Between a rock and a hard face

I am wealthy man. Yes, as a physician, I am financially comfortable, however, I mean much more than that. I am wealthy in creature comforts, in relationships, in experiences, in life in general. While I try not to take this for granted, I know that at times I do. When your life is one of plenty, it is easy to assume that it should be thus, and will always be thus.

While some corner of my mind is aware that life carries no guarantees, I still make plans for the future as though this is assured. I am embarking on a project with a timeline of over 12 months. The culmination of this is a goal toward which these next 12 months will be dedicated, a goal to achieve a personal dream. Much can happen in that time. Luke 12: 13-21 tells the parable of the rich fool, who plans and plans for his future only to be informed by God that his life will end that very night.

This was brought home to me in a rather dramatic fashion this week. I set my alarm on Thursday morning for 05:45 in order to get in a good run before work. This gives me time to run 45 minutes to an hour, shower, have breakfast, and get to work on time. It was still dark and with no moon, black "as midnight in a coal mine". I ran my usual route around Silver Lake having done it so many times in the dark that I can almost do it with my eyes closed. About 2 miles into my 5 ½ mile loop I saw approaching headlights. Despite wearing a bright yellow top, I did not have on my reflective vest so I decided it best to step off the road onto the grassy shoulder. I should have stopped running but did not and, in an instant, found myself airborne, sailing headfirst in the air, having tripped over a bowling ball-sized coral rock. There was apparently a row of these lining the yard of this particular home on the lake. I had undoubtedly seen these on past runs but never imprinted them in my memory since they never seemed noteworthy. In the darkness, I couldn't see a thing as I flew through the air and, almost instantaneously my face smashed into the next rock in line. The whole incident probably took less than 2 seconds. 

In a near miraculous turn, my hands hit the ground just before my face made contact with the rock so that I was able to use my arms to decelerate and cushion the blow a bit. Even so, I hit it face first, pretty hard. I was momentarily stunned then felt the warm, burning sting that indicated I had not escaped unscathed. As it was too dark too see anything, I took a mental and tactile inventory: no broken or loose teeth, no pain in the jaw to indicate a fracture or dislocation, no vision problems, glasses intact, nothing warm or wet dripping off of the face. My upper lip felt swollen. I resumed running planning to abort the rest of the run and head straight home to take better stock of the damage but after a few steps, I felt pretty good and decided to finish the full run. It seemed I got off pretty light. 

On reaching home, the mirror confirmed what I already suspected, I had a number of scrapes and cuts on my face and a pretty good gash inside the lip. All things considered, not too bad. When I think of what might have been, I have to say a silent prayer of thanks- no broken neck, broken jaw, or broken face; no major gashes; no eye injury; no permanent disability or disfigurement.

It was as though I was being reminded that I should not take any day in the next 12 months for granted. Whatever happens, and whether or not I make it to the start of the 2013 Florida Ironman, I resolve to be thankful just for the opportunity each day presents and for being able, at 60, to run at all.

This week's training summary- It was a blustery week with high winds and some rain from Hurricane Sandy
Swam- 2825 yards in 1:16:48 I felt faster and more efficient in the water.
Ran- 5.48 miles at 8:38min/mi average
Bike- Approx. 15 miles ( no computer or Garmin to provide data) Perceived effort- moderate

Next Saturday, November 3 is the 2012 Florida Ironman. Registration for 2013 opens early the following morning. I will have to be on the computer and ready to go. The 2012 triathlon filled in 16 minutes!