How are you getting on? Tell us all about it in the comments!!! 😍
I'm about to embark upon my marathon training plan - a 5k jog is first up so I don't suppose I'll feel very marathony today 😂 But we all must start somewhere of course!
I've also been doing Yoga With Adriene's 30 Days of Yoga, and have been wondering if she's going to be wearing 30 different outfits...
Which leads me to this week's ponder! I spotted a Facebook post last week that amused me, it was called "How high maintenance are you?" and had a list of various beauty treatments to score oneself against the frequency of use. It was not a recent post, and I noticed that a few of my FB friends had responded with extremely low scores, meaning they are extremely LOW maintenance. I myself managed a lowly 2 points for having some bleached highlights in my hair - oh the glamour! 🤩
However, thinking about this some more, it occurs to me that I am pretty high maintenance when it comes to keeping myself in shape for running. And one thing that really springs to mind is my footcare routine! A few years ago a friend gave me a wonderfully thoughtful gift of a little bag full of foot stuff, and I have added to it over the years and do spend a lot of time buffing and softening my feet, massaging them, wearing toe separators, manicuring my toenails, etc.
EDIT:Please note I am not doing this to make my feet look pretty - although that is a bonus benefit! 😃
So who else is a high maintenance runner? What do you do? 😁
BTW, I'm not in any way criticising anyone who likes to use beauty treatments - anything that makes us happy and confident is AWESOME in my book. I'm just too lazy myself 😂
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roseabi
Ultramarathon
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What an excellent post! I feel I am relatively low maintenance, I am, though just embarking on some better foot care so any tips you have would be very gratefully received! At the moment, I mostly just check nails and do some basic buffing of rough skin. Soles of my feet been a bit tender (after wearing trail shoes on a longer trail run - hard shoes on uneven ground) so it's at the front of my mind as I up the distance.
My husband has other views though - from his point of view my "pre run FAFF" is above and beyond! He doesn't get that I need to set up Nike, Strava and something to listen to, plus if I forget my head band I have to go find it..... I think HE thinks that I am VERY high maintenance as a runner as a result!!! (it only takes me two minutes,, but if we are together there is a whole load of 👀rolling going on!)
I have a foot file to keep the callouses at bay, and that Boots foot softening cream is very good. Also, as you already know, keep nails short and file them smooth so they can't catch on your socks. Maybe some thicker socks would help you for the trails? Wearing toe spacers around the house is pretty good I think - a lot of us have suffered for years in shoes that are too narrow for our toes, and a bit of correction does seem to really help (I was very sceptical!). Also exercises that stretch and strengthen the feet - lots of yoga poses do it, for example.
Thank you, I have a foot file which randomly I came across yesterday in my as yet unpacked from moving bathroom bits box. I definitely am looking for thicker socks, I think that's a great idea. Hadn't even thought about toe spacers! Though makes sense, stretch out those toes.
Hi roseabi and lovely running friends. I don't think of myself as being particularly high maintenance, I just get on with things and the world can do what it wants around me! I do like to make sure I've got Strava and my various running logs up to date as soon as I finish a walk, run or cycle ride or whatever.👍I'm about to embark on week 3 of HM training using the NRC app HM Training Plan. 🏃♂️ I know there are 5 runs per week, but they are of different lengths and types so it's not too intimidating. They do stress that you can vary the runs or drop them completely to fit in with your schedule too, which is reassuring. I think I'll use my Tuesday runs with my running club as the basis for most of my long runs, at least until they get up to over 10km, when I'll switch my longer runs to solo efforts on Wednesdays or at the weekend. I also won't necessarily do the runs in the order they suggest each week, but I'll try to do all of them each week when I can. Personally I find it easier to have some structure to my training so the app is very useful for that and I know I'll be getting a mixture of runs at different paces and for different lengths. Otherwise I think there's a danger of getting bored with it. I haven't got a particular HM in mind, I'll probably just do a virtual run when I've finished the plan.
