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Shamrock Marathon Race Recap

March 17, 2014 By: Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC55 Comments

Wellllll, where shall I start? Y’all know I don’t believe in burying the lead, so here’s the long and the short of it: I came down with a stomach bug Friday night, spent all of Friday night and some of Saturday morning getting sick, couldn’t really eat much on Saturday and had to pull out of the marathon at mile 17. 

Yep. That happened. Let’s back up, though. Friday night I got together with a couple girlfriends to finally watch the Bachelor finale (ugh) and eat dinner. We had a great time, but right before they left my stomach started feeling funny. I went to bed, all packed for my big race weekend and hoping to get a good night’s sleep. Suffice to say, that didn’t happen. I was up every couple hours from about 1am until I got out of bed for good around 7. I was sick all night and woke up feeling and looking awful. I briefly thought about not even going to VA Beach because I felt so awful (at first I thought it might have been what I ate, but now I’m convinced I picked up a bug), but decided to hope that it was a quick bug and that I’d be okay.

So I loaded into Mar’s car and we headed off for the beach! I threw up one more time on the drive down (y’all Mar is a good friend) and then just tried to keep it together until we got to the expo.The expo was easy to get through and we didn’t spend much time there. I wanted to rest before the Oiselle team dinner (more on that tomorrow). I should’ve paid attention to the fact that just walking through half of the expo exhausted me. But, hey hindsight is 20/20, right?

expo pic

Anyway, back to the race. I knew it was going to be hard – I could barely eat anything on Saturday and I knew I was still dehydrated. I went to bed at about 8pm Saturday night and hoped for the best. I woke up Sunday morning feeling a bit better and full of adrenaline. I was going to do this. Check me out in my throwaway sweats ready to go:

race throw away sweats

It was chilly (and WINDY) and I knew that’d be a factor as well. I was a bit concerned about my energy and fuel level and about the fact that I was still sick. I put a smile on my face, met up with Julie and her crew and toed the start line of my second marathon. I could tell that I was going to have a tough day but I tried to just not focus on that. The miles ticked off and while I kept pushing, I was definitely concerned about those late miles. My legs felt great – however, everything waist up felt awful. I kept pushing and around mile 12, I saw my BRF and she snapped this pic:

mile 12

This was about mile 12 and seeing Mar pumped me up for a bit. I kept on trucking and kept feeling worse and worse. Around mile 15, I actually started feeling dizzy and woozy and pulled off the course to use a port a potty. I was sick again and started to panic. By mile 17, I felt like I was going to pass out. I ran past a bathroom at mile 17, decided I needed to rest for a second, turned around and ran back to the bathroom and then when I came out of the bathroom, a couple of race officials came over and told me I didn’t look so good and did I need help. I really wanted to just push on but by that point, I felt terrible and honestly just didn’t  think that I could finish without potentially passing out. So, I didn’t. For the first time ever, I did not finish a race that I started.

I am incredibly disappointed and sad that this marathon didn’t happen the way I expected. It’s such a bummer to have gotten sick (I still feel terrible, which makes me wonder how I even ran those 17 miles) and it kills me because my legs felt great. I’m proud of even attempting the race, but honestly, I wish I would’ve just dropped down to the half marathon. This is obviously not the race recap I expected to write, but hey, things happen and I’m learning to keep it all in perspective.

Have you ever DNF’ed a race? 


Comments

  1. Amber @ Fit, Foodie Runs says

    March 17, 2014 at 10:32 am

    Ugh, Courtney! I’m so sorry you had the belly bug! GROSS! I was really hoping it was going to be a quick one.

    None-the-less, you have unbelievable dedication. You go girl! Hope you’re on the upside of things. It was great to finally meet you. Sick or not, you are beautiful 🙂
    Amber @ Fit, Foodie Runs recently posted…Shamrock Expo RecapMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      March 17, 2014 at 10:34 am

      AMBER! Thank you so much — it was GREAT to meet you and I hope you are feeling better — you are SUCH a trooper working the booth like crazy! xx

      Reply
  2. Lauren says

    March 17, 2014 at 10:38 am

    Oh you POOR THING! I’m so sorry you were sick 🙁 At least you looked adorable!

