MY DNF (and everything that led up to it)!

[@markchangcoco5427]

I made it in your video!! Woohoo! lol Matt, you still had a kick@ss half, considering the injury. Hopefully you can get it sorted out before your next race! Im glad you came down and that we got to hang a bit! Cheers my friend! ⛔💪🙌

[@its_Matt_B_]

I’m so glad to have met you. Mark! All in all, this half was an ok training run. I really can’t complain. Congrats on your race, especially considering the lacing issues! You started and finished strong! 💪🏽

[@kalvin.]

You and Shannon!!

[@LuisBecerra79]

I c ya Mark !!! That phone is messing up your arm swing 🤷🏻‍♂️😆😆. But I won’t say anything, I’m running with and insta360 🙈🤦🏻‍♂️😆😆

[@ozenfant_ozn]

smart choice Matt! i had hip-"issues" last year but my ego made me continue training for an ultra, and because it all resulted in an adductor tendinopathy i ended up not running for 8 months.

[@its_Matt_B_]

Yikes! That’s a worst case scenario! Sorry to hear it! How is your adductor now?

[@ozenfant_ozn]

@@its_Matt_B_ i'm fine now, thx. and nearly back to old form. but i've learned a lot! running is addictive, that's a problem for a lot of us.

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@ozenfant_ozn good to hear, and 100% on running being an addictive problem (for most of us at some point).

[@gavinbruce-thegreyrunner5581]

Half marathon is a half marathon. Running it at less than optimal is even better. Well done Matt.

[@its_Matt_B_]

Thanks for the positive vibes, Gavin! Cheers, mate!

[@James-Runs-Winnipeg]

⛔️ appreciate your honesty Matt and you definitely made the right decision. I'm currently binge watching all of your videos and will be heading out for another run. You remember I'm from Winnipeg and finally the weather is nicer here lol.

[@its_Matt_B_]

Cheers, James! It’s funny to hear that the weather is “finally” nicer because down here it seems like we’ve had the heat of summer for a month already! 🤣

[@philault2854]

⛔⛑hey you toed the line and that's what matters, and remember, according to one of the greatest long-distance runners of our era, Forrest Gump, "it happens" (edited for younger audiences) 😄 I am not the greatest of runners and have DNF'ed. I pondered not taking the medal, but in the end I did anyway and now it's displayed in my office as inspiration. Thanks for the video and all the ones from Orlando over the weekend. Excellent work, I wasn't able to drive down to take in the race and your video's were spot on. Great work.

[@its_Matt_B_]

Thanks, Phil, and thanks for also watching those race vlogs! They were fun to make! I like your idea of using the medal of a DNF race as inspo! 💫

[@KyleMcCueRunning]

my guy! only regret should be not taking the food at the finish, you paid for that race man, get the food!!! Props for giving it a solid go and it's all about the long term, no worries about this one!

[@its_Matt_B_]

Right on, Kyle! That’s my attitude! Now I’m regretting not getting the food! 🤣

[@Kelly_Ben]

So true!! 😂

[@Joe_Souza]

Too bad for the DNF ⛔️. The conditions got really wet for us slow runners. From Mile 18 to the end I was stuck in heavy rain and strong head winds. Mostly flat which made it nice for my first marathon which I ran with my daughter.

[@its_Matt_B_]

Congrats on finishing your first marathon! What an experience to run it with your daughter! I think we would have had to run Ben-Johnson-fast to miss the rain!

[@shannonsides6017]

Nice meeting you, Matt! I’m happy the hip will be ok, but it’s sounds like the best call. There was a small part of me that I was relieved to be injured and unable to run bc it was a busy, warm weekend. You deserve that post race banana though 😂 Cheers.

