Be Someone Other Than Me? Heel No! -- How an Injury can Change Your Perspective

Vanity, thy name is Victoria. It has taken a minor injury for me to realize this, but I have come to grips with the fact that from this point forward, I must embrace the fact that I am not tall, and I never will be. If you ask anyone in my family what I wanted to be when I was little, they would tell you, "older, and taller." I always wanted to be 5'7", just like my Aunt Vicki, for whom I was named. Because I don't quite top 5'4" on my best posture days, I've achieved my dream of height for years with a series of ever-skyward-reaching heels -- boots, wedges, stilettos, pumps, peeptoes: You name it, I've worn it. My collection of heels is quite literally staggering, and most of them see me boosted to about 5'9," rivaling Coach B in height. 

These are some of my favorites. None of them is under 4 inches in height. In the foreground is the collection of medication and muscle rubs that now keep my foot from feeling like it's on fire.

On Wednesday, however, I was brought back down to Earth. While walking down the three flights of stairs we have at work, I felt a super sharp pain on the ball of my right foot. It was so noticeable and nagging that I ended up taking off my 4-inch boots for the night and scuffing around in my socks. I propped my foot up on an overturned U.S. Mail tub for the remainder of the shift, and then hobbled down the stairs and headed home, where I promptly put on my older pair of Virratas. I iced my foot down in bed and researched just what in the world I might have done to myself. 

My beautiful Virratas.

Well, the upshot is that the pain I was feeling was likely something I had actually caused myself. After a weekend of dancing in high wedge sandals and pounding the pavement, too, during my daily runs, I've developed a spot of metatarsalgia. This is a fancy name for  pain and inflammation in the ball of your foot.   According to the Mayo Clinic,  pretty much anyone can develop metatarsalgia, though there are some higher risk factors. Lucky me: I fit into several of them. 

You are at higher risk if you:

• Participate in high-impact sports. Metatarsalgia is more likely to occur if you're a runner or you participate in sports that involve running or jumping, such as soccer, tennis, baseball, football or basketball. 
• Wear high heels or shoes that don't fit properly. High heels transfer extra weight onto the front of the foot, and shoes that are too tight can compress the toes.
• Are overweight. Extra pounds put more pressure on the metatarsals.
• Have other foot problems. Certain foot shapes — such as high arches, a long second toe or unusually long metatarsals — can contribute to metatarsalgia. These conditions can cause pain and inflammation that change the way a person walks and the distribution of weight in the feet.

Sorry Meatloaf: Two out of three are actually pretty bad, and three out of four are even worse, in this case. I obviously participate in a sport that involves running, I wear high heels, and I have freakishly long (but aesthetically beautiful) second toes. 

I had to make a decision: What can I control out of these three things? Well, I'm not going to stop running (hello, I'm nearly in the middle of a 39-day streak here!), and I'm not going to have surgery to reduce the length of my second toe (though people actually do that, as well as have surgery to remove their toenails. No joke.). 

(Black toenails lurk beneath. But, I'm not having them surgically removed.)

I hate to do this, but it's been a long time in coming. I can't keep doing this to myself. It's not you, really; it's me. And, this will hurt me way more than it will hurt you. But my decision is final. Good-bye high heels. So long, reaching things on top shelves. Farewell illusion of long, shapely legs and slightly more proportional hips and rear. 

We just can't keep causing each other pain...farewell, my lovelies.

But you know what? It's OK. Really. I'm petite. I'm short. I have a long torso and not-so-long legs. I'm vertically challenged. I'm a shrimp. I'm fun-sized. I'm not going to be asked, "How's the weather up there?" (Someone might ask me to tie their shoes, however.) 

Just me. In a pig hat. With viking braids. 

