6/11/11
15 miles / 2:13 / 8:52 avg pace
Catchy title, huh? I’m sure wannabe vampires will now be directed to my blog. I always keep it real on RTLR and today I’m going to show you the ugly side of marathon training. If you have a weak stomach, you’ve been warned. If you love gruesome stuff like me, then you are in for a treat.
Right before mile 6 I have to cross this wooden plank bridge. It’s not my favorite part of my long run since it’s high (I hate heights) and I’m scared of tripping on one of the planks. So I generally run across the bridge no slower than 8:30 pace so I can get it over with and reduce the risk of tripping. Here’s a picture of the bridge:
It’s super narrow and you can only go as fast as the people in front of you. Today I got stuck behind a Team in Training group and we were going slow (10:30-11:00 pace). I had to change my stride and I could feel that my feet were shuffling. See where I’m going with this!? Of course I trip over a plank and fall on my right knee. After I crossed the bridge I took a peek at the damage. Blood was running down my knee and it was more of a gash than a scrap. My knee felt fine so I finished my run (another 9 miles). I did make a pit stop to clean up the wound. The damage…nice and close for ya:
I got home and showered but the gash wouldn’t close and it kept bleeding. I figured I needed a few stitches and a tetanus shot. So on our way to DC (for a wedding) we made a pit stop at Bryn Mawr Hospital. I ended up with 2 stitches and a tetanus shot. The PA said that since the gash was over a joint it would probably open up when I ran so a few stitches would be the way to go. Good times.
The aftermath. It feels fine now but the bruising is setting in.
I think I’m OK to still dance tonight 🙂
I fall all the time when I run. I’m pretty klutzy. Last year I fell while running down the shore (see scar to the right on my knee).
Have you ever tripped or fallen on a run? Got any battle wounds?