What to Do When You Are a Runner Who Can’t Run on Race Day

This is an important thing to consider, and I agree that taking the long view is the most important. I encourage runners to pay attention to their bodies while training, and be realistic about whether they should give themselves extra rest to show up on race day fully rested, or keep pushing their fitness forward even when they might be exhausted: https://runningmybestlife.com/appreciate-the-training-process/.

Good question! In 2009, I picked up my race packet for the Ottawa marathon and then offered my race shirt to a young acquaintance who was visiting from Japan. She was delighted. I also became a cheering bystander. It was tough, but I learned a lot from that experience about smarter training. Since then I've run eight marathons and will be doing Boston in a few weeks.

Thanks for this. I was training for my first half marathon in January when I suddenly got tendinosis in my foot. I tried many home remedies first, and ached through a few very short runs, before admitting how hurt I was. I’m in regular acupuncture now and the provider thinks it will take a good 3 months at least to get me running again. Until then, it’s the rowing machine, weight lifting, and a positive attitude. Still hoping to get that long race in, but if I’m destined to go back to 5Ks and stay there, I’ll be grateful for my ability to do them.

Sooner or later we all become walkers. If you're up to it, walk the first part of the course. You might learn what a blessing it is to run.

I strained my right hamstring ten weeks ago. It's my first injury in two decades of running. I could not run a half marathon that finished in my neighborhood last week. While it was emotionally painful, it was definitely a smarter choice than hobbling through a four-miler, which is what I did Super Bowl weekend! That's definitely not what one should do! I spent part of race day last weekend dutifully doing the exercises my physical therapist recommended to me. This week he told me I could start running again! I did so yesterday and after a pain-free two mile run I signed up for a bunch of races on the NYRR calendar! As much as I'd like to run again today I won't. I'll ride a bike and do my PT exercises. I'll take it slow and easy and run tomorrow. I hope you will heal quickly and will be back out there on race day soon.

I cannot run because I have a degenerated L5-S1 disk in my back and an arthritic hip. They will NEVER get better. Just exactly how much sympathy did you want from me?

I can empathize, from a tennis player's point of view, (amateur, for sure). I played on neighborhood leagues for years, until an injury sidelined me from tennis, probably for good. I was determined to find the "good" in the situation. A neighbor and I now meet during what was my "tennis time," (Sunday afternoons), for coffee or a walk or both. I've also written some books, and go to hear presentations by other authors. I still watch tennis every now and then. It's hard when you've devoted your life to a sport, a hobby, whatever, and then you get sidelined, so I think anything you do, either within the realm of that sport or outside of it, that you enjoy, is fine. Let's clink our coffee cups to that.

I have chronic health issues which often get in the way of races come race day. I walk if I can or volunteer but have accepted over my nearly 30 year history of running, that being sidelined here and there is just part of it and in fact, makes me appreciate the ability to run more once I can return! The issue over wearing race shirts when one can’t run the race is silly, I think. Run the race or not, I paid for the shirt and have no hesitation wearing it. It’s not a finishers medal- it’s just a shirt. One other thing- cheering for others can be really wonderful when you see all types of people reaching their goals. It’s inspiring!

Whoa, that's a seriously good perk- 4 ball tix, even for preseason, it's remarkable! My town here in Jersey has one race a year. I usually do it but one year my foot hurt. I hadn't bought an entry but still felt it my duty somehow to go. So, I went to cheer on the others. They seemed a little blase about my screaming but I know it sure was getting me excited, lol! Next year, I made sure to run it, ready or not.

Hi Jen, thanks for this article and sharing how difficult it is to be sidelined from something you love to do. I think the things you've written about since the injury have been extremely interesting and very useful (we all hope we won't need them but the truth is we will!) I also think I can speak for many of us when I say that we understand the feeling of being sidelined and that we are rooting for that tibia to heal well and quickly!