Yep, that was the last words I heard during today’s Donadea 50K run… Unfortunately I have finished my race just after one lap – 5 km. After last week struggle with injuries – hamstring and shin splint I thought that maybe there is small, tiny chance of running… I was wrong.
Yesterday I was still hopeful and was thinking just going down to Donadea and decide there if I will be able to run. Today morning I was feeling actually great. Leg was ok, head in the right place. All good. So, I drove down to Kildare. Registration, car, changing clothes. In the back of the head still idea that I have injury which can stop me. Decided to think positive. Will run as good as I can. Talked little bit with friends. Little bit different crowd than on MCI runs. As I was looking at runners and saw that most of them was aiming for good time I started to have doubts about me running. Is it better to DNF or DNS. Ok, decision made. I’m running, trying to do my best. Today was my speed session day, so should run 12.5 miles faster. And after that I could slow down. Plan…
All went well on the beginning. First 2 km no problems. IBS has recently cleared, no uncomfortable colon, legs ok. But not long after that I felt pain in my shin. It was back. Morning pain killers didn’t do the trick. Ouch, painful. Decided that will make the decision on the 4 km mark. If pain will be bearable I will continue but if the pain will be same I will just finish. No point in going for next lap limping. And kilometre number 4 came. It was painful. Decision made. Finishing. Damn. Nationals 50 K and I have to DNF. But no injury is worth taking a risk. I could finish now and hopefully be back stronger earlier. Probably last year I would continue and risk bad time and longer break on the sideline.
*** BREAKING NEWS *** Gary O’Hannlon won Donadea (him winning is not a NEWS) with new Irish record of 2:56 for 50K. I wish I could run marathon in that time. Congrats Gary…
To summarize… Pissed off that I’m injured and my preparations are again off the track. Happy that I wasn’t continue the run risking bigger injury upset.
But, putting asides my problems I need to say that Donadea 50 K Nationals is a great event, super organized by Anthony Lee and Donadea AC. And as usual everyone, including me, pissed about my injury, had a ball. Guess what? I will be back next year…
Well done Alan, you will definitely be back stronger and the decision to stop will just make sure you are back sooner rather than later
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Thanks for that post Alan. Last year suffering Plantar Fasciitis I limped home 1 min after the cut off time. Donadea is my home event and I was determined all year to make it right. With only 1 week to go I was hit with a flu, muscle aches, exhaustion etc but like you had the hope that adrenaline and determination would carry me. 50k is a long way to be carried though at on lap 5 with the echo of Anto’d “man the F up” ringing in my ear I lay down at the side of the track. Too dizzy and week even to walk. My first ever DNF left me crying on the phone when I called my wife and told her not to come and cheer me home.
Still, the event is pure class. The course fantastic. The crew brilliant. A young lady by the name of Rhonda walked me back from the lake to the cafe and was a great help, summing up the spirit of Donadea.
Your post shows that front, mid and rear field runners all have our own challenges. I am gutted to have a DNF against my name…I owe Anto a proper result next year.
You made the right call and didn’t aggravate it , which is sometimes a very hard decision. Good luck in your recovery
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Super alan
Tough decision but the right call, you’ll be back.
Take a break and you will be flying again in no time Alan
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Sorry to hear that dude but it was a very wise decision witch most people would not have made and kept going and be out for the year hopefully you’ll be back fitter and stronger than ever soon …
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Ahh you know you made the right choice … Get well soon …
Rest Alan, REST, one step back tow steps forward.
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