[@its_Matt_B_]

It was great meeting you, Shannon! Sorry I didn’t ask, but how long are you going to be off running for? Thanks for reminding me I deserve that banana. I agree, but nothing more! 🤣

[@randenlewis152]

HRV status is no joke. I ignored it for a long time then it went super high and i thought it was a good thing, but soon after it tanked for 3 weeks. Now i pay attention to it and try not to over extend

[@its_Matt_B_]

Yeah, I definitely brushed it aside because it wasn’t telling me what I wanted to hear. 🤣

[@bpg201]

Nice try Matt! I've not DNF'd but I have had to mostly walk in the last 6 (sometimes more) miles or so due to various aches and pains...mostly IT band pain and tight hamstrings. As a back of the pack runner I'm not really concerned w/ my finishing time :)

[@its_Matt_B_]

Cheers, Brian! Sometimes walking is what it takes. In those situations it’s important to remember that the goal is to get from the start to the finish as quickly as possible. It’s not always as quick as we’d like!

[@vetboyschmo6093]

Always sucks to dnf, but sounds like it was the correct decision. Can't control injury, even if minor. You'll get em on the next🤙

[@its_Matt_B_]

My thoughts exactly. Thanks, mate! 👊🏽

[@williamcass68]

Rest up for the next one. Onward and upward!

[@its_Matt_B_]

Cheers, William! 🙌🏽

[@caderik1386]

your half marathon is still solid - and yes the straining garmin status is usually not a good start. I hope you will recover quickly from this! ⛔📛

[@its_Matt_B_]

Cheers, Erik! I'm writing this at the beginning of the second day after and I woke up feeling ok. Still no running, but i'm happy not to be feeling it at the moment. Yesterday was a different story!

[@MyFatAdaptedLife]

I feel you, Matt. In 2017, I DNF'ed the CIM due to a hip pointer. Over the past three weeks, I've been dealing with a tight right hamstring. I'm considering not running Modesto next month, but my stubborn ego keeps me pounding the pavement. 🚫

[@its_Matt_B_]

Ugh! That ego is the biggest hurdle to our healthy running! FWIW, you have my support to drop from Modesto or run it. (I think that covers it all!)

[@MyFatAdaptedLife]

@@its_Matt_B_ Thank you, Matt. :-)

[@TolunayOrkun]

Don't feel bad for not finishing. You did the right thing. Hopefully you will recovery well and your hip flexors get better soon. High temperatures and high humidity probably didn't help either. I hear elites had to drop off during Olympic Marathon trials due to heat and humidity. Yesterday, I did my last 20-miler of marathon cycle which was my peak week as well. I have a 5k race in 2 weeks before the marathon. I didn't have to DNF in a race (yet). The closest is DNF in 26-mile Goodwater loop trail at mile 23 on a personal run/hike last summer (100F+, water/fuel gone, sunset and trails getting darker, lost for a few miles). I left the trail, found a road and called an Uber to get to my parked car. I should have left the trail earlier, but my pride kept me going on further and further. I survived and hopefully got wiser as part of the experience!

[@its_Matt_B_]

Good going getting in that last 20 miler! That's a good feeling! I can see why you dropped on the Goodwater Treail loop. There's really no sense in (potentially) dying over a training run!😁

[@David-vi1ex]

⛔ Wise decision and wise words. Love your attitude man, keep it up!

[@its_Matt_B_]

Cheers, David! Thanks for the support, mate!

[@Runderestimated]

Smart descision even if it doesn't feel like it! Hips don't lie, so always trust them when they tell you they aren't happy!

[@its_Matt_B_]

Great! Now that's going to be in my head all day!

[@RunnersCorner2024]

Tough break Matt but you made the right decision to stop. I had a DNF in Berlin last year and it definitely deflates you a bit. Makes you a stronger runner in the end. Glad you had fun at the trials

[@its_Matt_B_]

Thanks, Ryan! Yeah, it was a little disheartening while I was running but I’m feeling good about it now. I made the right choice.

[@tylercaldwell4539]

I’ve not DNF’d but I should have during a 2020 marathon. Limped to the finish and paid for it afterwards. You made the right call, Matt!

[@its_Matt_B_]

Thanks, Tyler! I would have been really upset if I REALLY hurt myself from pushing through!

