In my last post, I lamented about straining my hamstring in my left leg and wondered if I would be healed in time to run the race I have this weekend. Well, as I did my best to let it heal, I thought that I could probably give running the 15.5 miles of trail racing a go. But yesterday, during another 5-mile walk, the short little jogging efforts I did told me I should probably not attempt racing. So, I sent the race director an email and let him know that my strained hammie was going to keep me from running his race. I got a nice note back from him, and the promise of a 50% refund to be applied to another of his races next year.
It’s rare for me to not start a race that I had already signed up for. I think that I have only done that once before, when some nasty passing thunderstorms made me turn around for home on my way to the race. I got home and regretted my decision because they just delayed the race an hour and still did it – without me. I told myself not to bail on a race ever again. But with the injury I have been trying to get over not cooperating, and the fact that I like to race as hard as I can, I knew that I was making a good decision by dropping out. I’d rather have a DNS (did not start) next to my name than a DNF (did not finish) or DSQ (disqualified).
So that will end the racing year for me. My racing had some good variety in it this year, and I think I did pretty well at all of my events. I’m already signed up for Ironman Rockford 70.3 in June, and Broken Anvil Backyard Ultra in September. I might look for something new to try between those two events.
Time to keep walking as a running substitute until the hamstring issue is over, and I will definitely get on my gravel bike for some rides as long as the weather holds out.
