So, I have gotten out of my running routine and I’ve tried desperately to get back into it. I have NO excuses, anymore. I can run outside when it’s nice out (like today, for example). Or, I can go to the YMCA. That’s right, I now have a membership. So what’s keeping me from diving back in? Perhaps, it’s moments like these…
Last weekend I decided that it was time to get back in shape. I had watched one of those action movies and suddenly felt inspired. So, naturally, I had to go for a run. It was rather cold out, so I bundled up. I had two layers on the bottom and three on top. Plus, I wore a hat and gloves. Before I left, I did some stretching and hooked up my iPod. I was set.
I live in the Springview neighborhood, which has plenty of hills. The sidewalks are a bit uneven, but a biker wouldn’t flip end over end if he hit a rut or anything. The houses are fairly close together and many are similar in shape. In fact, I often pass by homes that have what seems to be an identical layout to my own.
Anyway, as I was out running, I was listening to Travis Tritt. He usually keeps my mind preoccupied, which is usually helpful when you’re inflicting pain on your own body. “For Sale” signs also catch my attention. I happened to notice one as I was running. I was looking intently at the house and I remember wondering how much the owner wanted for it. As I passed by, I looked to see if I could see inside and then imagined a conversation I would have with the owner. By now I was looking over my right shoulder…when suddenly, it happened.
As my left foot pushed off of the sidewalk, my right foot was making its way forward for my next step. My toe caught one of those uneven spots in the sidewalk.
Now, I have stumbled before, but not to this degree. I usually catch myself and keep going. Not this time.
As my toe met its misfortune, my head quickly turned back to the forward position. Gone were the thoughts of my imaginary conversation. I knew there was going to be no stopping me. I was going down.
My left knee was the first to hit, followed by my two hands. I did what anybody would do in that situation. As I went down, I let my momentum carry me through the spill. As soon as my hands hit, I rolled over my right shoulder, on to my back, continued my roll and before I knew it I was up again and jogging in place. I looked around to see if anyone had seen my tumble. No one was outside or peering out a window, so I kept going.
As I finished my run, I kept thinking, “did that just happen?” My throbbing knee kept saying, “Yes.”
For the next 24 hours I laughed to myself. Every time I thought about it, it made me giggle. What if someone had been looking out of a window? Can you imagine what that would have looked like? Oh, it still makes me laugh. I almost wish someone had been there to share in my experience. Almost.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
That is hilarous!
Hahahaha!!! Ok, so I pictured this fall the first time when you told me about it over the phone and laughed pretty hard. But this post created the best word picture EVER!! I actually saw it in my mind’s eye happening in slow motion. Nice work!!…I wish I’d been there. I think you should reenact it and put it on youtube : ).
How’s the knee? Hehehehe. What a great read! This is kind of weird though. I was going to say almost exactly what Sarah said. It was a perfect word picture that I saw in slo-mo in my head as I read it. Your detail painted it like a master at work. And then, humility becomes you, as it does us all. Very nicely done. Good to know you’re still among the living, even with an aching knee! Sigh. I miss you.
Okay. I don’t know why it won’t post my comment. It says it is “awaiting moderation” Whatever that means!
hi! i too am kshedd. its nice to meet you! im in mich. its 4 yes i mean four freezen degrees here today. im 43 years old,married to another kshedd for 26 years and have 2 grown kshedds. a daughter and a son. now i have a precious new little kshedd,kadin my grandbaby. he is 2. i work out (just started nov. 10) i lift in a class called group power. so heres your incentive to get back into it. people never believe it that im a grandma and i look and feel great.i am for the first time, looking forward to swimsuit season! i can eat so much and not gain ,and everyday tasks are so much eaiser!i get my gym membership free because i work there as a cleaning lady. i have been working there for a couple of years and just decided to take the leap.so there i was with all the fit people (fit and coordinated) in my yard sale bought sweats and shoes. i was shaking not just bc of nerves, i couldnt manage much weight and they were lifting to fast paced music.anyway,now i lift more than the instructors !!!this is one of the only things i have consistantly done for myself, and wow am i glad i did! i laughed alot at myself too. still do. i should probably mention this is one of the first e mail i have EVER written, sent whatever…seriously. i enjoyed your story! i certainly wasnt expecting such a treat when i googled “my “name .