I DNFed my half marathon and feels so shitty about it even though probably the right call

I DNFed my half today in San Sebastián after 12K while attempting sub-1:40.

All my training data had backed up the goal for months, but then I battled some sort of cold/infection for weeks. It started with three pretty bad bouts of sore throat (suspected tonsillitis), then moved into my lungs, and I’ve basically been coughing up mucus for the past three weeks.

I kept training but scaled things down a lot. I still managed an 18K at 5:25/km entirely in Z2, and during the week and a half before the race I finally seemed to be getting back to normal.

Then this morning in San Sebastián, my HR during my warm-up was unusually high, around 25–30 bpm above what I’d normally expect. I kind of dismissed it as race-morning nerves/adrenaline.

Started the race at my planned pace and my HR shot up to around threshold almost immediately. I knew something was off, so after about 5K I started backing off. Even as my pace got slower and slower, my HR barely came down.

By around 10K I was getting chills, feeling cold and developing a headache. I stopped at 12K.

It was probably the right call because now, a few hours later, I’m properly sick again. Still no fever, but I have a horrible pressure/bar-like headache above my eyes that feels very much like the sinusitis I’m unfortunately prone to.

And yet I’m still fucking angry at myself for stopping. 😂 I know logically that continuing while feeling progressively worse probably wouldn’t have achieved anything, but a DNF is so out of character for me that part of my brain keeps going, “You should have just powered through.”

I have another half planned in three weeks, so hopefully there’s a silver lining and I can actually get healthy for that one.

Also, apparently my coping mechanism for being angry about DNFing San Sebastián was to impulse-sign up for the 2027 edition. 😂

San Sebastián is such a beautiful city and the parcours is so great. If anyone of you was there I hope you had a good race!

Anyway, thanks for reading my rant if you made it this far.

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u/matmodelulu — 11 days ago

Bought both 🤭 Seersucker WovenAir 3.5” Shorts (Star Burst) + Align 25” (Cherry Ember)

I ended up buying both after trying them on in store!

Seersucker WovenAir High-Rise 3.5” Shorts – Star Burst • Absolutely love these. The WovenAir fabric is incredibly light and breathable. • The Star Burst color is a gorgeous bright coral-orange in person. • I was worried the pleats would overwhelm my petite frame (5’1”), but they actually drape really well. • They feel sporty but still polished enough to wear casually with a white tank and sneakers.

Align 25” – Cherry Ember • Cherry Ember is hands down my favorite Lululemon color this summer. • Such a rich, vibrant red-orange that looks amazing with neutrals.

For reference: • 5’1” (155 cm) • ~120 lb (54.5 kg) • Wearing size 4 in both.

No regrets—I think these are two of the best summer releases this year. Hopefully Lululemon brings out more pieces in both Star Burst and Cherry Ember! 🍊❤️

u/matmodelulu — 3 months ago

In store tries on and I bought the new Seersucker WovenAir 3.5” Shorts (Star Burst) + Align 25” (Cherry Ember)

I ended up buying both after trying them on in store!

Seersucker WovenAir High-Rise 3.5” Shorts – Star Burst • Absolutely love these. The WovenAir fabric is incredibly light and breathable. • The Star Burst color is a gorgeous bright coral-orange in person. • I was worried the pleats would overwhelm my petite frame (5’1”), but they actually drape really well. • They feel sporty but still polished enough to wear casually with a white tank and sneakers.

Align 25” – Cherry Ember • Cherry Ember is hands down my favorite Lululemon color this summer. • Such a rich, vibrant red-orange that looks amazing with neutrals.

For reference: • 5’1” (155 cm) • ~120 lb (54.5 kg) • Wearing size 4 in both.

No regrets—I think these are two of the best summer releases this year. Hopefully Lululemon brings out more pieces in both Star Burst and Cherry Ember! 🍊❤️

u/matmodelulu — 3 months ago

EU Sales Haul!! Cannot believe I found the Valentine Oxford red Heart Scatter Heart Dot Align Shorts in store ❤️ (not released here at all previously!) it's so cute

Stopped by my local store today and I was not aware there were summer sales! Somehow found a few absolute gems from this year's Valentine's collection that never got released here in EU. 