The older I get, the more comfortable I am with myself, just as myself -- not some idea of who I should be or what someone else's idea of what "pretty" is. If I'm healthy -- I'm  happy. If I'm strong -- I'm pretty. If I have friends and family -- I'm fulfilled. And if I'm comfortable being on the short side (really, I'm probably absolutely average height) AND I can continue to do what I love (run and run and run) injury-free, well, that sounds like the right thing to do.  So if you see me in a  non-running setting and think that I look shorter, I'm not, really. I'm just little ol' me. Just don't ask me to tie your shoes. 

Be kind to yourself. Be kind to each other. (Be kind to your feet!!!) -- V. 

A Week of The Streak -- Day 7

Hey all! M here and happy to announce that Day 7 is complete. V and I (along with a few other fabulous readers) are kicking some serious streaking booty!!

After a weekend in Hocking Hills that consisted of a lot of junk food and beer (along with zip-lining, hiking, cave exploring and swimming), I was happy to get home and get a serious run in.   A run that wasn't 98% hills and out of the rain...

I got a solid five miler in with negative splits.  Started at a 7:56 pace and brought it down to a 7:09 for the final mile, which averaged out to a 7:28 pace overall.  I killed it!  I also need to mention that I stopped my Garmin at the end of my street and the Rocky theme song came on my iPod.  I felt it necessary to shadow-box my way home.  I sure hope no one was on their porch and witnessed that...

Also, after closer examination of my Mizunos, I decided I need a new pair.  After two full marathons and some serious training, my shoes are shot!! Time to visit my local running stores to see what I'll be hitting the streets in next!

Finally, a special shout out to reader and friend Allan Detrich who is taking the Streak to the next level and is attempting at least a one mile run every day throughout the summer!  Get it Allan!  You rock!

Hey everybody! Yep, I'm faithfully streaking along too. Made Day 7 all about speed. Great day for it -- low 70s, no humidity in our area. I headed up for a couple of mile repeats at Woodland Park. Jogged a miler warm-up, then it was down to business. I got the first one in at 6:18 pace, then took a brief walk/water/stretch break. I thought the second one might go better because I'd have fewer distractions -- my iPod armband came loose during the first mile and I had to fiddle with it. If anyone has a good armband for more slender-armed runners, PLEASE let me know! Mile 2 still wasn't as good as the first -- 6:23 -- but I'm happy that I completed a second mile. Nowhere to go from here but down -- my time, that is. 

I've got to give kudos to fellow runner and streaker Debbie Wilkinson-Kincaid for logging her fastest mile ever during the streak! Great job Debbie! Also, Sara Dailey has broken three personal records during her streak. You ladies rock. If I'm missing anyone, let me know!!  

Thanks for being our pals!  

Picture This -- This Little Piggie Said "OMG."

Hey all, Sole Sister V here again. Ahhh, summerlike temperatures have finally broken out in northwest Ohio. This is one of my favorite times of year. No more bundling up like a hobo to go for a run outside, no more obsessive worrying over whether a blizzard will cancel a long run, and no more need to wear closed-toe shoes every where you go. It's sandal season! Its feeling the grass beneath your feet time! And naked toes at the beach day! And then, you look down and realize that after a whole season of marathon training, your toes ... look ... like ... this: 

Whoa. Those are really MY toes?

Um, wow. Where do I begin? I've got some black, white, reddish, yellowish -- let's face it: I have the United Colors of Benetton of toes going on right now. I knew the second toe on my right foot was turning black, so I treated it as best I could. And by "treating" it, I mean I kept a steady supply of dark burgundy nail polish on ALL of my toes at ALL times. They didn't hurt (not since I had switched to a Saucony Virrata from a pair of Brooks months and months ago), and I didn't want to watch the transformation of pretty toes to icky toes, so I thought I'd just keep them under wraps. So, it was to my great surprise this week when I finally took the polish off and found not just one black toenail, but about five little monstrosities. Some little piggies go to market; my little piggies just went through hell.

YOU! YOU did this to me!!

So, it's time for some toe rehab. I'm not a huge fashionista, but I do love my shoes, and a fair number of my shoes are open-toed sandals. These toes simply won't do. A few facts about what causes black toenails.

