Running- General Questions

melaniedsm
melaniedsm Posts: 55
in Fitness and Exercise
I ran my first 1/2 marathon last weekend and got really big blisters between my big toe and pointer toe. Not too sore, thanks to a trainer showing me the foam rollers. But I have a couple of questions for those that have done these types of races before. I am purly in it for fun, I don't need to shave off 30 seconds or anything.

1. I have very thin feet, is there a shoe that you would recommend to prevent the bottoms of my feet from being so sore. Last time I ran this kind of distance I was much lighter, so this wasn't a problem. My feet were on fire and hurt worse than my leg muscles. I wore a nice pair of nike running shoes and I am willing to spend a bit more if I need to.

2. Any ideas on preventing the blisters. I have been told toe socks, but I think they must have stopped being cool. I have tried about everywhere I can think of, but can't seem to find them. I am nervious about getting them online, because I have long toes and don't want them to pinch/cause in between my toe blisters. I may have to do trial and error from online though.

3. I'm doing my first triathlon in 2 weeks. I am wondering what people wear. That might be a dumb question, but all I can find when I google is for like intense athletes. I am not winning the thing, I just don't want to look stupid. Also I have size F chest thanks to my baby girl, so I worry about having enough support for the run. I had what looked like floor burn around my stomach and on my shoulders after the 1/2 marathon. I have some nice biking shorts I wear when I bike, but I wondering more about swimming and then the transition from bike to running.

Replies

  • 3dogsrunning
    3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
    1. I have very thin feet, is there a shoe that you would recommend to prevent the bottoms of my feet from being so sore. Last time I ran this kind of distance I was much lighter, so this wasn't a problem. My feet were on fire and hurt worse than my leg muscles. I wore a nice pair of nike running shoes and I am willing to spend a bit more if I need to.

    2. Any ideas on preventing the blisters. I have been told toe socks, but I think they must have stopped being cool. I have tried about everywhere I can think of, but can't seem to find them. I am nervious about getting them online, because I have long toes and don't want them to pinch/cause in between my toe blisters. I may have to do trial and error from online though.

    The bottom of the foot issue sounds more like friction than shoes.
    I'd invest in some good running socks. There are double layer ones that are supposed to help avoid blistering. I also use Body Glide or Vaseline on places where I still get blisters. I wouldn't go with toe socks, but I'm not saying it won't work.
    I'd also hit up a running store to get fitted for sneakers if you are going to buy a new pair. Running shoes are very individual. What works great for me might be a nightmare for you. No one here can recommend a good shoe for you.
    3. I'm doing my first triathlon in 2 weeks. I am wondering what people wear. That might be a dumb question, but all I can find when I google is for like intense athletes. I am not winning the thing, I just don't want to look stupid. Also I have size F chest thanks to my baby girl, so I worry about having enough support for the run. I had what looked like floor burn around my stomach and on my shoulders after the 1/2 marathon. I have some nice biking shorts I wear when I bike, but I wondering more about swimming and then the transition from bike to running.

    I did my first triathlon wearing a regular sports bra, a running top with a built in bra (also large chested so like the double support) and running tights. I wore this under my wetsuit. You want something that will dry fairly quickly, most running tops fit this bill. I had a loose pair of shorts at transition I threw on for the bike ride and run. You don't need tri shorts for shorter distance rides but you could always invest in a pair. I would not wear regular bike shorts in the water because they will absorb too much water. Invest in tri shorts or just wear tights unless there is an area to change and you want to take that time. It is not an option for me.
  • davemunger
    davemunger Posts: 1,139 Member
    1. You probably just need to run more -- that will help your feet adjust to the pounding.

    2. Go to a running store and ask for "injinji" socks. They still exist. Online try runningwarehouse or roadrunnersports. Also, I highly recommend "trail toes" for blister/chafing prevention.

