Survey Says…

on March 25, 2011
in All Posts

This morning, I ran two miles to see if my quad felt 100% ready to run the DC National Half Marathon tomorrow.

IMG_1576

Survey says…

 

No.

IMG_1577

Drats!  I was so hoping that I would be ready, even though my massage therapist said there was only a 20% chance.  However, around Mile 1.0, my knee/leg started that familiar dull ache, so I slowed to a walk and swore I wouldn’t do the National Half.  I’m sad, but dropping out of a race is not the end of the world.

 

That doesn’t mean it’s not disappointing, of course!  Having to drop out of a race I paid nearly $100 for and am driving 6 hours to (I’m still going to DC) isn’t the best thing in the world.  But I will never sacrifice my body for one race.  I’ve done 32 races – I’m sure there will be many more in my future…

 

Like the Half Marathon next weekend in NYC!!! :)  I WILL be doing that race even if I walk the whole thing. 

 

Here’s my post on how to tell the difference between injury-pain and oh-my-goodness-I’m-kicking-butt-pain: Is This Pain Normal? 

 

Post-miserable run breakfast:

IMG_1582

Greek yogurt, raw oats, banana, blueberries.

 

Time to hit the road.  DC, here we come!

{ 106 comments }

 

  • Jenn @ LiveWellFitNow March 25, 2011, 9:15 am

    I love a woman who listens to her body. 🙂

    Hard decision, absolutely. The right decision, heck yes! Well done! Enjoy the DC energy!

  • Angela @ MyPinkyToes March 25, 2011, 9:17 am

    I’m so so so so so sorry! But you are right…you don’t want to sacrifice your body.
    Have fun with all those other bloggers/runners in DC!

  • Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) March 25, 2011, 9:19 am

    Tough decision, but good to do what’s best for your body!

    Have fun in DC!

  • Michelle March 25, 2011, 9:19 am

    Boo but it’s good you’re doing what’s best. And you’ll kick booty in NYC!!!

  • Lara March 25, 2011, 9:20 am

    I’m sorry you won’t be able to race 🙁 But it sounds like you’re making the right decision- better rest a bit now than risk further injury. And I’m sure you’ll kill that NY half!

    I’m actually running the full marathon in DC tomorrow (my 1st one!) and I’m totally freaking out with nervousness! But I have to say that reading your blog and other running blogs helps calm me a bit, so thanks for that 🙂

    • Caitlin March 25, 2011, 10:08 pm

      Good luck Lara! You’ll do GREAT 🙂 🙂 🙂

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat March 25, 2011, 9:20 am

    I think you’re making the right decision. Drive safe and have a fantastic time! 🙂

  • Freya March 25, 2011, 9:22 am

    Oh I’m so sorry 🙁 But you’re doing the right thing, for sure – running through injury is always the worst thing to do! I did it earlier this year and am soo paying the consequences now 🙁
    Next weekend will be awesome!

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday March 25, 2011, 9:22 am

    Have a great time in DC this weekend!

  • Lucy @ The Sweet Touch March 25, 2011, 9:23 am

    I think it’s awesome that you are still going to support everyone else! If I remember right, I think Emily is going to be cheering on the sidelines too.

    Have a safe trip!

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin March 25, 2011, 9:25 am

    I think its very good that you’re listening to your body. I’ll be looking for you in the sidelines!! Now you can keep Emily company at least! =)

  • Holly @ The Runny Egg March 25, 2011, 9:25 am

    I’m sure you’ll have tons of fun in DC this weekend. And good for you for knowing that you could seriously hurt yourself if you tried to run. I’d probably be too stubborn and end up injuring myself.

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine March 25, 2011, 9:26 am

    It’s a tough call, but it’s probably best for you long term. I’m signed up for the half in NYC next weekend and was going to pull out since I can’t run, but hadn’t even thought about walking it…if you end up doing that I’ll happily be your buddy!!

  • Elizabeth@The Sweet Life March 25, 2011, 9:27 am

    what a bummer. good for you for listening to your body!!

  • Melissa March 25, 2011, 9:28 am

    I’m sorry that you can’t run tomorrow, I will look for you in the crowds (i’m bib number 13577). And will be out cheering at NYC, so let me know your number once you pick it up. Also, are you going to have an NYC meet-up?

    • Caitlin March 25, 2011, 10:08 pm

      Hi there!!! 🙂 Thank you so much. I’ll be around mile 3 and 10. I don’t think we’re going to do an NYC meet up but we’re having one tomorrow so email me for details!

