Feet, Feet, Feet...

Who would have guessed that a girl who wore a bar on her shoes when she was a little girl would be training for a 1/2 marathon?  Well, I am!

If there is a foot problem, I have experienced it.  My whole life shoe shopping has been the bain of my existence.  I think the reason I wear so much black is because once I have a pair of shoes that feel good I want to wear them all the time and they are usually black.

Flat wide feet that usually hurt all the time, which then leads to major ankle problems... many hot summers, I have suffered with casts on my weak ankles for one reason or another.

Last October, I even got to the point of desperation I started acupuncture and it helped my sore ankles.  At the end of the day, my ankles and feet would throb that I have to lay with my feet up...

I know this isn't that exciting but right now, I am experience the sign of a true runner.... BLACK TOE or RUNNER'S TOE.  And let me tell you it hurts and its not pretty.  I am a girl who loves her pedicures and does not go anyway with chipped toe nail polish and I am currently walking around with a gross black toe nail that is about to fall off.  I want to die.  This has happened before and I was devastated.   I am trying to embrace it and remember why I'm doing this whole training thing but come on its just GROSS!

OK, are you ready to see a picture of it? Brace yourself...

                      This one is about to fall off...     This one is starting...

So, as you can tell I am about to freak out and be a chick without a toenail.  What am I going to do when I go to Israel and need to have pretty toes for a wedding?

The funny thing about this whole black toe thing is that I wear the best socks and I even got fitted for my running shoes.  What am I doing wrong?  Everything I have read it says that it is common as you begin to running in the higher mileage. I'm sure this isn't the end of my foot woes but I hope I don't loose too many toe nails in the process.  But then again, going through chemo is a lot worse.... don't forget to check out my fundraising page!

Till next time....

my running motto....

Before I became a real runner, I thought the only equipment I needed for running was a good pair of shoes, a light weight pair of sunglasses, and some good headphones for my ipod.

NOW.... it's all about the socks!  And when I say it's all about the socks I really mean it. 

At the Team in Training kickoff, the coaches said not to buy anything before we had our first workshop about equipment but of course, I was super excited and couldn't wait.   So, I went to Dick's Sporting Goods and asked tons of questions.  The salesperson recommended Thorlo but being used to looking at price first, I ended up getting Power-Lites No Show - GoldToeMoretz (3 for $9.99)  The minute I put them on my feet I was sold.  The first run with the new socks was unreal; a totally different experience.  

But wait, those are now my back up socks!  After one of the trainings, Barry from Runner's Depot came out and showed all sorts of different things we need to properly train for a marathon.  That is where I heard more about the Thorlos and said ok maybe I'll get a pair.... Well, I have fallen in love with the most expensive socks ever!  $14.00 per pair but totally worth every penny!  When I put my feet in these socks, it was like I was standing on little pillows.  I couldn't wait to go for a run to check them out and see if they were really as good as I heard.  The verdict...... Proud owner of 5 pairs of Experia® CoolMax® - Thin Cushion Powered by THOR·LO pads.   Save your money and invest in a pair, you won't be disappointed!

So, I had the right shoes, good sunglasses, good headphones, but once I added the socks to this combo there was no stopping me.

But wait, I invested in one more piece of equipment..... guess what it is?

Till next time