• Black toenails are caused by the frequent rubbing of the toe against the front of the shoe. 
• The friction causes blood vessels to break, resulting in a blood blister. The blood blister can't really "breathe" under your nail, so it takes quite a long time to heal.
•  Distance runners and runners who do a lot of downhills are prime candidates to develop black toenails. I don't recall getting them to this severity when I was doing mostly 5Ks. 
• Too-tight shoes can contribute to developing black toenails. Select a shoe that has plenty of room in the toe box if you are prone to this condition. A good (local!!) running store has plenty of experienced personnel who can get you in the right size shoe and make sure the fit is appropriate. 
• If your second toe (or even your third, sometimes) is longer than your big toe, you may be more prone to developing black toenails. This is called "Morton's Toe," and your (freakishly) long toe will take the brunt of the pressure when you run, rather than the big toe shouldering the burden, as it should. (And, I'm just kidding; your long toe isn't freakish ... it's just abnormal. I count myself among you, Morton's Kids. And take comfort: In sculpture, this is known as "Greek toe" and is a form of beauty. The Statue of Liberty is also a Morton's Toe "sufferer.")

"Keep ugly toes, your storied pomp!" cries she

With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled distance runners yearning to breathe free and find the finish line ..."  (Apologies to Ms. Emma Lazarus)

So, what do you do when this happens? 

• Most of the time, the answer is "nothing." A black toe nail will eventually slough off on its own once a new, healthy nail grows in underneath it. You should watch for signs of infection, however, like redness and soreness, and see a doctor if those symptoms persist. (Necessary disclaimer: I, of course, am a rank amateur blogger. If you are relying on me for serious medical advice, I suggest you get your head checked I suggest you see your regular doctor if there is any question about your physical well-being.) 
• If the fluid buildup under your nail is excessive and painful, you can have it drained. I'm sure you can find descriptions online as to how to do that. You won't find that information here! I can't imagine doing that myself, but I am a pain baby when it comes to needles, so I will leave that to a professional, thankyouverymuch.
• If your toe is sore, you can ice it, as you would a bruise. Mine got so sore, that at night I couldn't sleep with a sheet on top of them, they were that sensitive.
• Also, know that running in warm weather could increase the chances of getting black toenails, because your feet swell some when it's warm, which can push your toe closer to the front of your shoe than usual. Run early, run later, but run when it's cooler. And wear thinner socks as well when it's warmer.
• As I said earlier, your running shoes need to be about a half-size larger than your regular shoes. Go get fitted; it will serve you in the long term to have the right shoes.
• Toe socks have helped me a LOT in reducing the amount of soreness and bruising I end up with. My favorite are Injinji. They make me look like I have Muppet feet. 

"It's time to put on sneakers / It's time to hit the trails"

 Other things that I've read, but haven't tried, are to use foot powder to keep your feet dry and reduce friction, use lubricant on your toes (not necessary if wearing toe socks), lace your shoes tighter in the front if you are doing a lot of downhills (to prevent slipping), and to plan walk breaks into your runs (no thanks). Regular pedicures may also help prevent or relieve black toenails. I'd rather spend my money on running gear, though, truth be told.

So right now, I'm soaking my feet in warm water and Epsom salts. I'll give my feet a light pumice rub, then cut my toenails straight across, using clippers that I dipped in alcohol first. And then, my toes are going to get a nice coat of dark-colored nail polish. TIP: If you want to wear a lighter color polish over a black toe, ladies (or gents, if you're so inclined), use an opaque, bright-white polish first as your base layer, let that dry, and then put your lighter color on top. You'll in effect "mask" the black toe so the top color won't be affected as much. OK, I'm off to pamper my piggies so I can wear my sandals without grossing out the general population.

Be kind. -- V. 

HEINOUS!

HUMAN!!

HAPPY!!!

