losing toenails while training for marathons

Rachel_Fontenot
Rachel_Fontenot Posts: 25
in Fitness and Exercise
I've heard that it is common that marathoners lose toenails while training for half and full marathons. Anything I can do to prevent this?

Replies

  • scottb81
    scottb81 Posts: 2,538 Member
    I've never lost one. I think if your shoes fit properly it can be avoided.
  • DG_Allen
    DG_Allen Posts: 219 Member
    I have to agree with Scott. Most people I see with this problem say "yea, my shoes don't fit that well." So, make sure your shoes fit and you have enough room for your toes to move around.
  • baoneill29
    baoneill29 Posts: 138 Member
    Two marathons and 4 half marathons without losing any toe nails. Make sure you shoes fit good, I think they recommend running in a half size bigger....
  • bahacca
    bahacca Posts: 878 Member
    Yes-buy your shoes a 1/2 to full size bigger(depends a lot on your personal stride as to how much your foot naturally moves forward when you strike). Go to a GOOD running store and have your shoes fitted. I've never had toenail issues and just did my first 1/2 marathon. My sister, who is a basketball referee and has played since high school has lost several toenails. I recently told her "Umm-gross. Buy your shoes a 1/2 size bigger" She was like "DUUUHHH!"
  • mommanurse33
    mommanurse33 Posts: 189 Member
    I have one toe nail on the "way out" due to shoes that fit "just right." Definitely go somewhere where they can properly fit you.
  • lmc8774
    lmc8774 Posts: 129 Member
    I wouldn't say it is common, especially in half's. I have done 3 marathons and lost a toenail on my third. Not sure why as I didn't have problems during my training runs, but about mile 8 of the marathon my toe started to hurt, and the pain radiated into my leg during the entire marathon. Then after the marathon, toenail turned black and I lost it. Took the better part of a year to grow it out. Not fun.
  • ThickMcRunFast
    ThickMcRunFast Posts: 22,511 Member
    12 marathons in, and no lost toenails here. Lost/black toenails are more of an ultra runner thing, due to feet swelling over the long distances (or occasionally the downhills of intense trail running) I agree with the posters that say its a shoe thing. Get fitted, go up a half or full size.
  • vfnmoody
    vfnmoody Posts: 271 Member
    I have one that is coming off due to a single 4mile run with a shoe not laced up correctly.
    Good shoes are making it less common.

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