    I DNF’ed my first marathon at mile 15.5 with heat stroke. I was devastated and embarrassed (and hot and tired…) but the best advice I got in those precious few days after that first DNF was “live to run another day”. There will be other races that don’t involve pepto or ginger ale!

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      March 17, 2014 at 11:41 am

      Thanks Lauren! UGH heat stroke — how awful — that is great advice though. Thanks for sharing your story!

      Reply
  3. CK says

    March 17, 2014 at 10:42 am

    Keep your head up, lady! You fought the good fight and did your best- ain’t no shame there. I hope you are back to 100% soon!
    CK recently posted…RnR USA Race RecapMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      March 17, 2014 at 1:36 pm

      Thanks so much!

      Reply
  4. Jennifer says

    March 17, 2014 at 10:43 am

    Courtney so sorry that marathon weekend did not turn out how you imagined! I am amazed you got through 17 miles, despite how you were feeling. I am impressed race officials noticed your condition. Hope you are feeling better, you are still a rockstar and so inspirational! Take care!
    Jennifer recently posted…Rock ‘n’ Roll USA Half Marathon RecapMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      March 17, 2014 at 1:37 pm

      thanks jenny — i’m glad i decided to turn around and head back to the bathroom right at the mile 17 marker. congrats on saturday’s race!

      Reply
  5. Mar @ Mar on the Run! says

    March 17, 2014 at 10:44 am

    I am so, so very proud of you!! You are a rock star no matter what and I’m glad you made the decision that was BEST for your body rather then push it out and end up waaaay worse. I would have hated to get that text. Love you BRF!! and we WILL run a marathon together someday. This just wasn’t in the cards for us 🙂
    Mar @ Mar on the Run! recently posted…Friday Five: Off to the Races!!My Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      March 17, 2014 at 1:41 pm

      awwwwww – seriously A MILLION thanks for everything involving this weekend BRF! it wasn’t in the cards and maybe that’s bc we’re supposed to run one together! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Lindsey says

    March 17, 2014 at 11:05 am

    I hope you start feeling better! Hopefully some of that ocean air got into you and will fix you right up! You are seriously incredible for running 17 miles feeling like crap! Go girl!
    Lindsey recently posted…Final Stretch!My Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      March 17, 2014 at 1:42 pm

      thanks lindsey 🙂 hope you had a GREAT race!

      Reply
  7. Ariana says

    March 17, 2014 at 11:18 am

    What a bummer! I have to say first, good for you for still trying to get it done and then secondly and even more so, listening to your body and knowing when it was time to stop (stop, NOT quit). We all know how hard that is for us runners to do 😉 Your next races will feel like a breeze compared to this for sure! Hope you’re feeling back to 100% very soon.
    Ariana recently posted…My Advice to First Time RacersMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      March 17, 2014 at 1:44 pm

      thanks so much ariana! i appreciate the kind words!

      Reply
  8. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

    March 17, 2014 at 11:18 am

    I’m so sorry to hear that you got sick, Courtney, but I’m beyond amazed that you made it through 17 miles without having to pull out. It was best for you to listen to your body instead of trying to push even harder and potentially making things worse.

    As you said, its important to keep everything in perspective. You already know that the past two weeks haven’t gone as I planned, and that my half on Saturday definitely didn’t go as I expected it to. There will be more races, and you and Mar will run a full together.
    Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Rock ‘n’ Roll USA Half Marathon Training Log – Week 8My Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      March 17, 2014 at 1:46 pm

      hey kathryn — thanks for stopping by! you are right. sometimes there are things that happen that are out of our control and as frustrating as that is, we have to pick up and adjust. congrats again on your race saturday — great job after a rough couple weeks!

      Reply
  9. Amy Lauren says

    March 17, 2014 at 12:38 pm

    I saw your blog on the FitFluential linkup so I am new here.

    So sorry you had to DNF the marathon :(. I know it hurts but you’re right, there will be more races and it’s best that you listened to your body so that you didn’t get sicker and feel worse, potentially hurting yourself for another race. You seem like a really tough girl and runners are resilient, I would have been just like you and gotten out there and given it a shot too on race day even if I didn’t feel 100%.

    I have not DNFed a race but I mostly race 5Ks and 10Ks. However, my teammate had to DNF Saturday’s 10K because something “popped” in his leg at mile 2. It’s not a good thing, but I guess there is a first time for everything and tons of great athletes DNF at some point. I guess if I keep running and racing one day I may too.