    3. Sorry, can't help you with this one...I'm just a runner, not a tri guy.
  • SonicDeathMonkey80
    SonicDeathMonkey80 Posts: 4,489 Member
    I ran my first 1/2 marathon last weekend and got really big blisters between my big toe and pointer toe. Not too sore, thanks to a trainer showing me the foam rollers. But I have a couple of questions for those that have done these types of races before. I am purly in it for fun, I don't need to shave off 30 seconds or anything.

    1. I have very thin feet, is there a shoe that you would recommend to prevent the bottoms of my feet from being so sore. Last time I ran this kind of distance I was much lighter, so this wasn't a problem. My feet were on fire and hurt worse than my leg muscles. I wore a nice pair of nike running shoes and I am willing to spend a bit more if I need to.

    2. Any ideas on preventing the blisters. I have been told toe socks, but I think they must have stopped being cool. I have tried about everywhere I can think of, but can't seem to find them. I am nervious about getting them online, because I have long toes and don't want them to pinch/cause in between my toe blisters. I may have to do trial and error from online though.

    3. I'm doing my first triathlon in 2 weeks. I am wondering what people wear. That might be a dumb question, but all I can find when I google is for like intense athletes. I am not winning the thing, I just don't want to look stupid. Also I have size F chest thanks to my baby girl, so I worry about having enough support for the run. I had what looked like floor burn around my stomach and on my shoulders after the 1/2 marathon. I have some nice biking shorts I wear when I bike, but I wondering more about swimming and then the transition from bike to running.

    1. Best answered by a running shop's qualified worker.
    2. Blisters are caused by heat, moisture, and friction. Friction can be caused by too-tight shoes, moisture from non-wicking socks, and heat from the weather and/or shoes not meant for running or with inadequate ventilation. Again, running shop.
    3. If you're budget conscious, swim in your bathing suit, pat dry at T1, then throw your cycling shorts on and hop on the bike. At T2, remove cycling shorts, throw on running shorts. Or invest in a tri suit. Which ever you choose, invest time in training like that so you know what it will feel like so it isn't a surprise on the big day.
  • JTick
    JTick Posts: 2,131 Member
    I agree about needing to invest in running socks. Once upon a time, I ran in cotton socks. I still have scars from the blisters it left. I've tried a few different brands, and will now only run in Balega brand socks.

    Shoes are totally individual, you'll need to be fitted. Make sure you check the store's refund policy. They might feel great in the store, but it will probably take a few runs to make sure they are the best shoe for you. My store will only allow returns if they are still clean...aka I can only run on a treadmill to make my final decision.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Expanding on Doug's answer you could pick up a pair of tri shorts, wear them on top of your bathing suit saving time at T1 and T2 (tri shorts are like biking shorts but have a much lighter chamois that dries quickly and doesn't feel like you're wearing a diaper when running)

    Most triathletes will wear either a 1 piece tri suit or a tri top with tri shorts, if you plan on entering more events in the future it's money well spent (especially if you're cheap like me and wait until everything is on sale......I don't care if it's "last year's" shorts...)

    If you haven't done so already try to get in a couple of brick workouts before the race (a bike ride followed immediately by a run) and rehearse your transitions (lay out your gear exactly as you will on race day - one less thing to stress about)

    Have fun!
  • 3dogsrunning
    3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
    I love the guys suggesting running in the swim suit. :laugh:



    Kidding, it is a reasonable suggestion, just won't work for everyone. Most swim suits are terribly lacking in support. I envy the ladies who can.
  • SonicDeathMonkey80
    SonicDeathMonkey80 Posts: 4,489 Member
    I love the guys suggesting running in the swim suit. :laugh:



    Kidding, it is a reasonable suggestion, just won't work for everyone. Most swim suits are terribly lacking in support. I envy the ladies who can.

    Well, I'm a horrible judge of boob size because bathing suits squish them down to nothing. I don't know if the girls run like Baywatch and stuff but I dunno how training bras work.

