Runner’s Life: Toenails Are For Sissies!

Happy Monday y’all!

I am so so excited about this week! Why?

  • It’s my sissy’s *she’s actually my sister-in-law, but to me – she is my little sister* prom;
  • It’s a holiday here in Quebec on Tuesday = short week at work;
  • My hubby turns 27 on the 27th;
  • I am doing a Spartan Sprint this Sunday!!!

so excitedSource

Good thing I remember it all! I know, it’s kind of hard to remember important events. But guess what, on Saturday we went to visit my parents and it was my mom who pointed out that it was exactly 2 years since Justin proposed to me!!! *HOW CRAZY! I can’t believe I totally forgot about it! I must be getting old… haha!*

 walk in a park

I took it easy that day and did some stretches in the evening when both of my loves were asleep in front of the TV.

stretches

On Sunday, however, I decided to suck it up and went on my first ever 10 mile run.

my first 10 mile run

*Unfortunately, Bella is still too little to join me… Sad face…*

It actually ended up being a bit more than 10 miles: 16.8 km in 1:56:40. I know, it’s slow, but hey, I know I’m gonna get there. I was suffering from stomach cramps for the first 2-3 km, then it was going smoothly until the last 2 km, when my legs were shot and burning. As they say, no pain no gain. Other than that, a pretty enjoyable run despite the heat and humidity.

i have a question

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Now, I need some advice from you, my dear experienced runners. One of my toe nails is REALLY not pretty *As my hubby puts it, it looks unappealing, to say the least. That’s one of the major reasons why I don’t want to put a picture of it here.* It looks like there are 2 layers: the first is a new nail and the second – the old. They are still attached on the right side, but I have a strong feeling that it won’t last for too long. I don’t know what to do with it. I am afraid that if it comes off, it will make my Spartan Beast, which is only 5 weeks away, even more uncomfortable. At the same time, I think that if it doesn’t come off now, it may happen during the race.

toenails-for-sissies

Source

What should I do? Is there any special way I should bandage my toe when I go running? Oh, and of course, let me know how your weekend went, I want to know everything about it!!!

xoxo
Olena

32 Comments

Filed under Fitness, Health

32 responses to “Runner’s Life: Toenails Are For Sissies!

  1. I just had one of my toenails fall off and it is not uncomfortable at all. It’s already starting to grow back, although it is a much thinner piece of nail still.

  2. Black toenails. Lets just say I’m grateful for toenail polish 🙂 There isn’t anything you can do [that I know of]. It just has to fall off or grow out. It’s so not pretty and that’s why I’ve never shared a photo either.

    • Hehe! I knoooooowwwww… I thought, we’ve all been there, nobody needs to see another ugly nail 😀 I’m just sad because I really wanted to treat myself to a pedi, but I guess I’ll have to wait till next summer 🙂

  3. absgoldberg

    oh dear, running makes for the ugliest toenail situations! I’ve only had a toenail fall off once but it wasn’t actually too bad if I remember correctly. If the skin on top feels sensitive once it falls off I might just cover it with a bandaid. Great job on your 10 miles!!

  4. Congrats on your first 10-miler! And I’m totally jealous of your flexibility 😉 leave the nail alone, it shouldn’t be a problem and I’d guess it will sort itself out way before your Spartan Beast!

    • Thank you, mi amore!!! Now that I look at it more, I really think I’ll be able to cut it off prior to the race. I was worried because during the Super Spartan a lot of dirt got under it and it was hurting me so much. I swear I could feel my heartbeat in my big toe, not the best feeling foooo shoooo! 🙂

  5. I’ve been told so many times that wearing a full size larger running show will help. I have 2 that are so damaged, I could wear clown shoes and they would still get bruised. Recently I’ve found a product called Toe Caps- several companies make them. They’re silicon sleeves that you wear on your toes to reduce the pressure and friction caused by distance running and so far, wearing them on my “worst” toes has helped.

    • You are totally right, Lisa! But to be honest, I don’t think my shoes are entirely a cause of the problem because they are a size bigger. The pain in the toe started after a Christmas party when I was dancing all night in high heels (I guess I’m unstoppable lol). I remember, I woke up later on that night from excruciating pain in my toe and had to take Tylenol to be able to fall back asleep. That being said, there is also a possibility that I picked something up in sauna at a spa, because shortly after I went there, the texture and color of my nail have changed. These 2 events were just a few weeks apart, so I’m at loss lol! Now that the nail is growing, it started causing some discomfort during my runs. I think, I’m going to look into those silicon sleeves. Thanks you for sharing, darling! ❤

  6. Get your shoes checked–there is likely a better option for you! But if that doesn’t help…good luck! And great job on your longest run yet!

  7. Sounds like ti is going to be a great week! Good luck on your Spartan Sprint, I know you will kill it! And yay to 10+ mile run. Luckily, I haven’t experienced any toenail problems in my running, but I will read the comments to prepare myself for when it happens!

  8. I had my first toenail fall off last week…it actually looked bad but felt completely fine. Congrats on your 10 mile run, that is awesome!

  9. I use gel toe caps when I have a bad toe. If it ends up falling off between now and then though, it shouldn’t hurt. In case it does that is what I would recommend. 🙂 I can’t wait to hear all about your race!!

  10. missadventuresinrunning

    Congratulations on the ten miles! Toenails are definitely a pain with running.I would leave it alone. Like the others mentioned, I have used toe caps before. If you are worried after the race, maybe make an appointment with a podiatrist.

  11. Awwww loved that it was your proposal anniversary!! CONGRATS on your +10miler!! Beast mode! 🙂 Yikes! I’m no help with your toenail situation, but my gut is telling me to tell you to leave it alone. But I have no idea what I’m talking about 😉 ❤

  12. runawaybridalplanner

    If the skin under the nail is still really tender you are better leaving it alone. If the new nail is growing and the skin is not tender to the touch just start cutting it off as soon as it has open air its going to quit hurting and heal much faster.
    If you lost the toe while running, I’d suggest getting different shoes (unless your toes are crooked) a bit larger shoe and you will probably never lose a toenail again:)
    Good luck with your Spartan race this weekend!!!

    • Thank you darling! After I read your comment, I played a bit with the nail. It’s still a bit tender on one side, so I’ll give it some time. However, now I’m positive that I’ll be able to get rid off it before my next really big race 🙂 xoxo

  13. Your dog is adorable! Sorry, no advice on the toenail as I am far from an experienced runner.

  14. Debbie Rodrigues

    My toenails are totally misformed. It started with ballet and running only made it worse. I tried everything without success. It is quite annoying because no one believes I am not sick or whatsoever. I wish I could help you, but I am on the same path. 😦 For the record, doctors couldn’t help me either…

    • Oh no!!! You’re poor little thing! ❤ I can only imagine! I did rhythmic gymnastics and I hated those feet stretches, so I have no clue how you could dance on your tippy toes… Big props to you! And I figured about that much about doctors, so I didn't even bother going to see one. Here in Quebec, it takes forever to see someone lol! xoxo

  15. My friend who runs half-marathons keeps losing her toenails. Especially after a race. When it’s done she’ll tell me how she plucked that nail right off. It’s usually her big toe. I think she might leave it alone and let it breathe after. Your toe gets tough after a short time of having no nail. Most of my life my big toenail kept coming off because of a fungus. Once that toenail is gone, there shouldn’t be any pain.

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