Good luck everyone, hope you manage to get out and enjoy the (slightly) longer days and the weather stays kind for us all! 🤞
Hi David_G - I've just started week 7 of the guided runs on Nike HM plan, I absolutely love it. Coach Bennett is my new hero (wish I'd had this plan last time I prepared for a HM!). I tend to drop one run of the five, as realistically I can usually only run every other day. This week I'll aim for one recovery, the two speeds (shorter one second) and long run Sunday. I love the structure and the voice in my ear, it really has made me keep going on several occasions when I might otherwise have turned around early/quit/slowed down etc. I'm doing Cambridge on 6th March. Can we follow on Strava maybe? I'm Jo Weston, Cambridge if that helps.
Hi David_G and Joster , I am also on week 3 of this plan so I will keep an eye out on your progress with interest. I’m really enjoying it, the variety of runs has given my mojo a big boot up the rear!
Ah no not on Strava. I just use NRC and my garmin. I’m sticking with the 5 runs a week at the moment but not sure if I can maintain that. It helps doing dry January lol
Relatively low maintenance here. My toenails are not photogenic nowadays. Apart from the occasional trim and filing of anything that's sticking out, I don't pamper them at all.
On the other hand, I do faff a lot before runs, obsessively checking the weather, deciding what to wear, making sure the tech is all charged and set correctly, then totally forgetting to do any warm up stretches.
My toenails are fabulous, and I hope to keep them that way 😂😂😂🤞
Oh gosh yes, the faffage is real! Reminds me, must charge my watch...
Hiya and funny list, I must admit I score 1 point on that list in your picture. It gives me 6 points, namely I laser my legs every month to keep the hairs away. Before I had the laser, I suffered hard (think having to shave twice a day, ingrowing hairs, etc). Now, nada nothing. It's heaven!
Anyhow as for running, I don't think I am high maintenance. I do think I should be a bit more high maintenance. I don't treat my feet as well as I should. I should put some ointment / crème on them once in a while to keep them soft, but I always forget.
I do need my phone with me just in case something happens, my Garmin watch to record my run and my Gymboss for my Jeffing intervals. And of course water and jelly beans or such. Is that called high maintenance? I wonder...
I do it myself with a Philips Lumea. It doesn't hurt at all, mostly you can feel is a very slight twinge as if a stretch band gets pulled against you. But it's very slight. I use it for years now. I have to do it every month though. A colleague of mine lets it be done professionally and she has to let it be done 1 time a year. But she sometimes gets burns from it. I don't.
Hi All. Its been some time since I posted so, firstly, its just nice to get on here again and enjoy all the running chit-chat. I have kept up my running in between times though, so I didn't fall off the radar completely
In terms of running maintenance, I am more in the 'run-to-failure' maintenance category. For those who haven't been around maintenance of machinery, that's pretty much a 'don't worry about it till something goes wrong' mindset.
I do of course stretch (mostly) and make sure that I have good kit, especially running shoes - laid out the night before (early morning runner), but nothing else else really in terms of pampering or prep.
I look forward to getting on here a bit more in 2022!
Generally I'm a really low-maintenance runner - I don't train (except for the maratrail) or use audio-coached runs. The only training logs I have are the ones I clamber or skip over in the forest, unless you count the free version of Strava. I have a Garmin, worn only for running, and don't know how to use most of its features!
Feet don't get any special treatment and my undyed hair's scrunched into a ponytail which shows off the grey streaks around my temples. My running clothes are mostly sale bargains from Lidl and Decathlon.
On the other hand, I'll slather moisturiser on my face before and after running, and try to colour co-ordinate my clothing and even my hair scrunchy! Except for shoes, which are bought for comfort, not looks.
And on the rare occasions that I think I might end up in a photo or be seen by anyone other than neighbours (so basically events), or if I need an extra boost, I'll wear some or all of earrings, mascara, lipstick, and perfume. I have great fun playing with all of these!
