Sunday, November 13, 2011
Lost Toenail Leads to Ultrarunner Status
I've been running marathons and ultramarathons for over 10 years. I've accumulated about 75 finishes. My feet have been beaten up pretty good on a few of these races...and a few training runs...but I've never lost a toenail. Quite a few blisters, several black toenails, a few cuts, stubbed toes, and an occasional "bone bruise"--but I've kept all of my toenails...until yesterday. I finally lost a toenail due to an ultramarathon! This has moved me to ultra ultrarunner status. I am a real ultra runner! The nail was given its terminal status at the Evergreen Lake 50K back in late September. Then 2 more ultras over the last month did it in...it's gone. I am the proud owner of 9 toenails...and one odd nailess toe. Looks like a really thin nailbed is still there and something may grow back. Time will tell. For now, I will bask in the glow of true ultrarunner status. The simple things in life are the best!
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2 comments:
I attained lost-toenail status while 'merely' a marathoner:) However, since moving to low-drop, wide toe box (i.e. minimalist) shoes, I have yet to have any toenail or even blister issues on my feet. And this is after moving on to ultramarathon distances.
It probably helps to not have a shoe that's built like a ramp that I slide down on with every step, using my nails as crash helmets for each toe. It probably also helps that the shoes actually fit the shape of my feet now.
I'm with you on the shoes being a major factor regarding foot and toenail health. Zero drop with a wide toebox leads to happy feet.
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