I was glad I wasn't hurt as well. I fell so fast I didn't have a chance to brace myself (probably a good thing). My brain did a quick system's check on all my parts & didn't detect anything injured other than my pride.
I think you're right about being tougher starting out Sobo. I'd really check w/ some locals about a food cache to lessen your food weight. 10 days of food would be back-breaking to me. I've done 9 days of food weight before on my JMT hike. That was tough. Best of luck on your hike.