So I am into week two of my 26 week training plan for #stirlingmarathon all is going well. Completed the illuminator on Saturday but had a slight pain in the foot following it…I am lucky that my colleague @Amymacpodiatry takes an interest in my adventures and asked if she could help me with my feet to see whats going on.
My history around my feet and right leg is extensive. I have always been mocked for my “curly-wurly” toes and was always a little conscious around Christmas as the elf shoes always fit my toe shape so well…. jokes aside I’m not the best patient so was a little apprehensive.
The session was fantastic. Amy took time to review my stance, footwear, shape, length and width of my feet. Mobilised and assessed the good foot and compared both sides to each other and soon concluded that the mid foot being more stiff than the other side.
I had been circling the foot and stretching up and down, had a few creaks and felt good short term but had came back quite quickly. Amy homed in on the problem area and went to work on the foot. The mobilisations were pain free and felt like my feet were being lengthened…something I could never say about my toes before.
20 mins of work on the foot and it felt amazing. I felt like I could roll my foot from heel to toe, lift heels with no restriction, control my foot in my trainer and everything. I also picked up a great piece of information about shoe laces….If you can take your shoe off with out undoing the laces, your foot is having to grip the sole unnecessarily and can cause friction/blisters….even more when the feet are wet.
“Untie your laces” – Amy Maclean Podiatry
The feet are so important, I have learnt that looking after these is a major part of the process in getting to the start line, ensuring the normal movement patterns are easier to follow when running, save unnecessary time out of running.
If I could offer one piece of advice, podiatry and foot care would be it. Foot problems can range from stiffness, corns, blisters to toe nail infection, bone alignment to name but a few.
If you have problems with your “pods” get them assessed by the specialists…
Thanks again to @amymacpodiatry, for her time. Amy also has an #askamy session where you can ask simple or tricky questions surrounding your or your “neighbours” feet if you are embarrassed and is worthwhile checking out… First Wednesday of the Month at AmyMacPodiatry Facebook page.
To Stretch or Not to Stretch that is the question (part 1)
Thanks for reading
Run Long and Prosper
James
SPEAR:RUN