14 April 2008
I’ve still got it!!
Posted by Julie Hurley under: Julie Hurley .
My toenail, that is. After my 12 miles two Saturdays ago, the toenail on the second toe of my left foot started turning a very pretty spring-like shade of purple. I immediately knew what was going to happen: I was going to be toenail-less pretty soon. Yay, just in time for flip-flop season.
It hung around for the next week, entertaining me with a wide variety of colors. My husband enjoyed the show as well, I’m sure, as I shoved my foot in his face daily, saying “see what it looks like today?!”
After finishing up 14 very wet miles last Saturday with Shelly, I was convinced that my toe had exploded inside my sock. I kept looking down at my shoe while I ran, half convinced that blood would start to ooze out of the “screen door” on top of my shoe. But, other than some very pruney feet, no damaged had occurred; all of my 10 toenails were very intact. Weird.
But back to my training. “I’ve still got it” has a double-meaning for me on this blog entry. I hate to admit this, but I fell off the training wagon earlier this year. I could go through a list of challenges (ahem “EXCUSES”), but I won’t. There were a couple of two week stretches where I only ran once a week … and it was NOT my long run.
This past Saturday, Shelly talked me into doing 14 miles with her. We did one loop around Fennessey Lake and didn’t realize until we were almost to Wilson Ave. that we needed to do TWO miles around the lake to get in 14 total. I was ready to say screw it and be happy with a solid 12 miles, but NO! Little Miss Shelly was already consulting her Garmin and trying to figure out the best way to fit in the extra two miles on the way back. I grudgingly decided to humor her, and we hung a left off the charted course and did a lap around an elementary school. I think that knocked out .75 mile. We got back on course and attempted to make our way back to the zoo. We decided to keep straight on O’Brien, and then do some extra laps around the neighborhood around the zoo once we got back. Bad idea. Once I saw the zoo, I wanted nothing more than to peel off my wet socks and shoes and grab a cup of coffee. But, I garnered up some Road Warrior strength, and followed Shelly around the neighborhood. I swear, that last 1.25 mile or so was THE longest run of my life. (Shelly, I really do think your Garmin is broken.)
Anyway, to sum it up, I felt very, very good about myself and the 5/3 RBR after that run. If I could hack out 14 miles in the miserable rain, then I can definitely get in my 15.5 on race day, in hopefully drier weather, with the encouragement of my family and the crowd along the course. Nerves have finally given way to excitement. Thanks again Shelly for keeping me company and for pushing me to finish strong (even while I was mentally pushing you into a ditch every half mile)
7 Comments so far...
Shelly Says:
14 April 2008 at 9:18 pm.
Yippeee for all your toenails being intact still! LOL! I appreciate that you humored me on Saturday, Julie–I know the run was a tough one (sounds like it was for a LOT of us!!!) but I was hoping you would be glad after that you did it!!! I agree that my Garmin seems to break at that last mile–ugh! Thanks for running w/ me though–you’re a great running partner! Even if you DID want to push me into a puddle or ditch! 
Bob Says:
15 April 2008 at 5:27 am.
I witnessed you ladies “going the extra mile” when I was leaving the JBP Saturday. I thought now there are some hardy souls. I would have a hard time running past the park after those hills and that rain. Great work!
Deb Pieri Says:
15 April 2008 at 8:48 am.
Great job Julie! So glad that your confidence is high despite toenail issues. I’ve had them in the past after marathons. . . sometimes you will lose one and sometimes not! Hope to see you either Thursday night or Saturday!
Nick Says:
15 April 2008 at 4:03 pm.
Julie:
Thanks so much for sharing the sordid details of your toenail. I especially like the part about your “toe exploding in your sock.” Nice. I haven’t seen any of the “Saw” movies, but if I ever did, I know I’d walk out saying, “That’s nothing. Lemme tell you about Julie’s exploding toe … ”
Seriously, great job on your stellar performance on Saturday.
Lisa Says:
15 April 2008 at 8:54 pm.
Julie-
I’ve had lingering issues with bruised toenails on both feet, so painted them all a love shade of teal. Now I can never tell if they’re bruised, and the color has become my signature.
Happy running!
Lisa
Julie Hurley Says:
16 April 2008 at 1:41 pm.
Lisa, awesome idea about painting my toenails a cool color, thanks!
Like I ever need an excuse to go get a pedicure!
Nick, I saw the first Saw movie. I think an exploding toe would fit nicely into the script. Oh, and I do NOT recommend this movie. Yuk!
Dianna Says:
17 April 2008 at 11:10 am.
Julie
Keep hoping for dryer weather on race day. As my husband keeps telling me about rain predicted this Saturday for the training, “It always seems to rain for Riverbank.” Of course he does not run and likes to rub the crappy weather in when I am going out to run.
Keep going we are almost there.