MK Half Marathon

So I started on C25K back in July and ran ever since. I think it’s great for my mental and physical health. My boyfriend applied for London Marathon on ballot and never expected to get in, however, he found out he got in back in October and asked me to be his running buddy as he doesn’t like running alone. Of course I agreed to it, I’d do anything for him, although I’m being pushed like I’ve never been pushed before. I’m getting quicker and going longer and I never thought I’d be able to go this far, especially as before July, I couldn’t even run a bath without getting exhausted.. so that I had something to show for it, I decided to run the Milton Keynes Half Marathon in May and I’m hopeful that I can get it done in under 2hrs..... the problem I have is this.. although not painful, I lost a toenail last week and I can see that I’m about to lose another one. Am I wearing the wrong trainers or is it that I’m not looking after my feet? My boyfriend runs the exact same distance as me and all his toenails are in tact. Advice would be grateful x

[K8nno Half Marathon 10 Miles]

I would definitely consider going up a size in your running shoes as your feet expand during your run.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Wow, congratulations on your progress and welcome to this forum. Losing toenails is very common at longer distances! Your toes are likely repeatedly banging against the end or the top of your shoes. Are your shoes big enough? You should have a thumbs width gap between the end of your shoe and your toes (your feet swell more on longer distances). Often your running shoe will be at least half a size larger than your normal shoe size, even a whole size bigger. Another thing you can try is the 'heel lock lacing technique '. This aims to stop your foot sliding to the end of your shoe. If you google it you will find lots of examples online - it's very straightforward. You will see other lacing techniques that will help if it turns out to be the top of your shoe you are hitting. Good luck! For me, dark nail polish is a must for holidays as I almost always have at least one black toenail at any point in time 🙄

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It is recommended that you go up ( I think )a half size in your running shoes also proper running shoes are advised as you need to be able to run comfortably and with good support and leave plenty of room for expansion.

Having your gait measured is also highly recommended so that way you will get the correct size and find out if you over pronate or under pronate or neutral when you are running .

Take a visit to a sports shop that offers a gait analysis and will help you with the type of shoe you need. They video the run on the treadmill and will discuss your gait with you. There will be a small fee. I paid £10 then bought Brooks running shoes and they knocked the tenner off the price of the shoe.

It worth doing especially as you are running marathons etc soon.

Hope this helps and good luck.🤗🤗

[Madge50 Marathon]

Blimey, well done, what a fantastic achievement!

I run in shoes two sizes bigger- it’s very dependant on brands too, they can vary a lot......as the others, I highly recommend a gait analysis, at an independent running store - you may have experienced soreness or a bruise type feeling on the ends of your toes - this is a definite sign that your shoe or toe box is too small.....

Good luck!

Mx

[Windoze Half Marathon]

As per previous posts sounds like shoe size issue. Always a half to a full size up from your normal size. Tbh this is why I use running shops and pay extra over tinterweb prices.

Good luck on your HM! Be great to hear how you get on!! Sub 2 is a great target!!

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Thanks so much everyone for your kind advice. I’m pretty sure it’s a size thing... especially when all my replies have the same thoughts. Ha ha.

I ran 15 miles today and i can see that I got more toe nails to fall off. Thanks to you all. I’ll let you know how I get on. Xx