Tuesday's stats:                                     Wednesday's stats: 
2.01 mi                                                     5.09 mi
7:45 pace                                                  8:09 pace
15:37                                                          41:27
188 cal                                                       473 cal

Running for Good -- How Your Hobby Helps Others

Hi all, Sole Sister V here. After thinking about the reasons behind why I run, one thing stuck out, and I wanted to expand upon it here. I really like that I'm able to use my hobby, something I love to do and would do anyway, to help others.  

I'm proud to tell people I am a runner because I feel the running community in general is a caring, altruistic, and charitable bunch. If you ever needed proof, you can look to the outpouring of support given by runners in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing in April. Not only did runners quickly open their wallets to give to the One Fund Boston to aid those injured in the blasts, some even opened their veins as they streamed to hospitals to give blood immediately after the tragedy. As of early May, One Fund Boston had raised $29 million, with about $11 million coming from individual donors, and the rest from corporate giving, according to a May, 2013, article from The New Yorker. 

Runners, as a category, are prime candidates to be able to give back. According to U.S. Census Bureau research, 73 percent of runners polled by the American Community Survey between 2006-08 reported a household income of more than $75,000, above the U.S. median household income of $52,175. 

When runners dream ... 

There are myriad ways you can be a charitable runner. Perhaps the most common way is to participate in races that benefit causes. This is the case with most 5Ks out there. A portion of the proceeds from your race registration will aid the charity for which the 5K is organized -- no additional fund-raising on your part needed. Fill out the form, send in your money, show up, run, and leave knowing you helped someone while doing something you love, and probably would do anyway. Simple, right? If you feel passionately about a cause for which you're running, you can always look into raising additional money as well. I've done this for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5Ks that I've run, and it really makes me feel even more connected and invested in my race. 

Race for the Cure, Columbus

You can even turn your training runs into a charitable effort, with the help of a handy smart phone app. If you regularly run with your phone anyway, this is a no-brainer. The (totally free) app I use is RUN4GOOD from Saucony.  It works like this: Each month, an organization or cause is selected by Saucony to potentially receive aid. The RUN4GOOD community then must meet a challenge in order to trigger the donation. For example, in May, the Kenton County School District stands to receive a $10,000 donation if the R4G community runs 10,000 miles in the month. So, with the app installed on your phone, you would just select "START RUN" before you hit the road (or treadmill), and your miles are automatically logged. The app tracks your individual milestones, and also shows you how the entire community is doing, as well as the top individual efforts. R4G also gives you details about the organization that stands to receive the money. The program will always benefit efforts to reduce childhood obesity. According to R4G, "The Saucony Run For Good Foundation is committed to improving the lives of children by helping to prevent and reduce childhood obesity. We act to inform the public about its cause and prevention and provide funding to optimize the impact and success of community organizations that promote running and healthy lifestyle programs for youth." I'm sure there may be more app-based charity opportunities out there -- if you know of any good ones, let us know in the comments section.    sauconyrunforgood.com

A unique opportunity for runners to help out impoverished people is just coming online in late spring of 2013. I'm really excited to see how this is going to work. The organization KindRunner accepts your used, no-longer-wanted running shoes and turns them into "new" shoes for someone in need. This not only will help change the lives of countless shoeless people, allowing them to walk to jobs and prevent foot-borne diseases, but this also keeps your shoes from ending up in a landfill, where they can take 100 years to break down.  KindRunner pairs with the More Foundation Group, which asserts that keeping one pair of running shoes out of the landfill offsets 1 ton of carbon dioxide. One of KindRunner's other partners is Soles4Souls, which repurposes used shoes to give to those in need worldwide and also helps create micro-enterprises to generate income in impoverished areas. While you can already feel awesome knowing that you are helping out on two fronts HERE'S THE REALLY COOL PART: When you turn in your old shoes to KindRunner, they will issue you Kindness Cash Rewards that you can use toward the purchase of new shoes. I'm personally hoping that the Kindness Cash is good for gear as well as shoes, because I really like my local shoe stores!  kindrunner.com

So when I say, "be kind to yourself, and be kind to each other," I really mean it. You can be kind to yourself by pursuing something you love -- running -- while being kind to others by giving back. It doesn't matter what place you come in during a race -- being a charitable runner makes you a winner every time you hit the road.  

