I run because it’s a relatively safe, “easy” way to relieve stress and stay in shape. Or so I thought. I am the first to admit that I am not graceful or coordinated but I really should be able to put one foot in front of the other without face-planting. It’s not like I am rock climbing, or hauling *ss down a mountain trail on a bike, I am running, and not even very fast!

Over the years I have had a few spills…slipped on a wet curb, tripped over a rock, stumbled over my dog…well you get the picture. Today was one of those days. My plan was to do an easy 8 miles with my very energetic and quite skittish German Shepherd puppy, Luna (or Luna-tic depending on the day and this was one of those days). 

We were almost a mile in, when a “scary”man crossed the street in front of us, I slowed assuring her that all was well but she kept turning around to look to make sure we were safe. A few steps past the scary man there was a scarier lady who she failed to see until we were upon her. At that point she freaked out and took off with me in tow. Unfortunately I can’t run as fast as her and I ended up getting spun around landing on my back and whacking my head on the sidewalk. Ouch!

So many things go through your mind when you go down hard like that. All pretty much simultaneously. 

• F#*&!
• Did I break anything? F#*&!
• I hope nobody I know saw me.
• Is my shirt okay? Pants? 
• Where’s my dog? 
• Am I bleeding?
• Am I okay to keep running? 
• Screw it, even if I can run, I’m going home!

Meanwhile, I had the scary lady standing over me asking if I was okay. “Yes, I’m okay.” Ugh. I couldn’t really move yet, so I’m lying there on the sidewalk, holding my head, drawing more attention to myself, when a car pulls over and the lady continues to ask if I’m okay. Ugh! She says something about working at a hospital and wants to be sure I’m okay. I tell her I’m a nurse and I’m fine. Really. 

I finally get up, looking for Luna-tic who is standing about 25 feet away looking at me, not sure if it’s safe to come back with that scary lady still standing there. Then ironically, this lady hands me her card announcing she does dog obedience training if I’m interested. Yes, yes I am!

If I didn’t know better I’d think she set up the whole fiasco. But I do, and she didn’t. 😉

As I slowly walk home, in pain, angry and embarrassed, worrying that I may have injured my back and “What if I can’t run for a while, or ever?”. I am not happy. My run was halted, my hand (head, hip, knee) hurt, my day possibly ruined…okay a little dramatic but I was in pain and my runner friends know what it’s like when a planned run gets derailed. 

Any how, this all happened yesterday, and  while I’m sore in multiple areas, I will run again. Not today. Today I’m taking it easy and walking with my older, mellower dog Sadie. 

Moral of the story…be more aware of your dogs fears and invest in dog obedience training.

Have you ever been taken down by your dog? Have you ever been injured from a fall and couldn’t run for a while?

Share your thoughts with me and as always,

Thanks for reading!

Keep running!

                  Denise