This is bicycle week at our school. Elementary and middle school students brought their bikes, skateboards and skates to use during PE. I had a meeting at the school yesterday morning. My plan for the rest of the morning was simple. I would run at a nearby park, then stop by the grocery store on my way home.

However, elementary students riding their bikes looked like a great picture opportunity for the yearbook. It's hard for my photographers to get out of class to take pictures of events like this, and I had not brought my own camera. I borrowed a young man's digital camera and took pictures of 5th graders on bikes and skateboards.

The PE teacher told me that 3rd grade would be next. Between classes I checked the status of some yearbook ads. I was walking down the driveway back to the gym when a 3rd grader rode his bike square into the back of me.

It was one of those slow motion moments. As I was falling I thought, I can't let this camera hit the pavement, and I pulled it into my chest. As I hit the ground I thought, is this what if feels like to get hit by a car? I'm sure a car is worse, but I hope I never find out.

The 3rd grader untangled himself from his bike. He was not hurt. Little boys are built for rough and tumble activities. However 51-year-old women are not, and I got up more slowly. I took some more pictures, but by that time I was starting to feel stiff. I decided to skip the run. My body didn't need any more jarring.

By mid afternoon I was feeling better. I have couple of bruises. Both shoulders and my neck are a little stiff, but because I fell straight back I didn't seem to twist anything. My tailbone is sore. But as I told my husband, there is no indication that beyond being bruised I did any damage. I have no sharp pain, swelling, numbness, or tingling that would indicate a broken bone or damage to my spine.

I went to bed early enough to get 8 hours of sleep. (I really should do that more often) I'm taking anti-inflammatory protocols just to be safe: glucosamine sulphate, ginger juice, cayenne pepper, and bromelain.

I worried that I would be really stiff when I woke up but I was not. Oh, I can still feel the effects of the fall - I'm sure I will for several days. But all of my joints are moving freely. I even worked out with a video tape before breakfast - admittedly at the rehab level - but nonetheless it felt good to do all that stretching.

This could have been much worse. I'm thankful I did not hit my head. I also think the level of fitness I maintain on the BTD protected my body from a much more serious injury.