Well, it was quite a week! I had another long run that was barely snatched from the jaws of disaster, there were trips to the gym and I’m having a serious shoe dilemma. Thanks as always to Kim and Deborah for hosting the Weekly Rundown! Let’s just see what happened…
Monday
4 mile run in my new Hokas! The Clifton 8s are on sale right now, and that’s the shoe I wear so I snatched up a new pair.
Tuesday
Upper body day at the gym. Bench press, lat pulldowns, seated rows, plus some core… the usual.
Wednesday
Ah. Long run day! ONCE AGAIN, my daughter’s jazz band rehearsal was canceled- her band director is obviously trying to ruin my life- so that meant dropping her off at school an hour later. I decided to suck it up and drive to my favorite trail for the entire run, which meant I would be starting at 9:45, on an 85 degree day. Well, I figured my race will be hot, so I might as well deal with it! Plus I had my new ice hat- what could possibly go wrong?
Well. When I first put ice in the pockets of the hat, it was a problem because the hat didn’t sit well on my head. But after about half a mile the ice melted just enough so that I could pull the hat down firmly, and it was AMAZING! I had ICE ON MY HEAD! I ran the first five miles, filled with optimism.
After five miles I stopped at my aid station (car) for more ice and switched out my now-warm water for a cold bottle. The next five miles were a little more difficult, because I picked a very sandy portion of the trail. But again, there will be sand in my race so I want to be used to it.
When I stopped at my car again after 10 miles, I refilled my hat with ice, but realized…. I was running out. Somehow, I underestimated the amount of ice I would need. I was stuffing about six cubes into the hat (four on top and two on each side) plus several cubes into my sports bra- and I only had two cubes left. Nooooooooo!
I tried to put it out of my mind for the next five miles, but I was worried. It was hot! After mile 15 I stoped at my car again to figure out what to do.
Then, disaster struck- I DROPPED my last two precious ice cubes!!! One was right near my feet so I snatched it up and stuffed it into my bra. But I couldn’t see the other one. I literally got down on my hands and knees in desperation, but that ice cube was gone… sob.
I think it’s safe to say that I was at a low point. I was hot, tired, out of ice, AND, I had barely enough water. The thought of finishing five more miles while conserving my water was demoralizing. I let myself walk for a couple minutes to regroup, and then… I was running again! Somehow I had a (very slight) burst of energy. It just goes to show, it never always gets worse. Eventually something gets better.
Those last five miles were not fun, but I got it done. Oh, and I met my running “spirit animal” on the trail:
20 miles for this run, and obviously there’s some sort of malfunction in my brain because even as I was finishing those last, awful five miles, I was thinking about the next one. I want to get in two more runs over 20 miles, and I have a plan! Nothing will go wrong next time.
Okay, let’s talk about shoes. I’ve been wearing the Hoka Cliftons for a while now. They’re supposed to be great shoes for plantar fasciitis, and they’ve worked well… until now.
See how I have the left one laced! I’m trying to relieve pressure on the top of my left foot. I have a very high arch (which is part of what makes it a “difficult foot”) and lately on my long runs, the top of my foot has been getting very irritated. Even with the alternative lacing, my foot looked like this after the run.
I’m starting to think the Cliftons aren’t my shoe after all. I’m going to the running store this week and I’m going to try as many shoes as I can. Basically what I’ll be telling them is, “I need a shoe with a VERY wide toe box. But it can’t be a minimalist shoe, because I need support for my plantar fasciitis. But it also can’t be a stability shoe, because I over supinate and stability shoes don’t work for me. I need a neutral shoe that can accommodate my very high arch and orthotics, which, once again, I need for my plantar fasciitis. But the most important thing is a very wide toe box.” I’m sure they’ll be thinking “How is this person even running???”
Thursday
I started the morning with a brisk walk which felt AMAZING, then did a Caroline Girvan Advent Series workout. Birchwood Pie has been doing these workouts, and they’re a little shorter than the workouts in her other series- the one I did was biceps, triceps and shoulders, and it was 24 minutes including the cooldown. Even though it was shorter, I was still basically praying for it to be over and wanted to cry during the finisher (three minutes of tricep pushup variations, ack!)
Friday
4 mile run. This run felt good, other than having to stuff my difficult foot back into that shoe.
Saturday
Leg day at the gym! Once again, I went after work which was not ideal, but I got it done. Squats, hex bar deadlifts, Bulgarian split squats… my legs were toast.
