[sistergoldenhair]

<b>Warning:</b> <i>do not read any farther if you are squeamish, especially about feet.</i><br><br>
I am a little depressed about the condition of my toes. Of 10 toes, I am now missing 4 nails (3rd and 4th toe on each foot), 2 are black, 2 nails (my second toes) are abnormally thick, and two nails (big toes) are scuffed.<br><br>
I've always had occasional black nails and my second toe nails have gotten thick no matter what style and size shoes I run in. I file them down so it's not so obvious. (My second toes are not longer than the big toes, either.)<br><br>
During the marathon I ran 3 weeks ago and since, I've had more blistering than normal underneath and around the nail beds every time I run. Or, I guess, where nails used to be on some of the toes.<br><br>
We won't even get in to the blisters and callouses on my second toe tips and medial side of my big toes.<br><br>
I was just visiting my hometown and both my mom and best friend, you know, those unconditional love types, proclaimed my feet disgusting. <img alt="sad.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/sad.gif"> I look at my feet and am repulsed.<br><br>
The cosmetic side does really bother me. Besides preferring to have cute feet, I teach yoga and pilates so am barefoot for part of my job. It does not make a good impression. Also, healthwise, I am starting to worry about infection developing, especially on the toes w/o nails.<br><br>
I buy running shoes 1 1/2 sizes too big and Body Glide my feet before long runs. My toes don't hurt while I run but after runs are just disfigured. <img alt="sad.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/sad.gif"> Maybe I need to step that up and/or wear some different socks? I wear Thorlo socks. Or use a different product? Or convince my health insurance provider that weekly pedicures are medically necessary? <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"><br><br>
Has anyone had success with resolving issues like this? I am especially curious about preventing these problems and re-growing as normal as possible nails.<br><br><i><b>Ugh.</b></i>

 

[kcwoodhead]

I clearly don't have any advice, but maybe I can at least make you feel a little better.<br><br>
Have you tried getting fake ones put on though? When a little one falls off, I just paint the skin, but a big one is a tragic event. I just lost my big one 2 weeks ago, sadly a week after my 50k. It had been growing like a good little nail since coming off after my April Ironman. At first, I got the salon to put on a fake one for me (using the powder stuff that turns into a gel...I've never had fake fingernails, so I don't know the right terms). All summer both my big ones were awful, so I resorted to Lee Press On nails - a huge pack is 5.99. They actually worked pretty well too!<br><br>
After Houston Marathon (Jan 07):<br><img alt="" src="http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1364/9725348/17641737/295197397.jpg" style="border:0px solid;"><br>
Notice there is 1, yes 1 good toenail in the whole bunch (left middle)<br><br>
Right foot after Houston, before bedroom surgery:<br><img alt="" src="http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1364/9725348/17641737/295197403.jpg" style="border:0px solid;"><br><br>
Right foot after bedroom surgery:<br><img alt="" src="http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1364/9725348/17641737/295197400.jpg" style="border:0px solid;"><br><br>
After Chicago (Oct 07):<br><img alt="" src="http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1364/9725348/17641737/295197412.jpg" style="border:0px solid;"><br><img alt="" src="http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1364/9725348/17641737/295197406.jpg" style="border:0px solid;"><br>
Notice the lovely blisters? Those are regulars for me in super long runs/races. Pink toenail polish does make things a little better though.<br><br>
One thing you could try is Injinji socks - they are the toe socks. Believe it or not, they help me (doesn't look like it from the pics, I know). I only get the blisters on my big toes in super long runs now, as opposed to all the time. My feet were also soaked in Chicago, so that didn't help.<br><br>
My problem (sounds like yours too) is that I curl my toes to "hang on" when I run. That causes the blisters under the nail bed, and as you problably know, once there is a blister the nail rarely reattaches itself.

 

[kcwoodhead]

I guess I should have posted a "super gross" warning before posting those pictures. I guess this is one way to introduce myself to kick!!

 

[sistergoldenhair]

Oh, kcwoodhead, you are braver than I. Thank you for posting because now I don't feel so alone. Misery loves company. <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"> You're right that the polish helps appearance, but I'm wondering if it hinders healing or regrowth any?<br><br>
I had no idea they even made fake toenails, but I'm not sure that's the route for me.<br><br>
I am no stranger to bedroom surgery!

 

[merigayle]

SGH- i would look into a shoe with a wider toe box, or seriously try going up another 1/2 size. You should not be losing that many toenails and blistering that badly in a marathon. The only time i kill toe nails is stubbing them on the trail, not from hitting the front of my shoe. Do you change your gait as you get farther into a marathon? Your feet may swell more than you think they do over that time. Maybe wear your regular shoes during training, but for 26 miles you need a half size LARGER?

