Wednesday, August 18, 2010

A Five-Mile Form Drill

I think that I think my toe hurts more than it actually does. Yes, it's dark under the toenail. Yes, it looks swollen. But I can touch it and prod it without pain. It hurts to bend too far, but that is likely from my first toe smash last week.

My toe also hurts if I push down on the nail, which is why I'm concerned about tonight's 10-mile tempo run.

Everything was jake during my five-mile recovery run last night. My whole run was a focus on form. Fast turnover, landing flatfooted or a little on the forefoot, lifting my feet instead of pushing off and maintaining good posture.

My run was painfree. However, my feet were bare. I'm worried about slipping on shoes tonight.

I don't want my toe to rub against the inside of the upper. I wish I had the confidence to run 10 miles fast and barefooted. I'm not there yet. I'd wear my huaraches, but I have a nasty tendency to catch the flappy rubber soles on the ground, which could result in another smashing of a toe. I really don't want that.

Two fears are apparent:
  1. I don't know how to run 10 miles fast and barefoot
  2. My toe will hurt from wearing shoes for 10 fast miles
Which fear is the lesser evil?

8 comments:

Jess said...

It seems like trying to run it barefoot would lead to some seriously sore ankle muscles.

I'm not sure what your best bet is though. Anyway you can cover the toe to keep it from hitting the upper?

Junk Miler said...

Worst case scenario in shoes: your toenail comes off.

Worst case scenario barefoot: you can't go as fast or far as you hoped, so you slow down.

Of course I'm biased, but I think you're ready for a brisk barefoot ten miler.

Anonymous said...

I say go toeless.

There, it had to be said.

Nitmos said...

Perhaps the fear of a shod miler mimics the fauz fear of your toe pain? Start it and see first...it may never materialize.

Mike Antonucci said...

"Everthing was jake"? When did you turn into Leo Gorcey?

Jess said...

Am I the only one who thinks we need a picture of this so-called "injured" toe? What concrete evidence have you produced thus far to support this "injury"? Huh? None! I don't want your words, I want a picture.

Robin said...

I say go for the 10 barefoot. And besides, it will give you good post material. You gotta post a pic, otherwise we're all going to think you're just whining!

ledz21 said...

Aw sorry for your foot. Barefoot running is great and I love it too.

saucony