Hi there haven't been on here for an age, I graduated but stopped running because a bunion on left foot became uncomfortable.

[Alfie17]

I'm finding it strange not running although my foot does not hurt so much now. I almost can't bear to read the posts on here cos I'm envious and not sure whether to start the running again. Good luck to all, enjoy.

[Oldgirl Graduate]

HI Alfie and welcome back, don't be envious be positive after all you have a Graduate badge next to your name. So running shoes on, build up distance gradually and enjoy, good luck.

[Alfie17 Graduate in reply to Oldgirl]

Thankyou for your reply I'm going to start running again, definitely feeling the pull.

[roadrunner168]

Hi Alfie - as Oldgirl says, you've got the graduate badge to be proud of! I can only dream of that as a week one girl! Why don't you give the running a try again if you're missing it? You can build it up if the pain isn't too bad Let us know how you get on.

[andi22 Graduate]

Hi Alfie, I'm not sure how your foot hurts with your bunion but you could try again gently. I have bunions on both feet which affects my running and holds me back from increasing time and distance too much. I seem to get blisters on both feet just at the edge of the shoe liners. I tried different socks, trainers, Vaseline and have now found zinc oxide tape. I put 2 layers on and have finally (after starting running last June with enforced breaks) run more than 5k on 6 consecutive outings so finally feel I'm getting somewhere. Perhaps you could see a podiatrist who may be able to help you or a personal trainer who specialises in running to help with technique to make it easier for you. Whatever you decide, good luck.

[GoogleMe Graduate]

My Dad has the most horrendous mangled looking feet (and passed his bunions on to me such that I needed them surgically correcting as a teenager - fast tracked on the NHS at a time when most people were waiting years) And rheumatoid arthritis. He's still running at almost 80. (He consulted a runner-recommended expert who exclaimed at his feet but said that if they were his feet, he wouldn't have the surgery)

Sounds as though really comfortable shoes with plenty of room in the width and watching out where the seams go might help you - I have to be careful because of where my surgery scars go (and one foot wasn't 100% successful). I feel it helps to wear trail shoes and to stay off the hardest surfaces. I was also shown a good way of lacing shoes so that they are snug round the heel/ankle without being too right across the bridge of the foot.

[Alfie17 Graduate]

Thankyou for all your replies, they make me feel good I'm going to start running again and will follow the advice kindly given.