[@ingagade951]

Its all right Matt you did what you could and more than any other might would do and get out of the 26.2 miles with a half that was awesome anyway. Luck and congratetulations from me. Inga DK

[@its_Matt_B_]

Thanks for the support, Inga! 🤩

[@annewright3486]

I’m so sorry Matt! I’m glad you made the right decision. Not worth an injury when you have Boston to look forward to! 🦄 ⛔️

[@its_Matt_B_]

Thanks, Anne! It’s really no biggie, and you’re right about better things to come! Thanks for the ⛔️!

[@annewright3486]

You’re welcome and I’m glad you’re already feeling a little better!

[@aapus_landing]

Although being denied entry to the finish group this time ⛔️, it’s simultaneously an entry towards more marathons by taking the precautions and preventing a possible injury. As the injury is prevented we’re never going to have an evidence for that, but there ought to be some credit for this prevention 🟢 And I’m hoping I will made the same correct choice in similar scenarios, which will likely happen at some point as long as the running journey continues. Best of luck to the hip flexor as well!

[@its_Matt_B_]

Thank you! This logical conclusion is often forgotten during the moment, and many moments after, but of course you're right! I'm better off for having stopped!

[@Leporkchop34]

Thanks for recording a video for this marathon. You finished a half, deserves a medal. This marathon is a great one, a beautiful flat course, full of energy and a for a good cause. I was there, loved it. Get well.

[@its_Matt_B_]

It’s a really good race! I look forward to going back and getting that marathon medal!

[@Leporkchop34]

@@its_Matt_B_ ⛔ To answer your question, I have not DNF'ed but I probably should have. Was a marathon at 70+ degrees.

[@dinicti]

DNF at Spring Chance BQ series near Chicago-had some viral infection (not COVID) and body just slowed down and forced me to stop. Walk back to car was a walk of shame!

[@its_Matt_B_]

It’s not a walk of shame when you’re sick! I take it you’re back to full health now? Have you tried another marathon since then?

[@dinicti]

@@its_Matt_B_ Thanks Matt, yes have my minimum BQ standard, by almost 4 mins, which is unlikely to be sufficient, but very happy to meet that standard! Aiming to get lower. Take care, heal well, and have a great week

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@dinicti Nice going getting that BQ cushion! I’ll keep my fingers crossed it’s enough!

[@brendalogan3784]

Why are we so hard on ourselves?! "I didn't take any food since I didn't deserve it".

[@its_Matt_B_]

I probably should have made it more obvious that part was in jest. I paid $130 for that race so I definitely deserved it (although not the medal). The real reason I didn’t take any food was because I only ran 13 miles and I had been eating like I was running a marathon. I was too full at the end of the race to want to eat! 🤣

[@brendalogan3784]

@@its_Matt_B_completely agree about the finisher medal. You didn't intend to run the half, so no medal for you! And now i understand about you being full, i probably would have still taken water and a banana. But,you made the right decision to dnf, no sense in further injury!

[@JimHolman341]

Great video Matt. Bad luck with the injury. Rest up and on to the next one. ⛔️

[@its_Matt_B_]

Thanks, Jim! I’m not labeling this an “injury” yet! It’s more of a warning to take it easy for a few days….we’ll see. Regardless, you’re absolutely right; on to the next one!

[@TimJOMalley]

Hey, when a race doesn't go well I learn more and take more determination into the next challenge. Hopefully the injury doesn't keep you out. Im sure you are starting to plan for the next one! 🎉

[@its_Matt_B_]

That’s a good way to approach a bad race, but I don’t look at this as a bad race. Lucky for me I didn’t run long enough for it to become bad! Next up is Boston. We’ll see how the bid holds up. I’m not expecting to break any records.

[@IRunThings]

Holy mackerel Matt❤ I am watching this now

[@its_Matt_B_]

🤣 Poor me!! (Jk)

[@craigrwc]

Haven't done enough racing yet to DNF anything, despite a couple of blow-ups. ⛔A pity you couldn't finish this one, but good on you for doing the right thing for yourself. The next one will be great!

