Just DNF, you say step off the track to keep your pride? Do you really think you're good enough that nobody in the world can lap you?
I'd have more respect for somebody who finished, rather than somebody who stepped off the track because they weren't having a good day, or somebody else in the world is just that much better. Although there is the question of why you were in that race in the first place, finish and then worry about it.
When I saw somebody step off the track because they went out too hard, died, and got passed (not lapped, just beaten) I lost all respect for him. What a pansy. Sorry life doesn't always go your way, why not go cry about it.