Monday, August 25, 2008

The Sidewalk Broke My Fall

After a much-needed rest from running, I decided to "break" myself back in with an easy 4-mile run after work. About half-a-mile into my run, I was just settling into my rhythm when I stumbled. I guess I didn't pick my left foot up high enough or something because the sidewalk was smooth as glass. Milliseconds later, I was sprawled on the rock-hard cement in a Superman pose. Fortunately, my chin broke my fall. I picked myself up, a bit shaken from the impact of my brain reverberating inside my skull.

Embarrassed, I looked sheepishly around; luckily, there were no witnesses. brushed myself off; thankfully, my legs were uninjured. Phew! I could still run! I palpated my face--all my teeth were intact. A second, phew. I touched my chin; it stung a bit. My hand came away with blood. Shoot! I tried to stop the bleeding with my shirt but the flow was very stubborn. I started to head back but became increasingly depressed about missing my inaugural run after my hiatus. This was the only chance I was going to get over the next 2 days to run. I didn't want to skip it! I decided a bloody chin was not a big deal. I turned back around and resumed running.

The first 10 steps were painful as the pounding sent shockwaves through my chin. After that, everything went numb. I figured I had a good 45 minutes or so before the swelling really started to complicate matters pain-wise...perfect for a 4-mile run! And so I ran. Periodically, I dabbed the blood off my chin with my shirt. By the 3-mile mark, I noticed other passerbys were staring at me in nothing short of horror. What's the big deal? It's just a little cut!

I finished my run and stopped by the bathroom to assess the damage. I was shocked at the reflection in the mirror. My shirt was covered in large dark bloody stains. A thick, bright red stream of blood had run down my chin, neck and chest as if I had spit up a 7-11 Slurpee. My gory run had probably reminded people of something out of Halloween.

I wiped my chin and noticed my little cut was actually more of a deep gash. Ugh. Stitches? But I HATE hospitals and doctors! Like the plague! Much to the dismay of poor Brent, I refused to go to the ER, resorting to good 'ole Neosporin, butterfly band-aids, ice, and ibuprofen. And would you believe it? The stuff worked like a charm! My gash is now a little scab. Stitches, smitches. Psheesh!

Guess I was due for my annual fall (I had a similar incident this time last year). Have I mentioned I'm kind of a klutz? Maybe it's karma for my last post (which, by the way, was NOT meant to be taken seriously. It was more of a tongue-in-cheek post...just to clarify).

13 comments:

Wes said...

It was a bad weekend for those of us with exposed skin :-( I see your chin needed a little character :-)

Sara said...

Ouch. But wow you are one commited girl!!! To keep running after that! I would've loved to be someone passing by you!!

P.S. I'm trying to figure out my final week of training for my first tri on Sunday - any tips? Thanks!

Ann (bunnygirl) said...

Wow, be careful out there!

Gold Bond makes antiseptic, antibiotic wipes in individual packets and are the only company I know that does so. Check if your drugstore carries them and then slip one into your amphipod or whatever you take to carry small things on your run. They've come in handy for me more than once, unfortunately.

filoli said...

I think everyone had a hard weekend...just that time of year...I was cracked by another cyclist and now my bike is jacked...just something in the air...glad to hear you are better

Leah said...

Sorry, I know I'm not supposed to laugh, but your description is pretty funny! Glad you're on the mend...

jameson said...

at least you falls on come on an annual basis... mine seem to come monthly!

Cliff said...

Hey Rachel,

ouch..at least u don't need stitches htat's good :). And you have all your teeth ;D..how come everytime i fall i break a part of my body...one time 3 teeth flies out.the other tore a right shoulder :P

Nikemom said...

That's hilarious! I would've loved to seen the looks people gave you. Your one tough mama. :)

Anonymous said...

Oh, ouch!! I'm glad you at least don't need stitches. I know the feeling of feeling like that though - I could keep the first-aid people in business for life, lol.
You're a tough one - finishing the run even after that fall. Wow. Hope you are feeling a bit better today....

Fizzgig said...

you are one tough cookie!!

Backpacker said...

The city will be billing you for sidewalk damage. If they add boxing to create the quadrathlon, I suggest you sign up immediately. You can clearly take a punch.

Julie said...

Wow! What a trooper! I'm way impressed that you got up and finished!

teacherwoman said...

Oooh.. I would have said no to stitches as well! Glad to hear your method worked out fine!