I was out for my trail run yesterday, a coolish day and gray, but a perfect temperature for running.

Up ahead was another runner who was running slower than I was (not that I'm fast mind you).

I caught up to her and would have to pass her. So I did. And as I went by I turned my head to say "good morning" to her, trying to be cool and humble at the same time.

Just as I did that, a tree root sprang out and grabbed my foot. I felt myself pitching forward and almost righted myself, but the trail was slightly downhill and gravity was not on my side.

Plunk. My left side met the dirt.

"Are you all right?" the other runner asked.

I jumped up right away, embarrassed, and brushed some dirt off my running tights. "Yep, nothing broken. Those roots get you every time, eh?"

"It happens to me all the time," she said.

We laughed, and then I asked, "But did I at least fall gracefully?"

"You did. It was a nice fall. If I was going to fall I'd want to fall like that."

Well that was good to know. Because if you are going to fall, you should try to fall gracefully.

I continued on my way and made it home without falling again