Woman Hurt In North Austin Walking Trail

AUSTIN, TX — Austin medics rescued a woman who took a tumble at an area walking trail late Saturday morning.

The mishap occurred at Lakewood Drive and North Capital of Texas Highway southbound at Bull Creek District Park in North Austin, according to Austin-Travis County EMS. It was there that a woman in her 50s fell, sustaining minor injuries that were not deemed to be life-threatening.

No further details were released.

Walking out in nature is among the most reinvigorating of human activities — like an endorphins-producing workout but with the benefit of communing among flora and fauna. But seemingly not a week goes by that medics issue reports of rescues along any number of trails in the city's vast network.

To prevent accidents, people intent on embarking on this fulfilling activity should prepare ahead of time and don the right wardrobe. The website howstuffworks.com advises taking time for stretching and balance exercises ahead of a walk as part of one's training regimen.

"Stretching will help train your muscles for the long uphill and downhill climbing ahead," fitness authorities wrote on the website. They point to the figure-4 stretch as good yet simple stretching exercise: Sit on the floor with your right leg extended in front of you and the sole of your left foot pressed against your inner right thigh. Lean forward with your torso, bending at the waist. Hold for 30 seconds, then switch legs. Repeat for three stretches per leg.

For more tips, click here.

What one wears during a walk along a trail also is important. The "Hike it Baby" website offers tips on the right clothing and shoes to wear when hitting the trail. In previous installments of its "Hiking Essentials” series, the website also addressed what to bring with you on a day hike, along with tips for staying safe on the trail.