Sunday
Not happy! We turn the clocks ahead (boooooo!) and my son leaves. It’s always hard to say goodbye… but he’ll be back. Day off from exercise, although I might go for a walk later on to boost my spirits. Onward.
Please send me shoe ideas!!! Wide toe box, non-minimal neutral shoes… I’m open to any suggestions.
Do you like turning the clocks ahead? I DO NOT.
47 Responses
I like a wide toe box (bunions) and I found the New Balance 880 fit well. They also come in a wide fitting. They’re pretty cushiony, neutral shoe. I’ve worn them on trails but they are more of a road shoe and I know you’re training for a trail race so might not be the best for you right now. I’ve generally found the New balance shoes have a reasonable size toe and have worn a few of their shows (beacons previously and I also have the Rebels at the moment for running workouts)
I’ve worn the 880s in the past and liked them- I’m definitely going to try them again. My race is a trail race but not that technical, so I don’t really need trail shoes. I agree, New balance has a nice toe box.
So dark this morning. Boo.
You need to visit NY for a 20 miler. Cold and snowy.
I’m a Topos fan. They have zero drop and 5mm. I prefer the 5mm and add my own insole.
Good luck with the shoes.
Thank you Darlene! I have a pair of Topos that I love for walking, but I don’t feel comfortable running in them for some reason. i may try again though- I LOVE the toe box!
My god I am so exhausted this morning, so this comment will not make sense. We were at friends’ for dinner last night, got home late, my son had to work at 6:45 which felt like 5:45, and I had hot flash after hot flash because of wine consumption. I feel like death.
Your poor foot! Good luck on the shoe.
Oh no, Nicole! So I’m going to say you’re NOT a fan of turning the clocks ahead! I hope you’re feeling better by now- for all my complaints about menopause, hot flashes are one thing I did not have- go figure.
The nice thing about going to the running store is that I’m sure they’ll say “oh good, this is the easiest customer we’ve had all day”. I don’t know what the answer is, but they will.
I don’t like the process of switching the clocks, and I would like it even less if it was the end of spring break, but I like the end result – more light at night and before long we’ll have light in the morning again. Hooray!
The only thing that saved the situation today is that my son’s flight was NOT early- that would have sucked. We just turned the clocks back last night and forced ourselves to think in “new time.”
i don’t know if the people at the running store will think I’m an easy customer- we’ll see!
Have you been to the local shoe shop? Ours is always willing to return a pair of shoes if they don’t work, until they get you a pair that does work for you. I’m shocked at the top of your foot! Is that skin broken, like it’s rubbed raw? We had a major failure with my husband’s new ski boots. Ski boots are supposed to fit tighter to avoid black toe nails, but our old pairs were worn out and loose. After just 3 hours of skiing with his new boots he found out he has a bunion because the tight boot was rubbing on it! Ugh. Ski boots are not cheap. The local ski shop did some work on them and now he just needs to try them out again to see if that fixed it. Fingers crossed! I did lace up his running shoes in a different way like yours because his running shoes were also bothering him (different spot). It’s always something! That’s a great idea about the ice hat. Hope you don’t run out next time!! Great job getting the miles in this week!
Nope, the skin isn’t broken- just super irritated. Actually by now it looks completely normal. I’ll definitely try lots of shoes at the store and run on the treadmill there, and you’re right- they will take them back if necessary. I’m looking forward to exploring some new options.
Yikes- ski boots are NOT cheap! I hope your husband’s work for him now! So he needs a wide toebox for running shoes as well, if he has a bunion, right?
He was actually shocked when he saw his foot having a bunion! Never noticed it before, and I was joking when I mentioned it to him… but there it was. We will have to get some ski time in before our big trip in December to make sure they are feeling good!
I know you said not minimal, and I am not a podiatrist, but I have heard really good things about the Altra Lone Peak (and other styles, but the Lone Peak is the most popular) from many PCT through hikers and runners who have PF. They have a wide toe box and are zero drop (hear me out here) but have a 25mm stack height so there is plenty of cushion. Here is a review from someone who has PF https://www.curated.com/journal/1142000/expert-review-altra-lone-peak-6-trail-running-shoe.
I have wide feet and high arches and I use the Saucony Kinvara (4mm) for road and Cohesion for trails (12mm) and I have no issues. I have tried Hoka in the past but they seem to be a little bit too narrow for me.
HMM!!!! I’ll look into those Altras (I have the Altra Escalante which I wear at the gym) and also I’ll try those Sauconys. Thanks for two great suggestions!
