This is so stupid, but I'm curious
ItsSlimpossible12
Posts: 127 Member
So, I like to think of myself as a runner. I am definitely a recreational runner and am only competitive with myself and am not dedicated enough to run in the winter. I have been running 2 miles regularly for a while and recently upped it to 3-4. For the last month or so I have been running 5-6 days a week. Before that it just depended on the weather, but I try for at least 5 days a week in non winter months.
In October I tripped over a large height difference in a crack in the sidewalk, landed on my right wrist and had to have emergency surgery inserting a plate (my hand was falling off of my wrist). I had a long recovery (still not back to normal ROM) but I started running again, very, very carefully and more aware of the sidewalk.
Last night I tripped. And fell. On a height difference in a sidewalk crack. Luckily no breaks, just a badly skinned knee and some concrete burn, but I'm wondering what the hell is going on.
Am I meant to not be a runner? Running wrong? Neurological problem? What is wrong with me?!
I am too embarrassed to talk to my "runner" friends about this because WHO THE HELL FALLS THIS MUCH?! And no, I am NOT typically accident prone or clumsy in regular, everyday life or even my other workouts (which include cardio and weight lifting).
Any insight?
In October I tripped over a large height difference in a crack in the sidewalk, landed on my right wrist and had to have emergency surgery inserting a plate (my hand was falling off of my wrist). I had a long recovery (still not back to normal ROM) but I started running again, very, very carefully and more aware of the sidewalk.
Last night I tripped. And fell. On a height difference in a sidewalk crack. Luckily no breaks, just a badly skinned knee and some concrete burn, but I'm wondering what the hell is going on.
Am I meant to not be a runner? Running wrong? Neurological problem? What is wrong with me?!
I am too embarrassed to talk to my "runner" friends about this because WHO THE HELL FALLS THIS MUCH?! And no, I am NOT typically accident prone or clumsy in regular, everyday life or even my other workouts (which include cardio and weight lifting).
Any insight?
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Replies
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So, I like to think of myself as a runner. I am definitely a recreational runner and am only competitive with myself and am not dedicated enough to run in the winter. I have been running 2 miles regularly for a while and recently upped it to 3-4. For the last month or so I have been running 5-6 days a week. Before that it just depended on the weather, but I try for at least 5 days a week in non winter months.
In October I tripped over a large height difference in a crack in the sidewalk, landed on my right wrist and had to have emergency surgery inserting a plate (my hand was falling off of my wrist). I had a long recovery (still not back to normal ROM) but I started running again, very, very carefully and more aware of the sidewalk.
Last night I tripped. And fell. On a height difference in a sidewalk crack. Luckily no breaks, just a badly skinned knee and some concrete burn, but I'm wondering what the hell is going on.
Am I meant to not be a runner? Running wrong? Neurological problem? What is wrong with me?!
I am too embarrassed to talk to my "runner" friends about this because WHO THE HELL FALLS THIS MUCH?! And no, I am NOT typically accident prone or clumsy in regular, everyday life or even my other workouts (which include cardio and weight lifting).
Any insight?
do you fall when not running? like are you prone to trip? do you misjudge distance? How is your eyesight?
talk to your doctor! you do have a regular family doc right?
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You should talk to your runner friends who are experienced. They can check out your form and make recommendations. I tend to look down a lot to make sure I am not stepping into a pot hole or something.
I to run for recreation only competing with myself and I definitely do not run in the Winter!1 -
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.4 -
I've been thinking about starting a jogging routine since I moved to the city, whereas I used to run in a park with asphalt paths. I'm scared...But I do have insurance, and my boss would probably let me work with injuries.1
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I would try to stay off sidewalks or hard surfaces after what happened to you. Do you have a park where you can run on dirt paths? If you fall, you won't do as much damage.1
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For me, I have hypermobile joints, so before I got ankle supports/wraps, I'd fall down all the time. Literally three training sessions in a row, me face down. Now it never happens because I have the right equipment to help me. I'd definitely talk to your runner friends if you don't talk to your doctor. A second or third pair of eyes never killed anyone.
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I know it's not feasible for people in larger cities/towns, but in my town (small and rural) I simply run in the street toward oncoming traffic. I only use the sidewalks when cars won't get over or if I see a need to be off the road. The city takes care of the roads and they are usually level and smooth, the sidewalks.. not so much. Homeowners don't maintain them unless they are made to do so by the city, so they are uneven, not level at all, and full of cracks and holes. Food for thought, just wear bright colors so cars can see you and pay attention. Again, in a busy city probably not a good idea, but you can also find a park. Our park has a running/walking/biking path that is about 5 miles in length. It's highly visible so there's no risk of going in the woods somewhere on it.
