Reduce Friction to Reduce Shear
I have often mentioned the website BlisterPrevention.com.au as a great source of information on blister care. Rebecca Rushton, manages the website and is on top of developments in the prevention and care of blisters. She’s a podiatrist in Australia – and a friend. Through research and looking at the mechanism of how blisters form, Rebecca has changed […]
I’ve Got a Pebble in My Shoe!
Tonight I finished watching three episodes of the 2014 Spartan Races – two regional races and then the final World Championship. Regional races are about eight miles with 20+ obstacles while the World Championship is about 15 miles with 25+ obstacles. I know. Some of you are saying. They aren’t the same as a 50-mile or 100-mile […]
Typical Heel Blister Problems
Heel blisters are quite common – although they shouldn’t be. Today’s post shows one participant’s feet at the 2014 Amazon Jungle Marathon. If you look closely at this picture, you’ll see two heel blisters, both on the outside of the runner’s feet. The right foot blister is large but is not blood-filled. The blister on the […]
Kinesiology Tapes
If you have followed my blog long enough, you’ll know I have a preference for kinesiology tapes for protective taping before a race and patching blisters during a race. Over the years I have used many different types of tape – most of which I no longer use. The one tape that has stood the […]
Blister Repair – Your Way or Their Way?
One of my goals is to educate athletes about good foot care techniques. You may recall blog posts where I stress the importance of knowing how to do foot care and importantly, to know what’s best for your feet. I recently received an email from Rob, asking for some advice. Here’s Rob’s email: “I have been […]
Common Toenail Question
I get questions by email all the time. Toenail questions are quite common, so I thought I’d post this one. Here’s the question. “I am emailing you because I have a 50K trail race this Saturday and for some reason I am just starting to get pressure from under my large toenail. It is in its […]
Junk in Your Shoes
There is an old Chinese proverb; “Failure results not from the length of the journey or the height of the mountain but the pebble in one’s shoe.” We have all had it at some point – the pebble that is. We are running or walking or hiking and feel a small irritant. We think to […]
How to Get Kinesiology Tape to Stick
Most of you know how much I like kinesiology tape for taping feet. Over the years, I have used several brands and refined my taping skills. I can tape any part of the foot, and for any blisters or prevention desired. As I have talked to others who tape, runners or crews, or medical people, […]
Blister Management. Your Opinion?
When you enter a road or trail race, or start an adventure race, or plan a group or solo event, whether single day or multi-day, do you think about blister management? There can be many responses to this question. Here are my guesses at the most common three responses. For many, I’d guess the answer […]
How Important are Gaiters?
Many runners have a love-hate relationship with gaiters. Some love them and swear by them when running trails. Others never wear them, and dislike them. Which camp do you fall in? I have regularly promoted the value of gaiters since I made my first homemade set from a pair of old white cotton crew socks. […]