You Asked What Happened

After I posted this gnarly first photo to Facebook, several people asked me what happened.

Oh how I wish I could tell you I was doing something fabulous like running away from a mountain lion or scurrying down a steep descent like Kilian Jornet.

Truth is, I was high.

High?!

Yes. I was experiencing that euphoria I get when I’m out running on a beautiful Arizona day with blue sky all around me. When I feel embraced by the solitude of the desert. When I am thankful for my healthy body. When I am keeping my eyes on my A race goals. When I feel like I could run forever and ever.

It was a smooth, flat, gravel-covered part of my favorite South Mountain trail. Not a rock in sight.

I was so excited to be meeting John at a designated point up ahead. We had plans to explore some new parts of the park.

I was wearing my favorite running skirt and top.

And then I totally bit it. No provocation.

The mountain biker behind me did not even blink, and he blew past me as I assessed the damage.

The knee felt sore and I felt scared, so I of course I finished out the run with 6 more miles.

Here’s what it looks like today. It’s still super sore but I hope to be out there again, soon, feeling like I could run forever and ever.