Feet Fetish

Many things can impede your completion of an event.  Lack of training, improper race nutrition, dehydration, intestinal problems, etc.  But the fastest way to the DNF column for an event of this magnitude is to not employ proper foot preparation and care.  During my 2012 Desert RATS experience I suffered significant podiatry meltdown and paid a heavy price for most of the race.  In fact, after only 60 miles I seriously was doubting being able to finish.  Eventually I crossed the finish line but performance was greatly impacted.  Behold the horror below!

Three lost toenails later I have recovered.  Upon post race analysis it was determined there were several contributing factors:

1. I did not prepare my feet prior to the event
2. I wore too small of shoes
3. Poor field foot care (initially)

Point 1.  I did not toughen up my feet prior. A preventative strategy would have helped some and will be followed for the MDS.  I am currently trying a product called "Tuf-Foot" (which is also used on hunting/working dogs paws).  We will see how this performs.  Additionally while not one of the barefoot running crowd, I am ending my runs with up to a mile of barefoot work on the sidewalks/asphalt.  This will obviously be curtailed some in the coming winter months.  Foot strengthing exercises are also helping with training injury prevention.

Point 2.  BIG MISTAKE!  I have a very small (size 8 US) and narrow foot. Since almost every running shoe is a D width I have had little problems with wearing my street shoe size, only occasionally suffering a black big toenail.  The heat induced swelling experienced during Desert RATS (ground temperatures up to 140 F/60 C) has made me a firm believer of larger shoes.  The heavy socks worn also contributed to the situation.  The question then becomes, how much larger?  Currently I am using a 8.5 US shoe with a large toe box design. This appears to be working out with minimal heel slip. There is plenty of swelling space and additional room to loosen laces. Size 9 US may just be too big for me. 

Point 3.  During the second stage of Desert RATS I ignored pain and hot spots and within the span of a handful of miles had one bad set of blisters on the bottom of my feet.  Later stages resulted in toe blisters and finally heel specimens.  Post injury taping with Elastikon became the only solution.  It is apparent that immediate treatment of hot spots and potentially preemptive taping will be in order for Morocco.  Elastikon will be in my pack along with a small selection of foot care products.

In addition to settling on shoes model/size and preferred sock types, I am also working on a set of custom gaiters.  More details on these in a later post.