  • Meg March 25, 2011, 9:28 am

    Kudos to you for listening to your body! I’m sorry, though, I’m sure the trip will be SO enjoyable, still 🙂

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) March 25, 2011, 9:29 am

    Sorry Caitlin. I was really hoping it would get better for you. I’m sure if you take care of yourself now, it will make future races better. Have fun on your trip! It sounds like a lot of people are heading that way. Have a safe drive.

  • Brittany March 25, 2011, 9:30 am

    don’t fret! sometimes we have injury because our body is trying to tell us something. I think that this might seem like a failure now…but it will open other doors for you down the road…JUST WAIT AND SEE 🙂

  • Jen March 25, 2011, 9:30 am

    Sorry you can’t run the race, but it’s better that you’re not pushing your quad. I hope you still have a great time! I’m sure you will. I’m also sure you’ll kick ass in future races!

  • Beth @ 990 Square March 25, 2011, 9:31 am

    Caitlin, I’m sorry to hear it didn’t work out 🙁 I’m so glad you can listen to your body. Unfortunately my problem (tendonitis) just like to be cranky ALL the time, so it’s hard to stop completely.

  • Faith @ lovelyascharged March 25, 2011, 9:33 am

    You’ll still have a blast in DC I’m sure!

    If you have a chance you should totally go to Busboys and Poets – it’s a vegan/veg-friendly art cafe that I went CRAZY for when I went this summer…you should have a vegan quesadilla for me 😉

  • Liz March 25, 2011, 9:34 am

    So sorry you had to drop out 🙁 Still you should pick up your $100 shirt from the expo if you get here in time!

    • bakingnbooks March 25, 2011, 11:11 am

      LOL – $100? You better get there in time!

      Love your positivity about the whole thing!

  • Michelle@crazyrunninglegs March 25, 2011, 9:35 am

    What a bummer! I am frustrated for you. I was really hoping that it would heal! Enjoy your time in DC — I’m sure it will be hard watching everyone race, but it’s definitely better than pushing yourself too hard.

  • Amanda- The Nutritionist Reviews March 25, 2011, 9:43 am

    I love your wedding rings!

  • Maryea {Happy Healthy Mama} March 25, 2011, 9:43 am

    I’m really sorry you aren’t able to run this weekend, Caitlin. 🙁 It sounds like you are making the smart choice, though. I hope you have a fun weekend despite the disappointment!

  • Ellen March 25, 2011, 9:44 am

    Caitlin!
    So sorry to hear you cant run – that’s so disappointing.. but so SMART! It’s all about the long-term body sustainability, girl! Will you be cheering? If so, at what mile marker do you think you will be at?

    I’ve lived in DC forever (and been a loyal blog reader of your for like 4 years, wow!) I’m racing the Half Mara and I’d love to look forward to “spotting” you on the sidelines! I think it would feel like spotting a celebrity! lol.

    I’ll be the gal trying to to run 7:30s in the white DC Triathlon tshirt 🙂

    Ellen

    • Caitlin March 25, 2011, 10:07 pm

      I hope we run into each other! I’ll be at mile 3 and 10…. If you want deets about the meet up, email me!

  • chris March 25, 2011, 9:47 am

    to bad you cant run the race but better to get fully healthy now then do more damage that may keep you out long term

  • Marisa E March 25, 2011, 9:49 am

    Sorry you can’t run this weekend’s half 🙁 Have a safe trip and a great weekend!!

  • Karen @ Run Shop Travel March 25, 2011, 9:50 am

    Aw that stinks! I am recently sidelined with a stress fracture in my foot so I won’t be running for at least a few weeks – I am missing 3 races including the NYC one that you are doing next week! So bummed but I’ll manage. I want to go cheer people on for that race and at least get my t-shirt. Def need to do a blogger meet up while you’re in NYC!

  • Jennifer@ knackfornutrition March 25, 2011, 9:50 am

    Sorry to hear you can’t run the race. I actually had to drop out too. Not because of injury, but because the flights cost wayyyy to much from here to there. At least you still get to cheer everyone on! I am going to sorely miss out, so I will be looking forward to your recaps!

  • Khushboo March 25, 2011, 9:56 am

    Beat decision! U rathe miss one half marathon than entirely miss out on half-marathons in the future! One situation where ‘no pain no gain’ just doesn’t cut it!

  • Jess March 25, 2011, 9:56 am

    Aaaw I’m so sorry! But great job for listening to your body and resting instead! Good luck in NY!!

  • rebecca lustig March 25, 2011, 9:58 am

    i’m glad youre honoring your body and its needs! have a great trip to d.c.!

  • Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table March 25, 2011, 10:02 am

    so sorry to hear you’re not going to be able to do it. that’s got to be a hard choice – kudos on making the right decision for your body. on the bright side – DC is an awesome city to spend time in. cupcakes abound!

