Let's talk about NOT finishing a race: DNFs kids. This is not an easy convo for me but I feel like this is going to help someone else. This is strangely therapeutic to get this out there. In total, I've DNFed a total of 12 events. Here's a list: Boston Marathon (GI flare, endo, online harassment turned into a mental health crisis/C-PTSD - 3.1 mi), Big Sur Marathon (hard course - 20.5 mi), Tokyo Marathon (bathroom break then cutoff at 6.2 mi), 2019 NYRR 60K (22 mi in + two weeks after NYC Marathon finish), Javelina Jundred 100 Miler (severe swelling - 22 mi), North Face 50K (got lost with a course sweeper + did over 50K; no finish + this was infuriating); North Face Marathon, Wachusett Mountain - 1st yr open (vertigo + hard AF - 18 mi), Pittsburgh Half (10 mi endo + 💩), Berlin Marathon (unofficial finish; officials promised to keep open finish line; sent a medal almost a year later - still DNFed), twice at Spartan Ultra Beast (brutal course - both at 13mi) and the absolute worst Rock n Roll New Orleans (unknowingly rerouted on course, thought I completed + took a DQ after 💀 threats, doxxing + accused of cheating from a bunch of scumbags). If I missed any others, 🤷🏾‍♀️... IDK many people who are willing to say this shit out loud. I remember how I #failedforward in all of these races; I learned from each event. Everything from schedule overloads, over training, mental burnout or a wrong turn can get you a #DNF - I was almost physically assaulted + called a racist slur a day prior to a race. Some of my situations are extreme + rare - this career is not exactly ordinary. My successes + failures are amplified. I'll never give you the "if I can overcome this, you can too." Instead, I want you to know that if you've ever DNFed before, you are not a failure. This shit happens to elite + novice athletes everyday. But you know what takes grit? Trying again or taking a step back. It depends on your situation. Learn + move forward. You are more than one event; I'm proud of you. #nycmarathontraining #marathontraining #runner #running #runnerproblems #plussizeathlete #icandohardthings #keepshowingup #ultrarunner #marathoner #runtok #fittok #chronicillness