Really struggling

[Pippa49]

I did 9 14miles today however my feet hurt. My legs ache but my major issue is my feet. I am scared that if I am struggling to do more than 9 miles how am I going to manage 26.2? I tried to take the pressure off by just going out and seeing how far I went but the voice in my head said not enough. How are you going to do the marathon if you are struggling to get to 10 miles. I am going to have another go week beginning 12th August after my holiday. I am concerned that I will run out of time. Need to be tapering before or by the week beginning 9th September as that weekend I will be going away again before Cardiff Half. Any suggestions to help my feet. Have tried different socks but they make my trainers too tight (size 8).I did 9+miles Sunday in the rain wearing only Karrimor socks and have concluded that my feet hurt when they get warm and swell.

[AlMorr Half Marathon]

I think you should go for a

gait analysis, my normal shoe size is 7, but after the analysis the man in the shop recommended size 8 for running, the recommended shoes and socks to match are far more comfortable than running in my normal size 7 trainers and socks.

[Pippa49 Half Marathon in reply to AlMorr]

I had a gait analysis in November when I bought the trainers in question. My friend who is a qualified run coach said I didn't need another one but maybe they will be able to help with the feet issue. Oddly enough I don't have a problem when I am doing an event until the last mile or so. Going on holiday tomorrow to Teignmouth so don't know if there are any places that do gait analysis.

[AlMorr Half Marathon in reply to Pippa49]

I don't see the point of another gait analysis, good to know that your friend who is a running coach will advise you on any issues related to your feet.

[andystev]

I've been having feet issues too. I'd suggest seeing a Chiropodist/Podiatrist, there are quite a few issues that can cause foot pain, and it can be a combination of things. One of those occasions where there's little substitute for professional help, I think.

[Pippa49 Half Marathon in reply to andystev]

Thanks will have to wait until I come back from my holiday to arrange an appointment. I think it may be my trainers need to be half a size bigger and my feet need toughening a bit more. They were fine Sunday as it was raining and I wore normal karrimor socks with the trainers so think it's when my feet get warm and swell that they hurt on long distances.

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon]

Is it the balls of your feet or the top that hurts? Any pressure marks anywhere?

Compression socks may help...

[Pippa49 Half Marathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Balls of my feet

[Pippa49 Half Marathon in reply to Pippa49]

No pressure marks. Will get some compression socks

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to Pippa49]

You could look at more cushioned shoes. I get some pain in the balls of my feet at work but my safety shoes are very flat and not very cushioned. I try to balance that with thicker socks but on really long/ active days they just get really tired. Conversely I can go running for over 5hrs and not have any issues, it's just the work shoes and the different kind of plodding.

I do massage my feet and I have a specific foot roller to help ease the fascia.

[Pippa49 Half Marathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

I am a neutral but tbh I did more than planned for so didn't have the right socks so I deserved sore feet. Lesson learned : wear the right socks.

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to Pippa49]

Yep, socks can make an enormous difference. I also use bodyglide between all toes and along the upper ridge of the balls of my feet so no flesh chafing can occur if I'm going to be out for more than an hour.

[Pippa49 Half Marathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Thanks. Would vaseline be OK. On holiday in Teignmouth atm. Only arrived this morning. Having a drink or two in wetherspoons (only one in the town). Swimming in the hotel pool tomorrow afternoon and then possibly running Monday or Tuesday not decided yet.

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to Pippa49]

Vaseline would work for a limited time, it would certainly be a good trial! 👍🏻 enjoy! 🥂

[Hidden]

Look at your lacing. Often foot pain is caused when lacing is too tight, especially across the top behind the base of the toes. It’s easy to get your laces too tight and not realise. I’ve done it myself

[misswobble Marathon]

Worry about the ground immediately in front of you. Run in the now. It’s no good wishing yourself to the full distance, so forget the half or the full distance when you’re doing your nine or ten mile run. There’s no fast forward button We can only get to the end by doing the start and the middle 😃.

If you’ve not allocated sufficient training time then use your time wisely to keep upping the distance using the 10 % rule On the day you can run/walk, which is fine by the way. I Jeffed my first marathon I did the same thing second time but was less rigid about it The first time I stuck like glue to my Jeff timings 😃.

You can’t really play fast and loose with training though unless you’re super fit You have to get the training miles done c. If you try and do too much too soon you’ll get injured

As for aching and sore feet, it goes with the territory I always have an ache and a sore something, or nail hanging off and blisters I have every kind of blessed sock and shoe but running over varied terrain in the heat and or wet etc our feet get sore It doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with your shoes or socks. As your runs get longer you could take a change of socks 🙂

[Pippa49 Half Marathon]

Thank you. I have time to get the mileage done if I stick to my plan or as you say keep increasing by 10%. I will concentrate on one run at a time as my friend suggested.

[Snuffy_T Half Marathon in reply to Pippa49]

Good luck , enjoy your holiday. I have family in Dawlish, so I have been to teighmouth a number of times. Never been running there though. Quite a few hills ...! there are some canal paths near Exeter that might be good for running. My feet seem to ache after a long run too, I like to ice them if it's been really hot.

[Pippa49 Half Marathon in reply to Snuffy_T]

Thank you I will. We are in Newquay now. Got a Devon and Cornwall Rover so can go anywhere. Not been down Teignmouth way for a long time.

[Snuffy_T Half Marathon in reply to Pippa49]

sounds fun, you can get some surfing into...!