The biggest score was definitely the Lululemon Align™ No Line High-Rise Short 4" in Red Heart Scatter Dot. I already own the matching Flow Y Bra in this print and have always thought it was one of the cutest Valentine's patterns Lulu has done, so finding the shorts felt like winning the lottery. I was aware of the criticisms that it was super sheer but frankly I haven't found that to be the case at all. I even tried them on with leopard-print underwear (because that’s just what I happen to have on me today) and it was really fine. With nude underwear, I think they'd be completely fine. I bought a size 6, even though I usually wear a 4 in Align shorts. I found they size a bit smaller than my usual align shorts. 

I also found the Nulu Rib Wrap-Front Long Sleeve (XS), which I'd been looking for ever since it sold out a couple of months ago. No idea why these pieces suddenly appeared in store today, but I'm not complaining. I already own the Burgundy Bay version, and they're one of my most reached-for Lulu pieces whether I'm doing yoga or strength training this past winter. 

I also got a Swiftly Perforated Stripe Short Sleeve in Oxford Red (size 2). I wasn't specifically looking for it, but I love Oxford Red and the color works perfectly with the Valentine's pieces and the sale price made it hard to leave behind.

Haul:

  • Align High-Rise Short 6" – Red Heart Scatter Dot (size 6)
  • Nulu Rib Wrap-Front Long Sleeve (XS)
  • Swiftly Perforated Stripe Short Sleeve – Oxford Red (size 2)

Total: €152 for all three pieces ❤️

u/matmodelulu — 4 months ago

EU Sales Haul!! Cannot believe I found the Valentine Oxford red Heart Scatter Heart Dot Align Shorts in store ❤️ (not released here at all previously!) it's so cute

Stopped by my local store today and I was not aware there were summer sales! Somehow found a few absolute gems from this year's Valentine's collection that never got released here in EU. 

The biggest score was definitely the Lululemon Align™ No Line High-Rise Short 4" in Red Heart Scatter Dot. I already own the matching Flow Y Bra in this print and have always thought it was one of the cutest Valentine's patterns Lulu has done, so finding the shorts felt like winning the lottery. I was aware of the criticisms that it was super sheer but frankly I haven't found that to be the case at all. I even tried them on with leopard-print underwear (because that’s just what I happen to have on me today) and it was really fine. With nude underwear, I think they'd be completely fine. I bought a size 6, even though I usually wear a 4 in Align shorts. I found they size a bit smaller than my usual align shorts. 

I also found the Nulu Rib Wrap-Front Long Sleeve (XS), which I'd been looking for ever since it sold out a couple of months ago. No idea why these pieces suddenly appeared in store today, but I'm not complaining. I already own the Burgundy Bay version, and they're one of my most reached-for Lulu pieces whether I'm doing yoga or strength training this past winter. 

I also got a Swiftly Perforated Stripe Short Sleeve in Oxford Red (size 2). I wasn't specifically looking for it, but I love Oxford Red and the color works perfectly with the Valentine's pieces and the sale price made it hard to leave behind.

Haul:

  • Align High-Rise Short 6" – Red Heart Scatter Dot (size 6)
  • Nulu Rib Wrap-Front Long Sleeve (XS)
  • Swiftly Perforated Stripe Short Sleeve – Oxford Red (size 2)

Total: €152 for all three pieces ❤️

u/matmodelulu — 4 months ago

Cherry Ember Align Short 6" for my sunrise interval run ❤️🌅

I found these in store yesterday and had to leave with them! The colour is gorgeous. It reminds me of Red Heat. Very red-orange, warm, and sunny. Really love it!

This morning was super cold where I live, think 9°C (it's June... where is the warmth? 😭). But psychologically, there was no way I was putting on leggings again, so I took these out for an interval run and couldn't wait any longer to wear them.

I know what some of you will say 😅 and yes, I know Aligns are supposedly not meant for running or strength training. But I have several Align shorts that I use every week for both without any issues.

I paired them with a black Swiftly Waist-Length Long Sleeve. Not exactly summer weather, but I really wanted to wear this colour.