-- V. 

Getting to Know You --- Q & A With The Sole Sisters

Hey everyone! One thing we Sole Sisters love to do is talk and talk, and talk some more, and get to know each other better. Lots of time spent on the road together really is conducive to getting to know someone. When you run together, you bond, and really, once you've seen each other sweat and spit and goodness knows what else, not much is off limits. So, short of taking you ALL out on a run with us (oooh, but wouldn't Sole Sister Group Runs be fun?), here's a quick Q & A to help you get to know us better. Feel free to submit your own questions too; we'll address them in a later post. 



1.  Why do you run?

V: I run to eat bleu cheese dressing. OK, no, not really. Well, that's not the only reason, I mean.  I run for a huge list of reasons, many of which I wrote down as part of an exercise to tamp down my anxiety levels before the Glass City Marathon this year. I believe that one of my major reasons for running is that it lets me set and reach seemingly infinite goals for myself. I feel like I can always try to go faster or further, or both. Running puts me to the test physically and mentally.

M: I run for various reasons.  Like Sole Sister V, I run so I can eat without guilt.  The main reason that I run, however, is because I love the way that it makes me feel both physically and mentally.  I also have two little girls at home and I think that it sets a wonderful example for them.  It shows that it's okay to sweat, be competitive, be athletic, and be proud of yourself when you are finished. 


2.  What running gear cannot you not run without?

V: If I go for a run and I don't have chewing gum, I am not a happy Sole Sister. I need gum. It keeps me from getting dry mouth and I think I probably do some kind of weird-yet-necessary OCD thing while chewing it and running. 

M: I am 100% on board with V on this answer.  Gum is a must have while running.  I also like to carry back up pieces with me if heading out on a long run or distance race.  If I need to give an original answer though, I will say my Garmin.  I love seeing my pace and distance.  Running "gadget-free" for me is kind of difficult. 


3.  Why do you wear a skirt while running?

V: Being a runner girl means that you are perceived as one tough chica, right? Well, I want to also be cute while I'm kicking asphalt. So, I like to wear a skirt when I hit the road, especially for races.


M: I don't always wear a skirt when I run.  When I do though, I feel pretty damn sexy.  Who says you can't be sporty and sexy?!  I also like passing guys in races when I am wearing one.  I like to believe it does something to their ego!! I think I need to go buy a couple more!

4.  What is your favorite race and running route/trail?

V: I loved running the 5 mile CIC Run/Walk for Humanity on Catawba Island a few years back. It is a great 5 mile course that gives you views of Lake Erie and the Catawba Island Club marina. Afterward, there were massages to be had, a huge luncheon, live music, and I even got a potted mum to take home. I don't know if it's like that every year, but I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The race this year is on Sunday, June 2, and benefits Ottawa County Habitat for Humanity.  CIC Run/Walk
My favorite running trail/route is probably a little harder to nail down. I will say my most used trail is the University Trail, part of the Toledo Metroparks system. Give me any path near water, though, and I'm happy to run it.

M: My favorite race, hands down, is the Detroit Free Press Marathon.  Crossing the Ambassador Bridge at sunrise and coming through the tunnel back into the United States is pretty amazing.
My favorite running trail/route is probably Sidecut Metropark in Maumee and I like Pearson Metropark just as much.

5.  Favorite running related quote?

V: "The difference between try and triumph is a little 'umph.'"
 

One that I like best is long and starts with "Running isn't a sport for pretty boys..."

M: "We must embrace pain and burn it as fuel for our journey." -Kenji Miyazawa

"Pain is temporary.  Quitting lasts forever." -Lance Armstrong 

6.  What is your shoe preference?

V: It took me a long time to find my favorite shoe. Before this pair, I'd try a new brand and model every time. I'm in love with my Saucony Virratas, though.

