As much as I know that this is the right decision, it feels so wrong in a backwards thinking kind of way. On Saturday, I’m scheduled to run the Livermore Half Marathon… but I won’t be. Last Sunday at the Oakland Running Festival, my knee started to feel “off” somewhere after mile 16. It resulted in my shifting between walking and running the last 8 or so miles. I took it easy to start the week, icing it a few times and letting it rest. On Thursday, I went for my first run hoping that it was going to feel strong with no “wonkiness.” Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. I was able to get in 4 miles, but it wasn’t a confidence-building run.
I could run the half marathon.
I could finish the half marathon.
But I would be back where I was Sunday after Oakland, hoping it recovers quickly in time for San Francisco Rock ‘n’ Roll Half on April 6th. Since a lot of my friends are coming up to San Francisco to run as part of a large group, I’d rather take the extra time off and make sure I’m able run that race with a smile on my face. I think the extra week off will help.
The tough part is that I KNOW I could run on Saturday. I know I can. But I’m trying to make the right decision. I know that an extra week off will be good for me in the long run (pun totally intended). I have big plans for the summer and making sure I’m healthy for April and May to put in some strong training means playing this weekend smart.
So on Saturday, I will have my first official DNS — did not start.
I already have a DNF — did not finish (read about it here), I guess this completes the pair.
Bay Area Race Discount Codes:
San Francisco Rock ‘n’ Roll Half, 4/6
$15 off code: HITTHEPAVEMENT (that’s right $15 oFF)
Bay to Breakers, 5/18
$5 off code: PAVEMENTRUNNER5
Have you ever had to make the “right” decision?
Totally have been there.. it’s exactly what I did for the Santa Cruz Half marathon after LA last year. Way to be smart! :)
I took almost the entire month off of running to nurse a calf injury. It’s been a long month, but I know it was the right thing. I’ll be able to run RnR SF and have a stronger start for SF Marathon training.
Way to listen PR :)
I endeavor to make the “right” decision every day. In the grand scheme of things, it absolutely is the right decision for so many reasons. Good call, Pavey. Hope you heal quickly!
Been there! I hate to tell you this but it sounds like you are being a smart runner. ;) Sit this race out and make the next better.
Good thinking! Running smart is always a good call! Heal up, my friend!
Last fall I sat out of two races after my hamstring became cranky – should’ve rested sooner! Good call on your part. You’ll be ready for RNR fun ;)
It’s never bad to listen to your body and rest, especially for a more important run. It happens to the best of us, even the elites.
Ugh, it is such a tough decision, but I agree with you that it is the right one.
Smart move homie! Listening to our bodies is key to help us go everything we want to do LONG TERM
that’s definitely the right decision, brian! don’t hurt yourself! xo
Smart decision. Nothing to regret!
Yes, and it sucks sometimes. But we have to live to fight another day!
YES.
it feels like daily here.
not fitness—still same.
You are making the right choice, and you will be so thankful in the future that you did. Listening to your gut feeling is one of the greatest lessons to learn as a runner, and shows how wise you are. You have put your body through a lot, but you realize you will be giving it undue stress by doing it. By backing out you show a lot of courage :)
Yes! In fact I did that this week, I was meant to have two workouts this week, but my 80 mile week was making me pretty tired, and I had a gut feeling that I should only do one workout this week, so I did. I had a strong feeling I was walking on thin ice and was close to pushing my body over its limit. With my first race since the marathon coming up next weekend, I wanted to make the right decision, and I am glad I did
Hang in there, better things are coming your way :)
Yes! I found out I was pregnant with my first late into training so I was prepared to race. However, I got my my first and only batch of morning sickness the Saturday before race day–which lasted 6+ hours. I was so dehydrated & tired. I’m still kinda sad I missed that race.
I think it good that you are resting. You gotta listen to your body. Save up and bring it next time!
Ugh. I think you’re making the right decision. Stick to your foam roller and stay home. You’ll be happier in the long run. (pun intended)
It’s always frustrating when we can’t run as much as we want! Hang in there, take a breather. You amaze me with all the running you do!
Great decision for listening to your body! You have to do what is best even if it means taking a break and DNS. An injury can take even longer to heal than 1 race. Right decision!
Yep… had to do it… the first time I did it (last year) I was devastated & cried like a 2 yr old… but I went down & cheered on the other runners & it was the best medicine. & now? If I make it, I make it, if not, I don’t sweat it. It’s getting through the first one.
I had a DNS on my first official 10k. But it was the right call for me, and it wasn’t my “goal” race at the time. You are definitely doing the right thing. Better safe than sorry!
I am being forced to make the right decisions all over the place right now as my knee is also 100% out of commission- I had to defer Oakland, drop out of a *SPONSORED* Ragnar So Cal team, and marathon #3 (SF) is now one big question mark. As my coach says, don’t let ego overrule good judgement! He’s right of course, but that doesn’t mean I can’t be REALLY REALLY REALLY upset about it!!! Hmph. You’re definitely doing the right thing.
Rest and Recovery are crucial, man; nobody’s gonna fault you for taking care of a potential injury. (No matter what the mean inner running coach says.) Heal well!
Live to race another day I say! Good call.
You’re definitely making the right decision. I actually had my first DNS earlier this month – I had dropped a couch on my knee while moving and that resulted in a huge bruise and swelling. Not ideal for racing.
It is a sign of a smart and strong runner to do what is right. It will pay off for you in a good way!
Definately a tough decision but in the end its the right decision. Heal up and you will be ready for SF.
Good to do right by your body. I had two DNS this year because of my hip and it sucked, but I also knew it was best. You’ll have so much fun if you feel better for RnR SF! Hang in there. :)
I know it sucks, but sometimes your body just needs a little rest. Especially if we’re going to go out and kill it on April 6th!
I’ve had to make the “right” decision a couple of times and it sucked. In hindsight though I know it was indeed right when I think about the bigger picture and the longer term goals I had. Better to sit this one out and be in good shape for R’n’R than struggling with a wonky knee for weeks/months. I hope it’s sorted soon.
I’ve done it both ways during all my years of running. Made the wrong decision and sometimes regretted it, and played it smart, listened to what my body was trying to tell me, and survived the very short-term disappointment in myself. You’re doing the right thing.
Your wise. I didn’t make right decision and pushed through, more pain and damage done. Get the knee healthy you will rock the next run
Sorry to hear this. I think it is a tough decision to make. I am sure you have really battled with it. It took a lot of courage to make that choice. I hope you will heal soon and come back stronger than ever.
I’m sorry my friend. I know that’s a tough decision but so smart to listen to your body and not push it. Hope everything feels better soon.
Brian. Ok I know this was a tough decision for you to make. But let’s keep this in perspective. First of all, I’m not sure you can say you DNF’ed when you ran a friggin’ marathon. Second, who created these dumb acronyms? Instead of DNS, how ’bout we say DIS: “Damn I’m Smart.” Because you are. You are a strong runner and you are a *smart* runner, and that’s just part of what makes you so badass.
I hope your knee feels good today and I hope YOU feel good about taking care of yourself. XO
You really can’t go wrong when you follow your instincts. I wanted to run Boston soooooo bad last year but I had a nagging calf injury that just wouldn’t heal. It was hard for me to pull out but it turned out to be the right choice for so many reasons.
Taking care of yourself is important! Smart call! I hope you enjoy the next one with all of your friends!