I originally posted this on the LR forum but they were too busy criticizing triathletes, hobby joggers and anyone who can’t break the marathon WR to notice my post looking for advice.
I have been training for a marathon that is comning up within the month. One of my toe nails is starting to show signs of the training. Discolored, bruised and sensitive to the touch. It isn’t effecting my running yet. Are there any precautions or steps i can take to help it and prevent it from getting worse? I don’t want it becoming a factor in the marathon. Thanks!
I had the same thing happen to me about month out from running Chicago this past weekend. Make sure you clip your toe nails. Ice the toe if it hurts. If its not because your nails are too long, you may be wearing the shoes to tight. Loosening it up to allow the foot too swell up during the run and especially during the marathon.
The damage is done. The nail will come off and a new one will grow in its place. It will take months, but it won’t affect your marathon.
For the pain, I generally take a needle and poke under the nail to drain any blister that might be there.
Finally, you need to make sure that you have plenty of room in the toe box of your running shoes. That’s usually what causes the problem in the first place.
You might just keep losing that nail every 5 or 6 months too. I’d take a good look at wearing larger shoes though…I feel like most people wear them too small. Personal experience on both counts.
it and prevent it from getting worse? I don’t want it becoming a factor in the marathon. Thanks!