For want of a cell, an ankle was twisted.

For want of a WHAT?

For want of an electrochemical cell, as in, “Two or more cells make a battery.”

I twisted my ankle toward the end of a ten-mile training run yesterday morning.

Based on some simple arithmetic — around what mile it happened, yesterday’s sunrise time, when I started, and my total time — I can tell that it happened right before sunrise, so it was still relatively dark outside.

I was running underneath a freeway on a wide concrete walkway.

And, yes, I was running with a headlight, just as I had recommended in my injury-prevention report.

But I had neglected the need for a fresh cell for the headlight, which was very bright when I got it a few months ago but had become much more of a “Hey, here I am. Please don’t run over me!”-type light for oncoming drivers than a “Here is what is ahead of you, Kirk.”-type light.

Result: I never saw the rock or chunk of concrete on which I forcefully stepped and twisted my ankle as I ran beneath that freeway.

So, for want of a cell, an ankle was twisted.

Lesson learned: Keep all “running lights” fully powered.

Has inattention to your running gear ever led to you or someone you know getting injured? What particular lesson did you or that person learn? Also, what is your favorite headlight? How long is its light sufficient for seeing where you are going before you must replace its cell or battery? Please leave a comment here. Thanks!