Hyannis - DNF

This is a really hard blog to write. Hyannis was a bust. I was ready for it, all pumped up, relaxed, possitive, in shape, and I had taken care of all the details. Unfortunately, on Friday, I caught a cold. Does this sound like an excuse? Each time I say this it feels like an excuse. However I know it's not an excuse.

I ran the first 7 miles perfectly. I felt comfortable and the pace felt easy. I was holding back a little bit. Not alot. Then, slowly, during mile 8, I started to feel tired. I ignored it for a while hoping it would pass but then, rather quickly, I started to feel very tired. I fell way of pace and I started to cough. At that point a thought crossed my mind that read "I might not finish this race". Just like that.

By mile 9 I had decided I would not finish the race. It all happened very quickly. My body and mind had done a complete 360 within such a short period of time. I did not have to agonize too long about the decision. I just knew it was the right thing to do.

I finished up the half marathon not crossing the line. Met my mom who took a couple of photos of my demise (don't want to forget this one) and waited patiently for my sister Brenda to finish. I froze to death doing that but nevertheless I got some great photos of her and the Hoyts.

Unfortunately I felt as though I had hyperthermia for the following two hours. I just shivered forever. Thankfully the hotel had a hot tub. It was a saving grace.

I am now recovering from my typical but raging cold. I also read up a little bit on "Running with a Cold" just to confirm I made the right decision. I found out that a cold can turn much worse due to the stress on the body during an endurance event.

All they way home I questioned myself about the decision to drop out. I spoke with a couple of my closest friends who assured me I made the right decision. It's hard not to judge yourself harshly after an event like this. I'm glad I didn't decide to just run though it. I would not have proven anything by doing so.

I'll try to fit in a replacement marathon within the next month. This could be difficult because I already had a few things going on but we'll see.

So there you have it. My first DNF. Ugh, it's still stings now matter how you slice it.