[@its_Matt_B_]

We all have a couple good blow ups!🤣 Cheers, Craig! I agree about the next being great and even if it's not great, it will be better!

[@angelarodriguez8118]

I dnf’d a 50miler last year:( I made it 30mi. I wasn’t in the shape I needed to be in and it was a hard lesson. I hope you are feeling better and you aren’t having anymore pain!

[@its_Matt_B_]

Thanks, Angel! Nope, the pain has subsided. I've been back running. Sorry to hear about your DNF last year, although making it 30 miles is still a big achievement (although not the one you wanted)! Have you run a 50 miler before that attempt? Do you plan to do another one?

[@angelarodriguez8118]

@@its_Matt_B_ yes I want to try again for sure! I’m going to get myself together and really train🙃 I have just really struggled the last several years.

[@its_Matt_B_]

Sorry to hear it,​@@angelarodriguez8118 ! The distance will be here whenever you're ready to tackle it. You've got this!

[@christinedurand9080]

🚫 another great video! I have also DNFed and I had the exact same internal dialog!

[@its_Matt_B_]

Thanks, Christine! Us runners are all the same! 🤣

[@marshalltilley7235]

Hope you hip gets and feels better soon! 🏃‍♂🚫

[@its_Matt_B_]

Thanks, Marshall! 👊🏽

[@Nyelands]

For me listening to my body and not getting injured is the biggest goal of them all. So no I have never DNF and the smallest little pain in training makes me ajust things.

[@its_Matt_B_]

Your number one goal is the type of goal I want to be mine, but I just want to push the envelope a little,....often to my detriment! I'm wishing you never DNF! Keep up the smart running!

[@michite7435]

🚫 i had a DNS. This past Oct for the RDC marathon in Durham, NC. I was so stubborn in my training and didnt listen to my body to rest. By the time i got to my taper week i could barely walk. I rested the 2 weeks before marathon and went out for a 2 miler the day before, i was drastically slower and knew that if i even showed up for the race i would be so stubborn that i would need to be carried of the course....

[@its_Matt_B_]

That stubbornness can really come back to bite us! 🤣 Still, those experiences are always good lessons!

[@27mooncalled]

I see Changcoco!! What a great run you guys!

[@its_Matt_B_]

Mark did great! It was fun to meet him!

[@largeeddie]

You call it foreshadowing. I call it preemptively registering my excuses.😂Great stuff, Matt. You packed a whole lot into the weekend. Maybe a full marathon was one straw too many for the camel, but you didn't know that ahead of time and you gave yourself a chance. No lasting harm done and at least it was a good test of the new Hokas. Decisions would be easier if we knew the outcomes beforehand. I hope you get to enjoy some quality recovery time before the Boston build really gets going.⛔

[@its_Matt_B_]

Thanks, Eddie! I like "preemtively registering my excuses." If makes me feel like i'm a forward thinker! 🤣 I think you may be right about the marathon being that straw. Of course, it was impossible to know until it was too late (my ego is quite firm on that stance). Moving on...

[@JeepinNation]

I'm 3 weeks out from my next Marathon and I had Hip flexor issues happening 3 weeks ago aftwr I did a hilly challege close to me. Its 1 mile loops that last 2hrs with 100 ft of elevation gain on each mile. Did 4 miles before the challege and 12 during the challenge. Hip flexor started botthering me at about mile 10 and then 2 days later I had ITBS in the left knee. It took about 2 weeks for me finally be running pain free again. Lots of strength band exercises and stretching. I did 18 yesterday at a 8:20 pace and I'm not any pain right now. You were smart to DNF, I know it sucks but better to not make it worse. I am horrible at making the right decision when it comes down to it though. No shame in no finishing, live to run another day pain free brother.

[@its_Matt_B_]

I’m with you on it being the right decision, although I have to say I may have tried to go a bit further if the course came back towards the finish line. The logistics made it an easy decision. I’m glad to hear you’re not in any pain now. Which marathon are you running?

