Run It Fast®

Here is the finisher’s medal from the 2012 Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans Half Marathon that took place on March 4, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

It’s one of RNR’s most beautiful medals. The beads and history within the medal with the fleur-de-lis and trumpets makes this medal one that will go in the front of the trophy case.

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[medal photo submitted by Tisha White. Follow her on Twitter @Cajun_Tisha]

Here is the finisher’s medal from St. Luke’s The Woodlands Half Marathon that was held on March 3, 2012 in The Woodlands, Texas.

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[medal photo submitted by Blake Sims and Stephen G. Follow Blake on Twitter @blakedsims and Stephen @stepheng73]

I’ve been thinking about the Dreaded Ds lately: DNF (did not finish), DNS (did not start), and DFL (dead f@#king last).

I have a 50 Miler coming up that is freaking me out just a little bit (ok, a lot). I knew when I signed up for it that it would be a big STRETCH for me but I did it anyway. Sometimes, I feel so overwhelmed by it that I think maybe I shouldn’t run it. Maybe I’m not ready. Maybe I need another year of ultras under my belt before I tackle a 50 Miler with 12,000+ feet elevation gain. But no, I WILL show up on race day and I WILL give it my all. Whatever happens, happens. However, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t worried about a DNF.

Luckily, I haven’t had a DNS for any of my races yet. But it could happen. It would be disappointing but injuries or family commitments may interfere and you have to go with what life throws at you. Sometimes, that means missing a race.

I’m not worried about being DFL either. It’s a possibility. I’ve been last before. It’s hard on the ego. Really hard. Especially when you think you’re all that and a bag of dark chocolate chips and then find out you’re not. But I can live with a DFL as long as I know I did my best.

The DNF though…I think it would depend on the reason. If it happened because of an injury…okay. If it happened because I gave up or quit because it was too hard…not okay. If it happened because I missed a course cut-off…I don’t know how I’d feel about that. THAT is what I’m most worried about.

I was curious to see what everyone else thought and I posted a poll on Twitter – Which of the Dreaded Ds do you fear the most: DNF, DNS, or DFL? 40 people responded and these are the results:

DNF – 18

DNS – 13

DLF – 6

The other 3 people responded with DNSU (did not sign up), DNS (did not sleep which could cause one of the 3 above), and MA (monkey attack – which is an issue at this marathon).

I was a little surprised that DNF & DNS were so close. It seems that those who’d had injuries in the past or missed races for whatever reason would rather DNF than not race at all. It seems like the longer the distance you try, the more you have to accept the possibility that DNFs happen or at least ultrarunners seemed more accepting of it. Those that chose DNF said it was because they didn’t want to quit or break a commitment to themselves. DFLs…they didn’t say but I’m sure you can guess why.

I suppose which one you dread most depends on your running experiences so far and what you have/haven’t dealt with in a race. Good to know. I guess the only “D” we should worry about is DNT (did not try). As long as we train and try to get to the start, try to do the best we can, and try to finish…that’s all that really matters.

But I still would rather not have a DNF!

What about you? Do you dread one of the 3 or have you accepted they are a part of racing?

Here is the finisher’s medal from the 35th Annual Gasparilla 15K Distance Classic that was held in Tampa, Florida on March 3, 2012.

It’s rare that we post medals below the half marathon distance here on RIF, but this medal was just too freaking cool to pass on.

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[medal photo submitted by Jenny Rodriguez. Follow her on Twitter @JennyRN2009]

Here is the finisher’s medal from the Run for Ryan House Half Marathon at DC Ranch that was held on March 3, 2012 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

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[medal photo submitted by RIF – Club member Robert Boluyt. Follow him on Twitter @Bateluer]

Registration for the 37th Marine Corps Marathon opens today at 3:00pm ET for the race that will be held on October 28, 2012.

THE MARATHON WILL FILL IN LESS THAN 24 HOURS!!!!

So if you are wanting to run the 2012 Marine Corps Marathon then you should register today, preferably this afternoon.

You can register and find out more details about the race on the Marine Corps Marathon website (HERE).

Good luck to all trying to get in!!!