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.3 -
I don't run, but I am a walker. I agree with stealthq, as that is my problem, not picking up my feet high enough. I walk in the morning (when it is still dark) before work. I tripped and banged up my shoulder pretty bad. Nothing like what you did last fall, though. But it is an issue for me of not picking up my feet high enough. I try to be really conscious of it now, and really watch the ground. May be an issue for you as well.1
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Happened to me once going up a street curb. Mentally.... curbs are usually not obstacles to me (especially when I'm just walking), but when fatigue starts to set in and I want to maintain stride, I get lazy and underestimate the tact I will need to change pace and footing on uneven terrain. Try and remind yourself to slow down in uneven areas! Even if it seems like it should be a non-issue.1
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I thought the statement was "if you're a runner, it's not if you fall, it's when."3
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Tomk652015 wrote: »So, I like to think of myself as a runner. I am definitely a recreational runner and am only competitive with myself and am not dedicated enough to run in the winter. I have been running 2 miles regularly for a while and recently upped it to 3-4. For the last month or so I have been running 5-6 days a week. Before that it just depended on the weather, but I try for at least 5 days a week in non winter months.
In October I tripped over a large height difference in a crack in the sidewalk, landed on my right wrist and had to have emergency surgery inserting a plate (my hand was falling off of my wrist). I had a long recovery (still not back to normal ROM) but I started running again, very, very carefully and more aware of the sidewalk.
Last night I tripped. And fell. On a height difference in a sidewalk crack. Luckily no breaks, just a badly skinned knee and some concrete burn, but I'm wondering what the hell is going on.
Am I meant to not be a runner? Running wrong? Neurological problem? What is wrong with me?!
I am too embarrassed to talk to my "runner" friends about this because WHO THE HELL FALLS THIS MUCH?! And no, I am NOT typically accident prone or clumsy in regular, everyday life or even my other workouts (which include cardio and weight lifting).
Any insight?
do you fall when not running? like are you prone to trip? do you misjudge distance? How is your eyesight?
talk to your doctor! you do have a regular family doc right?
Nope. Not very. Nope. 20/20
Aaaaaaaaand nope.
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PaulaWallaDingDong wrote: »I've been thinking about starting a jogging routine since I moved to the city, whereas I used to run in a park with asphalt paths. I'm scared...But I do have insurance, and my boss would probably let me work with injuries.
I was out for 2 weeks after my wrist surgery, luckily I had been at my job for 10 years and this was my first medical incident!1 -
glassofroses wrote: »For me, I have hypermobile joints, so before I got ankle supports/wraps, I'd fall down all the time. Literally three training sessions in a row, me face down. Now it never happens because I have the right equipment to help me. I'd definitely talk to your runner friends if you don't talk to your doctor. A second or third pair of eyes never killed anyone.
Thank you for the insight! I appreciate it.0 -
Spliner1969 wrote: »I know it's not feasible for people in larger cities/towns, but in my town (small and rural) I simply run in the street toward oncoming traffic. I only use the sidewalks when cars won't get over or if I see a need to be off the road. The city takes care of the roads and they are usually level and smooth, the sidewalks.. not so much. Homeowners don't maintain them unless they are made to do so by the city, so they are uneven, not level at all, and full of cracks and holes. Food for thought, just wear bright colors so cars can see you and pay attention. Again, in a busy city probably not a good idea, but you can also find a park. Our park has a running/walking/biking path that is about 5 miles in length. It's highly visible so there's no risk of going in the woods somewhere on it.
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.
It's funny how you had no idea I work for lawyers and this is the first thing they told me.0 -
smoothswimgirl wrote: »Happened to me once going up a street curb. Mentally.... curbs are usually not obstacles to me (especially when I'm just walking), but when fatigue starts to set in and I want to maintain stride, I get lazy and underestimate the tact I will need to change pace and footing on uneven terrain. Try and remind yourself to slow down in uneven areas! Even if it seems like it should be a non-issue.
That's great advice, thank you. Maybe I am getting fatigued and don't realize it's affecting how I pick up my feet.2 -
quiksylver296 wrote: »I thought the statement was "if you're a runner, it's not if you fall, it's when."
I had never heard that before. Surprisingly, it makes me feel a little better!2 -
@alheise12 I thought about you this morning!!!! I started my run and didnt pick up my feet and completely wiped out on a raised crack on the sidewalk!! Have a hole in my running pants and my knees are scraped and bleeding! Thank God I didnt break anything!