Congrats on toughing it out on your 20-mile run, and I love your attitude going forward for you future long runs.
If you find a neutral shoe with a wide toe box, let me know. Oh, and without a lot of padding, but certainly not a minimalist shoe. 😉
I love running/walking in the dark in the mornings and enjoy the light later in the evenings so I’m a big fan of DST.
Okay, when I find the perfect shoe I’ll tell you all about it!
It sounds like turning the clocks back works for you- I know a lot of people feel the way you do.
Oh, your poor foot! I hope you find something that works for you, and well done on another long one!
Thank you Liz! It’s funny, the foot get so sore and irritated, but a few days later and it’s like it never happened. Until the next long run!
Okay I was laughing at your ice hat story until I saw your foot. OMG! That is not good. You definitely need something new! Let us know what you find. How will do the ice hat on your race day? Way to go on that 20 miler!!
GREAT question Deborah. There are lots of aid stations in this race, and the list of things they have include “ice water.” I’m going to email the race director to find out if they will be supplying ice CUBES as well. I hope so, otherwise my ice hat won’t work!
I hate changing the clocks (forward and back – I think they both suck). Down with DST, I declare!
Oh Jenny, that foot looks sooooo painful. Huge kudos for continuing on with your training and working through the various roadblocks. I don’t have any advice with the shoes, but sending great vibes that you find exactly the right footwear to provide relief.
I’m so glad your ice hat worked well (minus running out of ice). It was -8C here yesterday morning so, as usual, I just cannot compute with the fact it’s swelteringly hot where you live!!
It is SO HARD changing the clocks when you have younger kids! At least I don’t have that to deal with anymore. I do like changing the clocks back and getting that extra hour… but not happy to give it back in the spring.
I’m looking at everyone’s pictures of snow and I feel like I’m living on a different planet!
Oh, Jenny, your FOOT! Yikes.
I have very wide feet and wear wides in Saucony and New Balance. And Hokas, but not wides. And Brooks (wide.) I have also tried men’s shoes as they are wider overall, but have had a few not work out for me there too. It’s so tough. Good luck and great job on your 20 miler!
I’m definitely going to try New Balance. I ran in New Balance shoes for a while and liked them- I can’t remember why I changed. I’ve always thought of Sauconys as being narrow- but I’ll look at them when I’m at the store.
Ouch, your poor foot looks like it’s in agony! I don’t mind the time change in the spring because I’m an early-riser anyways. I’m not a fan of reverting back to dark mornings, but it’s only for a few (short) weeks…and the bonus “daylight” in the evening is nice!
I’m definitely not excited about running in the dark tomorrow. As you said though, it’s only for a few weeks. I don’t really care about it being light later in the day- the early darkness in the winter feels cozy to me!
oh my goodness – your foot!! Ouch indeed. Hopefully you get the shoe situation figured out. I hate the time change because I’m an early riser, and it makes it harder to get up. Tomorrow my alarm will go off at “feels like” 3-something a.m. Ouch for that.
Yes, the time change is very hard for early risers! Getting up at “old time” 3-something sounds terrible. It will be 4-something for me, and I’m not happy about that.
I am no expert on shoes–I wear Brooks, so I don’t have any advice to offer. But your foot looks really bad! Ouch! I have high arches too, and I have to put orthotics in my trail shoes. I use soft orthotics to support my arch and they work well. I think going to a running store to get help is really a good idea at this point. Or sports medicine.
Your ice story cracked me up! And yeah, that band director needs a serious talking to.
I’ve tried Brooks Ghost in the past, and I might try them again. I’ll see what they have at the store!
Oh man, I’m sorry your Hokas are irritating your poor foot like that. I have no suggestions but I’ve seen SO many non-runners wearing Hokas lately for the helluvit. You are a total star to soldier through heat like that. Love the idea of an ice hat. I used to just cram ice under my regular runner hat and in my bra. Looks like I should’ve invented an ice hat. Haha! I highly doubt that was your spirit animal but how cool to run across it!
Yes, you should have invented an ice hat! Little pockets are much better than just cramming loose ice in.
My Hokas were totally comfortable until my runs got really long… sigh.
Are you sure you can’t run in stability shoes? I also over supinate and I do run in stability shoes sometimes. Although I do race in neutral shoes . . . your foot doesn’t look happy though. Fingers crossed that you can find what you need!
I don’t think I could run 20 miles in humid 85 degrees. I suppose if I were acclimated to it — but I don’t think I’ve ever had race quite that hot — not with humidity, that is. I’ve done some that ended in the 90s but didn’t start that way & it was dry heat.
