Let’s dive into the latest in running footwear—whether with membranes or without; with plates or without; high drop or low drop; and an upper that breathes freely. We buy technical socks, fabrics that evaporate sweat and moisture… Sure, all that is great, but the most important thing is to take care of our feet directly; they’re the foundation (no pun intended) of everything. With our family doctor we visit the podiatrist, a practice we routinely revisit about once a month, more or less. Attention. Take note and put your “feet to work”.
It’s summer, the season of races and training in places most of us wouldn’t normally pick; longer runs, more hiking in the hills, more elevation gain, and also loss… Moreover, the heat of summer makes our feet swell and sweat more; all of this promotes the appearance of blisters, fungi, chafing and black toenails.
Are you more prone to blisters or black nails? I fall into the black-nail camp. No matter how careful I am, there isn’t a race longer than 50 kilometers where I don’t lose one or more nails. Anyway, I admire those people who finish races wearing sandals with perfectly intact nails.
Well, then, what foot care should we be practicing to prevent all these issues?
I grab my phone and dial 63… and I hope Iñaki Berrueta, my trusted podiatrist (and a regular collaborator in some ultrarunning events), is available. I need to meet with him because in a few days I’ll be racing in the Val d’Aran and I need a check-up, yes or yes. So, while I’m at it, I’ll question him and tell you what the main care steps are that we should apply to our dear feet.
GENERAL CARE
PRE-RACE CARE
AFTER THE RACE
Truth be told, my feet are already in good shape, so I’m hoping not to lose any nails this year across all the mountain races ahead, and I look forward to seeing you there.
