DNF is what we runners call a race that we Did Not Finish.
The Luneta to Tagaytay 60km Ultramarathon last Feb 25-26, 2023 was my first DNF since I started running 15 years ago. My running buddy and I decided to stop at Km 47.
Well, as the saying goes—there’s always a first time heheheh . .
For those who already conquered an 80km Ultramarathon in the past (like yours truly), does it follow that they could easily finish the measly 60km?
Sadly, it is non-sequitur. So, what did I do wrong? There are many actually:
1. While others swear that Undertraining is better than Overtraining, for me intensive training is still the best. I trained for almost 7 months for my first 60km Ultramarathon. This time, it only took me 4 months to prepare. I was then 59. Now I’m 64. I obviously undertrained.
2. I should have run more hills. Again, lack of proper training.
3. I should have done more tempo runs (pace faster than the actual race pace).
4. I should have religiously done at least 1 Strengthening Training a week.
5. I should have done more back-to-back Long Runs.
6. I should have brought a tennis ball to roll my foot on, when plantar fasciitis strikes. I failed to foresee that I might be suddenly attacked by plantar fasciitis. Negligence on my part.
7. I should have done more heat trainings. Rain was pouring cats and dogs in my first 60km Ultra but last Feb. 26, the heat was intensely unbearable.
8. I should have done proper CarboLoading before the race.
9. I should have gotten enough sleep.
10. In my first 60km Ultra, I was already injured at Km 7 but I still finished the race. Why? What was the one motivating factor that propelled me to go beyond my limits? It’s because I was then running for the benefit of the Down Syndrome Association of the Phils. Inc. (DSAPI). So many pledges came from generous people who would donate for every km that I ran. So quitting then was NOT an option for me. I had to finish the race to support the families of children with Down Syndrome for them to enjoy better lives. This time, I purposely did not seek pledges because I was reserving it for my supposedly 100km race at age 65 (I am now wondering if this dream could ever be a reality . . .).
(Thanks for dropping by. For comments, please email me at ndelr62@gmail.com or we can chat via Messenger. Stay safe everyone!)
