Saturday: I tripped and fell hard while running. The day was clear and bright, not a speck of ice in sight. My (running) life flashed before my eyes—-would I be sidelined for weeks? What did this portend for the More Half marathon?
My trusty Lucy track pants (2 zippered pockets!) were ruined.
I had bruised knees. The scrapes on my palms were reminiscent of a DaVinci Code outtake. My left elbow was awfully sore.
Full (embarrassing) disclosure. I fractured my left elbow before. While running. On another picture perfect running day. I am such a klutz! Ask Jean, she’s seen me in action. More than once.
Monday: A visit to the doctor and an x ray. The verdict—-a possible fracture. I am scheduled to see an orthopedist the following day. Trepidation ensues.
I spend (far too much) time googling “running (with a) fractured elbow”. The answer; a resolute NO.
While right handed; life is easier with a flexible left arm. Shampooing, putting on earrings or closing the car door requires a modicum of planning at the moment.
Tuesday: The orthopedist (channeling the young doc on Nurse Jackie) conjectures that my elbow is merely bruised, the x ray noting the former fracture. I marvel at the lack of medical certainty in 2010. But, I will happily accept this diagnosis. I can run again when I gain more elbow mobility. In the mean time, I will catch up on sleep and read those forgotten sections of the Times.
Both the GP and orthopedist tout the wonders of Aleve. The GP refers to it as “the runner’s friend” because of its strong anti-inflammatory properties. It seems to be working for me.
The fall jarred something else in me, my tendency to taking running and the liberty of health for granted. Resolutions abound. Value the luxury of feeling fit. And a sweet novelty: I so look forward to getting out there, on the road again.
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