    I hope you feel better soon!!
    Amy Lauren recently posted…Shamrock Shuffle 10K RecapMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      March 17, 2014 at 2:03 pm

      Hi Amy — thanks for stopping by. You are right on about other races — I’m just trying to keep my perspective about the whole thing! I’m hoping this DNF thing is an experience I don’t repeat 🙂

      Reply
  10. Kilara says

    March 17, 2014 at 1:04 pm

    But you look so cute in the pictures – not sick at all 🙂 Let’s be honest, I DNF like 5 miles at the moment. I’m so impressed that you did any miles at all …

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      March 17, 2014 at 2:08 pm

      LOL – thanks girl! i was full of adrenaline for awhile!

      Reply
  11. Jillian says

    March 17, 2014 at 1:14 pm

    Oh Courtney, I’m sorry you caught the evil stomach flu thing. But, way to go rockstar for roughing it out for 17 miles! You are amazing. I’ve DNF’d as well and it was not my finest moment. I ended up with hypothermia and a pulled hip flexor during a triathlon in October. It was raining, it was cold, and I lasted a mile on the run before I had to bail. This was after swimming a mile and biking 36. Glad it’s not worse and hope you are starting to feel better!

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      March 17, 2014 at 1:50 pm

      oh my goodness! that is so so scary! it sounds like you made a really smart choice to avoid any lasting injuries. yikes. thanks for sharing your experience!

      Reply
  12. Nicole says

    March 17, 2014 at 2:18 pm

    At the end I found myself thinking, “no, seriously, how DID you make it to mile 17?!” I know people like to pride themselves on how tough they are for finishing a race regardless, but this sounds more in line with mature and responsible behavior.
    Nicole recently posted…The Week in RunningMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      March 17, 2014 at 4:39 pm

      Thanks Nicole — looking back, I kinda wonder that as well. I knew I did the right thing, but it was a tough decision.

      Reply
  13. Laura G. says

    March 17, 2014 at 2:59 pm

    oh, court! i’m sorry! well, i say it’s a sheer triumph of your training and your will that you made it thru 17 miles. seriously, that’s crazy! when i’m sick, i get exhausted just walking down the hallway at work. and seriously, way better to not finish and keep yourself healthy than to push your body too far. bodies can be very resilient, but they can also turn on you on a dime! there will be more races! hope you’re feeling better.

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      March 17, 2014 at 4:49 pm

      thanks laura! it was a tough weekend, suffice to say. my body is definitely angry that i ran those miles, but i had to give it a shot. there will definitely be more races in my future (you know, because i’m a crazy runner! :))

      Reply
  14. Denise @ Healthy Disney Family says

    March 17, 2014 at 5:45 pm

    So sorry you were (and are still) feeling so awful, Courtney! It is SO impressive that you made it to mile 17!!! Lots of people wouldn’t have made it to the starting line, it shows just how determined you are. Hope you feel better very soon!
    Denise @ Healthy Disney Family recently posted…Spring into Fitness Giveaway Blog HopMy Profile

    Reply
  15. Caroline says

    March 17, 2014 at 7:03 pm

    Bummer! What a disappointing end to a race:(
    Caroline recently posted…I PASSED!!! {Clinical Mental Health Counseling Exam}My Profile

    Reply
  16. Kristen says

    March 17, 2014 at 8:46 pm

    I am so sorry to hear that you didn’t finish, but I’m proud of you for getting as far as you did! I’m glad you stopped when you did and didn’t hurt yourself even more. I know it probably feels awful to not finish but I think you did the right thing. I hope you’re feeling better now!
    Kristen recently posted…Some Thoughts On Life…My Profile

    Reply
  17. Meghan @MegRoach says

    March 17, 2014 at 8:58 pm

    Oh I am so sorry your marathon didn’t happen, but I think it was wise to stop when you did. 17 miles is amazing considering.
    I never had to DNF but I came close during a half. I got to mile 11.63, yes I looked at my watch and started to feel awful. Me and my running partners slowed way down and I finished. Hope you feel better soon!
    Meghan @MegRoach recently posted…Kelly St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock 5kMy Profile

