Life Past 30

A couple of weeks ago, while training for the Marine Corps Marathon, I tripped and fell on a slab of raised sidewalk.  I didn’t see it coming, it happened so fast!  One second, I was running at a nice pace, the next I was fighting to keep my balance and not knock any teeth out on the unavoidable fall.  When I hit the ground, I caught myself with my right knee and both hands.  All I suffered, luckily, was a minor scrape on the fatty area of my right palm.  I was shocked and embarrassed because it happened by a red light where a long line of cars were waiting. 

Of course I got up quickly, but by that time, the damage had already been done and I couldn’t take it back.  I felt like I was 8 years old again, quickly trying to regain my composure.  It was a good thing the sun hadn’t completely come up yet or every one of those drivers would have seen just how embarrassed I was.  I have a sneaking feeling that at least one person laughed at me, but that’s okay. 

I ultimately completed that morning’s run as the embarrassment of the “spill” ebbed.  Throughout the run, I kept asking myself how I managed to let myself fall but couldn’t come up with an answer.  When I got back home, I had a banana, hopped on the computer and blogged about it.  Then I got ready for work and began my day.

If you ever find yourself in this situation, don’t beat yourself up too much because it will only make it worse.  Instead, get up and continue with what you were doing before.  You’ll feel better.