That was the first time I fell while running LOL!!
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A good long while ago I spent several months in a wheelchair recovering from a crash. I had previously been running quite a bit (usually in the street) but during my recovery I tried to keep my conditioning up somehow. I took wheelchair "strolls" on the sidewalks and found them completely impassable where the many giant oak trees had lifted and tilted them. Despite my complaint, nothing was ever done about them, which I understand, because no one wants the century old trees to be taken down or to move the sidewalks on to people's yards. This is probably a common problem in a mature urban residential neighborhood, but it seems pretty bad that people in wheelchairs can't use the public sidewalks.
My solution then and this may be a possibility for you was to move my workouts to a smooth paved recreational trail.1 -
hi, I fall all the time usually at least one fall during a marathon season, two seasons a year. I have probably had a least 20 falls with skinned and knees and hands . I have been told it is because I run on my toes and because I am tall this makes me unsteady and more likely to fall. I haven't had any breaks or tears just minor abrasions and ripped tights. I find that I tend to fall when I am tired and low energy so I make sure I have something in my stomach before a run.1
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Just something to consider: Have you gotten checked for nutrient deficiencies? Apologies if you've already mentioned this.1
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I've fallen a few times. No damage as bad as yours, but enough for me to only run in the road now. The sidewalks around here are terrible. Atlanta's falling apart anyways. You can't even trust the ground you're standing on. lol1
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run in known areas
run on a track
run on a treadmill
I see no reason why you need to STOP, but you might want to put yourself in safer situations for a while.0 -
I'm not a runner. I have "improper" form because I look where I'm running/walking rather than my head up eyes front. I don't trip anymore though, so bonus to "bad" form.1
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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'.0 -
@alheise12 I thought about you this morning!!!! I started my run and didnt pick up my feet and completely wiped out on a raised crack on the sidewalk!! Have a hole in my running pants and my knees are scraped and bleeding! Thank God I didnt break anything!
That was the first time I fell while running LOL!!
Oh no, I hope I didn't jinx you!! Glad you're ok!0 -
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'.
Wow, the condescension is oozing out of this one. I aspire to one day reach your level of perfection.
I do pay attention to my surroundings, don't run with headphones in both ears, pay attention to where I am running, and run with a "protection tool" in case I come across people intent on mischief. I am well aware of my surroundings, so as a "young lady", all are high on my list. Thanks for that suggestion though.
I think its unfortunate that those of us responsible home owners that maintain our properties and pay to do so when the City offers to fix any deficiencies in the sidewalk every single summer, have to pay the price for those who don't bother. Having said that, I never said that I sued anyone, I said it was suggested to me because the lazy homeowner has a 3 inch crack in their sidewalk and it is their responsibility to maintain their property.4 -
So, I like to think of myself as a runner. I am definitely a recreational runner and am only competitive with myself and am not dedicated enough to run in the winter. I have been running 2 miles regularly for a while and recently upped it to 3-4. For the last month or so I have been running 5-6 days a week. Before that it just depended on the weather, but I try for at least 5 days a week in non winter months.
In October I tripped over a large height difference in a crack in the sidewalk, landed on my right wrist and had to have emergency surgery inserting a plate (my hand was falling off of my wrist). I had a long recovery (still not back to normal ROM) but I started running again, very, very carefully and more aware of the sidewalk.
Last night I tripped. And fell. On a height difference in a sidewalk crack. Luckily no breaks, just a badly skinned knee and some concrete burn, but I'm wondering what the hell is going on.
Am I meant to not be a runner? Running wrong? Neurological problem? What is wrong with me?!
I am too embarrassed to talk to my "runner" friends about this because WHO THE HELL FALLS THIS MUCH?! And no, I am NOT typically accident prone or clumsy in regular, everyday life or even my other workouts (which include cardio and weight lifting).
Any insight?
Hey,
No judgement here! Do you wear contacts or glasses when you run? I fell down some stairs one day out of nowhere, and then I started falling all the time. I figured out it was because my prescription changed on me and my depth perception was off. After I got new contacts, no more falls. It's worth a shot if you are having some serious falls.1 -
I run outdoors as well, I refuse to run on sidewalks for the very reason you mentioned. Uneven pavement, also the threat of cars backing out of their driveway. I have found a nice out of the way neighborhood, quite isolated from pass through traffic. I drive to it, run, drive back home. I run in the street. Very few car issues in that neighborhood.
Are there any parks or trails around you with running paths?0 -
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I've had a couple of falls. And each time it's been because my hips were out and I wasn't picking up one foot properly. A trip to the osteopath solved my problem.1
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