"I'd rather be seen on my bicycle than on a park run" - Quote from the dark side

Monday 16 August 2010

A really tough workout

Yesterday I did a 33km (20.46 miles) trail run as part of my training for the 50km mountain run in September. I ran on my favorite trails in the nature reserve close to my home. I decided to make this a LSD run on some of the most difficult trails in the reserve. I planned a really tough workout and I got just that plus a bit more.

The trails were very rocky and technical in places.

Rope to help you up the slope.

Trail next to the fence.

The morning went well and I really enjoyed my run. I was certainly getting the workout I wanted. I saw a few people that came for some hiking early on, but after about 24km I realized it’s been a long time since I last saw anyone. I think I was almost alone in the reserve and certainly alone on the tough trail I was on. It was so great being out there in nature with no humans in sight.

My mind dwelled on this and that was my downfall…literally. I was dreaming about being alone out there and lost concentration. Down I went! My foot caught a rock and I knew immediately I was in trouble. I hit the ground real hard, but the worst was my chest that struck a rock full on right on my chest bone. I also felt pain in the little finger of my left hand.

I rolled on my back and just lie there for a while, trying to feel what the damage was. Nothing too serious I thought and got up. At least no one was around to see me take a dive.

It didn’t look to bad although my chest was really stiff and sore.

My little finger was totally numb and started swelling almost immediately.

I was at a point on the trail where the shortest way back to my car was the 9km left of my run. Not much of a choice there so I pushed on. Things weren’t too bad except for my chest that was really sore. My finger stayed numb for a long time.

The last 3km includes a few tough climbs and I must say I battled up these. At some point I stopped to rest for a few minutes. The wind was blowing hard and I noticed I was full of salt as the wind was drying my sweat.

I was tired and sore, look at the salt on my face and cap.

I made it to my car and looking at the picture above I understand why I got some strange looks from other people at the parking area.

I went home and took a long bath. By the time I finished the bath my finger was turning blue.



This morning the finger is purple but not swollen too much. My chest bone is so sore and stiff I can’t raise my arms above my head or lift anything heavy. Other than that I’m fine and have no injuries that should interfere with my running this week.


Have a great week of running everyone and please stay upright!

25 comments:

FLATOUT JIM said...

The only way you could have a better run than that was if something was chasing you!

Andrew Opala said...

Wow! Those are annoying injuries in any training schedule. But you have enough time until your September run to be even better than today.

African Proverb:
"Every morning in Africa, Johann wakes up.
He knows he must run faster than the fastest cheetah or he will be killed. Every morning a cheetah wakes up. It knows it must outrun Johann or it will starve to death. It doesn't matter whether you are a cheetah or Johann.
When the sun comes up, you better start running."

John Kynaston said...

Great pictures!

Hope your finger is feeling better soon.

Anne said...

Yikes! That's quite the fall...hope your chest and finger feel better soon. Do be careful out there on those trails Johann :)

Teri S. said...

Sorry about the fall - I'm glad that it doesn't seem to be too bad. I have the same problem - I start thinking about something, and then wham! I'm laying on the ground. I am looking forward to hearing more about your training!

KovasP said...

Ouch! I can't believe you run on a trail that requires a rope to get up a section.

Emz said...

HOLY CRAP.

YOU ARE AMAZING.

A M A Z I N G !

Allie said...

Owww! When things turn blue that is not a good sign.

Leah B. said...

So sorry about your fall! I can't imagine running in trails like that. I hope all heals well.

Quinton J said...

Damn...did you get it looked at yet? Is it broken? The good news is that any race that gets thrown at you going forward will feel like a kids Disney ride. Hats-off for gettin'-er-done.

ajh said...

Wow! You are one tough runner! Hope this all heals quickly! I'm very impressed with you.

Natalia said...

Eina! That looks and sounds quite bad. Look after all the bruises and that finger, I have found that arnica is quite good. Clicks has it both as an oil and an ointment, and I usually stock up when I come home. The oil is very good on muscles etc, and the ointment on fingers, toes etc.
By the way, I am surprised (happily so), that you are not scared of pofadders, boomslange etc. We have Cape cobras, but I would hate for a boomslang to fall from a tree and form a scarf around my neck! Good luck with the healing.

Jennifer said...

Wow Johann, from that picture you really look like you needed a big hug or maybe a cold beer. Sorry for your accident, rest up! What a dang nab crazy looking trail...

The Boring Runner said...

WHOA!! You must have totally broken your little finger. But, running on that technical of tracks definitely means you are hard core.

judy said...

wow take it easy tarzan! just kidding....so glad you are ok!

Pahla said...

Holy crap, Johann! What a scary fall, I'm so glad you weren't any more hurt. That trail looks amazing, you are such a rock star.

Erika said...

That trail looks brutal! I'm glad you weren't hurt any worse, that would be terrible!

Jill said...

Wow, no wonder your finger wasn't a happy camper after that terrain! Glad it's better today...and so glad you got in a great run, despite the finger!!

Chris K said...

Johann, you are a Man's Man. That finger looks gnarly - I'm glad you are okay.

Jon said...

Hardcore run! WOW! Hope your finger heals quickly!

What is Comrades? Is that a specific distance or the name of a famous race in South Africa?

Molly said...

Holy cow, it looks like you broke your finger tough guy! Hope you're feeling better today!

Giorgio said...

I'm sorry about your fall Johann, although you have no injuries that should interfere with you running plan. The photo of your face shows what you felt. Take care Johann and feel better soon!

LMC said...

That seems like quite the technical trail run. Impressive! Good for you! I hope your finger and your chest heal quickly and completely.
BTW, thanks for commenting on my blog! About GU, I was a real GU fan until I discovered Hammer. Now, there's nothing else for me.

HappyTrails said...

Catching up on blogs a bit Johann - how is the hand coming along? Hope no lasting effects are lingering from that fall you took. Have a great week!

Julie said...

Thank goodness you are alive! You are such a trooper for hanging in there:) I hope that your body mends soon! Take care!