[@JeepinNation]

@@its_Matt_B_ Myrtle Beach on March 3rd. I was going to try to BQ but I had Bronchitis which put down for 3 weeks of training nd then the Hip Flexor/ITBS for 2 weeks. Basically missed 5 weeks of training so I'm just going to try for a PR instead unless I feel really good on Race day. Watch says I should be able to go 3:13 and I was hoping for a 3:14 but I'll be happy with anything under 3:30. I just got the New Balance SC Elite 4's yesterday so I'm super excited about racing in those at it.

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@JeepinNation Good luck! You’ve got this, especially in those sweet new kicks!

[@JeepinNation]

@@its_Matt_B_ appreciate it Matt!!!

[@JohnBirtchetSharpe]

yup , right choice , it was not the engine but the suspension that gave you issues , had you carried on you could have done yourself a proper injury (I am have lateral bias in my foot strike .. so a lot of shoes that try and assist over pronantors actually cause me hip issues on longer or faster runs.) It's check up at the physio time (or get back on the strenght routines you have not been doing ) 🙂⛔

[@its_Matt_B_]

Thanks, John! I’m glad this feels like just a minor issue. More of an inconvenience than an all out injury. I do my strength work on the reg, but clearly I need to focus on some specific areas!

[@stevez3332]

Matt first off great meeting u before the olympic trials this is Steve in St Pete.. I DNF my first marathon the st pete classic 2019 it was 80 sunny and humid, i didnt know how to run a marathon so i went out at the pace i was hoping to do at mile 17 i called my wife and said you can come get me im not walking 9 miles back from the tyrone mall to dtown. I was pretty upset over it for months but later did chicago that year and got over it. U made the right choice , live to fight another day. Great HR though considering it was sticky and humid out Yesterday morning.

[@its_Matt_B_]

Cheers, Steve! It was so great to meet you! Thanks for coming to say hi! I’m glad you got over your DNF. I’m pretty sure I’ll be able to put this one behind me! 😁

[@alanshrimpton6787]

Bad luck Matt. Not had a DNF yet but early days.

[@its_Matt_B_]

Cheers, Alan! This was my first DNF for a legit reason, so I’m not upset. It s what it is.

[@mawilliams777]

Travelling would effect it without a doubt, running around to different expos etc, none of it actually conducive to preparing for an event Matt. I have just been ill for nearly a month my HRV will take months to recover in Garmin!, Garmin needs some sort of input, in Connect, to say things like you have been ill or travelling etc.

[@its_Matt_B_]

Yeah, that would probably make it a little more accurate or explainable.

[@mawilliams777]

My hip hurts sporadically especially after spectating, driving, walking around and then running

[@Jay-sd9ye]

I just got over hip issues. I know that one is trouble. It took forever for my issues to go away. Give it rest. I haven't dnf yet. 🚫

[@its_Matt_B_]

Glad to hear you got over your hip issues and happy you haven’t had to take a DNF.

[@ahmadathoillah7498]

Very sad that you didnt make it for the marathon, but a good result for the half marathon. Maybe you can share about your hip flexor experience and how to prevent it in next race/training. I also had it and dont know how to deal with it.

[@its_Matt_B_]

Hi Ahmad! It's been two days since this race and I haven't run since. I don't feel anything with my hip flexor at the moment, but I wonder how it will be when I run fast again (it never bothered me when running slow). I'm not a physical therapist or doctor, so I don't know precisely how to deal with it, but I will be resting more and attempting to do more strengthening exercises.

[@akapantsusenpai181]

When my Garmin said "strained," it was because I wasn't getting enough quality sleep. Mind you, it was leading up to a big race. Fortunately, I didn't DNF, but it has forced me to consider getting more quality sleep during my training cycle. Hope your hip is better.

[@its_Matt_B_]

I’m think sleep has been the reason behind my “strained” status too. It’s said “strained” for a couple weeks so I guess it’s time to do something about it! I’m still feeling the hip this morning, but it’s not stopping me from doing anything (other than running). It feels like a muscle that needs to be stretched.

