I like to run. I've learned that it really isn't about where you're going, it's about the getting there - the how, the why, the who with. This blog is just a little repository for my thoughts along the way; the setbacks, the lessons learned, and the occasional triumph.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

70.6 Mile DNF at the BR100

Maybe it wasn't epically bad. But badly cramped legs and some serious blisters on the bottom of my right foot took me out of the race at the Happy Days aid station 20 hrs and 30 minutes in. I was still 30 minutes ahead of the cutoff, but it had just taken me 2hrs and 40min to cover the previous 5.6 miles, and to try and race the next cutoff just would have been masochistic.

I'm currently in my hotel room with my legs up while my ace crew member (my sister) helps us get ready to head down to the finish line to see the volunteer podiatrists.

I'm very proud of my effort. Really, I don't think I could feel better about a DNF. I learned an awful lot. I met some awesome people. I was the beneficiary of some amazing volunteer efforts (with a great big A+ for my one and only sister). I got my first ever race blisters (in a BIG way). And I set a distance and "time on my feet" PR. Hopefully I'll be able to get up a modest race report this week.

6 comments:

Michael said...

Sorry to hear about your DNF but it seems you're taking it in stride...love the attitude :)

"Attitude is Everything" an old coach of mine was fond of saying. This will only make the next race that much better.

Rest up, take care of your feet, and enjoy the 70 mile training run you just did for your next 100 miler!

Best,
Mike

Anonymous said...

70 miles is a great achievement, Greg, congrats! It will fuel the fire to go further next time. Your running efforts and writing skills are always an inspiration. Hope you have a fast recovery,

JW

Chris Ⓥ said...

70 miles is still pretty darn good. Congrats on a valiant effort and a great "training run." Is that a mileage PR? Keep it up and you'll snag that 100 miler soon.

Paige said...

I'm so glad that you went for it, Greg :) You tried something incredibly tough, and you made it 70.6 miles...more than you've ever done, and that kicks ass! I like what Mike said, "a 70 mile training run for your next 100 miler!"

Now you have a couple things you know to work on to make sure they aren't an issue next time (and, oh, there will be a next time!). Great job out there, and I look forward to your RR :)

~P

David Ray said...

Yep, what Paige said. Good job on the mileage and time pr's.

GTI said...

Thank you all! I've got a monster schedule the next 2 weeks, but I'm working on piecing together a little race report. Can't thank you guys enough for the encouragement!