  • Kelly March 25, 2011, 10:05 am

    Sorry you have to drop out of the race, but I’m very excited to meet you tomorrow night!

  • Anna March 25, 2011, 10:05 am

    Sorry to hear about your drop-out, but I’m sure the NYC race will be all the more enjoyable for it. Hope you packed your coat cause it’s FREEZING here in DC today!

  • jen @ taste life March 25, 2011, 10:13 am

    Good for you for listening to your body. I know it sucks, but it’s just one little blip in the road.

  • Ashley @ Feeding Ashley March 25, 2011, 10:18 am

    That sucks that you have to drop out. But at least you can be there to cheer, and there is alway s NY.

  • Michele @ Healthy Cultivations March 25, 2011, 10:22 am

    I can hear (read) your disappointment and frustration. I also admire your commitment to yourself and your leadership as a public persona to make the best decision for your body — you could have pushed through, but it wouldn’t have been good for you. There will be many more races in which to participate. Have fun as a cheerleader!

  • Kara March 25, 2011, 10:38 am

    That sucks!! Make sure you pack some super warm stuff if you are going to watch, it’s going to be a cold one!

  • Joanna@ Drizzle of Sunshine March 25, 2011, 10:42 am

    I know exactly how you feel. 🙁 My first 5K is this weekend and I came down with the flu. It’s all in my chest and I feel like death right now! I’m so depressed that I can’t train or run my race.

    I’m sorry you can’t run yours either. But I’m glad you’re still going to make the most out of it! Have fun on your trip love!

  • Katie @ peacebeme March 25, 2011, 10:51 am

    Caitlin, I think you made the right decision, and also set a really good example for everyone who reads this! 🙂

    • Katie @ peacebeme March 25, 2011, 11:05 am

      Hope you heal quickly, I know you will because you are taking care of it! 🙂

  • alli March 25, 2011, 10:52 am

    i’m sorry! but i think it’s very admirable that you are listening to your body!!! 🙂

    unrelated note: i’ve tried the grilled banana sandwich, but unfortunately i can’t stomach it. BUT i’m eating and loving this right now: http://www.neverhomemaker.com/2010/05/double-dipped-vegan-french-toast.html
    you should try it! i think you’d like it! 🙂

    have a fun weekend!!!

  • Kristina March 25, 2011, 10:54 am

    Good to listen to your body! Soory about not being able to race…hope you feel better soon

  • Ashley March 25, 2011, 10:55 am

    Have a blast in DC anyways! You’re doing the right thing!!!

  • skinnyrunner March 25, 2011, 10:55 am

    good for you to listen to your body even when you want to tell it to shut its face.
    have a fun weekend!

    • Caitlin March 25, 2011, 10:06 pm

      this made me LOL

  • Ash @ Good Taste Healthy Me March 25, 2011, 10:56 am

    Sorry to hear you can’t race! But yay for DC. I absolutely love love love going there! It’s one of my favorite vacation spots!

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) March 25, 2011, 10:58 am

    Awww sorry to hear you are still sore, but you have a great attitude about it! You will be fine for NY! Have fun in DC!

  • Kris March 25, 2011, 11:02 am

    Sorry you can’t run; that’s disappointing. Have a great time in DC; see the cherry blossoms (and stay warm)!

  • Camille March 25, 2011, 11:04 am

    That’s great that you are still going to DC even if you aren’t running! Have fun!

  • ashleigh March 25, 2011, 11:14 am

    Aww sorry you won’t be running! At least you have such a positive attitude and another race next week! Have fun in Dc

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing March 25, 2011, 11:48 am

    I’m so sorry 🙁 But you know you’re doing the right thing!

  • betty@runbetty March 25, 2011, 11:48 am

    I’m so sorry!

    I totally just ate the EXACT same breakfast! Yum 🙂

  • Stace March 25, 2011, 11:52 am

    Sorry to hear you can’t run but you will make a great cheerleader! I love raw oats too but mixed in frozen yogurt! I sometimes will get plain vanilla in a cup at a place near my house and bring it home and add my own toppings like raw oats! so good.

  • Mary (What's Cookin' with Mary) March 25, 2011, 12:15 pm

    AW man! I was hoping you’d be back to your old self for this race 🙁 …but happy you’ll still be doing your NYC one.

  • Beth @ DiningAndDishing March 25, 2011, 12:15 pm

    Well…at least you still get to come to DC! Have a great time Caitlin, it is a wonderful city! 🙂

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin March 25, 2011, 12:18 pm

    Aww I’m sorry you must be so bummed! But you’re definitely making the right choice to put your body first. 🙂

  • Kelly March 25, 2011, 12:18 pm

    I already tweeted this to you but I am so proud of you for listening to your body and making the hard (but right) decision!

