Apparently its my toenail.
I've started running more seriously. I've run on and off for years but all of a sudden, I'm craving the run. I'm even thinking of entering races, which is a little silly because I'm a pretty slow runner. But I like to have goals and I like to set them high.
In order to begin "training," I'm working on increasing my total weekly mileage. I've actually increased my total rather dramatically (although carefully) this week. Did I mention I'm craving the run?
Tuesday my toe nail looked a little funny - raised up a bit. Wednesday, I noticed an odd blister forming under the nail. I then asked a friend who is a serious runner if he had ever lost a toenail. "Yup. Lots. Its a hazard of the run." So I turned to the Internet, where one should get all their information, and read up on running and toenails. Turns out its common to lose a toenail because your toes are repeatedly jammed into the toe box of your shoes. Now, I can't feel this while running but it makes sense.
The article told me to drain the blister (gross!) and eventually the nail will fall off. In 3 or so months, I should have a lovely new toenail to run off.
So I'm gonna lose a toenail. Its a bit gross and will create a problem with my pedicure obsession but honestly, I'm just a tad pleased. As another friend recently told me, "Its a badge of honor." So I plan to wear it proudly and even let it show through my new cute brown peep toe heels.
good for you. the friend in whose wedding i participated in early july is a marathon runner (a fairly recent development for her... who knows what might be in your future...) and we went for pedicures and I learned all about the grossness of runner toes. but it doesn't stop her and the pedicure worked wonders to give her pretty feet for the wedding!
Posted by: more cows than people | August 09, 2008 at 07:01 PM
I'm glad you are running... and craving it... 'specially since it's good for you. But absolutely YUCK to something that makes your toenail fall off. After reading about it... I KNOW I'll NEVER run... double yuck!
Posted by: PK | August 09, 2008 at 07:45 PM
This is sort of one of those "yes and no" things. It's definitely not uncommon, and it happens, but it doesn't NEED to happen. It's why a lot of us buy our running shoes about a 1/2-1 size bigger than regular shoes. Then it doesn't happen. Get thee to a good running store!
Posted by: Mrs. M | August 12, 2008 at 08:31 AM
I agree, Mrs. M, and I do have good shoes. There is a good store in town. Mine are even 1/2 size bigger. I'm trying different lacing methods too. At the moment my nail looks better but not sure that that means. My other toes look fine so I'm taking that as a good sign. I will need to start replacing my shoes more often, however.
Posted by: LadyBurg | August 12, 2008 at 03:46 PM
OK, since I can't stay away from the darn Runner's World site, I might as well pass info on:
http://runningdoctor.runnersworld.com/2007/09/why-do-i-get-bl.html
Posted by: Mrs. M | August 12, 2008 at 06:29 PM
Mrs. M - unfortunately it isn't always as easy as bigger shoes - I'm one of those lucky folks whose second toe is longer than my big toe so it happens no matter what. Ah well, it is the price we runners pay. Now the plantar fasciitis? That can go away!!!!
Posted by: Kerri PD | August 12, 2008 at 09:06 PM
Uff. I'm not a runner, though I wish I were and I admire those who are. Dancers run into somewhat similar problems with ingrown big toenails. Feel free to ask about my home remedies of helping the toenail off, if you'd like. Otherwise, I'll spare you.
Posted by: ms rev or not | August 15, 2008 at 02:42 AM
I used to be a runner. Used to be. Too many things broke and I had to stop. :(
Posted by: IdentityMixed | September 17, 2008 at 02:06 PM