Since amping my mileage to train for these half marathons, I’ve noticed it stressing my skin… so I slap on a little sunblock and keep my face clear of sweat (by wiping it down every 3 minutes), but my feet haven’t been so lucky. I keep my toenails painted pink to help out, but my poor feet are covered in blisters and and finally calluses. Thankfully I’ve been saved from the notorious fungus that runners usually complain about.
Since I wanted to run trails, I ended up buying an awesome pair of Salomon XR CrossMax 1, which are incredibly stiff and gave me huuuuge blisters for two months after running in them. I read in my awesome Runners Word magazine that I needed thicker socks, so I proceeded to steal my husbands on a regular basis since I’ve given him about 100 pair of running socks over the last year and a half. He thinks this gives him free reign to tease me about everything of his that I “borrow”. Like his sweatpants that have had their ownership transferred to me. I can’t help it I’m always cold. Or his sweatshirts when we’re on the boardwalk. Or his shirts to sleep in. Now his socks.
In my opinion, he has absolutely no grounds for his teasing.
Anyways, about protecting our skin and feet. Apparently if they get wet (from sweat or mud or rain), the trapped moisture can cause maceration (when the skin looks paler than the surrounding skin) and is prone to fungal infections (Runners World). Ewwww (Just did a foot check to look at my between-the-toe-skin-color. I’m safe.)
The most helpful thing I can pass along is keeping clean, Keeping the running clothes and socks clean. Products like Blister Aid (Mission Athletecare blister Armour Anti-Friction stick) will definitely help with the blisters! Annnnnd lastly, Stuff the shoes with newspaper to dry them out between runs.
I would also add to have a pedicure done as often as possible, preferrably every 3-4 weeks. Soaking your feet and doing all the things required of a pedicure definately helps. I don’t run and I find my feet can become callused and I develope corns from my shoes rubbing together. Wehn I get a pedicure I notice my feet look and feel better.
Those are great tips! Our toes have got to look good during the summer
I’m a cheapo and usually do my own pedicures, but perhaps I should treat myself to a true one with a soak and rub after my 1/2 marathon! 
Have you ever had to deal with your feet cramping up after you’re done running? Even with cooling down and stretching? I have and I really want to get that to stop. It makes me cry they cramp up so much =(
I’ve never had a bad problem with foot cramping BUT I’ve had some trouble with leg cramps, so I understand the frusteration!! I looked around and saw some helpful tips for that kind of problem!
1. Ease into running to let the feet know what’s coming
2. Running with good technique “Make sure you’re running “heel to toe” which means you’re striking the ground with your heel, and gently rolling up to the toe with each step” (Trails.com)
3. Stretch before and after (and I even stretch during my run because I get bad cramps on my back of my knees). This is one of the reasons my times are so slow
4. “Including more calcium, potassium and magnesium in your diet can help prevent foot cramps. Stop running as soon as you feel a foot cramp to prevent worsening the spasms. Massaging your feet after running can improve circulation and relax sore muscles” (Trails.com)
Resouces:
Trails.com: How to Prevent Foot Cramps While Running | Trails.com http://www.trails.com/how_2273_prevent-foot-cramps-running.html#ixzz1uZ6Jyb1e
Huh, I never would have attributed running to the state of my skin but my face HAS been breaking out a lot more and now that I’m thinking about it, I see the connection. Here’s hoping this solves that mystery!
I pumice my feet like a champ these days. A little bit every time I shower seems to make a big difference!
I was reading through Runners World and it dawned on me, keeping a clean face will really help with the breakouts. Especially with runs as long as we do!
I have to admit, I googled pumice and it looks like a great idea! where do you find one? I’m guessing they don’t carry them at Target
Thanks for the helpful tip!
Any drug store should have them. They’ll be in the bath section.I got mine at Shopper’s Drugmart!
Fabulous
We don’t have “Shoppers Drugmarts” (miss them so much) down in the US, but they’ve got plenty of Drug Stores down here. Definitely adding that to my shower routine and I’ll let you know how it goes!