The Lure of a DNF

So when Running Times isn't grossing me out it is filling me head with a case of the crazies. There is an interesting article about racing with the idea that you are going to run as hard as you can with the intent to basically blow up on the course and DNF. When we race our first concern is always finishing (okay so Running Times is geared more toward professional/ elite runners so their first concern is probably winning but for us normals finishing always seems to be the top concern) so we are never pushing as hard as we possibly can therefore we never really know how hard we can push ourselves unless we push ourselves to failure.


Huh....... did that makes sense. Basically run hard until you puke. That is my interpretation at least.

So this article has been rolling around in the vast void of a brain of mine and got me thinking- always a dangerous thing- maybe I should try this. Not really get a DNF, that would mean no medal and that would be tragic, but run as hard as I can for as long as I can with the realization that I might not be able to run the whole way, my legs will revolt and I will not be super awesome feeling at the end. I have a little turkey trot action coming up on Saturday.


It is a point to point which I usually tend to do better at for some reason- mentally I think I just like them better. So I guess my goal for this half is to run as hard as I can for as long as I can. That means trying to keep the mile times in the 8s. Something I am not comfortable doing so I will be super uncomfortable at this turkey trot. And not just because I ate my body weight in stuffing and mashed potatoes and am trying to waddle my way through 13.1 miles.

So my goal for the Schaumburg half marathon = run as hard as I can for as long as I possibly can and know that most likely this will result in the last few miles being run/walked with a side of hissy fit. Then go home and eat leftovers.

Is this a crazy plan?
Any bets how many miles I make it before wipe out?
What is your favorite T-giving food? I love stuffing with a fiery passion. 



Comments

  1. Rachelle QNovember 19, 2012 at 6:08 PM

    Interesting idea. I have always wondered how fast I could go if I really pushed myself. Especially when I finish a half with juice to spare:) Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BeanNovember 20, 2012 at 5:05 PM

      That curiosity is what got me thinking about doing this. Hoping it doesn't blow up on me.

      Delete
  2. Jac @ Running in the Bike LaneNovember 19, 2012 at 6:47 PM

    I'm not sure this method would work well for me. But I'm excited to see how you do!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BeanNovember 20, 2012 at 5:05 PM

      Thanks, not sure it will work for me either but I will give it a go. Never know unless you try I guess.

      Delete
  3. KateNovember 19, 2012 at 7:14 PM

    I'm excited for this! GO for it, go all out, and when it hurts, remember that we're with you, k?

    It's an awesome idea, and even if you crawl to the end, you'l be so proud of yourself!

    ReplyDelete
  4. JinaNovember 19, 2012 at 7:52 PM

    Wow! Perfect timing for you to post this! After my recent half marathon, I realized I need to push myself harder. I'm way too conservative. Pushing myself to the puking stage doesn't sound appealing, though ... let me know how it goes for you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BeanNovember 20, 2012 at 5:06 PM

      I am not sure I am bad ass enough to push it that hard. But I think I can push harder so we will see:).

      Delete
  5. AnonymousNovember 19, 2012 at 8:23 PM

    It's totally your call but it sounds a little odd to me. Run until you can't run any more and then walk all the way and not be happy?? I would maybe try the Run Till You Puke theory (which is interesting, I agree) on a 5k first before a longer race. That could be fun/challenging. But a half is a LONG way.

    How about you compromise and run hard but carefully for 10 miles and then kick it for the last 3 miles?

    Or am I just a weakling who doesn't like suffering? Maybe. I had an epidural...don't ask me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BeanNovember 20, 2012 at 5:08 PM

      I think what will end up happening is I will run hard until I get tired and then slow down, kind of like every other race:).

      Delete
  6. Yo Momma RunsNovember 19, 2012 at 9:10 PM

    First, how do you like Running Times vs. Runner's World? Someone is selling school mags, and I want to order one of them. But not both. And I've never read Running Times. I like this DNF plan too. But it's kind of what I usually do naturally. Go out way to fast and fade at the end.:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BeanNovember 20, 2012 at 5:10 PM

      I like both but I think I prefer Running Times but I have only read one so far. I have been getting Runner's World since High School and like it but it seems more about products where Running Times seems to be more about runners and running. I would go with Running Times if I had to pick one.

      Delete
    2. Yo Momma RunsNovember 22, 2012 at 6:08 PM

      Thanks for the info!

      Delete
  7. Jogging on CoffeeNovember 20, 2012 at 5:41 AM

    Sounds like an interesting experiment! Looking forward to hearing how it works out for you. And Happy Thanksgiving! My fav Thanksgiving food is pumpkin pie. We've already had Canadian Thanksgiving but I might celebrate in spirit with you guys again this weekend ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BeanNovember 20, 2012 at 5:12 PM

      Happy Thanksgiving to you! I would totally be up for celebrating twice. It just seems logical.

      Delete
  8. BeckaNovember 20, 2012 at 8:02 AM

    That would NOT work for me.

    Good luck, curious how that goes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BeanNovember 20, 2012 at 5:13 PM

      Yeah am not sure how it is going to go. I am pretty curious as well. :)

      Delete

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