DFL: Dead F%^%ing Last
DNF: Did Not Finish
DNS: Did Not Start
Pretty sure I don’t need to explain “sitting on the couch.
The topic today on Tuesdays on the Run is DNF or DNS. Have you done it? What were your reasons? Did you regret your choice?
I’m not sure I agree with much of the title of this post, except that any of the acronyms is better than never trying. If you get off the couch and move, at whatever speed, for whatever distance, you are succeeding.
As far as the other options go, there are always times that they are warranted. I’ve been nearly DFL twice at small races where only the fast kids did the longer distance. And I’m not one of the fast kids.
I’ve never DNF’d, but I’ve had two races where I probably would have if the opportunity had presented itself. My first half marathon was so hot and I was so dehydrated that I was pretty much a mess by mile 9. I think if I could have figured out a way to quit, I would have.
I also seriously considered it when I ran the Nike Women’s Half Marathon, mostly because I should have fueled better. And I’ll be the first to admit that I had DNFing in my hip pocket (along with my metro card) when I ran Marine Corps this fall. I’m a big believer in living to run another day.
DNS, ah well, that one I’ve done a few times but oddly enough only short distance races. I’ve missed a 5 miler due to a cough so bad I couldn’t catch my breathe when I wasn’t running. And I missed a 5K and a 4 miler when I messed up my calf. Seems odd that I’ve never bailed on a half marathon and I’ve run 46 of those…
In mostly unrelated news, last night I signed up for 7 half marathons in 7 days in 7 states – and all of them are new states! Yeah, that’s going a long ways towards my total number of states.
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I completely agree with your post title ! LOL
Karen @ Fit in France recently posted…I Did Not Start… by choice
Wow, good luck with the 7/7/7! Hopefully the running gods will smile upon you so you are healthy and can start them all!
Kelli recently posted…Keep your eyes on the prize
I can totally relate to a race that “only the fast kids run”. We have a local race here in the fall and about 90 percent of the participants are kids from on the track and cross country teams! Good thing i’m not in there age group..lol
The 7 halfs thing blows my mind. Logistically how do you even? I think I’d be divorced.
Marcia recently posted…The Agony of a DNS or DNF
I’ve only had a few DNS’s and I think they’ve all been the Lawyer’s Have Heart. I wanted to DNF the USTAF 12K, but reminded myself that walking back would take longer!
Coco recently posted…Fending Off The Holiday Feeding Frenzy
Ugh, right now I’m sitting on the couch and staring a DNS in the face. But if I don’t sit on the couch, I could be looking at DNS’s for a lot longer…. DAMN YOU SACRUM
This is really a great topic! I’ve never finished a race DFL, but when I ran a 5K a couple of years ago, everyone was really really fast! It seemed like everyone was well-rested by the time I made it to the finish!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…DNS a Race? 8 Tips for Moving On
DFL. Hahaha. I only laugh, because I’ve only heard fellow hashers use this term before….
In any case, I’ve DNS before. I’ve wanted to DNF, but pushed through it. I don’t know that I’ve DFL in a race…but I’ve come really really close to it. Which doesn’t bother me, because like you said, I’m not on the couch.
Annette @ Sweating Through Life recently posted…Weekly Update and GIVEAWAY!
I’m a firm believer in get out there and move. I do sit on the couch at times, but usually after I’ve run. Like you, I DNS’d a smaller race and not any big race. My injury had settled in with a vengeance, and I knew even trying to run would do more damage and leave me even more frustrated.
Lesley recently posted…That DNS
Agree, all of these are better than sitting on the couch! I’ve only had 2 races so far (knock on wood) that I didn’t start – one just due to a scheduling snafu, another because of an injury that I was still nursing. I was supposed to run a half that day, and I still ended up running 6 miles – just not at the race!
7 in 7… you are a crazy beast. I love it. For you, ha ha , not for me! 😉
Patty recently posted…That Hurts: DNS | Tuesdays on the Run
I have DNS’d a few races…mostly because I was injured or a few times because I hadn’t trained enough to know I could do the race without hurting myself. Luckily I don’t make a habit of this! I have never DNF’d a race…knock on wood. I have had a few DFL’s at smaller, cross country races but that doesn’t bother me. Those race are hard!!
Leana recently posted…Highlights of 2015
I had a few too many dns this past year but I hope that 2016 is a much better year! Fun post
Deborah Brooks @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Holiday Funfetti Rice
Holy moly! Congrats on your 7-7-7! What a crazy awesome adventure!!
Rachel recently posted…Race Recap: Run Santa Run 5K
Yeah, I know I’m crazy. But it’s so much fun!
Haha! Love the title of your post! I wish this could have been the topic of choice last week, as I almost DNS and DNF my half this past Sunday. The experience alone was a learning lesson!
Congrats on registering for the 7/7/7, I’m in awe! I followed you on social media and recaps when you did it this year and am looking forward to following you as complete it again. Best of luck to you!
Krystal recently posted…Florida Holiday Halfathon Training Recap: Week 12
Ahh…how wonderful. 7 halfs in 7 days. I would LOVE that. You are my hero!
HoHo Runs recently posted…DNS? Oh, yes!
I can’t wait – it’s so much fun!
I stilllll cannot believe the seven halfs thing.
YOU ARE MY HEROINE.
Now
do one in AUSTIN!!!
CARLA recently posted…4 reasons Im jealous of the Cone of Shame.
I missed a lot of spring races last year due to my foot injury it’s not fun at all! I am hoping for a strong injury free 2016 for all of us
Deborah Brooks @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…My Year Of Running 2015
All is going well now, right?
I can see where it is harder mentally to DNS a long race – there’s usually a lot more mentally committed to those than shorter runs. I’ve had the same temptation to quit the local races that “only the fast kids run” but have resisted the urge so far. You’re right that no matter how we’re moving, at least we ARE!
Jessica S recently posted…Weekly Wrap-Up: Fell off the wagon a bit