 

[sistergoldenhair]

meri -- a half size smaller?<br><br>
My gait doesn't change as far as I know, but I may not be the best judge. I guess you can see next week!

 

[merigayle]

I meant larger, i will edit! lol. its early and i am not drinking coffe

 

[Lincoln]

<b><span style="font-size:x-large;">Gahhhhhhhhh!!!!!</span></b><br><br>
Most dis.gust.ing thread ever!<br><br>
Sorry about your toes, ladies.

 

[Tithers]

Glad someone grosses Lincoln more than me. Are we friends yet Swiney?<br><br>
Just to let you know...Tithers' feet 2 weeks after the big race...she is lucky and doesn't get much of "they yuck"<br><img alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/soeur/finalfoot.jpg" style="border:0px solid;"><br><img alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/soeur/footbefore.jpg" style="border:0px solid;"><br><br>
Meri wanted me to be her foot tech at Umstead last year (couldn't go-mom was still sick). Tithers would make a terrible foot tech. Just sayin. She's make a good pacer or butt wiper.

 

[merigayle]

i need an interesting running related tattoo. i am not creative <img alt="sad.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/sad.gif">

 

[kcwoodhead]

Show OFF!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Tithers]

Runner girl?<br>
a 100 on your foot?

 

[Tithers]

Snort! You still HEART Tithers, right?<br><br>
GCT GCT GCT GCT GCT GCT GCT...

 

[kcwoodhead]

I forgot to add that my podiatrist wasn't too worried about my toes - says it "can be" normal. He did recommend taking biotin and using clear iodine on the toes. Biotin is supposed to make your hair thicker too, so that is a plus! I hadn't tried the clear iodine because they were always painted, but then my mom brought up a good point and said probably just getting the cuticle area is good enough.<br><br>
I think the paint is harmless. I could see the fake ones possibly not being great for you. The ones you buy at the store are close to harmless though - they pop off very easily (sometimes when you aren't expecting it!). They look pretty good though and can help you through a summer in open-toed shoes, if necessary.

 

[kcwoodhead]

I wear an 8 street shoe and have been in a 9.5 and a 10 running shoe and still have the same problem. I really think it has nothing to do with my shoes and just has to do with me and my curling monkey toes when I run.<br><br>
Gees - glad this is the internet and only a few people here REALLY know me!!

 

[Tithers]

Are you doing the janus charity challenge? I saw the link, but it doesn't work.<br><br>
Yah-sounds like your shoes are big enough...I see lots of runners w/your feet...I mean what happens to them. Does it hurt? Looks painful.<br><br>
I wear 9 on the street and 10 in running ascics...but I don't think I have curling monkey toes. Interesting.

 

[kcwoodhead]

Ooooh - thanks!!!<br><br>
I fixed it. Yes, I did it last year and want to do it again this year.<br><br>
Sometimes my little piggies hurt, but for the most part it is ok. Usually they feel better once they come off. I do have some lovely days at work though when any shoes at all kill and I look like a grandma.

 

[altoids]

Also, you might want to check for shoe models that have a DEEP toe box (that is top-to-bottom height) if you have a , um, "thick" foot. Toe box depth does vary by brand and model.

 

[sistergoldenhair]

tithers -- your very pretty feet are not welcome in this thread! <img alt="mad.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/mad.gif"><img alt="wink.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/wink.gif"><br><br>
altoids & meri -- are you familiar with any shoes with a deep toe box? I love my NB 76x series in every other way, though. It's probably worth looking, but with other brands (Saucony, ASICS) I've had similar issues.<br><br>
I have totally normal feet, actually. Size 8, not wide, not narrow, no bunions, easy to fit all shoes.<br><br>
kcwoodhead -- I'm not sure I curl my toes. I consciously do body scans every so often while running and don't notice that. It's good you know what is causing your toe issues though. Do you think it's something you can change?<br><br>
I am already nervous because at the yoga retreat tomorrow we're learning a massage technique for hands, face, and <i>feet</i>. Some poor girl is going to have to massage my feet. <img alt="sad.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/sad.gif">

 

[kcwoodhead]

I was not aware at all of the curling my toes, and curling may be a bit of an extreme description. But I do press them into the ground a little more than I should. If you think about it, it is very odd to get a blister under the nail bed, but it means there are weird moving parts. I rarely get just plain black toenails, as most runners do from the pounding or shoe issues. I run 9/1s and it has been recommended that I try to wiggle my toes on my walk breaks, but your toes are sooo far from your head and it is hard to remember to relax and wiggle them when I get the chance. I recently got new orthotics and the pod. thought they may help my toe nail issues, but so far no such luck.