
I DNS’d a snowshoe race in November because my lungs were being all stupid. Sometimes it really is for the best and the big picture is more important!
It really can be for the best. I think my chances of survival would have been pretty low!
Yep. It happens. At least you are wise enough to know when to pull back, lest risk injury. Silver Rush will always be around…
So far I’ve DNS’d 2 of the 4 races I’ve signed up for this year. LUCKILY I will get to participate in SR50, but I’m hoping that it won’t be a DNF.
I think you are being so smart. Why do a race with a possible mediocre race result and injury? Quality over quantity. Save it for Honey Stinger – and selfishly, for me and Dan in Leadville
That said, will miss seeing you and CC up there this weekend!
bigger and better goals.
Well done on having the courage to make the tough decision. I am having a similar situation with Tough Mudder Sydney. I had entered both days of the event but that was before I decided to dedicate my season to ultra running.
Mum’s coming down with me so instead of doing two days, I’m going to just do one and then go spend a day in Sydney with my Mum on the Sunday. It sounds like a good compromise to me
Crap, screwed up my whole pacing plan which was to get behind you until I blew up. Good luck with everything, I’m sure I’ll see you out there again or maybe at the LT100.