Cherry Ember is such a fun, vibrant red-orange. It looks even better outdoors and really pops against black. It's also amazing with the new Citrus Sizzle and pretty much every orange shade I own from LLL.

As for the shorts, they're exactly why I keep reaching for Align shorts: comfortable, stay put, and create zero distractions during a run. They're also not double-lined, which was the case with Red Heat (or a very similar colour) in the past.

For reference:

  • Align Short 6" in Cherry Ember, size 4
  • Swiftly Waist-Length Long Sleeve in Black, size 6

Paired with my beloved neon Adizero running socks and my new pair of Evo SLs in Leopard Print. Roar! 😅❤️💚

u/matmodelulu — 4 months ago

Cherry Ember Align Short 6" for my sunrise interval run ❤️🌅

I found these in store yesterday and had to leave with them! The colour is gorgeous. It reminds me of Red Heat. Very red-orange, warm, and sunny. Really love it!

This morning was super cold where I live, think 9°C (it's June... where is the warmth? 😭). But psychologically, there was no way I was putting on leggings again, so I took these out for an interval run and couldn't wait any longer to wear them.

I know what some of you will say 😅 and yes, I know Aligns are supposedly not meant for running or strength training. But I have several Align shorts that I use every week for both without any issues.

I paired them with a black Swiftly Waist-Length Long Sleeve. Not exactly summer weather, but I really wanted to wear this colour.

Cherry Ember is such a fun, vibrant red-orange. It looks even better outdoors and really pops against black. It's also amazing with the new Citrus Sizzle and pretty much every orange shade I own from LLL.

As for the shorts, they're exactly why I keep reaching for Align shorts: comfortable, stay put, and create zero distractions during a run. They're also not double-lined, which was the case with Red Heat (or a very similar colour) in the past.

For reference:

  • Align Short 6" in Cherry Ember, size 4
  • Swiftly Waist-Length Long Sleeve in Black, size 6

Paired with my beloved neon Adizero running socks and my new pair of Evo SLs in Leopard Print. Roar! 😅❤️💚

u/matmodelulu — 4 months ago

PSA: Track That 5" in Matcha Magic is sheer 🥲🍵

I posted yesterday about my summer order, including three Track That shorts in some finally fun colors (Citrus Sizzle, Cherry Ember, and Matcha Magic).

I was especially excited about Matcha Magic. I completely fell in love with the color when I got my Align 6" shorts in it. It's such a gorgeous soft green and pairs beautifully with colors like Coal, Graphite Grey, Rainforest green and other neutrals.

Unfortunately, while I absolutely love the color and the fit of the shorts, the fabric is quite thin and the short ends up being pretty sheer.

you can see in the photos, the outline of the built-in liner is very visible in normal daylight, especially from the side view. I didn't include a close-up of the back (thanks, pervs of the internet 🙃), but trust me when I say these would absolutely not pass the squat test. You can see in the 3rd photo the liner with me just standing up :/

The good news is that the liner provides great coverage, so I don't think they're unwearable. I was hoping to use them for gym workouts, but they'll probably be reserved for home workouts and shorter runs instead.

I’m still keeping them (and yes, I made the rookie mistake of removing the tags after trying them on at night because I was so excited 😭).

For reference:

🍵 Track That 5" Short in Matcha Magic,  size 4

🤍 Align Twist-Back Tank Top, size 8

📏 I'm 5'1"

Curious if anyone else has noticed the same issue with Matcha Magic in the Track That fabric or any other color? I have now 4 of them and this is the first time. Citrus sizzle is also not sheer. 

u/matmodelulu — 5 months ago

PSA: Track That 5" in Matcha Magic is sheer 🥲🍵

I posted yesterday about my summer order, including three Track That shorts in some finally fun colors (Citrus Sizzle, Cherry Ember, and Matcha Magic).

I was especially excited about Matcha Magic. I completely fell in love with the color when I got my Align 6" shorts in it. It's such a gorgeous soft green and pairs beautifully with colors like Coal, Graphite Grey, Rainforest green and other neutrals.