[@akapantsusenpai181]

@@its_Matt_B_ To be honest, I think the issue with my sleep was that I was running too hard on my "easy days" and not going back to bed after I wake up during the night without checking my phone. That's too bad about your hip, but maybe you just need a break.

[@eriktred]

I had a DNS this past weekend for a half. I run halfs in my sleep. I was trained, etc. However, I had PF come out of nowhere and since I have more marathons this year I made the decision not to run. And like most runners I have guilt and "what if's"

[@its_Matt_B_]

You made the right call. Live to run another day! I get the desire to just do it if it’s your first race, but when we’ve run so many it’s always going to be the best choice to show a little restraint.

[@eriktred]

@@its_Matt_B_ you are right I’ve run many races and I’m also not that young anymore, so I prioritize health and injury prevention over forcing myself to check another race box.

[@cmigotsky]

Sorry about the DNF, but you survived to run and race another day! ⛔ Any extra thoughts on the new Hoka Cielo X1? Heard it might have an OK (medium-wide) forefoot. Hate narrow toe boxes.

[@its_Matt_B_]

Thanks, Chris! The Cielo X1s performed well and definitely have that super shoe feel of forward propulsion. The toe box/forefoot is wider than a lot of other super shoes, but I have narrow feet so probably not the best judge.

[@MarkSmith_Best-Athletics]

I was going to ask similar ​@@its_Matt_B_ as to me it looked like the shoe wasn't really working as well for you as other shoes have, but perhaps that was solely down to your hip flexor issue? I have DNF in a 5 mile XC and shorter distances when I knew things just weren't right. Yet to happen in a Marathon but came close twice. Once at Running the Rift Marathon in Uganda just 5 and a half days after NYC Marathon. Also at the London Marathon in 2017 when I probably shouldn't have started the race after coming down with a stomach bug the night before. I had it coming out of both ends every hour between 8pm the evening before and 5:30am on race day morning. Also being a Type 1 Diabetic and it being in the days before I had access to Libre CGM sensors I have no idea how I managed to survive that day. Set off at a steady pace but from mile 10 to 18 was a struggle where I spent approx an hour and was helped on my way by 3 x At Johns Ambulance tents 🚑 Got around in just over 6 hours and look at that day + Uganda and think how/why.

[@MarkSmith_Best-Athletics]

​@@its_Matt_B_I was going to ask about the HOKAs too as from the video it looks to me like the shoe doesn't work for you as well as other shoes have done Matt. That might of course just be down to poor form due to the hip flexor issue though or was it contributing towards it (making matters worse)? Brave or silly to try a new shoe for Marathon distance knowing that you had concerns going into the race and perhaps weren't at full fitness?

[@MarkSmith_Best-Athletics]

I have definitely had a DNF at an approx 5+ mile XC race on frozen solid ground when I had peroneal tendinitis issues. I think that I have also pulled up on 5k's and other shorter distances and not finished. My funniest was probably last year when I was back runner marshall for the kids scores race in the town where I live - approx 2 mile race including a section of hills and steps (the old fishing scores). My blood glucose crashed (I am a Type 1 Diabetic) after I had smashed a 20+ mile long run that morning including a lot of MP miles. I was pounced on by some other local runners who were spectating and thought something isn't right here as I tried to keep up with the back runners. It hasn't happened in a Marathon or big race yet, although I came close to a DNF in London 2017 when I shouldn't have started the race. I had a stomach bug - was coming out of both ends from approx 8pm the evening before until 5:30 on race day morning. Without the help of 3 x St Johns Ambulance tents 🚑 between miles 10 and 19 I never would have got around that day. Took me just over 6 hours with over an hour of that spent with St Johns after I had set out at a very steady pace in an effort to just get around. It was a fight from around the halfway point to keep my blood glucose out of the hypoglycemic zone. Sometimes think of that as a greater achievement than any of my PB's. Hoping that I never put people through something like that again 🙏 Fingers crossed for a speedy and full recovery Matt 🤞

