Not every day is a smashing success from start to finish. Yesterday, I went out for my morning run. My pace has been a bit slower lately (not sure why, but not too concerned about it) but it was feeling like a good run. I’m always grateful for dry sidewalks and paths in the winter and, as far as I could tell, most of the route was dry. About two-thirds of the way on the route, I had just finished crossing at a major intersection, cursed a truck driver (in my head) who turned left well after the advanced green for him and the walk sign for me, I was on my way and, with no obstacle in view, I found myself tumbling forward. I have tripped and fallen when running before, of course. Usually, your hands and knees save you from hitting your face. This time, I fell forward, hit my knees and hands, but also, hit my nose and forehead. Miraculously, even though I heard the snap of my forehead hitting the pavement, I emerged with some superficial scrapes, but no apparent internal injuries or broken bones. I won’t get into the fleeting thought in my head about another bump to add to my post nose job (in late 20s) – firmly in the category of “oh well”.
I slowly got up from my fall. Nervously touched my forehead and nose to assess the damage. There was a little bit of blood on my fingers but it didn’t seem too bad. I could feel my right knee had been scraped. I considered jogging again but my knee said no. Also, I wasn’t 100% sure I wasn’t dizzy or otherwise injured so I erred on the side of caution and walked the rest of the way home.
When I got to a local shop, with bloody nose, the barista looked at me with a worried expression. I said, “I’m OK, just a little tumble. I’m going to go use the washroom and come back and get my coffee”. When I emerged from the bathroom, she asked me if I needed a bandage. I said, it’s OK, I’ll be home soon and then I noticed she had my coffee ready on the counter. I acknowledged how kind it was that she had it ready and went on my way.
Earlier on the run that day, a man had slowly put his fist out in a gesture to give me “fist bump” as I ran by him. In those moments, there is the initial split second of, “who is this man”, “is he doing something nice or not”, “do I need to get away”. Sadly, this is the way my mind has been conditioned, living in a big city (that I love and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else). But, in the split second of wondering whether it was a kind gesture or not, I realized it was and put out my hand for a fist bump.
I always start out my workout at One Academy, which has become my regular Saturday morning conditioning class, feeling a bit like I don’t love the vibe, but then I enjoy the very good workout, and at the end, the people who wear an air of competitiveness at the beginning of class, put out their hands for fist bumps at the end of class in a gesture of camaraderie that feels friendly.
Then today, I woke up thinking I might do a stationary bike workout, instead of going out for another run. But, after my coffee and quick dog walk, I realized I felt OK. It was sunny out. I thought, best to get out and do a little run, after yesterday’s fall. After my vestibular issues in the spring, my commitment to running feels even stronger than before. If I can, I will. I chose to go out for my run.
At first, I thought I would do a shorter route. But, as I got partway through my run, I realized I felt good. Did I mention the sun was shining? I figured I would retrace the full route I planned to do yesterday. At the same spot as yesterday, there was the “fist bumper”. He held his hand out gently as I ran by and I held out mine for the grateful fist bump.
I made it to the same spot I fell yesterday and kept going.
Look, I know it’s somewhat narcissistic to be so concerned about my ability to go out for a run and enjoy my day. I don’t deserve a good day better than anyone else. There are so many people in the world who deserve a good day and who won’t have one, whether because of war, violent partners, hunger, illness, and more. But, I can’t help but continue to believe that “all we have is now” and each moment we can appreciate being here, being alive, being healthy enough to go out for a run (or any activity that is important to you), feeling moments of contentment and joy, is valid and important and may give us the inspiration and energy we need to help someone else along the way.
Today I’m grateful for fist bumps.
