If you had to choose: DNF or DNS?

[Sarah_Rose]

If you knew that there was an extraordinarily large chance that you would not finish a race (one that you had trained for months, specifically for), would you even show up at the start line? If you had, for example, an injury or illness that you know might (and likely would) act up during the race, forcing you to stop (but not making you any more injured or ill), would you start the race, anyway?

I'm signed up to run the Rock 'n' Roll Seattle on Saturday. I'm healthy, I'm not injured, I got in all of my long runs, and the half marathon distance still seems like a cakewalk to me after running the Goofy a few months ago... I'm also almost 8 months pregnant. I know from evidence in the last couple weeks that there is a 50/50 chance that I will begin to go into preterm labor while running/walking for more than 45 minutes. I also know that I can prevent this to a certain extent by staying hydrated and that as soon as I sit down and drink lots of water, everything goes back to normal. I am on strict instructions from my doctor (yes, we have discussed this) to stop the race the second I have any signs, and I will follow these instructions. I also know (and had it confirmed by tests this week) that if I did have the baby tomorrow, it would likely be healthy and not require an extended hospital stay before going home. If I actually believed that I was risking long-term (or even short-term, really) problems by running, I would stay home in an instant, but that doesn't seem to be the case at all.

One of the big motivators for me is that I've trained for this race as part of a charity team (the Arthritis Foundation - and I'm still about $100 shy of making my fundraising goal ) and I would feel like I was letting them down if I didn't run. However, I would be able to cheer at the finish line!

So, I wanted to pose this question to the WISHers because I know everyone else just thinks I'm nuts. They don't understand the commitment, both physical and emotional, that goes into training for a race. Is it worth going to the start line with your bib and timing tag on, knowing that you may not finish the race? What's more difficult, having to make yourself stop and be transported to the finish, or simply not trying at all?

So, what would you guys do? DNF or DNS?

 

[Cindylou]

In this case I say DNS. There will always be other races. If something should happen to you or your baby because of this race you will beat yourself up about it for the rest of your life. It is not worth it. Chances are that everything will be fine, but if not, can you live with it?

I'm sure most of the people who donated to your fund raiser won't be looking for their money back if you don't run, so that shouldn't be a problem.

Just my 2 cents.
Cindy

 

[elbowglitter]

When it comes to your health, I say DNS. I had to miss a race because I was sick and it was so hard, but I knew that it was the right thing for me - and the reason I could race again.

 

[MouseDogMom]

Ouch! Tough one, but DNS. I just had my first DNS a couple of weeks ago. It was only a 5K, but it was really weird to stand there with the timing chip on my shoe and watch everyone else take off, and then wait for them to come back. But I knew I was risking further injury if I tried to run, so I did the right thing and cheered on the runners at the finish line. Threw the bib and D-tag away when I got home - didn't seem right to add them to the collection!

Since this is a pregnancy, I say absolutely go to the race, cheer for your fellow runners, and enjoy it! Do NOT take any unnecessary risks. Yes, everything should be okay, but like Cindy said, if anything happened, it wouldn't be worth it. And I think once you started it would be too easy to keep talking yourself into one more mile, and perhaps pushing too hard. Better not to start than to have to make that decision mid-course.

Good luck!

Jackie

 

[mytripsandraces]

I think it depends on how you're feeling. I walked a half marathon with a broken jaw (wired shut), because I didn't want to miss the event. I'd had the braces on for several weeks by that point, though, and had skipped shorter events during that time, because I wasn't sure I could make it. If you think there's a good chance you won't be able to finish, then don't start. If you think there's a good chance that you will be able to finish (no matter how long it takes) and your doctor authorizes your participation, then go for it.

 

[FFigawi]

I'm obviously in the minority, but I say go for it! You've put a ton of work and effort into your training, so get out there and show your stuff. You know what signs to look for to get you to stop, you already are prepared to stop if anything happens, and I don't think making yourself stop will be that hard.

 

[Sarah_Rose]

So, what am I at? 3 no's, 1 yes, and 1 maybe?

I am having such a tough time with this - I don't want to do anything that will put myself or my baby at risk, but at the same time I don't know if I not go to the start line, knowing that everything should be perfectly fine and that my doctor has given me the OK to start!

