It is that simple when you are, say, running an endurance race. Abide "don't quit" and you will finish.
But in real life, you're presented with a continual stream of alternative opportunities.
And these days "I quit" has subtly morphed into "I pivot."
It isn't. If things are starting to cause pain, or bleed, or you're vomiting, or ... there are many sensible reasons to cut short or abandon an endurance race.
> Abide "don't quit" and you will finish.
Or do yourself damage that will take months to recover from.
From my experience, I would say that you wouldn't have been able to continue even if you needed to.
Also, always beware of the spectrum. Some people would say running for 17 hours is impossible. Others would say they shivered uncontrollably at 17 hours and roughed out 3 more hours before dropping. Others still would hit 24 hours and wish they could keep going.
Oh, I know. I was there primarily to support a 100-miler anyway which made the decision a lot easier.
> I would say that you wouldn't have been able to continue even if you needed to.
Yeah, I spent the next couple of hours just slumped under a table trying to get warm and eat food.
My view is that if you start a race healthy, then you are unlikely to do permanent damage to your body during the race. The exceptions are primarily in the category of: "I need to immediately be taken to the ER."
Also, most finishers of a 100 mile race experience pain and vomiting. But each runner has her own experience and there are no hard rules.
(I have run several 100 mile trail races -- about 2 per year -- over the past 10 years)
Note that I didn't say "permanent damage" but "damage that will take months to recover from".
And this is largely from participating in two communities of "extreme" endurance runners (and running with them but not to the same level) who recount their experiences and advice.
It's good that you haven't had any issues but generalising to the wider world is a tricky thing - I know enough people who have attempted 100 milers (even just in 2017) and done damage that took months to recover from to know that it happens.
Well, I'll find out in March. Assuming I don't knacker myself first.
(Although it is somewhat overshadowed by the people I hang around with - one of them is currently on something like his 250th marathon in a rolling calendar year, one has done 800 under 3:30, and most of them do 10x10s as a matter of course.)
1. 100% commitment. An unexpected injury or illness is outside of your control, so don't worry about it.
2. Toe the start line fit, injury-free, and positive.
3. Know that it will hurt.
4. Enjoy the day.