I’m having nerve issues in my feet, but don’t worry with the wonderful US health care I have a Feb 2023 Neuro appointment. (already ruled out diabetes, etc). It’s interesting because I can run, bike but can’t go barefoot anymore without issues. Also it’s worse at night but better in the morning. Strange stuff.
So IM Cali is coming up and it has a really long slog to T1 from the swim exit. Seeing that I can’t run barefoot I’m curious if anyone has used any type of thin shoe. I’m bouncing between sticking some thin shoe type thing inside the wetsuit and put them on after I get out of the water vs swimming with something that would stay on the whole 2.4. The second option would help getting into the swim start which I will otherwise be doing very gingerly.
Thx for any suggestions.
ps: We seem to have ruled out Morton’s neuroma so far but have no other clues.
Can you email the race and ask if you can leave a pair of flipflops with the swim exit volunteers? They usually have some provision at the swim exit for athletes requiring their prescription glasses. It may require a letter from your doctor.
Alternatively, could you improvise some minimal footwear that you could have zipped up inside your wetsuit? Possibly in the small of the back? I’m thinking using some running shoe insoles and a broad duct tape strap. It would probably require some testing to be sure it wouldn’t chafe in the swim, maybe have each “sandal” in a thin plastic bag and generously apply some lube to your skin.
At Santa Cruz 70.3 there is a long-ish run to T1 (500m). Lots of folks leave shoes or flip flops at the end of the beach and put them on before the run to T1.
Personally, I use some old running shoes loosely laced so I can just step into them. It’s probably a break even time wise since I can run faster in them (end up passing lots of people on the run in), but saves the pounding on my feet.
If the path to T1 is longer or rougher I’ve worn socks to swim start, tucked them in my wetsuit, then pulled them back on after for the run to T1. No issues swimming with them but I’ve never done it for more than an Oly swim. Protection is modest, enough for my purposes, but given what you’re describing might be a bit too light.
Nobody from California calls California “Cali.” Truth be told, most Californians find it offensive given the only people who use this term are from out-of-state.
Nobody from California calls California “Cali.” Truth be told, most Californians find it offensive given the only people who use this term are from out-of-state.
Fair enough, thanks for the input. I don’t use the word as it sound kind of valley girl-ish, but did not realize how obnoxious the word was for locals.
Nobody from California calls California “Cali.” Truth be told, most Californians find it offensive given the only people who use this term are from out-of-state.
Hey Emilio, I just could not pass up saying hello, and to tell you that your flibibs are SSSOOOO good; thanks for the great gear; your cooling fabric is worn by me through Texas summers, and it works well. Thanks for what you do!
I have some pretty major neuropathy from some chemo that I took. Was so bad at one point I had to look down at my feet when I was going up or down stairs to make sure I was standing on the step correctly. Im off of that nasty chemo now but neuropathy is permanent although it has got a little better. It’s been two years and sort of getting used to it. Standing on any surface like carpet feels like I’m walking on gravel. I wear very thin neoprene boots when I swim, hopefully the water temperature will be low enough that neoprene will qualify. If not I’ve been researching some latex socks with grips on the bottom that are not as thick as neoprene but I think they would at least help.
I have some pretty major neuropathy from some chemo that I took. Was so bad at one point I had to look down at my feet when I was going up or down stairs to make sure I was standing on the step correctly. Im off of that nasty chemo now but neuropathy is permanent although it has got a little better. It’s been two years and sort of getting used to it. Standing on any surface like carpet feels like I’m walking on gravel. I wear very thin neoprene boots when I swim, hopefully the water temperature will be low enough that neoprene will qualify. If not I’ve been researching some latex socks with grips on the bottom that are not as thick as neoprene but I think they would at least help.
Dang, mine comes and goes and wearing shoes quiets the issue a lot. I’ve ordered some cheap water shoes and will swim with them this week to see if they stay on and work. Good luck with the feet.