  • Cristin March 25, 2011, 12:26 pm

    This sucks! But you’re doing the right thing. Whenever I have gotten an injury (like the broken toe three days before the race) my husband reminds me that there are Olympic athletes who have to drop out due to injury and they trained their whole lives for the event! It puts it in perspective a little bit and reminds me that it could be worse! Also, it makes me feel a bit like a “real” athlete. 🙂

    Have fun in DC while you’re there!

  • Amber K March 25, 2011, 12:33 pm

    I’m so sorry! But good for you for listening to your body!! Have a great trip 🙂

  • Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope March 25, 2011, 12:38 pm

    Good idea to check it out, but sorry the verdict was no. 🙁 Love how you’re staying positive though… it’s worth it to make sure your physical health is put first!

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey March 25, 2011, 12:50 pm

    Just think of the fun you will have with the rest of the blogging buddies that will be in DC!!! Now you can let loose and not think about a race. 😉

  • Kacy March 25, 2011, 12:56 pm

    Yay for spectating! You will have so much fun!

  • Sarah @ The Pajama Chef March 25, 2011, 12:58 pm

    sorry you can’t run but good decision. you’ll still have a blast!

  • Sam @ the neurotic yogini March 25, 2011, 1:02 pm

    good for you taking a rest instead of going forward and possibly injuring yourself! you can’t win (or run) ’em all! keep resting up and NYC will be amazing!! 🙂

  • Jacy March 25, 2011, 1:14 pm

    I am so sorry to hear about you having to drop out. The good news: it builds character! Ok, so that’s the last thing you want to hear. You will have so much fun watching your friends run, being #1 cheerleader and not have to worry about the race. I have decided to see a podiatrist regarding my plantar fasciitis. I want to make sure it’s nothing more serious. I am going to try doing a duathlon tomorrow (2 mile run on the beach, 8 mile bike on seawall and 2 mile run on the beach again). I am hoping to grin and bear the pain. Fingers crossed I don’t have to take months off from training. Have a great weekend, girl!

    • Caitlin March 25, 2011, 10:06 pm

      I hope you feel better!

  • Christina March 25, 2011, 1:18 pm

    It’s always such a bummer to miss out on a race but you’re totally right! It isn’t worth it to sacrifice your body which may hurt you even more in the long run.

    On the bright side, when you get better- you can come back stronger!

  • Jamie @ Food in Real Life March 25, 2011, 1:33 pm

    Sorry you won’t be able to run it Caitlin 🙁 but I admire you for respecting your body enough not to push it! I will be running the race tomorrow, so feel free to yell at any girl named Jamie that you see. I’ll really need the support! Safe travels!

  • Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun March 25, 2011, 1:35 pm

    Oh, bummer on the leg and not being able to run. I’m glad you’re taking the safe approach though and at least you know you will still have an amazing time.

  • Amanda March 25, 2011, 1:36 pm

    What a bummer! I’m sorry you can’t do the half this weekend : ( But at least you were honest with yourself and didn’t try to run it anyways. That could set you back…

    Here’s to kicking ass in NYC! (I so failed at giving up swearing for lent…)

  • Natalia - a side of simple March 25, 2011, 1:40 pm

    Sorry you’ve had to drop out, especially with all that you’ve put into it. But it’s so great that you’re listening to your body and staying so motivated. Your friends will so appreciate you being there to cheer them on! And just think, soon enough you’ll be in the tropics, where pain does not exist 🙂

  • Elise March 25, 2011, 1:44 pm

    i agree that listening to your body is very important! sad that you had to drop out, but glad you’re doing your body justice! and at least the post-miserable run breakfast was delicious, as is anything with blueberries 🙂

  • Michelle March 25, 2011, 1:45 pm

    sell your bib on craigslist!!! last time i had to drop out of my half, i ended up selling my registration for the price i paid (to be fair) on craigslist, although i was offered way more than what i paid for it (the race was sold out). granted, there are moral considerations here, but the girl i sold it to was so happy to have the opportunity to run her first half with her friend, i felt good about it in the end. the only downside is now her time is under my name for that one half online, but really, what does that matter?

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife March 25, 2011, 2:03 pm

    that is a HARD decision!! I am so sorry 🙁 Have a good drive!!

  • Sarah March 25, 2011, 2:14 pm

    I’m so proud of you for being able to listen to and respect your body! It is very inspiring and will only set you up for success in the future 🙂

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) March 25, 2011, 2:21 pm

    So sorry you won’t be able to do the race. Have a good weekend regardless!

