The Dreaded DNF…Or Is It?

Guest Blog: Kimberly Mac Namee

 

Several years ago I had the fortunate opportunity of working on the run course of Ironman Texas.  I worked “behind the scenes” the week of the race, including setting up the course, marking aid station layout & mile markers, etc.  I learned so much about what actually goes into putting on a race versus just preparing for one as a participant and found this experience invaluable and rewarding on several fronts.  On race day one of my assignments was athlete pick up on the run course.  This meant I was responsible for taking the athletes back to transition, making sure they took off their chip, and then calling in the DNF.  Regardless of why an athlete has to end the race early-medical, injury, mechanical, missed time cut-off, etc.-it hurts, and no athlete wants to see those three letters followed by their name in results.  The array of emotions displayed by the athletes I met that day included anger, frustration, sadness, disappointment, and even, to my surprise, ambivalence.  In many ways I could relate to how they were feeling because as an athlete myself I know the sacrifices made for those final 140.6 miles, and I also know the stinging feel of a DNF.

It was hard for me not share my emotion with these athletes.  I did not know most of the athletes who rode, as one athlete referred to it, “the cart of shame”, but in that moment all I wanted for them was for their day to go as they had planned during all their endless hours of training.  The ride back to transition always felt like an eternity and eventually a silence settled in as they accepted the fact that the goals for that day would not be achieved…a feeling that only another athlete can really understand.

Receiving a call to pick up an athlete on the course is one thing, but to be the one to have to tell an athlete that he/she has not made a cut-off and then take his/her chip is another.  The most memorable athlete of that day also happened to be the last athlete I picked up for not making a run-course cut-off.  The individual was a local athlete that I had not yet met personally, but knew through Facebook, common friends, and the Houston-area triathlon community.  I had followed his Ironman journey online and was always impressed with his incredibly positive attitude.  This was his first Ironman.  Even in the darkness I recognized him immediately.  To this day I remember the location when I told him I would need to remove his chip.  I did not know what reaction I would receive, but in the true gentle spirit of this individual, he just smiled and said thank you.  He had a gracious attitude, did not offer any excuses, and said he would try again another year.

Over the years, I have kept in touch with this athlete.  He has continued with some racing, encountered some setbacks, including knee surgery, but he is now on his 2017 Ironman Texas plan and motivated to achieving the goal he set for himself several years ago.  I applaud him for not giving up on his goal.  His energy is infectious and I believe he will carry this enthusiasm with him as he prepares for Ironman Texas.

Whether our goal is to qualify for Kona, Boston, PR, podium or finish, as athletes we all face setbacks and temporary failures as we work towards achieving our goals.  The key is not in judging ourselves on our first attempt and subsequently throwing in the towel if it does not go as planned, but rather, in giving it our best effort time and time again.  Every setback makes us more determined.  We are not defined as athletes by our fall, but rather, by the actions we take after the fall.  Staying the course takes patience and discipline but the rewards give life to new goals and adventures.

Keep striving to reach YOUR potential!

Athlinks Staffhttp://blog.athlinks.com
Posts by the Athlinks Staff are authored by our in-house group of athletes and subject matter experts in the fields of performance sports, nutrition, race organization, and training.

Related Articles

Observations of a Trail Running Rookie

By: Andrea Lee Negroni Last year, I resolved to make 2023 a year of “yes”...

Meet Curt Maggit, NOBULL Athlete

Curt Maggit finished his professional football career with seven major surgeries, including two ACL and a hip fracture.  Fast forward to today, the...

Scott Stallings’ Top Training Essentials

As more professional golfers begin to publicly promote their dedication to off-course training and preparation, Scott Stallings, a NOBULL athlete, has discussed...

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Categories

Latest Articles

Observations of a Trail Running Rookie

By: Andrea Lee Negroni Last year, I resolved to make 2023 a year of “yes”...

Meet Curt Maggit, NOBULL Athlete

Curt Maggit finished his professional football career with seven major surgeries, including two ACL and a hip fracture.  Fast forward to today, the...

Scott Stallings’ Top Training Essentials

As more professional golfers begin to publicly promote their dedication to off-course training and preparation, Scott Stallings, a NOBULL athlete, has discussed...

Staying in the Game: Why You Need a Primary Care Sports Medicine Doctor

You smashed your big toe during a game of kickball, and it really hurts. Or maybe you have a case of what...

How Athletico Helps Treat Your Pain

The best way to treat your pain is to start where you normally finish - with physical therapy. Athletico’s...