Monday, April 19, 2010

Man Down!

That "man" would be me.

I was out for a run last Friday - 8 miles keeping it in Endurance Zone and finishing fast the last mile as directed. I mean I was finishing really fast - 6:45/mile fast. When suddenly I was airborne - arms stretched out like Superman - and then I was slamming chest first into the ground and listening as the wind was knocked out of me. UNGH!

After I came to a stop and realized I couldn't breath, I rolled over on my back and simultaneously stopped my watch. I lay there for a second while I started breathing - checked to make sure I had all my shit together - teeth, chin, lips: check. Palms: right one shredded, left one sore and dirty but no blood. Knees: surprisingly only mildly scraped. Nipples: intact (Thank you heart rate monitor/nipple protector.) I couldn't believe my face didn't make contact with the ground - them is some strong neck muscles. And then I saw the culprit.

When I was tying my shoes prior to my run I said to my self, "Huh, that one loop looks kind of big. I must be tying my shoes tighter or something. I hope that doesn't flop all over the place and annoy the shit out of me." That little observation came back to haunt me, for as I was flying home on the last mile my toe caught in that oversized shoelace loop and sent me sailing, body-slamming to the ground. Hilarious? Probably, if anyone saw it, but I didn't see anyone around. Painful? Most assuredly.

Being the dedicated age group triathlete with a ball buster for a coach that I am, I got back up and finished my run. That last mile - 6:49. Tha's right!

Ah, but there is more. I biked for over 3 hours on Saturday - easy no problems. Then Sunday I was all excited to run again - 9 miles alternating Endurance Zone/Steady State Zone. It took a while to get going, then it started to hurt. Finally at mile 5 I felt like someone had stuck a knife between a couple of ribs in my chest. And it hurt the rest of the day. So I went to see the doctor this morning. You will all be disappointed to know that I do not have broken ribs - not even worth an X-ray. Probably bruised or pulled some soft tissue - whatever. So now I have to endure being called a wuss (or worse) from my coach. (I'm just kidding - she is very supportive.) (not really - she is really kind of horrifying.) And listen to my wife chuckle every time I wince because she knows what wimps middle aged men are - she works with them every day. I get no respect.

I don't even get good scabs to pick. This was the worst injury ever!

10 comments:

NJ said...

HAHA...You didn't mention going to see the doctor! Isn't it great when your wife and coach are on the same team!

Teresa said...

oh no, glad you are all in one piece. You have plenty of time to heal for Honu. Damn shoes!

Rest up!
tn

Maggs said...

I've done that too. Tripped on my shoe lace bows. Sucks. But you can't really hurt the rib anymore. Suck it up and run.

kerrie said...

wow, i'm glad that i'm not the only uncoordinated loser who has done that. lol. and i had the exact same thought before my run: wow, that loop looks kind of big...except, i did hit my head and i still have a scar. usually though, i try to make up a much cooler story to explain how i got that scar.

ADC said...

I can picture your fall right in front of my eyes and it is hillarious ;)))

Kathleen @ ForgingAhead said...

Ouch ouch and more ouch. So impressed that you got up and ran some more. I would be feeling seriously sorry for myself.

Beth said...

OUCH!! That is the worst area to injure - you feel it ALL the time, breathing included! Hope you get back to 100% soon! (and learn how to tie your shoes properly in the mean time :)

Charisa said...

Ouch. Glad you have plenty of time to heal up before honu!

Ultragrrl said...

I'm not impressed unless something is broken. Although, the shoelace is a nice touch.

JC said...

on no about the fall - and I've heard that bruised ribs are worse than broken. You'll heal in time to kick some A$$ in Honu!