Falling Down

Post date: Mar 24, 2016 12:37:56 AM

I'm learning that one of the most common problems on the trail is taking a tumble. There are all kind of obstacles to negotiate such as roots and rocks and if your toe hits one while you're walking fast, especially if you're going downhill, a fall forward is a good possibility. The likelihood is also directly related to the amount of weight in your pack which can further throw off your balance. One young guy jokingly said he was called Fall Guy because he fell so much. Obviously he did not injure himself but I have talked to two guys who did- one hit his chest and thought he broke a rib and the other messed up his elbow and shoulder.

I've had two falls. The first was on day 3 when, as above, I hit my toe on a rock while walking downhill at a good pace and before I knew it, I was falling forward. Luckily I landed in a soft spot, rolled, and had no injuries. Today was a different kind of fall due to my old nemesis- rolling an ankle. At mile 5 of 17 today I felt great, weather was perfect, I was humming along when bam, out of nowhere I turned my left ankle on a root. One step out of the 300,000 or so taken so far. One step I wish I had back. I limped through the next 12 miles, I'm icing it tonight and will see how it is tomorrow.

Lessons learned: Go at a reasonable pace taking into account the weight of your pack, be very methodical especially when going downhill, lift your toes as you walk, walk wide.

Today Wayah Bald to Nantahala Outdoor Center, 17 miles, now at mile 137