I’ve got loads of lidl and aldi gear. My lidl running bra crop is fab. My fave and I’ve used it since I started running Never faded or shown any signs of wear despite being washed countless times 🙂
I wear weather protect lippy all year round. Fortunately I got some for birthday and Christmas so I’m sorted 💄
I’m very low maintenance in life in general I think! I have my hair highlighted twice a year, I could happily live in leggings and a hoodie when it’s cold, and shorts and a teeshirt when it’s warm (wait, I do!) my running is conservative. I could (alright alright, I do again!) run pretty much at one pace, and whereas I do love PR tourism and races, I’m happy pootling round on my local common.
Like David_G , I’m just starting W3 of the NRC HM Plan. I’m doing 3 of the plan runs, plus parkrun, each week. This week’s longie is 5 miles. 😀 Wonder what I’ll wear? I know, what I always wear in the winter! 😅
Interesting you should bring up feet as I need to see a podiatrist soon for either a corn or a wart on my left foot. It’s been painful to run on and I need to deal with it before serious training begins in the Spring/Summer. Been trying to ignore it but that never works long term🙂. Outside of that I tend to occasionally file down any really big callouses on my big toes which does seem to help them as they can get painful in the wrong sock/shoe combos. TMI probably but you did ask 😅 So far I am still able to get my maintenance runs in.
Other maintenance really is geared to managing the elements. (-18 this morn, -28 tomorrow) I use buffs on my wrists/face and -40 mitts on my hands in really cold runs, along with thermal tights and any number of upper layers. They all need to be washed and ready for outdoor use this time of year. Thats about as far as my maintenance goes
Ha I certainly did ask! This is a very tentative suggestion, because I've only just started to notice it, but a bit of zinc oxide tape over areas that get calloused seems to have some preventive qualities. Although you go on much rougher terrain than I usually do!
Hope you get that sore spot sorted out!
Washing the kit can be pretty darn hard work!! 😂😂😂
Hmm, I do score 4 points for having more than 20 pairs of shoes, though that does include 5 pairs of running shoes which is probably not what the original quiz has in mind. Plus a lot of the others are gathering dust at the back of the cupboard and may never be worn again as I have very much gone off fancy shoes. Though I do miss dancing tango. Similarly I do have more than 25 scarves but I've only worn a warm scarf for well over a year. That and the occasional box dye gets me to 16 points but that's pretty low effort high maintenance...
Last week I got myself a new pumice stone and nail clippers so foot care seems to be going up my agenda too. Like Joster I always seem to be dashing round the house to find some bit of kit pre-run, mostly headband or headphones, though I normally do all my app starting etc while doing a bit of a warm up walk. I do like a good podcast to listen to on my runs- currently mixing The News Quiz, Feel Better Live More, Run to The Top, Run Smarter and You're Dead to me.
I do spend a fair amount of time planning and occasionally rejigging my training - I'm really liking the FinalSurge app/calendar which makes me feel super organised (last year I had a spreadsheet but it was a bit of a mess whereas this is much neater and automatically updates when I log on strava so I don't end up having to spend ages entering what I've done!). When I was doing the club strava challenge last year I spent a fair amount of time planning routes to fit in the various challenges - now I'm organising this year's challenge I'm now doing a bit of work to set up each month's challenge but it seems a bit easier not having to run it all.
I did a recce yesterday for my first race of the year next Sunday, the Stubbington 10k, after which I have a much hillier 10 miler on the Isle of Wight 2 weeks later. Would be lovely to see any VRBs who are participating! I was thinking of sandwiching a trail race into the weekend between but think that might be a bit too much, not least because it cuts into family time.
I got an A3 desk calendar as a training log. It’s lovely 🥰. It’s flowery 😁. No room on my desk mind, so it lives in the floor. Speaking of being organised I really must tidy up 😎
I suppose I should mention I have far too many toe shoes (mostly cheap worn-once-and-didn't-like off eBay). I started the collection well in advance of starting running, and have only ever run in two of the styles.
What a great question! I was about to say I’m not a high maintenance runner but I’ve just taken delivery of yet another package from Sweaty Betty so I guess maybe I am 😂
I have lots of great outfits and try to match them when I run, I don’t wear makeup or even brush my hair and I don’t pay as much attention to my feet as I should. I have started getting a few calluses which are painful at times so I really should spend more time on my tootsies.