    [baywatchbouncingboobs.gif]
  • melaniedsm
    melaniedsm Posts: 55
    I love the guys suggesting running in the swim suit. :laugh:



    Kidding, it is a reasonable suggestion, just won't work for everyone. Most swim suits are terribly lacking in support. I envy the ladies who can.

    Well, I'm a horrible judge of boob size because bathing suits squish them down to nothing. I don't know if the girls run like Baywatch and stuff but I dunno how training bras work.

    [baywatchbouncingboobs.gif]

    Yeah F is 2 sizes above DDD. I don't think they make swim suits with sports bras in them, like they do with underwires. If htey do I would love to know where you can buy them. I double up on bras when I run. Normal one then sports bra over the top. Just if you do that in the water it wouldn't dry. Good plan to get a tri shirt and wear it over a swim suit though, I think that is what I will do.
  • smarionette
    smarionette Posts: 260 Member
    1) Get thee to a running store. They are the best people to help you.
    2) Invest in good running socks, make sure your toenails are trimmed and filed if you are having rubbing issues, put baby powder in your socks.
    3) As someone who was an H (now F, need to get new bras) - Anita Active is the best sports bra ever. Not inexpensive, but worth every penny.
  • 3dogsrunning
    3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
    I love the guys suggesting running in the swim suit. :laugh:



    Kidding, it is a reasonable suggestion, just won't work for everyone. Most swim suits are terribly lacking in support. I envy the ladies who can.

    Well, I'm a horrible judge of boob size because bathing suits squish them down to nothing. I don't know if the girls run like Baywatch and stuff but I dunno how training bras work.

    [baywatchbouncingboobs.gif]

    Yeah F is 2 sizes above DDD. I don't think they make swim suits with sports bras in them, like they do with underwires. If htey do I would love to know where you can buy them. I double up on bras when I run. Normal one then sports bra over the top. Just if you do that in the water it wouldn't dry. Good plan to get a tri shirt and wear it over a swim suit though, I think that is what I will do.

    Double bra-ing makes me sad. Invest in a really good bra! It's so worth it. Moving Comfort is my favorite but I am not sure if they go up to that size.
    My bras never dry after the swim but I sweat a lot anyway so it doesn't really matter to me anyway.

    I strongly suggest trying out your gear before the race. It is not the time to find out if running in your swimsuit chafes you.
  • ladyargentum
    ladyargentum Posts: 82 Member
    Last year I did a couple of mini tri's. I am big busted aswell. I wore my standard sports bra under my 1 piece bathing suit with a pair of quick dry shorts. I simply put on a sports top (with built in support) at transition to ride & run in. Yes I looked weird with my sports bra obvious under my bathers (it showed) but it was cheap and honestly once your in the water no one is looking at what others are wearing. I have an awesome bike seat so no point buying tri-shorts for me. I plan on doing more tri's this yr and will likely wear a similar getup purely for cost reasons.

    Hope you find something that works for you :)
  • melaniedsm
    melaniedsm Posts: 55
    Thanks for the brand suggestion. I have an expensive one from both Scheels and ****s Sporting Goods (I guess MFP thinks I'm cussing), but they weren't enough on their own. Oh the problems of unconventional runners. I will try Anita and see if it works better for me.
  • smarionette
    smarionette Posts: 260 Member
    Thanks for the brand suggestion. I have an expensive one from both Scheels and ****s Sporting Goods (I guess MFP thinks I'm cussing), but they weren't enough on their own. Oh the problems of unconventional runners. I will try Anita and see if it works better for me.

    Yeah, they have been a godsend for me with running. I would have to double bra and hope not to have to breathe otherwise. You can find them on HerRoom.com or at an Intimacy store (if you want to try them on, do a few burpees, etc...)
  • manhn1
    manhn1 Posts: 137 Member
    I started getting blisters on my toes too (after a few years of running), so I started vaselining my toes. It works! I now vaseline my entire foot!

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