View the 2011 Marine Corps Marathon Medal

Here is the finisher’s medal from the Gasparilla Half Marathon that took place on March 3, 2012 in Tampa, Florida.

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[medal photo submitted by Kristin Trimble. Follow her on Twitter @kristintrimble]

Here is the finisher’s medal from the Armadillo Dash Half Marathon that took place on March 4, 2012 in College Station, Texas.

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[medal photo submitted by A.J. Reese. Follow him on Twitter @AJisrunning]

Here is the inaugural finisher’s medal from the 2012 Phoenix Half Marathon that took place in Phoenix, Arizona on March 3, 2012.

Strong and impressive medal. The Phoenix is such a strong symbol of rebirth out of the ashes to become bigger and better than before.

I really love this medal. It’s strong, simple, and makes a bold statement at the same time.

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[medal photo submitted by MyBimmerDOTcom. Follow on Twitter @MyBimmerDOTcom]

We asked on Twitter (@runitfast) where you were running this weekend and 30 of you responded!

 Good luck to you all this weekend and Run It Fast!

Joshua Holmes – MS 50 Miler on Sat and RNR NOLA marathon Sunday. #runitfast

Lauren Stone – 9 mile birthday training run tomorrow! Hopefully in the park and not on the treadmill!

Jeff Cook – @tamshaw331 @Twitchaloupka We are all running the LR Half Marathon!

MsPump&Run – Columbus Ohio, @ArnoldSports #5kPumpnRun #LiftRunRepeat

BOTPP – Home sweet home, but some pals are doing a 10k in Holyoke, MA on March 18.

Betty Pecas – #YoCorreréElMaratónLala2012 @MaratonLala

Anji Nussbaumer – will be slopping through the mud and rain at the Umstead Trail Marathon in NC

Pilar Laurido – #NikeSunsetRun Pta Carnero Ecuador @Nike_Ec

Robin Thomas – planning a long run through the #EastSussex countryside starting in #Uckfield

Victor Fleitas – You know it, the Carl Touchstone Memorial Mississippi 50 Trail Run 50k! #Mississippi50

Stephen G – The Woodlands (TX) Half Marathon.

Lisa Gonzales – I’m doing 25 miles tomorrow w/lots of hill repeats! And 13 on the trails on Sunday. All local.

Kevin Ronayne – Looooong runs in Central Mass this weekend #marathontraining

James Meredith – Little Rock. The weather is shaping up to be perfect, so we’re hoping for an all-around great weekend.

Kevin Leathers – MS Trail 50 Mile with Run It Fast & Can’t Stop Endurance friends!!

ChrissyCarroll1– Hopefully a 10 mile training run in prep for some upcoming half marathons, if my hip chooses to cooperate!

Jon Yezerski – Black Cat 10 miler in Salem Ma

Stephen Cox – UNF Spring Break invite in Jacksonville, FL. 5000m tonight. #stoked

Arturo Moreno – running the #RnRNOLA marathon on Sunday

Damian Foley – Running the #RnRNOLA 1/2 – can I finish 13.1 before @bayou finishes 26.2? lol

Disneywifey – #rnrnola half 🙂

April Werling – Running the Mountain Marathon in Olympia, Wa! My 2nd marathon!

Jonathan Stewart – 12 today, 14 Saturday and 13 tempo Sunday, all in the prettiest town in Madison county Tennessee!

Will McDonough – Hey @runitfast : racing the final leg of the @BostonBuildup winter series on Sunday — 25k @ Silvermine, CT #weekendruns

wrytersview – Les Bois 10k Trail Run http://t.co/bxx39Hvg

Ike – running on school track. Have 800s ahead of me today. Should be interesting. #getitdone

Gregory Wilson – On Saturday, Hellyer 5k in San Jose, CA. On Sunday, the Napa Valley Marathon.

Fernanda De Hoyos – beautiful san Diego bay, and ski beach

Alvin Lee – B & A Trail Marathon Severna Park, MD. Marathon 7 and still luvin it!

Scott Stader – Heading down to New Orleans for the #RnRNOLA marathon! Who’s ready to #runitfast with me? @runitfast