But before COVID, I’d get a monthly sports massage so I’m more high maintenance than I think.
In my non-running life I’ve scored 38 on your list!!! The biggie is the handbags but in fairness my husband buys me these. Does that still count? I do still wear high heels but not nearly as often since I became a runner for fear of injury 😱 And I own more than 25 scarves….
But I don’t do the nails or brows thing …. although I’ve had my brows micro bladed…. 🤔
Oh dear oh dear…. on balance I do think I’m very high maintenance 🙂🤣
I daren’t do sandals in case I stub my toe. Mind you my feet are horrific so running shoes it is 🙂
I love high heels though and I wear them if I go for a meal etc where I’m sitting, so I don’t actually need to walk in them 😁. Being a short arse, wearing heels gives me a lift 🙂👠
I really need toe separators as I have a few toes that are bending inwards and now causing a few issues (probably all those years of wearing high heels 🙄)
Can you recommend any particular type or brand roseabi ? Do you wear them in shoes or just on their own?
Not really, I just have some really cheap ones from Amazon - mine don't seem to be available anymore, but this looks fairly similar amazon.co.uk/Protectoe-Sepa...
I ordered some vibrams recently so vivobarefoot will have to wait for awhile. Think that’s quite enough minimal footwear for now 🤣Correct toes work in all my Altra’s and my earth runners if I really want to look like a freak!
Thank you! I laughed when I read that bit about being born with perfect feet. When my mum first saw me she thought I had only four toes on one foot 😳 It was only when she noticed that the little toe was curled underneath she realised I did indeed have all five toes 😂
Well I'd collect 30 pts off that test 🤣 (more than 20 shoes, but they're nearly all trainers! Shaves (legs) everyday, wears makeup daily, dyes hair... massage shouldn't count!)
For running, I own way too many shoes but I'm unable to part with my old ones 🙈
I look after my feet (socks/ cream every night, regularly trimming nails and buffing hard areas)
I get regular sports massages, this is a necessity, not a luxury
I am hooked on Strava and Garmin (watch, runpod, I even have a back up watch in case no 1 breaks/is dead)
Great post roseabi although I think it would take an angle grinder to make my feet look halfway decent! I used to have such nice feet too ☹️. One thing I do do is give them a really good massage most evenings because they do so much for us don’t they - and it feels sooo good. My theory is all the little muscles need some love too. That and stretching, plus the gym. Oh and I always slather moisturiser or sunblock on my face before heading out. I’m very fussy about my brows, but they don’t tend to affect my running - unless they get to the stage when they’re blocking my vision which hasn’t happened yet, but ageing is a mysterious thing, there’s time yet 🤣. All the best 😊😊😊.
I got a score of 6 on your list. I own over 20 pairs of shoes 🤷🏻♀️I can’t help it I love them 😍 and most of them are not trainers but are not high heals. My running is pretty low key I think. My kit is not the most expensive or fancy, although I have invested in good running shoes. My feet don’t get any extra pampering.
My big toenails are bruised due to my toe rising up and hitting the top of my running shoes so I have invested in a little bit of extra kit to solve this problem. Check out the sexy beasts below 🤣🤣🤣
They are soft , lined with gel, washable and cheap but they do the job and have saved my toe nails. Who knew these things existed 🤷🏻♀️ So that’s my nod to running maintenance TMI 😂😂
I was wondering the same about Adriene, Roseabi. That’s some sponsorship deal she has with Adidas.
I’m definitely high maintenance atm. Everything seems to be falling apart. So between massages, cold/hot compresses, backs, ankles, glutes and knees, 2022 can only get better!
I got 12 in your chart - most of it was massage. The other was to cover the grey bits 👵🏻
I did get a 2kg bag of Epsom Salts in my Ocado shop. That’s true pampering 😅
You can get ES in bigger size packs from the pet or equine shop. You can also buy the unbleached stuff from the allotment shop. Worth paying a small membership fee just.
