First 20+ mile training run

Hey everyone

Been a while since I checked in.

With my marathon 4 weeks away it was time for the big training runs to start.  Today was my 22 mile run.  Previously, the longest I'd done was 18 miles (in 80 degree heat), so I was a real mess after that one.  I was hoping I'd fair a little better here even with 4 extra miles.

Conditions were great, overcast, about 60 degrees, a little breeze.  Actually it felt too warm at some points.

But I survived with a time a 4:53, which puts me at a pace to finish somewhere short of 6 hours for the full marathon.  Between Mile 20 and 21, I hit the wall and really needed to dig deep to fini**** off. 

When I got back home, I took off my shoes and noticed a discoloration and some pain on toenail of my 2nd toe (left foot).  it looks like a blister, although, I am gonna wait to see how the swelling goes down.

Looking up stuff online about treatments, I came across a condition called Morton's Toe, where the 2nd toe is longer than the big toe.  That is the case on my left foot (about 1/8 inch difference) than my right (practically even).

I've never had toe problems in the past, just the normal blister issues that I've treated with moleskin.  Has anyone else dealt with Morton's Toe?  I saw a book on Amazon about it and have it ordered (good reviews).

Hopefully this blister isnt bad, I don't wanna lance this as it will hurt like a mothertrucka!

Thanks

Brian
~350

Brian,

Congratulations on the committment to run the marathon.  You will do great.

I will run my first at the Rock in Dallas in December.  I am really looking forward to it.
What training plan are you using?

I too, have Morton's Toe.  BTW, I didn't know it was called that.  Lost the toe nail off of that toe, but it hasn't slowed my training down.  I by my running shoe 1/2 size larger and don't have any problems.

Good luck on the marathon.

Darrell

Hey Darrell

Yea I had no idea about Morton's toe until i started looking up things online.  Apparently it can be responsible for a lot of pain elsewhere.  I've always worn shoes 1/2 size bigger, but I'm gonna be getting a toe pad for both feet to alleviate any extra pressure put on by these runs.

I'm following a training plan outline by Olympic Coach Brad Hudson in his book Run Faster.  Had to modify it a bit, but he encourages that.  All about listening to your body.

Good luck
Brian
~350

I just checked and my second toes are longer than my big toes, is that really unusal?  I ran the SF marathon in 1998 with Team in Training, great experience.  I never ran more than 20 miles prior to the marathon and I totally hit the wall at that point in the race, it's great that you are training beyond that I think it will make a big difference. 

Yea its important to run over 20 miles at least once.  I'll be doing 2 20+ milers (assuming I can do the 23 this sunday). 

As for the toes, I've read that Morton's toe occurs in about 10% of the population, but could be higher depending on ethnicity.  If you have foot troubles, it could be related to that issue, so its good to know about so you can treat it.

Good luck

Brian
~350

You did 20 miles this past week and your doing 23 next week?? So when are you going to give your body time to rest before the marathon?? I was told it better to be under trained than over trained..

Good luck!!

Actually did 22 yesterday and 23 this coming Sunday

I then start 2 weeks of tapering leading up to the marathon, so the body should have time to recover

Brian
~350

awesome job on the miles you are logging.

Congrats and good luck on your upcoming race.

Scott