  • Michelle March 25, 2011, 2:29 pm

    So impressed that you listen to your body- That is operation beautiful in action!!!!

    • Caitlin March 25, 2011, 10:05 pm

      yay!

  • Johanna B March 25, 2011, 2:30 pm

    Sorry to hear you won’t be able to run the race. Hope that being part of the cheering crowd and spending time with friends in DC will make up for it somehow. Enjoy what you can and look forward to NY.

  • Nikki @ BareFootPrint March 25, 2011, 2:35 pm

    Sorry to hear that you wont be racing this weekend. It sucks to drop out but its better that you know your body well enough that you know it wouldnt be ok to run. Careful NYC Caitlin is coming to town 🙂

  • Ellie@fitforthesoul March 25, 2011, 2:51 pm

    Hmm Caitlin! how about if you give your RACE spot to someone else? is that allowed? Like, someone who is ready and willing? sorry if that’s the worst idea ever! just seemed like it MIGHT work haha

    • Caitlin March 25, 2011, 10:05 pm

      It’s not allowed 🙁 or I totally would!

  • Amanda March 25, 2011, 2:59 pm

    I am sooo sorry you can not run:( I hate injuries!! ALthough I must say that you dropping out to let your body heal is admirable and a great example. I think I often push myself to the limit and really there is no reason too! All this resting and you are sure to be good as new in no time!!

  • Julie (A Case of the Runs) March 25, 2011, 3:05 pm

    Have fun in DC!

    Cheering is also very fun. I opted out of a couple of races before to cheer/volunteer, which was actually very fun. For once, I got to support others and give back for all those times when I was a participant!

  • Verna March 25, 2011, 3:34 pm

    Sorry you don’t get to run! Good job on listening to your body, though, even when it’s saying what you don’t want to hear! ; ) Have a good trip anyway!

  • Sarah (Running To Slow Things Down) March 25, 2011, 4:26 pm

    So sorry you can’t run tomorrow! However, BRAVO to your positive attitude! Just one more reason why you’re such a wonderful inspiration. 😀

  • Emily March 25, 2011, 4:49 pm

    I know that it’s disappointing but happy that you’re listening to the signals and not pushing your limits.

  • Maryann (The Balanced Bean) March 25, 2011, 4:53 pm

    Its better to be smart than injure yourself. NYC will be more fun anyway 🙂

  • Kristen March 25, 2011, 5:25 pm

    sorry to hear about your quad! have fun in DC !

  • Emma (Namaste Everyday) March 25, 2011, 5:27 pm

    hang in there Caitlin! you are doing the right thing!

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss March 25, 2011, 6:25 pm

    Good for you for listening to your body. 🙂

  • hallie savannah March 25, 2011, 7:27 pm

    I think this is a good decision Caitlin. And though you’ll be on the sideline cheering on your friends, you’ll have lots of people cheering you on not only in NYC, but in life through the comments on the blog. We’re all behind you!

  • Julia March 25, 2011, 7:31 pm

    I don’t want this to come off as rude or offensive but I feel this must be said. A massage therapist is hardly qualified to diagnose an injury. While they are somewhat trained in the musculoskeletal system, it is inappropriate and not within his scope of practice to say you pulled your quad. I don’t mean to bash the profession but I’d hate to see you take what he said to be 100 percent true.

    • Caitlin March 25, 2011, 10:04 pm

      Well, for whatever this injury is, the only cure is rest so I guess it doesn’t matter either way!

  • Alyssa March 25, 2011, 8:42 pm

    I’m so sad for you but very impressed with your wise attitude. I am volunteering at National (near RFK and mile 13) and it is my DREAM COME TRUE to see you and meet you so if a crazy redheaded stalker girl runs up to you screaming your name it’s me! I love your blog and have been reading for years!

    • Caitlin March 25, 2011, 10:03 pm

      Thank you so much Alyssa! You are so cute. I hope we spot each other – if you want deets about the meet up, email me!

  • Lindsey March 25, 2011, 9:00 pm

    I totally feel your pain! I registered for a half marathon on April 10th and I can’t run it because of an injury. It totally sucks. Have fun cheering at the race! It’s always fun to watch races too.

  • Stephanie March 25, 2011, 9:29 pm

    I’m sorry. You must be so disappointed…but it’s important to take care of yourself! Besides…it will probably be a lot of fun to cheer the other runners on!

  • Katherine: Unemployed March 26, 2011, 1:05 pm

    you are setting such a good example by listening to your body! sorry to hear about the disappointment

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