Worth a punt as it’s only a small outlay. Even if you can’t sell it you will have a goodly supply for your own needs, and enough left to sprinkle around your magnesium-deficient curcubits this summer 😀👍🥒 🎃
Omg I feel I should pop to boots in the morning for foot creams and other tootsie lotions and potions..... 🤣,
I've streamlined the maintenance down to the bare essentials I think, and since I stopped biting my toe nails they're in mint 🤩 condition..... No black or missing ones here ✅.
I'm sure good socks pay dividends and help!!!
And whyyyyyyyy do people still worry about charging this, that and the other.
In theory I like the idea of tech-free running but I like to track my progress (and don't give myself a hard time if the stats don't stack up) and particularly if venturing far afield do rely on my phone for maps (though I have come unstuck once through relying on a phone in the rain). And I have learnt so much from listening to podcasts as I go....
roseabi 😳 you've not seen my gangly running form 🤣 trust me I was referring to the tech..... The sheep is wales are carnivorous and partial to a nibble 😬....
I have a foot kit, regularly upgraded . I got it on the advice of my podiatrist... she told me the kind of thing I needed and it has proved invaluable She also advises, no shoes in the house or wear slipper socks, if necessary.Apart from that, low maintenance I think.. except I do like really comfy run-derwear! No seams and completely chafe free x
CCS Foot care cream Curanail for any fungal infection.. I get some nail issues in winter when I wear socks more. Daktarin for keeping any foot issues at bay. I use spray but cream is more effective. I never wear nail polish either on my toe nails . Plus two buffers regularly changed
I got a pair of those for my sister for Christmas - possibly am too mean to buy them for myself! I like the Injinji ones anyway (got her some of those too!).
PS I don't think I've ever seen Adriene repeat an outfit even between different videos except in the very early days - I assume part of her Adidas deal is for her to show off as much as possible of their kit! It does annoy me a bit I confess, avoiding waste is so important.
I’m tittering away reading this. I have the most battered feet ever! I lost a toenail over Christmas, black big toe nails and a couple more coming off. Good job it’s not sandal weather ☺️
My skin is dead dry so I use extreme face cream when I run in winter through to spring when it’s can windy and hot. Ditto lippy. Fortunately I was gifted a goodly amount of both 💄
My feet get dead dry and cracked so I’ve got tons of creams and files etc. Bath oils blah blah. I think a rasp out the shed would do a better job 🙄 🙂
I don’t have massages or treatments as I can’t afford to but I would if I could. Bubble baths and Epsom salts will have to do 🛁
It’s made worse by having the heating cranked up to thermonuclear 🙄. My husband has to be roasted alive to feel comfortable, while I’m opening windows and turning down the stat and rad valves . He got a smart meter the other week🤷♀️ Man is from Mars …….. 🙄
I use Nivea on my face... always have...and on my hands too ! My feet were very battered, but then I was at my Mum's one day years ago, and her podiatrist was there... that was it... I asked her to come and rescue my feet and she did She said at the initial meeting, she had seen worse. (I think that was a good comment)
I use Nivea soft mostly but I’ve got a tub of the dark blue thick stuff as well I’ve got more creams than Boots! 😀. Bags, cupboards, shelves stacked high with the stuff.
Well, I'm not sure about high maintenance feet etc, but I seem to have a drawer full of "mistakes" and "things that will work better if I modify them". A different kind of high maintenance 😉 These include:A headlight thing that I hate, but might work out better if I try different settings.
Various running belts. Some too small, some too big.
A running vest thing that chafes my collar bone after 10 miles. Needs modifying (when I remember).
Water bottles of various sizes, including some that leak.
A water bladder that definitely leaks and needs fixing.
Two beanies and two running hat things with visor. One that is great but gets in the way of my sunglasses. Needs more modifying.
Two pairs of running gloves. Plus one that has its partner missing. Probably stolen by the sock fairy (see below).
Two high viz vest things. One that I hate, as the velcro cuff catches on everything, but too expensive to discard.
Gels that I didn't like, still in date.
In another drawer are running socks where I'm waiting for the sock fairy to bring back its partner when she is finished with them.
Then there are the running shoes that are too worn for running, but OK for walking. (I'll never wear them all, but... just in case)...
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