 

[cewait]

REALLY! - do you want to stress you newborn (or soon to be new born) out with labor starting on the side of the road?

Sorry, but I think you really know the right answer. Lock your running shoes up until cleared to run postpartum.

It's not your health that I am worried about.





Sorry, I have strong thoughts on this as a coach and fitness professional.

 

[MommyMcQueen]

I also have to say DNS. As the mother of 2 pre-term children, I gotta say DNS. Both my kids were born early, 6 weeks and 4 weeks early, and even though they were very healthy, we were lucky.

My first spent a week in the NICU at Children's Hospital and even though we knew he was very healthy and a decent weight for his gestational age, it was still terrifying and you just never know with a preemie of any age what could happen. My second was 4 weeks early and I had been on bedrest for 3 weeks - 15 minutes after my water broke he was born - it could happen super fast. I wouldn't take the chance of something happening out there on the course.

I saw in your ticker that you are 34 weeks. My first was born at 34 weeks (he weighted 4 lb 14oz), and one of the NICU nurses explained it well to us - a 34 week baby is not just a small version of a full-term baby. Most people might look at a 34 week baby and all appears well - but the lungs are borderline for full development and many need extra oxygen and most 34 week babies have not yet developed their suck/swallow reflex. That is why our DS was in the NICU - he could not feed and had to be tube fed for several days before he learned so suck/swallow properly. Not trying to scare you at all, I'm sure you've done lots of reading on this, but those were just the realities for us.

 

[mytripsandraces]

Since your doctor has cleared you to run, it's really up to you and how comfortable you'll feel. I ran the Goofy in January and there was a pregnant woman running the Goofy, as well, so it's not unheard of. Paula Radcliffe won the NYC marathon not long after giving birth, which means she trained while pregnant. I believe Deena Kastor also trained and raced while pregnant.

The race course will have medical support, won't it? So you'll probably be safer there than if you went into labor anywhere else you're likely to be on a weekend morning. Does the race waiver ban you from running the event if you're pregnant?

Only you know your body and how you feel. The first rule of running is listen to your body, which is especially true for you. If you feel like you can do it, go for it, with the understanding that when you start to feel uncomfortable, you'll walk off the course.

 

[Sarah_Rose]

Sorry, I have strong thoughts on this as a coach and fitness professional.

No offense, because I do trust your judgement on other matters, but until you go to medical school with an OB specialty, I'm going to listen to my doctor on this, over your own personal opinion on whether pregnant women should run.

I didn't ask whether I should be running while pregnant (because I've been doing it for 34 weeks, already - in fact, I'm going out to do 3 miles this evening) but whether people would personally start a race, knowing they might be dropping out half way.

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. It seems that most people are most comfortable with DNSing if something isn't right. I guess my problem is that I have to make the decision to not start based on the idea that something might possibly not be right, 5 miles in. For the record, and I've said it before and I'll make it clear again: I have discussed this with my doctor and she is perfectly comfortable with my starting, as long as I know I might need to stop. I am not on bed rest, I am not a high risk pregnancy, and my doctor has stated that early labor symptoms during activity are normal at this point, but that it's a good idea to take it easy when this happens. With that medical advice, I'm just wondering if, mentally and emotionally, it would be better to sit it out.

 

[Kirsty-Leigh]

Hi Sarah

I don't really have a personal opinion on this (I don't think unless you are, or have been, a pregant running lady it is possible to have an opinion), but I just wanted to say you know you better than anybody - so you should do what you feel best doing. I personally would never have the strength to stop mysle while running so a DNF would be harder on me than a DNS. You will make the right decision for you - I just know it

kirsty

 

[cewait]

Really sounds like you are looking for thoughts from peers. At this post it's 5-2-2 against the start. I know I was reacting to the 50-50 chance you posted. With health issues I am not that much of a risk taker (nor with travel in a car/airplane). If you were in one of my training groups I may offer a differing feedback. I know that in the hour long stuff you would still be more than welcome with the permission granted from your OB.

