When I first started running, I didn’t give much mind to my feet. I was happy they got me from point A to point B and that was it. My first 5k and all of the training leading up to it, I wore some really broken down shoes that weren’t meant for street running (maybe trail running? but I really don’t think so) and they were OLD. As in years old.
After that first 5k, I liked the running gig and decided it was time to have REAL running shoes. I proceeded to search Kalamazoo over, looking for shoes I deemed appropriate for my new runner status. I went everywhere – well, everywhere except my local running store. Because I can be a dumb bunny. After multiple purchases and returns (I’m pretty sure there are stores in my area that no longer want me to walk through their doors because of my returning issues), I went to Gazelle, my local running store. It was a great experience and it increased my “I’m a runner!” feeling.
Even after this magical experience, I didn’t give much mind to my feet – or really, injuries in general. I didn’t develop my first injury until 1/2 marathon training when I decided stretching was stupid. Still, my feet were good to go. Until the Headless Horseman 10 Miler.
This was an inaugural semi-local race that sounded darn cool. The course was through a golf course, at night and you got a nifty little plaque. I dug it and managed to trick convince two other runner friends to do it. It was Halloweenie time so we kind of dressed up and were on our way! The race sucked on so many levels. I had a 1/2 a week or two before and then didn’t run much so the Monday of this week I decided I needed to squeeze in a 10 mile training run. Unbeknownst to me, the route I chose had a ton of slanted sidewalk and I’d been slacking on overall training so this was a silly thing to do.
From that point forward, I’ve had troubles with my right foot. I’m fairly certain my arch fell on that ill-fated training run as this is what all of the interwebs said. It’s been problematic for the last 5 years or so? I don’t know, it feels like forever. It’s also what led to my ankle issues in this foot. My neurosis officially set in after the headless horseman run.
Now, I’ve gone through a variety of different shoe styles to try to help it. I’ve purchased all kinds of braces and arch bands. My love for Tom’s probably didn’t help as the summer before last, this was all I wore. I BARELY ever wear heels anymore as I know these aren’t good for my runner feet/ankles. Any off feelings worry me and I immediately jump to some kind of worse case scenario.
Since all of this, I’ve done few smart things: 1) I went with the special inserts. As much as these initially pained me (literally) they have been a huge help. My arch feels so much better and my ankle is hanging in there. 2) I’ve been stretching my ankles and rolling a tennis ball under my feet after running. I hate stretching – no real reason, I just do. 3) I buy lots of Sketchers. They have extra support and I’ve been able to find some cute ones to wear to work. They are more comfy than typical flats and make my feet happier.
My soon to be sister-in-law LOVES high heels. We talked about it recently and she said there are times when she can no longer feel her toes – even when not wearing heels. The other day, I was walking behind a woman with those crazy heel-platform things and it was like watching a newborn calf try to walk. Part of me wishes I could return to my high heel days. But alas, this is not in the cards. Not terribly high platforms do work well for me, so I can still be dressy but that’s it. I’m neurotic about my feet.
You? Do you love high heels?
Are you neurotic about your feet?
Amy's Recipe for Disaster 