Runner Down

I have now finished three Chi Running lessons. And, I have been trying to incorporate the Chi Running technique to my long runs. Yet, I cannot use Chi Running as an excuse for my most embarrassing running moment (and, I have had a few).

But, I can blame a goose. One that looks like this:


He/she looks relatively harmless.

I guess it might be a bit unfair to blame the goose and not my own feet. You can be the judge.

This past Saturday was a 6 mile run. We have done 6, 7 and 8 mile runs the previous three weeks. So this week was suppose to be an easy week. I would have time to practice my Chi running without pushing my knee too hard (still recovering and hoping my knee holds up).

Everything was going perfect. I was with a group of about 25 runners at Los Gatos Creek Trail. We were going about a 9:20 pace.

I was running on the dirt next to the concrete path. When there is a dirt path next to the concrete I generally try to run on it since I feel that it is easier on my knees. The problem with running on the dirt is that it can be uneven and there are many occasions when you have to jump back onto the concrete.

This time in my way is a goose. It is moving slowly and blocking my path. I have a few choices: (1) jump over it, (2) run it over, or (3) jump back onto the concrete path. I should have picked 1 or 2.

I really don't know what occurred. All I remember is that I stepped to my left to get back on the concrete and somehow I twisted my right ankle. I immediately fell to the ground. My first thought was wondering if I was going to get run over. My second thought was my knee.

I was running near the front of the pack. We were at the 4 and 1/2 mile mark. It happened very slowly. I felt my ankle twist. I feel myself falling to the ground. I try to land proper (if even possible) and try to roll away from the path. As I hit the ground, I hear someone call out "runner down". I watch the group run around me, some having to quickly move out of the way. A couple stopped, others faces seemed surprised. Luckily I did not take anyone else down. My hands, arm and legs were scraped up. My right ankle was very sore. Slowly I got up. I checked my knee and then walked off my ankle pain for a minute or two. I then start running slow with someone who stopped. I was able to get my pace back up and even catch up to some of my group. My ankle is still sore and a little swollen, but I think staying off it for a couple of days should do the trick. The worst part is just the embarrassment of falling down.

I guess at least I can blame the goose.