[altoids]

It was a beautiful day on a beautiful course, but the course was outrageously difficult.<br><br>
I was pulled from the course at mile 18 because I did not make the time cutoff at that checkpoint.<br><br>
I would love to tell more details, because I had a lot of good experiences along the way, but right now I'm very unhappy and I don't want to indulge myself in a lot of negative comments about my experience.<br><br>
Thank you all so much for your support and encouragement. I was thinking about you along the way.

 

[toe jam on crusty feet]

{{{altoids}}} running is definitely a sport that can kick you in the nose sometimes, huh?

 

[equinox marathon 43]

{{{altoids}}}<br><br>
So sorry for you. I know how much taking a DNF in a race sucks...especially when you know you can do the distance.<br><br>
Do me a favor...don't dwell on it too long. Find yourself a new challenge, and go after it! Don't let this drag you down. You're a good runner, and there are better days ahead for you! And next time when you're at the Bald Eagle, you'll kick ass! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile"><br><br>
You rock altoids!

 

[IEatHills4Meals]

{{{{{{altoids}}}}}}}<br>
Sorry.<br>
That course looks insane. It still impresses me you got to that distance and the "issue" was the cut off. It doesn't make it any easier, I know...

 

[Jill]

Sorry to hear of your disappointment. It looks like a hard race. Do you think you'll try it again next year? If you do, maybe I'll join you.

 

[drgenie]

(((((((Linda))))))))<br><br>
I was thinking about you all day yesterday! You're a lot braver than I would have been given that height. That race was damn difficult and I'm proud of you for even attempting it much less getting as far as you got.<br><br>
Remember to write down some lessons learned for yourself so you know how to attack differently the next time. After the bummies go away, there will undoubtedly be valuable lessons you can use for the future in all of it. For now though, just be good to yourself and know that I think you ROCK!!

 

[altoids]

Thanks, guys.<br><br>
Jill, at this moment in time, I am not considering it for next year. This could change, but I can't see it right now.

 

[Tim]

(((((altoids))))) You still rock in my book. That was some insane terrain. Once we start doing longer distances dnf's are always a possibility. I dnf'd at the Laefront Marathon and it was nowhere near as tough as what you ran.<br><br>
Hold your head high!

 

[Jensparks]

Sorry Altoids. I echo what EQ says, find another race to go after soon - it helped me a lot when I had a DNF last year.

 

[fox-runr]

I'm sorry things didn't go the way you wanted them too. Stuff happens. We have to have some bad days to make the good days......really good.<br><br>
Here's to you having a good day. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/occasion14.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="occasion5">

 

[roots]

((altoids))<br><br>
Well, of all the reasons to DNF, this one is teh least suck. I imagine you might have a bruised ego, but I'm happy you're in good health and not injured.<br><br>
If I may ask, how does this day compare to your longest (of farthest) run? Chalk it up as your own experience -- one that you will draw upon in future runs.<br><br><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_cheers.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="cheers"> to you. I imagine the weather and scenery was something to remember.

 

[altoids]

roots, the ego is <b>definitely</b> bruised! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Very Happy"><br><br>
This was by far the hardest effort over the longest time I've ever been through. I have run 18 miles before, and it did not even approach this in terms of difficulty. Although the uphills took the starch out of me in terms of muscle effort, I lost the most time on the downhills, because I was being careful not to re-injure my knee.<br><br>
If this was something I wanted to do again, I would need to commit a lot of time training for massively steep hills, land I don't know if I could do that without injury.<br><br>
And yes, the scenery was so worth it. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile"> I am grateful I had the opportunity to be on those trails.

 

[Durt]

i don't want to sound cliche, but DNF is far better than DNS! you came, gave it hell, and did your best! that's a hell of a coarse to race on, and anyone has got to have a hella lot o' respect for you for just giving it a shot!

 

[Gingerbread]

Ah, you're injury free, I'm glad for that. It's definitely difficult to barrel down hills if you are worried about a knee. I'm cautious on downhills, too. I hope you find another race soon to run.<br><br>
There were spikey things! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/shock.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Shock"><br><br>
You rock!! It's certainly a learning experience, isn't it?

 

[McTortle]

altoids - you are still one of my heroes. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile"><br><br>
Good for you - for giving it what you could, I hope you don't second guess yourself too much or for too long. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile">

 

[dg1]

I was thinking about you on Sunday as I was struggling through a run. It made me cowboy up and finish it when I felt like stopping.<br><br>
Yeah and what GB said. You wouldn't catch me running on those spikey things! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/shock.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Shock"><br><br>
Take a <i>little</i> time off to recover and then git' back on that horse cowboy (girl)! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile">

 

[altoids]

I'm not sure how long of a recovery time I need. I feel a little sore in the climbing equipment (quads and calves) but nothing terrible.<br><br>
Thanks all, you're wonderful to me.

 

[fatmantrying]

I know it sounds sappy, but you had the courage to start.<br><br>
In the end, thats what really matters.

 

[runningINnyc]

Chin up <b>((((altoids))))</b> - treat yourself right and you'll be ready to attack another race soon. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile">

 

[oache]

Altoids,<br><br>
Races like this are a risky proposition at best. You were not looking for the ordinary running experience and that is what you reaped and you're still the toughest breath mint around. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Very Happy"><br><br>
your pal,<br><br>
oache