    Reply
  18. Amelia says

    March 17, 2014 at 10:38 pm

    Really stinks to have to DNF, but definitely the right decision. You’re going to rock the next race! I know it!
    Amelia recently posted…New Jersey Marathon training update: week 10 and Shamrock Marathon weekendMy Profile

    Reply
  19. Meranda@fairytalesandfitness says

    March 17, 2014 at 11:12 pm

    I was thinking of you yesterday Courtney as I was cheering for my sister. I am so sorry the race did not go as you hoped. At least you knew your body well enough to stop or it could have been much worst. This scares me very much because it is proof that anything can happen to prevent someone from finishing.
    Meranda@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…Princess Half Marathon : Lacey’s versionMy Profile

    Reply
  20. Nevie says

    March 18, 2014 at 2:40 am

    Oh Courtney! I am just catching up with everyone’s races this weekend and this is such a bummer! Let me tell you something though- I know it may not mean anything, but having never run more than 13.1, not even a 14-mile training run (the one time I tried one I got that woozy dizzy passing out feeling you described, I hadn’t fueled right, and had to cut it short at 3 miles), I have such mad respect you made it 17 miles. This weekend when I sprained my ankle just before the start of my half I thought I wouldn’t be able to finish and figured well if nothing else I’ll get a few miles of a workout in right? 17 girl! You are trained and this was a blip. You’ll come back to Shamrock next year or some other year and conquer it all out, and now you have all the training in the bank to do a different marathon this season if you want. I’m so sorry it didn’t go the way it should have, but so impressed you made it 17 period, not even to mention in such a condition. You are a true trooper. <3
    Nevie recently posted…Doing it all, or trying.My Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      March 18, 2014 at 8:41 am

      ahhhhh – you are amazing. thanks for your kind words, nevie. it really matters. and WAIT??? you sprained your ankle?????? did you run? i have so many questions — omg. i hope you are okay and didn’t run on it!!! thinking about you!

      Reply
  21. Michele @apaceofbalance says

    March 18, 2014 at 8:43 am

    Oh Courtney! I started tearing up just reading this. I know it’s heartbreaking – so much goes into the training and I know you were so excited. But you HAVE to listen to your body. I’m glad the race officials were there to help you and that Mar was there to support you. You were TRAINED and READY for that race, that’s all you need. The finish line is nice, but not required. I hope you are feeling better, there are many more races to come!
    Michele @apaceofbalance recently posted…Tasty Tuesday: Yucca Root with Lime and CilantroMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      March 18, 2014 at 8:04 pm

      Thanks Michele — it was really heartbreaking, but I’m trying to keep my perspective and realize that it could’ve been much worse! It was a great blessing to have a wonderful friend there with me 🙂

      Reply
  22. Chaitali says

    March 18, 2014 at 9:25 am

    Oh no, I’m sorry you got so sick right before the big day 🙁 I’m impressed that you were able to run as much as you did given the dehydration and not being able to eat. That’s amazing and something to be proud of. It seems like sheer determination pushed you through even that far. I hope you’re back to 100% soon.
    Chaitali recently posted…Weekly reviewMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      March 18, 2014 at 8:05 pm

      Thanks Chaitali — that means a lot 🙂

      Reply
  23. Leigh Anne @ livefitandrun says

    March 18, 2014 at 9:36 am

    Sorry to hear you were so sick for the race. I can’t imagine running 17 miles with a stomach bug! You are so strong! But good for your for being smart and pulling out. Risking injury/illness is not worth it. There will be other races that I am sure you will dominate! Good luck!
    Leigh Anne @ livefitandrun recently posted…Total Body Workout – No Equipment NecessaryMy Profile

    Reply
  24. Laura says

    March 18, 2014 at 11:27 am

    Courtney – There is probably nothing I can say that will make you feel better per se, but know that you are one BRAVE, STRONG, BADASS woman! Most people would not have the guts to even start, let alone the toughness to get through 17 miles. (Perhaps just consider it mental training?!) At least, no matter what, you know that next race will be 100% better!!

