Back on July 26 I tripped, a little, while on a run. This gave me PTSD flashbacks to the run in August 2016 when I tripped and fell, my right foot having found and lodged firmly against a not insubstantial tree root, which then caused me to twist and fall onto the trail, skidding across the gravel on my side, something I do not recommend.
After my run this past Wednesday, I returned to the scene of the trip-but-not-fall to better determine what my pesky right foot had snagged on this time.
I came away with some suspicions, but no irrefutable evidence.
First, the crime trip scene. This is the best place to trip, because it is a mix of sun and shade, which is difficult for your eyes to adjust to. Tree roots and other obstacles can hide in the shady bits, secretly waiting for you, given away only by their quiet sinister giggles.
At first, I thought I might have hit an exposed stone. It’s large, but smooth, so it would make sense that I might trip on it, but not actually be dragged down by hitting it. But the stone is nearly in the middle of the path, I tripped on my right foot and I run on the right side of the trail. Even a bit of drift would not allow me to have encountered this stone of potential evil intent with my right foot.
Then I noticed this small stone, which is close enough to be in the tripping zone, yet small enough to not haul me down.
This was the only other suspect, so it was either this little stone, or something else that has since moved on, an invisible rock, gremlins, aliens or a forest poltergeist. Or maybe I just tripped for no reason at all. Bodies can be weird.
In any case, I’m still slightly paranoid to run this section of trail clockwise again, but I will, eventually.
