t-and-f: DNFs: a growing trend?
Are there any statistics about the historical occurrence of DNFs in track and field? (leaving aside rabbits) Is it my imagination, or are they on the increase? The comment I knew I wasn't going to win (or move on to the final), so why bother? seems to have come up more frequently in the past few years. This is often couched in the 'why-bother-risking-(further)-injury' concept. If DNFs are on the increase, does it say something about a change in psychology among athletes or in the culture of (professional) athletics? Or sports in general. Or 'society' in general (though it would be interesting to see if there are cross-cultural differences in the rate of bailing a race). Sandra
Re: t-and-f: DNFs: a growing trend?
Intriguing question: Let me suggest that if the reason for running is to make money, DNF often makes sense, but if the reason is to prove how tough you are, DNF is failure. Tom Derderian - Original Message - From: Sandrak [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, August 25, 2001 9:00 PM Subject: t-and-f: DNFs: a growing trend? Are there any statistics about the historical occurrence of DNFs in track and field? (leaving aside rabbits) Is it my imagination, or are they on the increase? The comment I knew I wasn't going to win (or move on to the final), so why bother? seems to have come up more frequently in the past few years. This is often couched in the 'why-bother-risking-(further)-injury' concept. If DNFs are on the increase, does it say something about a change in psychology among athletes or in the culture of (professional) athletics? Or sports in general. Or 'society' in general (though it would be interesting to see if there are cross-cultural differences in the rate of bailing a race). Sandra
Re: t-and-f: DNFs: a growing trend?
In a message dated 8/25/01 9:18:51 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Let me suggest that if the reason for running is to make money, DNF often makes sense, but if the reason is to prove how tough you are, DNF is failure. I remember some great runner back in the 70s saying I NEVER drop out of a race, no matter how bad I'm hurting. Once you do it, it becomes easier each time. Interesting in light of Suzy FH's latest travails. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: DNFs: a growing trend?
On Sat, 25 Aug 2001 23:34:01 EDT, you wrote: I remember some great runner back in the 70s saying I NEVER drop out of a race, no matter how bad I'm hurting. Once you do it, it becomes easier each time. Interesting in light of Suzy FH's latest travails. Jim Gerweck Running Times And a thousand high school coaches have passed down that wisdom every since. ...in their best Winston Churchill voice never give up!...never surrender!... battle them on the beaches!...battle them in the air!... Yes, it can become habit forming, but I tend to think an occasional DNF is not so bad, if worsening of an injury or 'laying you up' for seveal weeks would be the result of continuing. As long as it doesn't become a trend, and a bad habit. Two DNF's in a row is an indicator...perhaps sitting out a few weeks to recuperate and get therapy would be better that DNFing time after time. RT
