110 When Choosing “Not to Finish” Is the Strongest Move

This week, I’ve been reflecting on what it really means to listen — to your body, your intuition, your timing.

Last month, I made the call to take a DNF (Did Not Finish) at a race. Everything was lined up perfectly — I’d rested, fueled, and felt strong — but my body sent a clear message that continuing wasn’t the best choice for me.

It was hard AND it was the wisest move I could’ve made for my long-term goals.

There’s a lot of shame around stepping back — in running and in life. We’re taught that “finishing” is the biggest indicator and proof of strength. But sometimes the most powerful decision is to pause, realign, and protect your energy for the right-for-you finish line.

One week later, my decision to stop had already paid dividends — I had my strongest training run ever. Proof that when I honor what’s true in the moment, I open the door for everything to align later.

So, for this week's invitation for you:

When have you made a choice that went against the status quo — something others might’ve seen as “quitting,” but was actually an act of deep self-trust?

Maybe it was walking away from a job, ending a relationship, skipping a goal race, or saying no when everything around you said the opposite.

Take a moment to reflect, journal, or share in the comments below.

Because both the breakdown and the breakthrough are part of the training — in running, and in life. 🌀

See you here next week,

Leslie


Interested in more in-depth stories & lessons from the race course?

Join TO THE FINISH, a live Telegram group that runs through the first week of December. You can listen like a personal podcast for inspiration and contemplation, and/or request coaching for anything training or life related.


At LMNTL, we honor and celebrate you doing what's uniquely best for you in any given moment - even when the rest of your world may be telling you to pursue otherwise.

At our in-person retreats, we fully embody this invitation into the itinerary - creating time for you to do exactly what you need to do when you need to do it, and being celebrated for it along the way.

✨ Want to do the journal prompts? Great.

✨ Want to take a nap? Excellent.

✨ Don't feel like sharing right now? Valid and accepted.

✨ Want to eat your own snacks instead of what the group is having? You do you.

From now until November 28, when you register for the Winter Retreat in New Harmony, we'll honor $200 off your registration.