Falling over

[Sunshine-daisy]

I graduated C25k a couple of weeks ago and have been running 5k+ 3 times a week since, focusing on the distance rather than the time. I’ve found every run challenging, struggling with the 1st 15 mins especially but I do keep going . Yesterday I had to change my route because of path closures and embarked on a rather hilly off-road track, not entirely confident I was going to manage, but after 15 minutes I was feeling great, pace was good, breathing under control, thinking yes!! I am a runner and then it happened ..... stumbled on some loose ground and lost my footing and fell flat out. My first fall while running. Legs and palms cut and bleeding and a bit shocked, I picked myself up and continued on, think the adrenaline carried me to be honest, finished my 5k in decent time and then went home to pick the gravel out of my poor knee . I’m sore and bruised today but it’s my confidence that’s taken the biggest knock and I’m already worried about my run tomorrow. Any thoughts or shared experiences from you guys that may help me get back out there would be very welcome.

[SETC]

I had a very similar experience and fell last week, a couple of weeks after graduation. My hands are pretty much healed now but I took a reasonable chunk out of my knee that’s taking longer. I went out pretty quickly after that fall just to prove to myself I wouldn’t fall again and honestly it was fine - don’t worry just take your time. My pride took the greatest hit but I’m so clumsy it was only a matter of time.

[Sunshine-daisy in reply to SETC]

Thanks, I’m pretty clumsy too. My partner has suggested knee pads and a crash helmet might be the way forward!!!

[Sazzles9 in reply to Sunshine-daisy]

My other half says I need bubble wrap 😂

[51mc Graduate10]

Don't worry, it happens to us all at some time! I would suggest that the next run you do is on a nice level path, just to give your mind time to forget the fall! Good luck.

[GoogleMe Graduate10]

Just get out there, it won't just help psychologically but it will loosen things up a bit. Maybe a different route though? Maybe listen to something, such as a podcast, if you don't usually?

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

I dedicate todays run to you. I thought about you loads as I ran my 10k over a mix of on and off road surfaces, up and down pavements, on and off grass for social distancing, up and down loose stony steep hills. I too have fallen whilst running, not today luckily. It does knock your confidence but it can happen to anyone. I walked back past where I'd fallen to prove it was just an accident, misplaced foot, break in concentration not some demon land form waiting to trip me up again. Go out for a short confidence building run and try to enjoy it. Happy running 🤗

[Sunshine-daisy in reply to Grannyhugs]

Thanks for your words of encouragement. I will definitely plan a short straight route next run , boring but safer !!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

Yikes, bet that was a shock Sunshine-daisy. But really you’ll be fine next time. We all have stumbles, trips and falls at some point, and one thing it teaches us is to keep our wits about us, especially on an unknown route.

I fell down a rabbit (or something) hole last year, having naively assumed the long cut grass lying on the ground was ok. Nope, straight down! No lasting damage, but it taught me a lesson. 🙄

[Sunshine-daisy in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thanks- it’s helpful to hear I’m in good company!!’

[badger19]

Sorry to hear that - hope you are feeling a little better now? I wonder if it's a post-C25k 'thing' - just when you are starting to feel confident

I also had a tumble this Tuesday on my first run since graduation (again! I've run a lot before)

I was out running in the woods and tripped over a root - hit both knees and wrenched my arm trying to protect my face. Thought I'd broken my nose for a moment as I was bleeding quite a bit, but it ended up just bruised and scratched from bushes.

It's not the first time I've fallen - last time I was attached to my 37kg German shepherd dog (canicrossing) running full pelt downhill - it IS scary when it happens and you may feel nervous for the next few runs, but you will soon forget. Maybe try some road runs with a more regular surface for your first few ventures out again? Take care!

[Sunshine-daisy in reply to badger19]

Wow ... you win !!! Seriously though, it’s really helpful to know I’m not the only clumsy oaf!!

[badger19]

Hee hee - it looks like there are quite a few of us!! I'm off out now (with 🐕) and I'm going to be very careful .....

[sunshinefish Graduate10]

I feel your pain. I run in the woods and have fallen over on both my runs this week, and three times in the past 7 weeks. It is awful.

Going to try and get out again today and am going to chose broader, less bumpy paths. I feel very uncoordinated and a bit daft for falling twice in three days.

I hope your next run goes well for you

[Sunshine-daisy in reply to sunshinefish]

Oh no ... poor you !! I’m planning on getting out sometime this morning, fingers crossed for us both !!!

[sunshinefish Graduate10 in reply to Sunshine-daisy]

I did a very short bike ride and then a road run with my hubby yesterday. Happy to say I didn't fall over! Hope you were the same on your run.

[Sunshine-daisy]

It went well thanks, I deliberately chose the same route - being a bit more observant- so I could mentally tell myself it wouldn’t beat me and managed to stay upright and run 6k in a reasonable time. Hopefully I’m not due another fall for a while!!!