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      March 18, 2014 at 8:06 pm

      thanks laura! it was a rough weekend, but honestly, i’ve come to terms with the fact that for whatever reason, this just wasn’t my race. totally was mental training! 🙂

      Reply
  25. Michelle @ Running with Attitude says

    March 18, 2014 at 1:02 pm

    Oh my gosh you poor thing! How in the world did you ever make it through 17 miles!! I’m really so sorry Courtney cause I know you were ready to rock this thing. Be proud of what you were able to do under the circumstances – amazing in my book! Hope you’re feeling better soon!
    Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Training Check-in – Week 2My Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      March 18, 2014 at 8:09 pm

      thanks michelle — definitely the adrenaline took over (at least for awhile) – it was a good reminder that sometimes you really do have to listen to your body.

      Reply
  26. Sue @This Mama Runs For Cupcakes says

    March 18, 2014 at 3:02 pm

    OMG!! So sorry the timing of this was so bad. You are such a rock star..if it were me, I don’t think I would have even attempted the trip to VA Beach. As disappointing as it is, it’s just a race and there will be more, I promise. So proud of you!!
    Sue @This Mama Runs For Cupcakes recently posted…Cupid Run 5K Recap!My Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      March 18, 2014 at 8:08 pm

      thanks sue! so sorry i didn’t get to see you while at the beach but congrats on your great race!!!

      Reply
  27. Maddison says

    March 18, 2014 at 7:50 pm

    Congratulations on your perserverance, your determination, your mental strength. Even though you couldn’t finish you have it your all and pretty soon you will be out there rocking a marathon and crushing your PR.

    Reply
  28. Christine says

    March 18, 2014 at 8:56 pm

    You are so brave Courtney! I cannot fathom even going to the starting line with a stomach bug, but I also know the blood, sweat and tears that goes into training for a marathon. Be proud of those 17 miles and use this as fuel for your next race! Keep your chin up! Hugs!
    Christine recently posted…A support team and gratitude!My Profile

    Reply
  29. Edith says

    March 18, 2014 at 11:58 pm

    You’re my freaking hero for your dedication and perseverance! Live to run another day indeed; I recognized the Oiselle kit around mile 7 and then recognized you and I was all “go Courtney!” That was my fangirl moment that gave me a huge boost of energy. I found your blog shortly after I signed up for Shamrock and am super glad I did, thanks for being so awesome and I hope to see you at another race soon!

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      March 19, 2014 at 7:41 am

      ahhhh! I thought I heard someone shout my name but couldn’t figure out who it was — THANK YOU! I definitely heard you and it was awesome — how did your race go?

      Reply
  30. Marla says

    March 19, 2014 at 10:43 am

    I admire you for your continuing to keep to your goal. I have never been one to do a marathon but do exercise regularly and feel it is vitially important for good health. Keep at it and good luck. Visiting from WOW link up.
    Marla recently posted…“5 Reasons To Use Heirloom Organic Seeds!”My Profile

    Reply
  31. Amanda H says

    March 20, 2014 at 1:29 am

    Oh my goodness I am so sorry you went through this! It is incredibly impressive that you even drove down and ran SEVENTEEN WHOLE MILES after throwing up and then not being able to eat anything. Girl I can’t even walk down the block without food! So proud of you!
    Amanda H recently posted…Easy Track Interval Workout and 10 Mile Training PlanMy Profile

    Reply
  32. Diatta says

    March 20, 2014 at 5:28 am

    You have to listen to your body. I hope you are feeling much better now. Don’t fret or be disappointed – you went further than I have ever run with NO stomach problems. You will come back stronger than ever in your next race. Popping over from #wowlinkup.
    Diatta recently posted…In The Gym with Connie of Ripped GoddessMy Profile

    Reply
  33. Maria @ The Good Life says

    March 20, 2014 at 1:48 pm

    You may think this is not a good recap but I tell you what, it tells me more about your fortitude in trying to finish this. This is my second time visiting and it is just very inspiring to me people who run full marathons and try to push through everything to finish a race. I just signed up for my first half marathon and peeps like you just get me excited to experience this! That being say: so glad you listened to your body. Get well soon!
    Maria @ The Good Life recently posted…122 // hello: i’m a sugar addict (new half marathon & strength training plan week 1)My Profile

    Reply
  34. The Frugal Exerciser says

    March 21, 2014 at 9:55 am

    I wouldn’t be too upset because you did great considering you had the stomach flu. I love the outfit you wore for the St. Patty’s marathon, it was so cute. How long have you been running? Visiting from #wowlinkup.

    Reply

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