Unfortunately, while I absolutely love the color and the fit of the shorts, the fabric is quite thin and the short ends up being pretty sheer.

you can see in the photos, the outline of the built-in liner is very visible in normal daylight, especially from the side view. I didn't include a close-up of the back (thanks, pervs of the internet 🙃), but trust me when I say these would absolutely not pass the squat test. You can see in the 3rd photo the liner with me just standing up :/

The good news is that the liner provides great coverage, so I don't think they're unwearable. I was hoping to use them for gym workouts, but they'll probably be reserved for home workouts and shorter runs instead.

I’m still keeping them (and yes, I made the rookie mistake of removing the tags after trying them on at night because I was so excited 😭).

For reference:

🍵 Track That 5" Short in Matcha Magic,  size 4

🤍 Align Twist-Back Tank Top, size 8

📏 I'm 5'1"

Curious if anyone else has noticed the same issue with Matcha Magic in the Track That fabric or any other color? I have now 4 of them and this is the first time. Citrus sizzle is also not sheer. 

u/matmodelulu — 5 months ago

Citrus Sizzle + Cherry Ember might be my favorite running combo of the summer 🍊❤️

Received my order and immediately had to take this combo out for my long run.

🍊 Swiftly Speed Tank in Citrus Sizzle (size 6) ❤️ Track That 5” Shorts in Cherry Ember (size 4)

I am absolutely in love with these colors together. Citrus Sizzle is such a perfect sunset color—bright, warm, and somehow manages to go with everything.

The Swiftly Speed was perfect for a long run. I could comfortably carry my iPhone in the back pocket and barely noticed it was there. And the Track That 5” is really amazing and my fav short so far!

I’m obsessed with this combo and will be reaching for it a lot this summer. Cherry ember and citrus sizzle pair so well together. I will def buy other items in both these colors.

For reference, I’m 5’1”. The Swiftly Speed is a size 6 and the Track That 5” shorts are a size 4.

Also picked up the Track That shorts in Citrus Sizzle and Matcha Magic, but those deserve their own post

u/matmodelulu — 5 months ago

Citrus Sizzle + Cherry Ember might be my favorite running combo of the summer 🍊❤️

Received my order and immediately had to take this combo out for my long run.

🍊 Swiftly Speed Tank in Citrus Sizzle (size 6) ❤️ Track That 5” Shorts in Cherry Ember (size 4)

I am absolutely in love with these colors together. Citrus Sizzle is such a perfect sunset color—bright, warm, and somehow manages to go with everything.

The Swiftly Speed was perfect for a long run. I could comfortably carry my iPhone in the back pocket and barely noticed it was there. And the Track That 5” is really amazing and my fav short so far!

I’m obsessed with this combo and will be reaching for it a lot this summer. Cherry ember and citrus sizzle pair so well together. I will def buy other items in both these colors.

For reference, I’m 5’1”. The Swiftly Speed is a size 6 and the Track That 5” shorts are a size 4.

Also picked up the Track That shorts in Citrus Sizzle and Matcha Magic, but those deserve their own post

u/matmodelulu — 5 months ago

Go Further Split-Short Runsie = my Xena: Warrior Princess heatwave outfit for running ⚔️☀️

Hey dear LLL lovers, PSA: do NOT miss out on the Go Further Split-Short Runsie 3” if this ever gets restocked or if you get the chance to spot it second hand or on Like New 😭

This is my Xena: Warrior Princess outfit. It gives peplum energy for those who understand the reference ⚔️😂

I bought it last year on sale in Good Night Plum and honestly didn’t get the chance to wear it until this week’s heat wave. And wow, this might actually be the perfect running piece for hot weather.

A few things I love about it:

  • the fabric is super light and flowy
  • raw cut hems against chafing
  • there is a 360º waistband with a lot of pockets (I could fit my iPhone in the back pocket), pockets in front and a loop for a layer
  • even has an easy pull-to-pee function for bathroom breaks during runs according to the website 😂 (although I didn’t test it during my 10K)

The 3” length is perfect for me, although I can see it feeling a bit short on taller people.

