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Meet Matt. 2:43 marathoner at Chicago this fall. I can’t imagine how long the race would have felt without him for the first 1:45. |
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That great pulsating feeling post-marathon. Know what I’m talking about? |
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Day 1. More red and weeping a lot. So gross. Sorry to have made you lose your lunch again (that’ll teach you to continue to follow this blog!). |
One other random comment: As I was reflecting on this race, thinking about what went well, what didn’t, etc, I scolded myself for giving in to the pain coming from that blister. I allowed that sensation (pain) to consume the majority of my thoughts for a large portion of time (oh, another turn… this is going to hurt!). I work a lot on my ability to manage pain while racing, and know that I simply can’t allow myself to dwell on things like that. Pain is simply a sensation telling you something. Recognize it and then put it out of your mind.
Plus, how bad did it really hurt? It was just a blister after all (the right foot is also blistered, but about 1/4 the size and didn’t open, so didn’t bother me). So I started scolding myself for not being as hard core as I know I can be – but then looked down and gave myself a break. Because I think it did really hurt, and maybe I’m actually lucky that I didn’t start favoring that leg and doing funny things with my stride (limp).
So – there you have it! I hope to be at the next ZYY marathon – as a spectator :). Thanks for the fun comments here and through email – each one has made my day! And I’m not kidding about blister advice – please share!
Nichole you did awesome! The blister is awful-but I wonder if it's related to the extra pressure from all the turns, not excess weight or shoes-related….food for thought. Enjoy your record!
Lots of fun watching you win this race from 6 (?) miles back!! Good luck with your future training and continued strong results.
Rob (#27 on Sunday)
Yay for your foot slowly starting to heal! Keep it super clean, and time should do the rest. This break is not a bad thing 🙂
Hey Nichole!
My name is Krista Nelson and I'm a podiatrist and a runner and I'm from Northfield. My parents mentioned the indoor marathon at Olaf the other weekend and I want to first congratulate you on the record! You're an inspiration to me, a former collegiate runner at Luther. I had a mediocre career in college but have gotten faster since my college days… Anyways, enough about running. Here is my advice for your foot: first and foremost keep it covered with a big bandage or gauze and antibiotic ointment. A moist wound heals faster (ignore the old notion to "dry it out". Secondly, do NOT apply peroxide. It's way to harsh on the fragile new skin. Of course, you know the obvious to try to stay off of it but I know that's hard when you're an avid runner. So try to follow the first two. 🙂 Let me know if you have any other questions! Good luck!
Krista Nelson
Krista! I'm so glad you found me here!! It's actually healed really well – quicker than I ever thought, I think because I did keep it covered/clean, etc. Interesting you mention the "dry it out" philosophy because there was one time I was near a space heater that I decided to do just that… 10 minutes later I got up and realized that was not a good idea 🙂
Anyway – curious your thoughts on today's post/pic — although it looks good, I'm assuming the tissue that has just healed won't like the pounding of running? What are your thoughts on a safe return-to-running time frame? I was thinking that I could elliptical tomorrow (using the foot as a "club", basically, not really using it at all other than to keep the machine moving). Running – maybe early next week? Oh, I would be SO excited!
When did you run for Luther? Do you still run around town now? Perhaps we could meet for an easy run? I'd seriously love to do that!!!
To keep it covered with a large bandage or gauze and antibiotic ointment
Nichole,
Glad it has healed up well!! I think once it stops looking red and raw, you're good to go. A blister is actually separation of the epidermis from the dermis and tissue that you see now is dermis and is somewhat fragile and tender.
I graduated from Luther in 2005. I loved running there but I never was very happy with my performances during my collegiate career.
I don't live in Northfield anymore (in St. Louis, MO now) but I come back to visit my folks a lot and would love to run with you on your easy days. My race distance of choice is the half marathon now and my P.R. is 1:22 which I ran last fall in the Rock n Roll half marathon in STL. My goal time is sub 1:20. So I'm hoping I can maybe keep up with your easy pace? 🙂
Again, so glad to connect with another runner! You're awesome!
Krista
Shoot me an email (nichole (dot) porath (at) gmail (dot) com whenever you're in town. My easy days are really relaxed (usually 8:00/mile) & I would love the company (seriously!!).
We probably competed against each other in college – I was a 2005 GAC grad! Small world 🙂