Sadly, I was unable to run the San Diego Rock n’ Roll Half Marathon yesterday. Starting around noon on Saturday I started to feel off. I went from feeling pretty great in the morning despite a short night of sleep (we attended a wedding on Friday night and then woke up early for Mike’s ACTIVEx Charity Challenge kickoff workout Saturday morning) to feeling pretty crappy within hours.
By noon, I was begging for a nap and figured that would bring me out of it. When I woke up from the nap, I knew something was wrong – I was achy, hot and then cold, and my stomach was starting to protest. I took my temperature and it was confirmed I had a mild temperature (99.5 at the worst). After doing research on when to call a doctor (over 100.3 from what I read), I just focused on resting and hydrating. By bedtime I was actually feeling better and the temperature was gone so I got my race stuff gathered, decided on a game plan for getting down to the race (Mike would drop me off) and went to bed, hoping for the best. However, in the middle of the night I woke up feeling awful, my fever was back and my stomach officially was NOT right and I knew immediately the race was off.
I couldn’t get back to sleep for about 2 hours and when I crawled into bed at 2 a.m., less than 2.5 hours before my alarm was set to go off, I turned the alarm off and told Mike we weren’t going to the race . It was a hard decision but the best one. I’ve learned the hard way that I can’t predict how my body will react during pregnancy and it certainly was not worth the risk to run the race. Not to mention, even if I were able to complete the race, running 13.1 miles would only further dehydrate and exhaust me.
It’s my first ever DNS (Did Not Show) but it definitely could be worse. I’ve never had the unfortunate experience of coming down with illness or an injury right before a key race (the fact that I’ve been training and racing as hard has I have for 4 years without a single DNS is actually pretty incredible!) and the fact that this was completely a “fun run” race for me made it easier to make the decision. Although I had trained for it, there wasn’t a PR or BQ on the line. Luckily, I wasn’t letting any training partner or running buddy down as I had no close friends or family racing, but I did miss the Oiselle pre-race meet-up.It was a disappointing turn of events as I was really looking forward to the day, but it’s the best decision.
I have no more races on my calendar for this year. That could change but as of now, I have no plans to sign up for anything. I’m almost 100% sure that I’ve never been in this situation – signed up for absolutely nothing – for over 4 years. My hope is that this time away from racing (and probably running soon), will renew my excitement and determination for the next training cycle. I’m looking at it as a mental break!
So what’s next then? I have some plans to keep myself busy and in shape until the baby arrives. I’ll discuss in my next post about my May recap and June goals in more detail, but the first order of business is the 30 day Squat Challenge (join me?!)!
Congrats to all my fellow Rock n’ Blog ambassador, Oiselle Team and all other RnR SD finishers! I hope the day went well for you – I’ll be out there with you next year!
Have you ever had to cancel on a race last minute?
I’m sorry that you weren’t there but glad you’re ok! I missed the meet up but met a “bird” on my way out. Hope to meet up again with you soon!
Congrats on your race ! And we definitely need a meet up soon- maybe even an easy run and brunch again.
Sounds like you did the right thing–I’m sure it was a hard decision to make but you’re making decisions for two now!
I had to laugh a little at your story because my alarm was set for 2:45. I used your promo code for my race entry so it’s kinda like you ran the race with me! Enjoy your racing break!
I’m glad you made it! And yes race wake up calls are ridiculous!!!
Hi there. I found your site though the post you did on rUNladylike. I also run for Oiselle and love meeting other teammates 🙂 I think you know you absolutely did the right thing, although I can imagine how you feel about your first DNS. This happened to me once at a race in NY I was running with my SIL. I woke up race morning with a horrible stomachache but I drove to the start with her and tried to run a little warm-up. It was horrible. I barely was able to drive myself home and crawl back into bed.
There will be so many more races and, once that baby arrives, the rest of the world will melt away 🙂
Thanks for reading! I’m always excited to meet more oiselle teammates too. I probably would have done what you did under normal circumstances (at least showed up to the race) but with baby on board not worth it!
I’m so sorry you weren’t able to make it to the start. That’s super disappointing when you’ve trained for something but you definitely made the right call. Hope you are feeling better.
Thanks Jen!
Way to listen to your body and do what’s best for you and your little one. Hope you are feeling better now!
Definitely the best decision! Not worth it!! I bet it was hard!! There are lots of years and races ahead of you!! 🙂
I DNS’d a big half-iron a couple of years ago. I was really really sad and crying! There is always another race!
I am SO sorry to hear that you were sick and unable to partake in the race. I get it. You made a smart decision and at this point it isn’t worth it to risk further illness or harm to your body/baby. Had it been a race that you were expecting to PR or had trained hard for, I’d imagine the decision would have been more frustrating. But because you leisurely trained and had no expectations going into the race, I’m sure it was easier to say no. Good for you!
I was sick a few weeks ago, so I think it is a very common time to get sick. Our bodies are working so hard right now to build a baby and I hear that these weeks are huge growing weeks for the little one.
P.S. Where did you get that adorable dress?!?
Yes we are so sensitive to illness right now!! I think every pregnant woman I know has gotten sick at some point sadly! The dress was borrowed/given to me from a friend of a friend ! I can look up the brand when I get and let u know if u want? It may be old though 🙁