Shamrocks and Shenanigans

Today's 5K was somewhat disappointing. It couldn't have been a nicer day for a run: brightly sunny, no wind, and a temperature in the mid-forties. The course was a two-lap route in downtown Ann Arbor. Through the first half I ran hard, and put myself at least in the position to be able to challenge for a new personal record (though it was by no means a lock).

But early in the second half (just shy of 20 minutes in), I was going west on Washington (down a hill), preparing to turn south (left) on First Street, pushing hard, and my legs just gave way. I fell, and was totally uninjured (except for bloodying my left knee and the knuckle of my left forefinger). Two Red Cross volunteers on a golf cart swooped over very quickly to tend to me, and would not let me get up. (Their concern was exacerbated, of course, by my inability to speak clearly.) The 23-year-old driver, Adam, and his assistant, Sid, cleaned and bandaged my wounds, and their concern was alleviated somewhat when they asked my medical history, and I was able to say, "1993 Traumatic Brain Injury ... that's why I can't speak well." We joked and had a nice chat, with Adam opining after he found out my age that it might not have been realistic for me to "try to keep up with these young bucks." :)

Anyway, then a Huron Valley Ambulance had been called and came over, and after we chatted a bit, they were happy to learn I was OK, but since they had come they had to fill out a report. And, of course, I had to "sign off" on a form saying that, though I had been offered a ride to the hospital, I declined. (The driver joked, "So if your knee falls off tomorrow, you can't sue us!" She was in a good mood because at one point earlier, after she had forgotten something, I attributed it to her being "blonde" ... and although she pretended to be offended by this, she grinned and it was clear she took it as a sign of me being in good condition.)

After this was over, Adam and Sid gave me a ride back to my car at the library - they asked whether I wanted to continue running or not, and although I feel that I perhaps should have, I wimped out and accepted the ride. So, anyway, all's well that ends well - but next race I expect to do better!