I'll offer advice just in case (ok when) you do start ....and I am expecting a great race report on Monday! Run with someone you know - if possible. Even if you have to slow up to keep them with you. You will not want to stop in the race quite as quickly as in training. It's just not in the human nature. I think Kirsty hit the emotional issue when she stated its harder to DNF once started.

I know you will make the correct decision for you and your child.

 

[scoolover]

I have had a few DNS's and the emotional toll was nothing too bad after a day or two. I knew the reasons were sound. I have never had a DNF but have never gone into a race thinking I might. Actually when I woke up for the full during my first Goofy, I had some doubts. There is no rational person that would blame you for not starting, including the people you are racing for. I'd go and be the best cheerleader ever!

 

[Sarah_Rose]

Hey, everybody. Thanks again for all of your comments. I think I was having my belligerent toddler moment yesterday.

Yesterday was, by far, my worst day of this pregnancy, yet. I mean, even running the Goofy in the cold and rain with morning sickness was easier than sitting at my desk all day yesterday. It's all just regular pregnancy stuff (bruised hip bone on the INSIDE from being hit in the exact same place all day, pressure on my sciatic nerve causing back pain that made sitting excruciating, pelvic pressure, feet in my lungs, etc.) but it was the first day where I really didn't feel in charge of my body, AT ALL, and I think I was reacting badly to that. I want to run this event, I'm trained to run this event, and I physically feel (besides my whining) fine.... so it's been really hard for me to accept that I shouldn't do it, even though I know it would probably be for the best.

I'm off work today and I'm going to go to the expo this afternoon; if walking around the expo for a couple hours is uncomfortable, then I'll know my decision. A good friend of mine from the Arthritis Foundation is also a DNS (injury) and will be manning the AF tent and finish line all day tomorrow, so I guess my only question would be where to buy a vuvuzela before tomorrow morning.

My German Shepherds have unfortunately, for the first time ever, crapped out on my morning dog park plans that were supposed to keep me occupied for a couple hours. Sasha has a knee injury (see my Furry 5K race report from last weekend ) and Jack abraded the pads on all four of his paws yesterday (playing in the sprinkler with the neighborhood kids, of course) and is being a total drama queen about it (for a young male German Shepherd, at least). I can justify having one leashed crippled dog at the dog park, but two? Kind of defeats the purpose. Now I just have like 6 hours to kill before expo time to continue to second (and third and fourth) guess my decision.

 

[El&Asmom]

I can't imagine giving birth and then leaving the hospital without my baby since they had to spend time in the NICU. Even if they end up perfectly fine, I would feel guilty if I knew there was something I could have done to prevent their early arrival.
JMO. There will always be another race, but your child's time in utero is precious.

 

[jbucci]

I would actually vote for starting as long as you are willing to stop if you don't feel well. As long as your doc gave the ok, you are well hydrated, and take it slow I think you would be fine. I'm a pediatrician and have huge respect for early deliveries but if you listen to your body and have been active all along I would say risk the DNF and enjoy the day.

 

[John VN]

DNF over DNS. Once you start you can always stop.

You have clearance, you know your body, so why not? If you are at the start line and something pops up, you can always walk away.

Good luck with decision and delivery.

 

[mytripsandraces]

What did you decide?

 

[Sarah_Rose]

I decided to go out and do it, this morning. The weather was perfect (60 and cloudy pretty much all morning) and I was feeling good. It was entirely the right decision. I walked the whole race (man, I never realized how long a half marathon was until I walked one! ) and finished in 3:46.... 14 minutes under the race time limit. Not even a twinge of anything bad happened, although the race has completely knocked me down for the rest of the day.... then again, so did my first half marathon a few years ago, and I wasn't pregnant then!

I never felt like I had to stop, but I knew all the way (until about mile 11, when I knew I was feeling good and that I was going to finish) that I could have stopped at any point without any regret. I think I would have been much more upset if I hadn't laced my shoes up at all, then if I gave it a try and gave up.

I have a more detailed post on the race reports thread! Thanks again for everyone's opinion! I think what it came down to is I had to decide what would annoy me more: never starting and wondering if I could, or starting and quitting after learning that I couldn't. I was never going to put my health or my baby's health at risk, but I had to trust my own judgement and my own ability to read my body and give the race a shot.