I have now been struggling with what I am calling hot spots from running for the last 6 months and am at my wits end; now 60+ days out from my A race IMC I need help.
Some History: I raced in Pucon in Chile in January and was hobbled to a walk at mile 8 but chalked it up to being out of condition, and then at Ralphs I limped in with both feet in severe pain on the pads (actually I had really bad blisters too) and was having shots of nerve pain down my toes with every step- this condition last 2 weeks before it “cooled”. I chalked this one up to my having issues with blisters and nothing more.
The pain starts with a feeling that my pads are getting raw from too much friction and continues to increase in intensity mile over mile. I originally thought this was purely a blister issue that could be solved with tapping my feet prior to runs, but on longer runs I have done (over 90 minutes & I am taping with Paper tape) the pain still comes, if only delayed by 30 minutes or so.
This past weekend I raced in Oregon at Pacific Crest and knew by mile 2 on the run that I was in trouble. (Note- prior to the race I had put 3 layers of New-Skin on my pads and had put Vaseline in my socks) By mile 4 I was changing my gate and my per-mile pace had slowed 10 seconds per mile. By mile 8 I was hobbled and was visibly limping at 1:20 per mile slower than my comfortable pace. I took 4 minutes at mile 8 to put some band aids on my pads, but this did nothing. By mile 10 I was taking my shoes off at each mile to walk on the grass for 200M— needless to say I am not feeling ready for Ironman Canada;
So the question for this consortium of runners is this: What the heck can I do.
I’ve tapped
I’ve used false skin
I’ve change my socks
I’ve experimented with different shoe lacing techniques and tightness’s.
I’m heading to a podiatrist on Friday-
you’ve tried alot of things, but what about changing shoes?
FWIW, i ran 2 marathons in NIke shoes that were far too narrow and hurt–literally burned on my feet; it sucked!!!
i just thought it was from the distance of training for marathon. wasn’t until i went to a good running shop where they told me i was in the wrong shoes.
now i have no problems.
my first thought upon reading this was “it’s the shoes”.
thank you for your reply. i have not tried changing my shoes mainly becuase the Gel Kyano are theones i have used for 5 years. I’ll hit the local running shop this week and see what they suggest- thanks-
dawns on me that there may be special inserts that might reduce specific location pain??/
and also shoe models change constantly. the original model is now what you’re running in now. maybe your stride has changed, etc etc.
similar to a saddle, just because something worked at one point, doesn’t mean it will work forever.
glad you’re willing to check into some options; that could be your ticket. you should not have to have inserts in order to prevent hot spots. if your shoes hurt your feet, they are not a good fit (it’s ok to let go
I’ve been down your road. It really hurt my last marathon performance because I was frequently losing training from getting blisters - largely from trying to find new shoes. I went through five pair in about a month or two - all from Nike so they were all returned. The problem went away when I tried some proper socks and now, in my Newtons, I can wear whatever kind of sock (though not quiet no socks).
John Vonhof wrote a book titled: ‘Fixing Your Feet: Prevention and Treatment for Athletes.’ I ordered and read this book. The summary is that there are many, many possible solutions, not all solutions work for everyone, and that there is a solution for you.
thank you for your reply- i guess my first follow up question would be - can you please convey your experiences with the Newton and would you reccomend that shoe to others? i have looked at it, but don’t know how to determine if it will work for me or not as there don’t seem ot be any bay area distributors.
This week i will be trying new shoes, socks, and seeing a foot doctor; newton? thanks
Nike stopped making some great shoes that really worked well for me, as is their practice.
So I went through a bunch of comparable, recent models. I actually have found one that is ok for me - the Air Zoom (I got a custom ‘ID’ job).
However, the Newtons just seem to fit me perfectly. I know it’s not true for everyone.
Also, you need to try a few different kinds of anti-blister socks. Wrightsocks have worked pretty well for me. There are also other options - like powder, like tape, etc. In the middle of a race, some people can use an empty gel wrapper.
Re: Newtons. They are only available in Boulder though you might be able to get them at IM expos. However, you can order them and if you don’t like them, you can return them within 30 days, so it’s no risk.
BTW - the Newtons come with a pair of anti-blister socks.
thank you very much. Ok so last question- which newtons did you go with for your marathon training and racing. i have a fairly normal arch, with mild pronation, but nothing gross but evidently am doing something funky or the feet would not hurt. left to my own devices i would err on the side of the Cushioning shoes versus stability.
tapping, vaseline, nor asymetric socks have worked to date- but your other sock suggestions will be taken seriously.
i’m off to my running shop today adn will probably impulse on the Newtons and return them if they do not work.