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@MarkSmith_Best-Athletics I’ve got no complaints about the shoe. It felt really good and had the softness/responsiveness I look for in a marathon shoe. As far as what they look like on my feet while running, my gait was definitely affected by my hip, so perhaps that’s it. Whether the decision to run was brave or silly is somewhat irrelevant to me; because I review running shoes there will be times when I need to race in a shoe when I’m not at peak fitness. Now I think about it, I suppose it boils down to the fact that I place a higher value on testing the shoe than a race performance. I’m generally not as concerned with how fast I run as much as giving a race my best effort. I wish I could give the Cielo X1s another go at the marathon, but there are other shoes that need testing. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@eric-running-to-chamonix]

⛔ Friendly reminder ... When you feel pain, it is too late for stretching and strengthening. Sleep. Maintain fitness but stay below pain onset.

[@its_Matt_B_]

This is a highly inconvenient reminder, Eric! 🤣 Thanks for the ⛔️!

[@WarneysWorld]

You sound like my favourite boxer ❤

[@its_Matt_B_]

😁 I get that a lot! It's a bit strange for me to hear C.E. speak!

[@WarneysWorld]

@@its_Matt_B_ I’m a new subscriber and relatively new runner. I’m doing my first half marathon in March (Cambridge) and have picked up a few niggles which feel like fatigue injuries along the way. Hope I don’t DNF - I would be gutted!! Gonna lay off training intensity for a bit

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@WarneysWorld Thanks for being a part of the channel, and good luck in the build up to Cambridge. Good idea to back off the intensity for a few days! You won’t loose any fitness but you will let those niggles heal! 💪🏽

[@tinalewis6782]

⛔️ You’ll do great on your next race!

[@its_Matt_B_]

Thanks, Tina! 🙂

[@jefflessenberry6632]

🚫 for not be grateful. You had a GREAT weekend! Did you finish the race? No, considering you only signed up 8 days ago it was not an A race and you made the effort which is more than most people can say. Wear the race shirt use it as a reminder of the day and what needs to be done in your A race.

[@its_Matt_B_]

Thanks, Jeff! The weekend was one of the best! All positive thoughts over the whole thing, DNF included.

[@filoIII]

Is "half 5" 0430 or 0530?

[@its_Matt_B_]

0530

[@slimnick6452]

Definitely a hard pill to swallow, but better to listen to your body than do more harm and set your training back further for future marathons. ⛔

[@its_Matt_B_]

Yeah, that was my thinking too! It sucks, but was (probably) the best outcome!

[@nathankramer2080]

⛔️

[@its_Matt_B_]

Thanks, Nathan! 👊🏽

[@Recyclerunner]

⛔

[@its_Matt_B_]

Cheers, Yoeri!

[@randenlewis152]

⛔⛔⛔

[@its_Matt_B_]

🙌🏽 Cheers, Randen!

[@mawilliams777]

🚫

[@its_Matt_B_]

My man! 👊🏽

[@randenlewis152]

⛔

[@mawilliams777]

Im leaving that right there!

[@Kelly_Ben]

Congrats on a fast half! Not the A goal, I know... but not the A race, either! It looks like it was a beautiful run, minus the hip pain, and now you've got another memory. PLEASE take care of that hip. Don't let that nasty niggle ruin a race you really care about! I've been lucky to only DNF in a 50k where you were allowed to drop distances to a 22 mile... which is good, because it's Jay Peak, absolutely brutal, and half the field dropped! 😂 I haven't yet had to DNF, but I'm sure it's coming. It's just a part of running.

[@its_Matt_B_]

Thank you, Kelly! I think perhaps I’ve played this up a little because (some) runners are so shocked by a DNF. There’s a reason I made the thumbnail like that! 🤣 As you say, it wasn’t a goal race, and I’m happy to say I haven’t lost a minute of sleep over it. It occurs to me that the consternation runners feel when they DNF may be because they realize after that perhaps they could have continued. My nonchalance over it is probably due to knowing I made the only correct choice.

[@chrisbates8943]

⛔️

[@its_Matt_B_]

Cheers, Chris! 🙌🏽