I personally wear it without a bra and find it supportive enough, but my more blessed/chested friends would probably prefer adding one underneath.

I just wish LLL would bring it back in fun summer colors ☀️

u/matmodelulu — 5 months ago

Go Further Split-Short Runsie = my Xena: Warrior Princess heatwave outfit for running ⚔️☀️

Hey dear LLL lovers, PSA: do NOT miss out on the Go Further Split-Short Runsie 3” if this ever gets restocked or if you get the chance to spot it second hand or on Like New 😭

This is my Xena: Warrior Princess outfit. It gives peplum energy for those who understand the reference ⚔️😂

I bought it last year on sale in Good Night Plum and honestly didn’t get the chance to wear it until this week’s heat wave. And wow, this might actually be the perfect running piece for hot weather.

A few things I love about it:

  • the fabric is super light and flowy
  • raw cut hems against chafing
  • there is a 360º waistband with a lot of pockets (I could fit my iPhone in the back pocket), pockets in front and a loop for a layer
  • even has an easy pull-to-pee function for bathroom breaks during runs according to the website 😂 (although I didn’t test it during my 10K)

The 3” length is perfect for me, although I can see it feeling a bit short on taller people.

I personally wear it without a bra and find it supportive enough, but my more blessed/chested friends would probably prefer adding one underneath.

I really love the fit and just wish LLL would bring it back in fun summer colors ☀️

u/matmodelulu — 5 months ago

Another favorite bright summer combo ☀️💚

Posted one of my favorite summer color combos yesterday and thought it would be fun to post my other shibori Energy Longline Bra moment, this time paired with neon green Athleta Salutation shorts (cannot remember the exact color name).

Give me all the neon colors!! ☀️

u/matmodelulu — 5 months ago

Another favorite bright summer combo☀️💚

Posted one of my favorite summer color combos yesterday and thought it would be fun to post my other shibori Energy Longline Bra moment, this time paired with neon green Athleta Salutation shorts (cannot remember the exact color name).

Give me all the neon colors!! ☀️

u/matmodelulu — 5 months ago

Still waiting for the new summer drops… so I pulled out one of my all-time favorite combos 🌺☀️

Needed something bright to match the first real summer days (it’s hot out there!) while waiting for LLL to finally give us fun summer colors again ☀️(hopefully not at fall haha 😅)

💖 Energy Longline Bra in Shibori 🧡 Hotty Hot HR 2.5” in Sunset

I love this combo so much!

u/matmodelulu — 5 months ago
▲ 134 r/lululemon

Still waiting for the new summer drops… so I pulled out one of my all-time favorite combos 🌺☀️

Needed something bright to match the first real summer days (it’s hot out there!) while waiting for LLL to finally give us fun summer colors again ☀️(hopefully not at fall haha 😅)

💖 Energy Longline Bra in Shibori 🧡 Hotty Hot HR 2.5” in Sunset

I love this combo so much!

u/matmodelulu — 5 months ago

Unexpectedly obsessed with the Daydrift Short 7” in Olive Brown

I did not expect to love these as much as I do, but the Daydrift Short 7” in Olive Brown is now one of my favorite Lulu purchases 🤎I tried it in store but thought y would be too long for my 5’1 frame but I really love them the minute I tried them.

The fit is so polished while still being insanely comfortable. I love the longer inseam surprisingly. it feels flattering and practical without looking too sporty. The high rise + structured drape gives them a really elevated look, especially paired with a simple fitted tank. I think I will also wear it for work with a looser blouse.

u/matmodelulu — 5 months ago

Wearing the focuser High Neck Bra in Coal paired with Align Short 6” in Matcha (double-lined). Coal seems to be a new color. This is the litteral reference on the label. (or at least I missed it until now?). Look very similar to charcoal grey. Really love the align short 6 in matcha magic and they pair well together. Such a fun color (finally!).

I was honestly skeptical about the double lining, but this version feels way less thick than previous ones and much more wearable. I felt compressed in other versions. I wear a black thong underneath and it’s not see-through. Lowkey reconciling me with double-lined Aligns…

u/matmodelulu — 6 months ago