At least you’re getting a feel for how much ice you will need!
I’ve tried stability shoes in the store and they never feel comfortable, so I think neutral are better for me.
I now realize that for me, it’s not about getting acclimated to the heat- I live here! I’m acclimated. It’s about cooling myself down enough during the run. Yes, live and learn- I will not run out of ice again!
Your foot! Oh, no! How was it the next day? Has that ever happened to you before?
I’m so impressed that you were able to do that long run despite all your ice issues. I have a very sad image of you crawling around looking around for a lone ice cube!
Two days later my foot was completely normal. It’s happened a couple times after long runs now. I thought lacing the shoe I different way might solve the problem, but it didn’t.
I don’t have any specific shoe advice for you, but I hope you find a good shoe STAT! Your poor foot! Can you lace the shoes so they don’t go across as many times, like in a ladder pattern?
LOL on your turtle spirit animal — but you know who won the race!
I am strongly against DST — at least at this time of year. I want daylight for my morning runs, not when I working in the evening. 😛
HA! I’m already lacing that shoe in a ladder pattern. And yes- I did recite the story of the tortoise and hare to myself as I ran.
Oh your poor foot! I always feel betrayed when a shoe that has worked in the past turns on me. I am not a fan of changing the clocks (how weird is it that we adjust time twice a year?!?) and, as my family’s designated waker upper, it’s going to be a bumpy transition haha!
Yes, it’s very stressful not to know what shoe I’m going to be wearing! I’ve been wearing the Hokas for years, but this problem didn’t crop up until my runs started getting above 15 miles. Sigh. Hope you survived the morning wakeup today!
OMG YOUR POOR FOOT!
I have high arches, but I don’t usually have to lace around them.
Not to step on toes but have you tried an Altra with a superfeet or currex insert? Altras are zero-drop but not minimalist, and some models will have enough cushion for that PF. Just a thought. People love Asics for PF, but they are super narrow.
Depending on your foot size, you could also try a comparable men’s shoe. I wear a 10.5 in women’s and the 9 in men’s is nice for the days when my bad foot swells.
Ok, enough shoe thoughts from me! I’m very interested to hear what they put you in!
Someone else recommended Altras, so although I’m cautious of a minimalist shoe I’ll try them out. I’ll let you know!
Oh, your poor feet!!!!! I feel like I am on a never-ending quest for good shoes. Not that you and I would wear the same ones (I don’t think), since I’m not a runner. But it’s so hard to find good ones! And I feel like there is no way to properly test whether a shoe is going to work for you without… wearing it! And they are not inexpensive! My outdoor walking shoes are on their last legs, so I am dabbling in some research about what I should get next. Such a tough decision!
I am curious: as a long distance runner, how often do you replace your shoes? I ask because I went to a fancy schmancy shoe store a couple of years ago and they told me you needed to replace them something like every six months or every… some amount of miles. And I was SHOCKED, because I typically wear my shoes for years and years until there are holes in them. (Perhaps this is the origin story of MY plantar fasciitis???) But I walk a decent amount — around 20 miles a week — so if I were to go by that salesperson’s metrics, I’d be replacing my shoes A LOT. And I’m not a runner! If that person was right, then you must go through so many shoes a year!
I think the conventional wisdom is replace your shoes about every 400-500 miles. I just go by how the shoes look and feel- if the treads are wearing down it’s DEFINITELY time to replace. But even before that, if my feet start to feel achy, I’ll replace the shoes.
I feel like we have very similar feet as I have super high arches and am a supination. I haven’t had PF and hope to avoid it. I wear Hokas now and havent needed to wear my orthotics in them which is good as the ones I had were shot. I got them when I lived in Charlotte so was dreading figuring out how to get new ones. Before moving into hokas, I wore Mizuno wave riders but they felt horrible when I got a new pair last summer.
I hope your next 20 miler goes better and that you can start earlier. I mean can your daughters band director get with the program so you can start your runs earlier? 😉
And I hate the time change. I loathe it and wish it would go away.
Ha, well you may get your wish with the time change!
I went to the running store yesterday and wasn’t really thrilled with the options… although I did get something. I’m going to write a post about it soon.
Ouch to that foot photo 🙁 That looks so painful. Finding the right pair of sneakers is almost like finding the right slipper for Cinderella lol
Kim, I’m still looking! Even after my trip to the running store, I’m not completely satisfied.