13 February 2008
Bad Shoes?
Posted by Mike Dopke under: Mike Dopke (Coach) .
I think that wearing trail running shoes for my outdoor runs this winter may have been a mistake. I have been noticing some mild soreness in my right foot while running on the road the past few long runs, but have generally ignored it. Last Wednesday morning I went to put on my regular work shoes and could not walk without a limp. I thought that maybe I had a blister and took off the shoe to investigate. There was no blister, but there was and still is a hard lump on the back of my heel. I had absolutely no clue what this was or how it got there. I have been running for a long time and have never had anything like this before.
I could walk and even run barefoot without any issue. I could even poke the lump with my finger without any pain, but as soon as I put a shoe on, YEOWZA! How was I going to get through the workday? My mind began to search for the answer. There was no pain until I put a shoe on. Ding (that’s the little light bulb above my head). I could wear my blue Nike rubber sandals I use in the shower at the gym. They look pretty nice with black socks and dress pants. I wore them to work for the rest of last week, and skipped my Thursday and my long runs (running in sandals doesn’t work too well). I even had to skip the 5K I was planning on doing on Saturday, which I hated doing. I ended up with 21 miles last week. That for me pretty much sucks eggs.
In doing some online investing I have discovered that I probably have “pump bump” which is something that women get from wearing high heels with stiff heel cups. No, I don’t wear high heels (unless it’s on a dare for unlimited free beer on St. Patrick’s day, but that’s another story), but the heel cups in my trail running shoes are very stiff. I had been wearing them on my long runs to gain a little extra traction in the snow. Not anymore, I never need much of an excuse to buy new shoes but this to me seemed like a pretty valid one.
The problem seems to be getting a little better this week. The bump is still there although somewhat smaller now. I have been icing and taking ibuprophen. I am back to wearing my regular shoes for work but can still feel a little bit of pain when walking in them. I bought normal running shoes (Brooks Glycerin) and went up a half size to give my foot a little more room. The heel cup is much softer and well padded and I am running pain free (mostly). I just hope I haven’t done any long-term damage.
6 Comments so far...
Allen Taylor Says:
13 February 2008 at 3:01 pm.
I found your site on technorati and read a few of your other posts. Keep up the good work. I just added your RSS feed to my Google News Reader. Looking forward to reading more from you.
Allen Taylor
Bob Says:
13 February 2008 at 3:20 pm.
Careful with the dogs coach. When I bought my Beasts and started running with them I thought it felt good to tie them up tight. That was until I irritated the top of my foot due to the laces being too tight. I found some better ways of lacing that helps relieve pressure that was causing me pain. Good luck! Pump Bump; It’s fun to say!
Mike D Says:
13 February 2008 at 3:31 pm.
Yes Bob, it is kind of fun to say. I must admit though that I felt about 3 apples high when I posted my blog griping about heel pain and then read yours. HEE-HAW! Sorry dude. I hope you get better soon and the injection helps.
Lisa Gillary Says:
14 February 2008 at 1:27 pm.
Try Yak Traks - they’re like snow chains for your shoes! Better yet, they allow you to run in shoes you know are your feet’s best friends.
sentimental incubus Says:
20 February 2008 at 12:11 pm.
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vague capture Says:
20 February 2008 at 8:26 pm.
Who the hell wants to hear actors talk? H.M. Warner, Warner Brothers, 1927.
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