D is for DNF | Brent Peterson

I have never DNF'd a race until last year when I started participating in the Ironman Virtual races. When the pandemic started in 2020, I signed up for nearly every shorter race and eventually every long race. I drew the line at the full Ironman distance, but I did end up running two virtual marathons. I guess the question is if a virtual, multi-day race really counts as a DNF? I suppose it does, and even this weekend (Feb 21st, 2021), I was signed up for a half Ironman with a 5k run, 80k bike, and 21k run. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I thought I would ride three hours in my basement on my bike. (I didn't)

DNS vs DNF

Of course, there have been many races that I did not start. I even got a DNF medal (A block of wood) from a 10k race at Murphy Haneran state park. I think DNS is more reasonable and responsible, especially to avoid injury or you have a conflict. (Like you signed up for 3 races on the same day)

Motivation

So as a motivation from this post I only have two thoughts

If you don't start
You won't finish