M: Right now I am wearing the Mizuno Wave Cursoris.  I am in love with them.  They are light, flexible, with plenty of room in the forefoot but still supportive and very breathable. 

7.  Do you have any pre-race rituals or superstitions?

V: Yes. Ritual: I eat the exact same breakfast for a week before my race (whole-wheat bagel thin with peanut butter, sliced bananas, and a drizzle of honey). And, my superstition is that I used to have a pair of lucky underwear that I wore at every race. They were green and red and gold-glitter striped Christmas briefs from Victoria's Secret. I've been racing since 2007, so they inevitably got old. So now, I carry a square cut from my lucky undies that I take with me into every race. I have like a dozen of them, in case I lose one.
 

Lucky underwear square. Don't leave home (on race day) without it.

M: I am a weirdo when it comes to pre-race rituals.  It starts as soon as I find out what my bib number is.  I keep adding up my bib number until it is a single digit (i.e. Cleveland's bib number is #3181 so, 3+1+8+1=13, then 1+3=4) I shoot for a 4 since it is my lucky number.  I lucked out at Glass City since my bib number was #1066 and now in Cleveland too!  Yay me!!  I guess a 2 or an 8 wouldn't be bad either... Since 2 goes into 4 and 4 goes into 8... Geez, see where my brain goes??!! 
Another thing I like to do is write down my favorite quotes on little slips of paper and put them in the hidden pockets of my shorts or skirt on race day.  By the time I am done, they are sweaty pieces of goo, but it makes me feel better carrying them with me!!
Oh, I also make 100% sure that I shave the morning of a race. I need to make sure I am aerodynamic!! 


8.  What kind of weather conditions do you prefer running in?

V: I love cold weather! I love any weather that doesn't involve a strong headwind.


M:  Hands down, cold weather.  I hate running in the heat.  In the summer time, if I don't get a run in before 7 a.m., you won't see me out until the sun goes down.  Direct sunlight and M are not best friends.

9.  How do you consume energy on long runs or races?  Shot Bloks, gels, Sport Beans?

V: I'll do a combination of GU gels (peanut butter, and tri-berry are my faves, with an occasional blueberry Roctane thrown in) and Clif Shot Bloks (chocolate covered cherry is so good).


M: I like the Powerade gels in tangerine flavor and I also like the GU Roctane gels.  The more caffeine, the better!! Yahoo!!

10.  Favorite and least favorite aspect of training for a race?

V: I love checking off my workouts on the training program calendar and visually watching my accomplishments build up. Least favorite aspect is that no one issues me a cleaning crew for my house during training.


M:  My favorite aspect of training is the buildup to the super long runs.  I love seeing an 18 or 20 mile run coming up.  I think it is because I know it is such an accomplishment in itself to complete such a lengthy training run and then to still have the actual marathon to look forward to... I don't know.  It is a brain game I play with myself.  I also like training with other people (mainly V, duh).
Least favorite aspect is carb loading.  It is fun at first, but it gets old after two days.  Training is also very time consuming and I have to cut out a lot of beer during training (boo!!).

11.  Bonus Question:  What is the funniest comment or question someone has said or asked you regarding your running?

V: I love when someone asks me, "Do you think you're going to win the marathon [or other distance]?" And of course I answer "no." And they seem genuinely surprised that I know I'm not going to win, but I still want to go out and run 26.2 miles. Must be a runner thing. 

M: V and I just had this discussion the other day... I love when you tell someone you are running a marathon and their response is "Oh, how long is that marathon?"  It cracks me up every time.  Or I like "What marathon are you running this weekend?"  Like I just go out and run one every weekend for fun!  I am seriously laughing as I type this...


Well, that's it for now! Let us know (in the comments section) if you have any questions for us!   

-- The Sole Sisters