This is so stupid, but I'm curious

jennypapage

this is one of my biggest fears. i trip in every run, sometimes 2-3 times, on the stupid sidewalks that are not flat.I always manage to stay upright, but i fear that my luck will run out. When i approach sidewalks or parts of the road that i have tripped on before, i make sure i lift my legs higher.And i try to run on flat surfaces as much as possible.When it's raining or snowing i take smaller steps.So far so good.

LeanButNotMean44

Radroit wrote: »

Nineteen marathons, numerous tri's, lots and lots of trail running, never fallen or come close to falling. I can understand getting so 'zoned' that you might stop paying attention to your track...but clearly that's something you need to not let happen. If you're not checking upcoming terrain you're doing it wrong. But don't stop running, just be more careful. Being aware of your surroundings is crucial to your safety, whether it's trip hazards, cyclists, horseback riders, motor vehicles, even people intent on mischief. As a young lady I think the latter should be high on your list.

Having said that, I think it's unfortunate that our litigious society leads events such as yours so quickly to 'sue someone'.

Perhaps you had good intentions when you posted this response. But after 2 triathlons, 12 marathons, 2 50 mile ultramarathons, and runs on trails, roads and sidewalks - all of which were done with every bit of attention to my surroundings (no headphones, running on the correct side of the trail/road) - I still fell countless times. I've fallen on trails, sidewalks, and roads.

I know that it is because when I become fatigued I don't pick my feet up enough.

Good on you for never falling during your races, but realize that you may very well be the exception, not the rule.

crumbtinies

I too have fallen numerous times, and therefore I do try really hard to pay attention to my surroundings, especially on sidewalks. But like a few others here, I tend to trip and fall when I am tired. I certainly don't pick up my feet enough (I have perfected the marathon shuffle o.O) and the fatigue also diminishes my concentration on my surroundings. After one particularly nasty fall, I was afraid to run for a while, as every time I tried I just kept picturing myself tripping and falling again. I just ran super slow and cautious until I got over it. I hope that my awareness of the problem has actually saved me for even more falls, but who knows. I finally found a few running routes that are more asphalt path than broken sidewalks so I try to stick to those when I can.

DietPrada

I walk with my partner, he trips at least twice a walk over cracks, uneven pavement - not bad enough to fall down, but enough to make me laugh at him. Because he's lazy - he drags his feet. Pick your feet up, look where you're going, you won't trip.

BrunetteRunner87

stealthq wrote: »

I'm guessing you don't pick your feet up very high when you run. On a flat surface, that'd be a benefit - more efficient. On an uneven surface not so much. If you're going to continue running on sidewalks in poor condition, you're going to want to watch for cracks and think about making sure you're picking your feet up enough to get over. If nothing else, seeing them will help you be prepared to catch yourself in case you trip.

Where sidewalks are in bad shape, I try to run in the street opposing traffic until I get to a properly maintained section. Where I live, the street is in much better condition and I'm only contending with neighborhood traffic - slow and not a lot. I wear a light so the cars can see me and I keep an eye out for them, of course. Obviously don't do this if traffic is dangerous where you are.

I just recently bought something called a "milestone pod" that measures your stride, it could help you determine if you are picking up your feet enough. It is only $25 and attaches to your shoelaces.

BrunetteRunner87

Spliner1969 wrote: »

Edit: By the way, when you fell, if there were medical expenses, the homeowner (if there was one) with the sidewalk is liable. That's why we have homeowner's insurance. It's also why you should maintain your sidewalks.

Food for thought.

Depends on where you live, state and municipal laws could differ.

ItsSlimpossible12

Thank you all for your insightful, thoughtful comments! I will look into some of the suggestions. And I'm glad that I am not along (not that I'm happy that some of you fall, but you know what I mean) But I am going to guess it is the not realizing I'm not picking my feet up high enough when I get fatigued. I run on a trail in a forest preserve on the weekends (no falls there), but unfortunately can't get there before dark after work during the week. I ran yesterday evening and was very conscious of lifting my feet up higher the whole time. Seemed to affect my knee a bit (as I had a twinge of pain I hadn't experienced before) and affected my pace (which is NBD to me) but its MUCH better than the consequences I experience when I drag my feet!

Thank you all, again! And happy, fall-free running!